Years back, I knew a single mother with five children. Her children were making godly, wise choices as young adults. Someone asked her what her secret was. She said, "It is all prayer."
I encountered this same mother recently and reminded her of her tribute to the power of prayer. She said, "When you think you've prayed enough, pray some more."
To be alone with God in prayer cannot be overemphasized. (Streams in the Desert)
TV~ (Today's Verse)
Pray continually. [I Thessalonians 5:17]
Friday, February 28, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
One Step Enough for Me
"God never shows me the big picture. He only shows me the next step," my closest friend said twenty years ago. As time has progressed, I have found this to be true.
This is echoed in the words penned by Blessed John Henry Newman:
"Lead, Kindly Light, amidst th'encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4Dwd3hd-j4
TV~ (Today's Verse)
By day you led them with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire to give them light on the way they were to take. [Nehemiah 9:12]
This is echoed in the words penned by Blessed John Henry Newman:
"Lead, Kindly Light, amidst th'encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4Dwd3hd-j4
TV~ (Today's Verse)
By day you led them with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire to give them light on the way they were to take. [Nehemiah 9:12]
Monday, February 24, 2014
Like Gold
The scriptures talk about our faith being like gold, or even more precious.
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ... (I Peter 1:7)
The daily struggles, the extreme trials we encounter during some seasons of life - all will serve a purpose to make us pure for our Lord when we meet Him face to face.
A Prayer~
O God, merciful Father, who despisest not the sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such as are sorrowful; mercifully asist our prayers which we make before thee in all our troubles and adversities, whensoever they oppress us; and graciously hear us, that those evils which the craft and subtlety of the devil or man worketh against us, may, by thy good providence, be brought to nought; that we thy servants, being hurt by no persecutions, may evermore give thanks unto thee in thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (From The Great Litany)
TV~ (Today's Verse)
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. [Job 23:10]
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ... (I Peter 1:7)
The daily struggles, the extreme trials we encounter during some seasons of life - all will serve a purpose to make us pure for our Lord when we meet Him face to face.
A Prayer~
O God, merciful Father, who despisest not the sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such as are sorrowful; mercifully asist our prayers which we make before thee in all our troubles and adversities, whensoever they oppress us; and graciously hear us, that those evils which the craft and subtlety of the devil or man worketh against us, may, by thy good providence, be brought to nought; that we thy servants, being hurt by no persecutions, may evermore give thanks unto thee in thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (From The Great Litany)
TV~ (Today's Verse)
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. [Job 23:10]
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Another Reason Why
O thou whose life of joy seems reft,
Of beauty shorn;
Whose aspirations lie in dust,
All bruised and torn,
Rejoice, tho' each desire, each dream,
Each hope of thine
Shall fall and fade; it is the hand
Of Love Divine
That holds the knife, that cuts and breaks
With tenderest touch,
That thou, whose life has borne some fruit
May'st now bear much.
(Annie Johnson Flint, from Streams in the Desert)
TV~ (Today's Verse)
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing... [John 15:5]
Of beauty shorn;
Whose aspirations lie in dust,
All bruised and torn,
Rejoice, tho' each desire, each dream,
Each hope of thine
Shall fall and fade; it is the hand
Of Love Divine
That holds the knife, that cuts and breaks
With tenderest touch,
That thou, whose life has borne some fruit
May'st now bear much.
(Annie Johnson Flint, from Streams in the Desert)
TV~ (Today's Verse)
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing... [John 15:5]
One Reason Why
Whenever we suffer, the question is: Why, God? Why am I going through this? Why me? Why us?
One place where there is a partial answer for that question is in 2 Corinthians 1:4 ....That we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. The Lord will use us to comfort others.
TV~ (Today's Verse)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort... [2 Corinthians 1:3]
One place where there is a partial answer for that question is in 2 Corinthians 1:4 ....That we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. The Lord will use us to comfort others.
TV~ (Today's Verse)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort... [2 Corinthians 1:3]
Monday, February 17, 2014
Medicine
TV~ (Today's Verse)
He healeth those that are broken in heart : and giveth medicine to heal their sickness.
[Psalm 147:3]
He healeth those that are broken in heart : and giveth medicine to heal their sickness.
[Psalm 147:3]
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Sticks, