"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." James 1:19 NLT
I kept digging a hole for myself. The more that I tried to explain myself, the more the other person resisted. I started to get a little hot. No, I was getting angry. The Lord brought the above passage from James to my mind.
It's not always easy to be quick to listen. That means you have to stop talking. You have to pay attention, full attention. To people that you don't always relate to or like. But God gives us the ability to do what He commands when we humble ourselves and ask for His help.
Are you digging a hole? Are you getting angry? Try slowing down your jaws and be quick to listen. It works!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Touching Him
"A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of His robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped.
'Who touched me?' Jesus asked.
Everyone denied it, and Peter said, 'Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.'
But Jesus said, 'Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.' When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of Him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched Him and that she had been immediately healed. 'Daughter,' He said to her, 'your faith has made you well. Go in peace.' Luke 8:43-48 NLT
The crowd was following Jesus. Pressing in from all sides, eager to get a look of the miracle worker. She saw Him. She was an outcast religiously and socially. Because of her physical condition, the woman was "unclean." Anyone she touched would be unclean.
She had spent her life savings on doctors who could not help her. She was helpless. Her last chance was Jesus. He was her only hope. Hidden in the crowd, she planned to touch Him. Just the hem of the Rabbi's robe. No one would notice. He had raised the dead. Perhaps just touching Him would heal her. She sees Him about to pass by. She reaches out and touches His robe. Then something happens that hasn't happened for twelve years. Her bleeding stops. She is healed!
Jesus feels the touch of faith from a needy person. He feels healing power leave His body. He demands to know who touched Him. No one fesses up. The woman knows she is had. Fearful of what Jesus might say or do, she falls on her knees in front of the Lord. She explains why she touched Him, and that she was healed. Did He yell at her, or scold her--for her--an unclean woman touching Him? No, He embraced her with love. He not only told her to go and live her life as a healed woman, but He pronounced peace on her. Perfect peace, well being, spiritually, physically and emotionally. He calls her His "Daughter."
Often we remember Jesus touching people and healing them. But this woman touched Jesus, and by an act of her faith and His love, was restored. The "crowd" pressed in for a look. She reached out to receive love.
The Bible says, that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. We are all unclean before God. It is only His touch on and in our lives, that makes us righteous in His sight.
Are you part of the crowd pressing in for a look? Come on, reach out and touch Jesus just as you are. He will not only heal you but offer you perfect peace, both now and forevermore.
'Who touched me?' Jesus asked.
Everyone denied it, and Peter said, 'Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.'
But Jesus said, 'Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.' When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of Him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched Him and that she had been immediately healed. 'Daughter,' He said to her, 'your faith has made you well. Go in peace.' Luke 8:43-48 NLT
The crowd was following Jesus. Pressing in from all sides, eager to get a look of the miracle worker. She saw Him. She was an outcast religiously and socially. Because of her physical condition, the woman was "unclean." Anyone she touched would be unclean.
She had spent her life savings on doctors who could not help her. She was helpless. Her last chance was Jesus. He was her only hope. Hidden in the crowd, she planned to touch Him. Just the hem of the Rabbi's robe. No one would notice. He had raised the dead. Perhaps just touching Him would heal her. She sees Him about to pass by. She reaches out and touches His robe. Then something happens that hasn't happened for twelve years. Her bleeding stops. She is healed!
Jesus feels the touch of faith from a needy person. He feels healing power leave His body. He demands to know who touched Him. No one fesses up. The woman knows she is had. Fearful of what Jesus might say or do, she falls on her knees in front of the Lord. She explains why she touched Him, and that she was healed. Did He yell at her, or scold her--for her--an unclean woman touching Him? No, He embraced her with love. He not only told her to go and live her life as a healed woman, but He pronounced peace on her. Perfect peace, well being, spiritually, physically and emotionally. He calls her His "Daughter."
Often we remember Jesus touching people and healing them. But this woman touched Jesus, and by an act of her faith and His love, was restored. The "crowd" pressed in for a look. She reached out to receive love.
The Bible says, that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. We are all unclean before God. It is only His touch on and in our lives, that makes us righteous in His sight.
Are you part of the crowd pressing in for a look? Come on, reach out and touch Jesus just as you are. He will not only heal you but offer you perfect peace, both now and forevermore.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Obstacle or Opportunity?
"So they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee. As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in a cemetery outside the town." Luke 8:26,27 NLT
Jesus had just calmed the storm that was threatening the very lives of his twelve disciples. He had just reached the shore. He wasn't even out of the boat when he was met by a very violent and out of control person. Not even out of the boat, and met with an obstacle. Or was it?
