Cast Your Cares

 

     So many of us use prayer as a last resort. When strength is gone, when we don’t know where to turn, when control is taken away, we turn to God. Our Savior does not want our prayers to be the last line of defense, but the first.

     Allow God into your world this week, into the monumental, into the mundane, into the drama, into the details. Thank Him for the little things. Praise Him for the breath of life. Pray for our country. Pray for our world leaders. Pray for rain or for sunshine or for healing or for comfort. God is near to your heart. He cares for you.

Come near to God and He will come near to you…James 4:8a

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

     Come near to God. He cares for you so much. Let Him in. Ask for help. Cast your cares and worries on His mighty shoulders. He is right there.

Father,

Remind us to be in constant contact with You. You never leave our side, even when You seem to be far away. Help us to lean on You today with everything on our hearts.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

The Paradoxes of Faith

 

     Death is life. Spiritual eyes over earthly sight. A yoke of rest. Strength in weakness. The world of Jesus causes us to look through spiritual eyes, to trust His power, to give ourselves to Him to use for His glory. What a gift!

     He reminds us it is better to give than to receive. Talk about counter-culture! What about me? What about what I want? I work hard. I deserve it. Sound familiar? We all think this way in our human frailties. But Christ teaches us the more we give, the more blessings return to us.

     The blessings may not look like the blessings of the world., but they warm the heart, give peace to the soul and are more precious than gold and silver.

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

And whatever you do, whether in work or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

     Sacrificial love is a concept impossible to fathom, until we see what Jesus did for us. We want things to be even. I give. You give. I deserve more, but you don’t. We didn’t deserve the agony of the cross to save us, but He went willingly.

     Listen to what He is asking you to do and go willingly for Him, with His strength, with His rest, with His power, with His love.

Lord,

Teach us Your ways as we seek to give more than we receive. You promise us blessings beyond this world, the best kind of blessing always comes directly from You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Paradoxes of Faith

 

     Jesus shows who He is through our weaknesses. Doesn’t make sense, does it? The testimonies of the faithful are filled with the glories of Jesus through dire times. The comfort when we mourn. The faith through disabilities and sickness. The trust when we don’t see an answer. To speak of Him on our deathbed.

     We can’t explain it, but the purpose of our lives is to bring glory to God, to share His love, to witness for Him, to be His ambassadors in a mad world.

We are, therefore, Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. 2 Corinthians 5:20a

     Will you speak of Christ through the difficult times? Will your faith shine throughout your life? Let His strength guide you and give you confidence in Him. He is sufficient

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

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Father,

Give us Your strength and power at our weakest moments and we have many. You are sufficient for this day.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

The Paradoxes of Faith

 

     Life with Jesus is spiritual and profound. Understanding His teachings takes the Holy Spirit. When people try to understand the Bible before accepting Christ as Savior, it can sound foolish or perplexing. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring truth into your life through His word. He is our teacher, guide and interpreter.

     Did you know Jesus tells us to take His yoke upon us to find rest? A yoke at the time Jesus walked the earth was made out of wood with two openings for the heads of oxen. The burden becomes light when shared.

     Jesus shares our burdens. He lightens the load and He brings peace and rest for our souls. There will be burdens to carry, but with the yoke of Christ with us, we find rest in the storm.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30

     Are you weary and burdened? Run to Jesus and find rest for your soul.

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Jesus,

We need You to give us rest in our busy, daily lives. Remind us to take your yoke upon us and to return to You over and over again.

Amen

The Paradoxes of Faith

 

     For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

     Another paradox from the Bible? Can we really learn to travel through the world through faith? Can we see through spiritual eyes rather than through earthly eyes?

     Jesus allows us to see the big picture, to have an eternal perspective, to go deeper, to see beyond, to see through. We see with His eyes of love and grace. We see a hurting world with His tears. All we want is for others to know Him, and to live by faith, to share the Gospel.

     If we completely trust Jesus with our lives, He can work through us and bring good through our circumstances. Listen to this promise!

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. Romans 8:28

     If you have Jesus as Savior, you have been called for His purpose. He works good through the most difficult times, through our weakest moments, through our fear, through it all. Believe He is working good in you and through you today.

     Believe and trust your spiritual eyes. Jesus will show you the true blessings beyond this world and into the heavenly realms.

Jesus,

Thank You for showing us deep truths beyond what we see. Help us to walk with faith today and to see with Your eyes, as we move beyong this world.

