Nahum 1:7 "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble."
Nahum receives a prophecy regarding the city of Nineveh-the capital of Assyria. Nahum has a warning for Nineveh but hope for Israel. While Nineveh will crumble, God will rescue, redeem and comfort his people. The name Nahum even means "comfort."
God is my refuge. I love that word refuge! In times of trouble, sometimes I just want a refuge- a place and a space to get away for awhile. A place to be safe and secure for a moment. My refuge is not an actual place though, it's not at the casino, at a movie theater, or in a bottle. My escape and refuge looks differently than the world's idea of refuge. My refuge is Jesus. He is my comfort and my security. Today I will rest and find refuge in him.
Dear Jesus, I need you now more than ever. Be my refuge today. Amen.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013
Isaiah 61
Isaiah 61:1 "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, because the LORD has appointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed."
God's people are about to face some very difficult times including exile to Babylon. Isaiah writes his prophecy as a warning to them. Around 700BC or so Isaiah pens chapter 61 and writes these words foreshadowing the "year of the Lord's favor" and the coming messiah. Someone was going to come someday to heal the people and restore all things. In the first century, while in a synagogue in Nazareth (Luke 4:18-19) Jesus quotes Isaiah and tells the people he is that person and this is why he came. He came to bring good news to all, comfort the broken hearted, and release the captives.
I am to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I am to continue this movement Jesus began that Isaiah eluded to. I am to bring good news to the poor. I am to comfort the broken hearted. I am to release those who are held captive. Of course I can do none of this without Christ. What he began 2,000 years ago, I am to continue with his help, guidance, and power. So who in my world needs some good news today? I need to bring it to them. Who in my world is broken hearted? I should comfort them. Who in my world need to be set free? I should help them. His mission is my mission.
Dear Jesus, help me be your hands and feet today. Amen.
God's people are about to face some very difficult times including exile to Babylon. Isaiah writes his prophecy as a warning to them. Around 700BC or so Isaiah pens chapter 61 and writes these words foreshadowing the "year of the Lord's favor" and the coming messiah. Someone was going to come someday to heal the people and restore all things. In the first century, while in a synagogue in Nazareth (Luke 4:18-19) Jesus quotes Isaiah and tells the people he is that person and this is why he came. He came to bring good news to all, comfort the broken hearted, and release the captives.
I am to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I am to continue this movement Jesus began that Isaiah eluded to. I am to bring good news to the poor. I am to comfort the broken hearted. I am to release those who are held captive. Of course I can do none of this without Christ. What he began 2,000 years ago, I am to continue with his help, guidance, and power. So who in my world needs some good news today? I need to bring it to them. Who in my world is broken hearted? I should comfort them. Who in my world need to be set free? I should help them. His mission is my mission.
Dear Jesus, help me be your hands and feet today. Amen.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Watch in Hope
Micah 7:7 "But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my savior; my God will hear me."
Micah is describing Israel's misery during God's judgement on them. He tells the people that they should not trust their neighbors, their friends, or even their family members. Micah then declares that God alone is who he will put his hope in.
Everything fails in the end. Money ultimately fails. People fail. We fail ourselves. The only true and trustworthy entity in the universe is God. He is all I can have hope in. He is the only sure thing. Today I need to trust in his goodness and faithfulness more than ever. I need to trust him with the little things and the big things today. Today I will trust him with my job, my family, my home, and my bank account. It's all his. I will put my hope in him.
Dear Jesus, help me trust you in the big and the small. Amen.
Micah is describing Israel's misery during God's judgement on them. He tells the people that they should not trust their neighbors, their friends, or even their family members. Micah then declares that God alone is who he will put his hope in.
Everything fails in the end. Money ultimately fails. People fail. We fail ourselves. The only true and trustworthy entity in the universe is God. He is all I can have hope in. He is the only sure thing. Today I need to trust in his goodness and faithfulness more than ever. I need to trust him with the little things and the big things today. Today I will trust him with my job, my family, my home, and my bank account. It's all his. I will put my hope in him.
Dear Jesus, help me trust you in the big and the small. Amen.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Obstacle
Romans 14:13 "So don't condemn each other anymore. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another Christian's path."
At first, the earliest Christians were predominately Jewish. They maintained many of their Jewish customs, festivals, traditions, and laws. As non-Jewish (gentile) people began to join the church, the leaders had to figure out how to navigate these two worlds. How would Jews and Gentiles coexist? How Jewish did the Gentiles need to be? What elements of Judaism needed to stay and what needed to go? In this letter to the Roman Christians, Paul instructs them to take a deep breath and not argue over the more trivial matters. They were not to judge each other too harshly or become an "obstacle" to each other as they tried to follow Jesus.