Jesus immediately confronted the situation, and turned an obstacle into an opportunity. He set the man free from demonic possession, gave him a ministry commission, and a new start on life. Jesus took a potentially volatile obstacle, and turned it into an opportunity for his love, and grace to fill a persons life.
I wonder how many times we see a situation as an obstacle, when God really sees it as an opportunity. Perhaps, it is an offense that has the potential to dived a relationship, family, or Church. The obstacle could be turned into an opportunity for God's love, forgiveness and restoration to take place. Perhaps it is a financial obstacle. Could it be an opportunity for greater faith in God to be manifested? Could it be an opportunity for a miracle?
What obstacle is facing you? Could it really be a great opportunity? With Christ it can!
Jesus had just calmed the storm that was threatening the very lives of his twelve disciples. He had just reached the shore. He wasn't even out of the boat when he was met by a very violent and out of control person. Not even out of the boat, and met with an obstacle. Or was it?
Jesus immediately confronted the situation, and turned an obstacle into an opportunity. He set the man free from demonic possession, gave him a ministry commission, and a new start on life. Jesus took a potentially volatile obstacle, and turned it into an opportunity for his love, and grace to fill a persons life.
I wonder how many times we see a situation as an obstacle, when God really sees it as an opportunity. Perhaps, it is an offense that has the potential to dived a relationship, family, or Church. The obstacle could be turned into an opportunity for God's love, forgiveness and restoration to take place. Perhaps it is a financial obstacle. Could it be an opportunity for greater faith in God to be manifested? Could it be an opportunity for a miracle?
What obstacle is facing you? Could it really be a great opportunity? With Christ it can!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Unfailing
"Where is another God like you,
who pardons the guilt of the remnant,
overlooking the sins of His special people?
You will not stay angry with your people forever,
because you delight in showing unfailing love.
Once again you will have compassion on us.
You will trample our sins under your feet
and throw them into the depths of the ocean!" Micah 7:18-19 NLT
Sometimes I like to just leave you with an verse that speaks volumes and then let you pray, mediate and get what the Lord wants you to get out of it.
We serve an awesome God! Like any Father, when we do wrong, He gets angry. But once the anger is over, He forgives us as we confess our sins, tell Him we are sorry and ask for forgiveness.
Let's focus this weekend on the greatness of our Father and all the He is. I humbly praise you Dear Jesus!
who pardons the guilt of the remnant,
overlooking the sins of His special people?
You will not stay angry with your people forever,
because you delight in showing unfailing love.
Once again you will have compassion on us.
You will trample our sins under your feet
and throw them into the depths of the ocean!" Micah 7:18-19 NLT
Sometimes I like to just leave you with an verse that speaks volumes and then let you pray, mediate and get what the Lord wants you to get out of it.
We serve an awesome God! Like any Father, when we do wrong, He gets angry. But once the anger is over, He forgives us as we confess our sins, tell Him we are sorry and ask for forgiveness.
Let's focus this weekend on the greatness of our Father and all the He is. I humbly praise you Dear Jesus!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Truth Telling
"The Lord detests lying lips,
but He delights in those who tell the truth." Proverbs 12:22 NLT
This passage is one of those that can bring peace and strife. It's pretty straight forward--God loves us to tell the truth. In fact, it is so important to Him, that it is one of the ten commandments: "Thou shall not lie."
But I get asked and I often ask myself--how much truth? Should we tell the truth if it is going to hurt the other person? What's wrong with a "little" white lie? It keeps the other person hurt-free. It takes care of the situation that is a win-win for everyone. Or is it?
Just like with our children--or even with ourselves--in order to grow or to remember a lesson learned, there sometimes needs to be a little honest pain.
Now, of course, I'm not saying to be heartless and unnecessarily cruel with our tongue and words. But wisely instruct with spiritual honesty, what it is that you feel God is telling you to say.
Check your heart & spirit. Then pray before you speak that He will prepare you and the other person involved, so that the outcome will be what He wanted.
Sometimes it takes real courage to speak the truth. And it is not always pleasant. But if your spirit tells you to do it, then you will have what it takes to get the job done.
Some people make cutting remarks,
but the words of the wise bring healing. Proverbs 12:18 NLT
but He delights in those who tell the truth." Proverbs 12:22 NLT
This passage is one of those that can bring peace and strife. It's pretty straight forward--God loves us to tell the truth. In fact, it is so important to Him, that it is one of the ten commandments: "Thou shall not lie."
But I get asked and I often ask myself--how much truth? Should we tell the truth if it is going to hurt the other person? What's wrong with a "little" white lie? It keeps the other person hurt-free. It takes care of the situation that is a win-win for everyone. Or is it?
Just like with our children--or even with ourselves--in order to grow or to remember a lesson learned, there sometimes needs to be a little honest pain.