Amen

The Paradoxes of Faith

 

     Death to life. As we surrender our lives to Jesus, He brings new life. His death and resurrection leads to new life for us, and as we die to ourselves, we can live through Him. What a paradox!  Here are the words of Jesus:

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Mark 8:35-36

     Have you accepted Christ? As we continue to live spiritually with Jesus, we begin to die to ourselves and our worldly desires and long to be more like Him. Dying to ourselves is a struggle, and in the book of Galatians you can read all about the battle between flesh and spirit.

     Christ gives life through death.

Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him. 2 Timothy 2:11

     And life with Him is filled with everything that matters.  Death is life! Do not be envious of those who appear to have it all in this world. Jesus tells us to be in the world, not of the world. We are His and we can rejoice!

They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. John 17:15

Lord,

We long to live through You. Give us the wisdom to follow the Holy Spirit, to listen to Your voice, to follow in Your ways. With You, we can die to live.

Amen

 

Love For All

 

     Our battles in this world are spiritual in nature. Satan and his angels are working overtime to destroy our witness, to continue violence, division and hatred.  All tools of our greatest enemy. He will look for ways to rob our peace.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that you may have life and have it to the full. John 10:10

     Jesus reminds us that evil will increase in the last days. Storms will rise, wars will continue, pestilence will reign and men will call good evil, and evil, good.  None of this comes as a surprise to our Lord. What does He ask us to do? He gives us these challenging and profound words.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5::44

But to you who are listening, I say: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Luke 6:27

     Only with the help of the Holy Spirit is it possible to pray for those we don’t understand, to love those who want to kill, steal and destroy.  I try to remember that they need love as much as we all do. They are searching for answers and lashing out as we all do. Lord, help us.  When evil is running rampant, these words from the Psalmist may help.

Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong, for like the grass, they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pastures. Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:1-4

     Remember these simple instructions every single day.  Do not fret. Trust and do good. Delight in Him. He will allow us to enjoy and receive His protection in safe pastures. His will be done. Pray for those who want to hurt and destroy. God’s plan will ultimately run its course and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Lord,

Keep us mindful of who You are and how we can best do Your work during these trying times. They come as no surprise to You and You have given us clear instructions. Help us to trust in You and to do good while we are here.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Living In Love

 

     It is difficult to be loving in this world right now. The climate is filled with rage and violence, with hatred and suspicion. When we see so many hurt and lost, it is hard to know just what to do. And most of the time, we want others to understand and agree with our positions. I know that’s how I feel. There is fear and unrest in the streets. Where do we go?

     The Bible helps us to remember this: We represent a loving God in this world. Showing kindness, encouragement and hope may seem impossible now. My tendency is to pull away from any confrontation or conflict. But we can meet the challenges around us. Here are some challenging words from the Holy Spirit for us today.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:29-31

     Staying away from all of the above proves impossible in the times in which we live, but we, with the help of the Holy Spirit, can live out the following words, in opposition to the malice, anger and violence we witness.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Lord,

Thank You for forgiving us and loving us. Remind us of the people around us who do not know You or Your abiding love. Please help us to be kind and forgiving in the world around us. We need You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Accepting His Love

 

     Human love is imperfect. Do we deserve the love of God? How do we accept it for ourselves? We won’t accept it fully, trying to be perfect and follow the rules. Our guilt may keep us from receiving His unconditional love. It might be difficult to believe that His kind of love exists.

     His love is there for each of us, no strings attached. His free gift of eternity and a forever love comes from accepting the birth, death and resurrection of the only perfect man, Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man. He died for all of us, no matter our past, no matter our weaknesses and frailties, no matter our race.

     Accept His love and be cleansed forever, sins forgiven, and a loving Father, friend, Savior, shepherd, teacher and guide to get us through this crazy life. You will see others in a new light. You will long to change hearts, to share the best news ever given, to show Jesus and His glory, the glory of the Son.

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, sent from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1 :14

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

     His unmerited favor and grace will find you wherever you are. See His glory. Accept His light and love. He is your Savior.

Father,

Help us to receive Your unending love deep into our hearts, never to be lost again. Guide us into more and more love and change this dark and violent world with Your grace and mercy.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Searching for Love

 

     Feeling the need to be loved? Why not seek out God? Ask Him for His love. Seek that love with all your heart and soul. Believe He has been waiting for you with open arms, waiting to fill the empty spaces and love you as His own, never to leave you again.  Listen to the yearning in these words from Psalm 42.  Maybe they echo the words of your heart and soul.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Where can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul, how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One, with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:1-5

     Maybe, like David, you are discouraged, wondering where to find God. David is lost and disturbed. Where is God? And yet in verse 5, He still praises Him. He reaches out to Him. He loves Him.  He seeks Him even when He does not feel His presence.