It is so easy to judge others and point out flaws in other peoples lives. It's particularly easy to do in church for some reason! Paul says I am not to be an obstacle. That's the bottom line here. I can have my opinions and my views and when the time is right I can help others follow Jesus more closely... but I cannot become an obstacle. I should not get in the way of anyone attempting to follow Christ. How have I been an obstacle lately? Have I turned someone away from Jesus or church because of my attitude or my opinions. Instead, I ought to do everything I can do to draw people to Jesus and his church. How can I do that today?
Dear Jesus, help me not be an obstacle to those you love. Help me draw more people to you. Amen.
At first, the earliest Christians were predominately Jewish. They maintained many of their Jewish customs, festivals, traditions, and laws. As non-Jewish (gentile) people began to join the church, the leaders had to figure out how to navigate these two worlds. How would Jews and Gentiles coexist? How Jewish did the Gentiles need to be? What elements of Judaism needed to stay and what needed to go? In this letter to the Roman Christians, Paul instructs them to take a deep breath and not argue over the more trivial matters. They were not to judge each other too harshly or become an "obstacle" to each other as they tried to follow Jesus.
It is so easy to judge others and point out flaws in other peoples lives. It's particularly easy to do in church for some reason! Paul says I am not to be an obstacle. That's the bottom line here. I can have my opinions and my views and when the time is right I can help others follow Jesus more closely... but I cannot become an obstacle. I should not get in the way of anyone attempting to follow Christ. How have I been an obstacle lately? Have I turned someone away from Jesus or church because of my attitude or my opinions. Instead, I ought to do everything I can do to draw people to Jesus and his church. How can I do that today?
Dear Jesus, help me not be an obstacle to those you love. Help me draw more people to you. Amen.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
M68
Micah 6:8 "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Micah is telling the Israelites what's in store for them. He asks them hypothetically how they are to get out of this predicament. Should they sacrifice more animals? Will that appease God? Should they sacrifice their children? Will that appease God? Micah says no, God has already showed them what he requires of them....act justly, love mercy, walk humbly. That's what God really wants.
At the end of the day it kind of comes down to this. God wants me to do what is right, be merciful and loving, and be a humble person. That is what my life should look like. How am I doing in this area? I'd say I am a 7 out of 10. I guess that proves I am not humble! I need to be humbled daily. I need to show mercy daily. And I need to remember to do what is right and act justly. I can only do these things by relying on Jesus. I can't do this on my own.
Dear Jesus, help me do what is right. Help me be merciful. And help me be humble. Amen.
Micah is telling the Israelites what's in store for them. He asks them hypothetically how they are to get out of this predicament. Should they sacrifice more animals? Will that appease God? Should they sacrifice their children? Will that appease God? Micah says no, God has already showed them what he requires of them....act justly, love mercy, walk humbly. That's what God really wants.
At the end of the day it kind of comes down to this. God wants me to do what is right, be merciful and loving, and be a humble person. That is what my life should look like. How am I doing in this area? I'd say I am a 7 out of 10. I guess that proves I am not humble! I need to be humbled daily. I need to show mercy daily. And I need to remember to do what is right and act justly. I can only do these things by relying on Jesus. I can't do this on my own.
Dear Jesus, help me do what is right. Help me be merciful. And help me be humble. Amen.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Jonah Needs his Pacifier
Jonah 4:11 "But Ninevah has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city."
Long story short, Jonah is a whiner and likes to pout. First, he doesn't want to go to Ninevah, second he pouts when they repent, and third he whines when his precious vine withers away. He doesn't see the big picture or see what God cares most about. Jonah makes me sick. He also reminds me of me!
I pout, whine, and cry about the dumbest things. Car trouble, bad weather and spilled milk cause me stress. I rarely see things with the greatest of perspective. I need to see life through God's lens. I need to see the world with Jesus' eyes. Instead of pouting, complaining, and whining, I ought to talk with him, correct my attitude, then roll up my sleeves and fix things. How can I have a better perspective today? How can I see the world as God sees it?
Dear Jesus, please give em your ears and your eyes today. Help me not to be a baby like Jonah but instead see things the way you see them. Amen.