Now, of course, I'm not saying to be heartless and unnecessarily cruel with our tongue and words. But wisely instruct with spiritual honesty, what it is that you feel God is telling you to say.
Check your heart & spirit. Then pray before you speak that He will prepare you and the other person involved, so that the outcome will be what He wanted.
Sometimes it takes real courage to speak the truth. And it is not always pleasant. But if your spirit tells you to do it, then you will have what it takes to get the job done.
Some people make cutting remarks,
but the words of the wise bring healing. Proverbs 12:18 NLT
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Stormy Weather
"One day Jesus said to his disciples, 'Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.' So they got into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, 'Master, Master, we’re going to drown' When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?'The disciples were terrified and amazed. 'Who is this man?' they asked each other. 'When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”Luke 8:22-25 NLT
It was Jesus' idea to get into the boat and go to the other side of the lake. He instigated the trip. His disciples simply followed. But as soon as they got going, they were hit with a terrific storm that threaten to drown them.
Have you ever decided to follow Jesus only to be met with a terrific "storm" that comes against you? Perhaps it is the storm of a relationship in turmoil. It could be health, finances, death, illness, crisis or something else. Your doing the right thing by following Jesus, but only to be battered by life's tribulations.
Life with Jesus does not mean life without storms. Jesus has called us to join him on the journey of life. We will be met with difficult storms. But, Jesus is in the boat with us. He can and will see us safely through our storms and into the port of heaven.
What storm are you facing right now? Are you in the boat with Jesus?
It was Jesus' idea to get into the boat and go to the other side of the lake. He instigated the trip. His disciples simply followed. But as soon as they got going, they were hit with a terrific storm that threaten to drown them.
Have you ever decided to follow Jesus only to be met with a terrific "storm" that comes against you? Perhaps it is the storm of a relationship in turmoil. It could be health, finances, death, illness, crisis or something else. Your doing the right thing by following Jesus, but only to be battered by life's tribulations.
Life with Jesus does not mean life without storms. Jesus has called us to join him on the journey of life. We will be met with difficult storms. But, Jesus is in the boat with us. He can and will see us safely through our storms and into the port of heaven.
What storm are you facing right now? Are you in the boat with Jesus?
Monday, August 3, 2009
Appearances
"The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NLT
Did you ever have this experience--you went to school and something was different about you. It could have been your hair, the clothes you were wearing, what you were eating for lunch--whatever. And the kids start making fun of you. How did that make you feel?
There's a woman and she's obviously on the fringes of homelessness. She comes up to you asking for some food. The smell of urine is overwhelming. You back away. Wanting her to get away from you--the last thing you want is for her to hug you. Ugh! You practically throw a jar of peanut butter in her hands. Good! The Christian deed is done and you can leave with a clear conscious--or can you?
Aren't we so blessed that our FATHER is a blind God. Blind to our warts, our shortcomings, our sins? It may be hard to believe, but you know, sometimes YOU stink! Sometimes you aren't always the "Cool" one that you picture yourself to be. But does any of that matters to your FATHER? No. He loves us know matter what.
He loves and desires to hold us and hug us even when we stink of sin. He is honored when we let Him hangout with us even when there is something not quite "normal" about us.
Aren't YOU so blessed that God looks at your heart and not your outward appearance? True beauty is most often missed when we just judge someone on what they appear like on the outside.
Pray that you can find beauty in each person that the LORD brings into your life today, tomorrow and this week. You will be amazed at how much you will see.
"Instead, 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 NLT
Did you ever have this experience--you went to school and something was different about you. It could have been your hair, the clothes you were wearing, what you were eating for lunch--whatever. And the kids start making fun of you. How did that make you feel?
There's a woman and she's obviously on the fringes of homelessness. She comes up to you asking for some food. The smell of urine is overwhelming. You back away. Wanting her to get away from you--the last thing you want is for her to hug you. Ugh! You practically throw a jar of peanut butter in her hands. Good! The Christian deed is done and you can leave with a clear conscious--or can you?
Aren't we so blessed that our FATHER is a blind God. Blind to our warts, our shortcomings, our sins? It may be hard to believe, but you know, sometimes YOU stink! Sometimes you aren't always the "Cool" one that you picture yourself to be. But does any of that matters to your FATHER? No. He loves us know matter what.
He loves and desires to hold us and hug us even when we stink of sin. He is honored when we let Him hangout with us even when there is something not quite "normal" about us.
Aren't YOU so blessed that God looks at your heart and not your outward appearance? True beauty is most often missed when we just judge someone on what they appear like on the outside.
Pray that you can find beauty in each person that the LORD brings into your life today, tomorrow and this week. You will be amazed at how much you will see.
"Instead, 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 NLT
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