     How is your soul? Find rest as you pant for God as a dear pants for water. Seek Him with all your heart and He will be there with you.

Lord,

We seek and need Your presence right now. Lift up our downcast spirits as we continue to praise You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Longing for Love

 

     It is a day for love. I pray you have others around you to love. Are you longing for love? There is the abused child. The betrayed man or woman. The neglected family. All of us, all of humanity, craves love. If we don’t receive it naturally and think of ourselves as valuable, we lash out, we numb the pain, we blame or turn inward.

     God loves each of us. Right where we are. With all of the pain and suffering in the world, man finds this tough to believe and understand. God continually seeks us and gives us opportunities to find Him, to know Him, to receive love from Him.

     We can’t work our way there. There is not enough “good” we can do for others to earn that love, no certain amount of prayer, no sacrifice worthy enough.

We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

But God demonstrated His love for us in this; that while we were yet sinner, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

     God’s love for you is beyond this earth. He died for you and me. Let that lavish love fill you, that love each of us is longing to receive. It is there for the asking and the love of Christ will transform you forever.

Lord,

So many are hurting and lashing out. Love them. See them. Let them hear Your everlasting voice declaring unconditional love. The One who saves. It is Jesus.

Amen

 

Simon (Peter) Says

 

     As Peter writes his last letter, he makes it clear. God has made known to him,  he will die soon. He reminds us of God’s sovereign timing. And he reminds us not to grow weary. Many will scoff at the truth of the Lord’s coming. Do not listen to them. God is not slow in keeping His promises.

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

     Peter goes on to write of the final days of heaven and earth, of the new heaven and earth awaiting us. And He reminds us to live in peace with God, to live good and godly lives. How do we do this? Here are Peter’s final words to you and me.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen 2 Peter 3:18

Lord,

Teach us how to number our days and to live our lives in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. He is patient in His coming. He does not want to lose anyone. Help us to grow in our faith.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Simon (Peter) Says

 

     In the economy of eternity, God sees a thousand earth years as a single day. According to the Bible, we are just beginning the third day since the birth of Christ. From our finite viewpoint, 90 years is a long life and a worthy goal. From our heavenly Father’s eternal viewpoint, our lives are but a moment in time. Peter calls it, “a little while.” (1 Peter 1:6)

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends. With the Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day. 2 Peter 3:8

     And in 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul calls our earthly trials and the wearing-out of our bodies as, “light and momentary troubles.” What would happen if we begin to view our lives in light of an eternal reality? Bringing glory to God and sharing love in His name would be a most-worthy goal.

    Store up for yourself treasures in heaven. (Matthew 6:20) and I’ll see you in heaven in just a minute.

Father,

Your purposes and plans are eternal. Your thoughts and Your ways are so much higher than ours. Help us to trust You with our finite, earthly lives, knowing we have an eternal glory awaiting us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Simon (Peter) Says

 

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

     Are you ready to give an answer for the hope within you? Will you be able to speak up for Jesus when an opportunity arises, like Peter, with no fear? Can you share the love that has transformed your life? Peter’s last words in this verse are a good reminder to us as we share Jesus; “…do this with gentleness and respect.”

     My greatest desire, my deepest heart-felt prayer, my urgent hope, is for everyone I know and love to know Christ.  Be gentle. Respect others and their opinions. But be ready to give an answer for your joy and peace. Be ready to share the Gospel, the good news of Jesus. Eternity is at stake. Maybe someone will witness the hope within you today.

Jesus,

Our hearts long for others to know You and the power of Your resurrection. Everything depends on You. One day soon, all evil will be placed under Your feet. Sin will be vanquished once and for all, and those who believe will be with You forever.