Long story short, Jonah is a whiner and likes to pout. First, he doesn't want to go to Ninevah, second he pouts when they repent, and third he whines when his precious vine withers away. He doesn't see the big picture or see what God cares most about. Jonah makes me sick. He also reminds me of me!
I pout, whine, and cry about the dumbest things. Car trouble, bad weather and spilled milk cause me stress. I rarely see things with the greatest of perspective. I need to see life through God's lens. I need to see the world with Jesus' eyes. Instead of pouting, complaining, and whining, I ought to talk with him, correct my attitude, then roll up my sleeves and fix things. How can I have a better perspective today? How can I see the world as God sees it?
Dear Jesus, please give em your ears and your eyes today. Help me not to be a baby like Jonah but instead see things the way you see them. Amen.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Karma
Obadiah verse 15 "...As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head."
Obadiah is sharing a prophecy for Edom. Edom has been a long time enemy of Israel and now Edom couldn't be happier that Israel is being destroyed and taken into captivity. Obadiah warns them about their pride and cautions them to not get too happy about Israel's doom. Verse 13, while not an endorsement of karma, certainly warns the Edomites that what they sow, they will reap.
There is much truth to this. What I sow, I will reap. What I have done, will be done to me. How I treat people, will probably indicate how people will treat me. This is a good lesson from Obadiah today to make sure I am careful with the things I say and do, knowing that one day, these may come back to bless me...or haunt me! I should live every day expecting this. So how I can be on karma's good side today!?
Dear Jesus, help me to treat others the way I would want to be treated. Remind me what I sow I will reap. Amen.
Obadiah is sharing a prophecy for Edom. Edom has been a long time enemy of Israel and now Edom couldn't be happier that Israel is being destroyed and taken into captivity. Obadiah warns them about their pride and cautions them to not get too happy about Israel's doom. Verse 13, while not an endorsement of karma, certainly warns the Edomites that what they sow, they will reap.
There is much truth to this. What I sow, I will reap. What I have done, will be done to me. How I treat people, will probably indicate how people will treat me. This is a good lesson from Obadiah today to make sure I am careful with the things I say and do, knowing that one day, these may come back to bless me...or haunt me! I should live every day expecting this. So how I can be on karma's good side today!?
Dear Jesus, help me to treat others the way I would want to be treated. Remind me what I sow I will reap. Amen.
Friday, February 08, 2013
Roaring Lion
1 Peter 5:8 " Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour."
As Peter closes his letter, he gives some parting advice to the elders and young people. He tells them to be humble and submissive as they serve one another and serve God. Then Peter warns them that their enemy the devil, prowls the earth like a hungry lion eager to devour them. He challenges them to be alert and stand firm against his attacks.
We do have an enemy and he wants to destroy us. Peter is right to warn us of this threat. Every day Satan is trying to gain a foothold into my life. He will use every conversation, every circumstance, and every opportunity afforded him to destroy us. Just like a lion, he will look for the weak among the herd, then stalk and attack. Am I on the watch for him? Am I the weakest in the herd? Will I allow myself to be a victim he can devour? Thankfully, I am not on my own in this struggle. I have some great defenses on my side including scripture, prayer, my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and of course the Holy Spirit. I must utilize these weapons daily. As Peter says, I must be careful and watch for his attacks. They will come whether I like it or not.
Dear Jesus, help me withstand the attacks of the lion. Give me the strength I need to fight back! Amen.
As Peter closes his letter, he gives some parting advice to the elders and young people. He tells them to be humble and submissive as they serve one another and serve God. Then Peter warns them that their enemy the devil, prowls the earth like a hungry lion eager to devour them. He challenges them to be alert and stand firm against his attacks.
We do have an enemy and he wants to destroy us. Peter is right to warn us of this threat. Every day Satan is trying to gain a foothold into my life. He will use every conversation, every circumstance, and every opportunity afforded him to destroy us. Just like a lion, he will look for the weak among the herd, then stalk and attack. Am I on the watch for him? Am I the weakest in the herd? Will I allow myself to be a victim he can devour? Thankfully, I am not on my own in this struggle. I have some great defenses on my side including scripture, prayer, my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and of course the Holy Spirit. I must utilize these weapons daily. As Peter says, I must be careful and watch for his attacks. They will come whether I like it or not.
Dear Jesus, help me withstand the attacks of the lion. Give me the strength I need to fight back! Amen.
Wednesday, February 06, 2013
Complacent
Amos 6:1 "Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come!"
In typical Old Testament style, Amos is lining up the evil doers and knocking them off one at a time like plates at a "carny" shooting gallery! And here he warns the comfortable and complacent men of Israel that they better watch out. Because of their complacency they will be the first to be exiled.
I don't think God cares much about whether I am comfortable. I think he'd rather see me uncomfortable actually. Oh but I love my comfort! I love my central AC. I love my HDTV. I love my high speed wireless internet. I love my On Demand TV options. It's actually kind of pathetic because I do love these things. I act like I love God less. I am the complacent in Zion. Amos is writing to me! I need to change.
Dear Jesus, help me not be complacent. Help me care about what you care about. Amen.
In typical Old Testament style, Amos is lining up the evil doers and knocking them off one at a time like plates at a "carny" shooting gallery! And here he warns the comfortable and complacent men of Israel that they better watch out. Because of their complacency they will be the first to be exiled.
I don't think God cares much about whether I am comfortable. I think he'd rather see me uncomfortable actually. Oh but I love my comfort! I love my central AC. I love my HDTV. I love my high speed wireless internet. I love my On Demand TV options. It's actually kind of pathetic because I do love these things. I act like I love God less. I am the complacent in Zion. Amos is writing to me! I need to change.
Dear Jesus, help me not be complacent. Help me care about what you care about. Amen.
Tuesday, February 05, 2013
Slow to Anger
Joel 2:13 "...Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love..."
Joel is describing a scene of utter chaos. A plague of locusts is destroying the land and Joel sees this as a sign of sudden doom for the people. These locusts represent God's punishment on his people for their constant rebellion and disobedience to the Lord. Yet here, Joel shows God's heart. God is gracious and compassionate, and slow to anger. Great words.
I do a lot of things that should make God angry at me. I am sinful, prideful, lazy, and selfish! Thank goodness he is gracious and slow to anger. And since he has displayed such mercy with me, I ought to display that same attitude with others. Am I slow to anger? Am I gracious and compassionate? Today I know I need to be slow to anger and gracious with my children. That is my job today.
Dear Jesus, thank you for your mercy. Help me be patient and gracious with Jack and Ellie today. Amen.
Joel is describing a scene of utter chaos. A plague of locusts is destroying the land and Joel sees this as a sign of sudden doom for the people. These locusts represent God's punishment on his people for their constant rebellion and disobedience to the Lord. Yet here, Joel shows God's heart. God is gracious and compassionate, and slow to anger. Great words.
I do a lot of things that should make God angry at me. I am sinful, prideful, lazy, and selfish! Thank goodness he is gracious and slow to anger. And since he has displayed such mercy with me, I ought to display that same attitude with others. Am I slow to anger? Am I gracious and compassionate? Today I know I need to be slow to anger and gracious with my children. That is my job today.
Dear Jesus, thank you for your mercy. Help me be patient and gracious with Jack and Ellie today. Amen.
Friday, February 01, 2013
Last
Matthew 20:26, 27 "But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must become your slave. "
The mother of James and John asks Jesus if her sons can sit beside him on the throne in the coming kingdom. Rightly, Jesus admonishes them for this request and explains that in his kingdom, whoever wants to be first must be last. The kingdom of God is all about putting others ahead of ourselves. It is a kingdom marked by humility.
I recently heard "humility is not thinking less of yourself, but rather thinking of yourself less." I think about myself too much! I need to think about myself less today and think more about others. According to Jesus, I need to be last in line. I need to choose to be the quietest voice in the crowd. I need to be the last one with my hand out expecting something. I need to be last. That's a tall order! But that's the kingdom of God. How can I care for, think of, and serve others more than myself today? How can I be last today?
Dear Jesus, help me have your eyes and your ears to care for others more than I care for myself today. Amen.
The mother of James and John asks Jesus if her sons can sit beside him on the throne in the coming kingdom. Rightly, Jesus admonishes them for this request and explains that in his kingdom, whoever wants to be first must be last. The kingdom of God is all about putting others ahead of ourselves. It is a kingdom marked by humility.
I recently heard "humility is not thinking less of yourself, but rather thinking of yourself less." I think about myself too much! I need to think about myself less today and think more about others. According to Jesus, I need to be last in line. I need to choose to be the quietest voice in the crowd. I need to be the last one with my hand out expecting something. I need to be last. That's a tall order! But that's the kingdom of God. How can I care for, think of, and serve others more than myself today? How can I be last today?
Dear Jesus, help me have your eyes and your ears to care for others more than I care for myself today. Amen.
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