Amen

 

Simon (Peter) Says

 

     The apostle, Peter, followed Jesus for three years, through His entire earthly ministry. He would deny knowing Him three times as Jesus was arrested and about to die. Gives us hope when we stumble or fall away. The grace of Christ returns us back to Him time and time again. After the resurrection, Peter would never again deny His Savior and would remain courageous until he died for his faith.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ in His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:3-6

     Take in the verses above slowly and rejoice! Through our faith in Jesus, we have new birth now and an inheritance reserved for us in heaven. It will never fade away. This life is, “for a little while.” Let these words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, lift you up, no matter your mood, no matter your trials, no matter your sorrow. In a little while, we will be in eternity, with immortal bodies, living on a new earth and invited into a new heaven, in fellowship with Peter and other believers throughout history. Your loved ones will be waiting to welcome you home. Your Savior will meet you face-to-face.

Father,

We thank You for the inspired words of Your servant, Peter. We rejoice in the hope of salvation and the inheritance waiting for Your sons and daughters. Let the deep peace and joy of our souls radiate to the world around us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Simon (Peter) Says

 

     Simon, the fisherman from Galilee, was called by Jesus. Jesus gave him the name, Peter, which means “the rock.” Peter, along with the other twelve, became the steady foundation of the early church and Peter would be privileged to write, part of, what would become the finished work of the word of God.

     I love the unvarnished truth of Scripture. These were real-life people, filled with emotion, faced with temptation, often faltering in their faith. Peter’s personality was brash and reckless and bold. He spoke without thinking and got himself in trouble on more than one occasion. Can you relate?

     Right after Pentecost, filled with the Holy Spirit, he would convert thousands of men and women to follow our Lord. Can we say without fear, the words of Peter as the leaders were about to arrest him once again?

As for us, we cannot help speaking of what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20

     His last two letters were written right before his death. And, just as he lived, Peter would die without fear. He was killed because of Christ. He could not help but speak of all he has seen and heard.

Jesus,

Keep us bold. Change our lives so much that we can’t help speaking of all You have done for us. Like Peter, we want to share You with others.

Amen

Hearts United

 

     Believers in Jesus Christ have an eternal bond. Studying God’s word with other believers is such a gift. Meeting another Christian is like meeting a sister or brother. We share the joys and burdens of life.

 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12;15

     Open your heart to other Christians and welcome their love for you. It is a deep and powerful feeling to know that others are truly praying for you. They bring joy and encouragement.

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. Philemon 1:7

Jesus,

Remind us that we are here to serve one another  Give us the strength we need to bring joy and encouragement to others and the strength to receive it when we are in need. Give us the strength to help others and the courage to reach out when we are in need.

Amen

A Grateful Heart

 

     Be thankful. Begin each day with an open and grateful heart. Jesus loves you and He is beside you and within you right now. He is with you and within you tonight, tomorrow, next month, next year, into your old age and as you step into His eternal glory.

     With truth like that, how can we help but have grateful hearts? When life gets tough, focus on Jesus. When the next step hurts, lean on Jesus. If you are scared, trust Jesus. If you are weak, rely on His strength. If your heart is burdened, let Him ease the load. If you are grieving, let Him give you comfort. When you lie on your death bed, look into His eyes and get ready to meet Him face-to-face.

     Face today with an eternal heart, fixed on Jesus and be thankful.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2

Jesus,

Your sacrifice gives us access to You. We come to You with everything on our hearts and minds today. We give everything over to Your sovereign might and power. Give us thankful hearts as we focus on things above.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

An Available Heart

 

     With God’s guidance, can we make a difference?  Has God placed you in the life of a difficult person? Could your kind words change a mood or change a life? Maybe Jesus chose you. As our hearts are open to His love, that love begins to show in our actions, words and deeds.

     With God’s help, we may have just a bit more patience than the person behind us in line. Through the Holy Spirit, our anger can rise more slowly than the other person lashing out at us. Could one of us be the one to speak the words that someone has been longing to hear?

     Maybe it’s you. Maybe it’s me.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?”  And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8

Jesus,

Here we are. Send us. Use us. Let it be us that represent You wherever we go. Let Your Holy Spirit flow through our lives as we use words of love, encouragement and kindness. It is us.

Amen

The Eyes of Our Hearts

 

     Rather than focusing our greatest desires on riches or power, let our greatest desire be to love and honor God and to pray the same for our friends and family. Here are two more verses to pray over others. Pray they might be saved. There is great power in Scripture. Pray that the eyes of their hearts may be opened to find Jesus. Eternity awaits.

Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. Romans 10:1

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. Ephesians 1:18

Father,

We live on for eternity, all of us. Let our desire be to share the truth of Jesus. He does not want to lose even one and neither do we. Hear our prayers for our loved ones today. Keep us bold and courageous in talking about You to others.

In Jesus name,

Amen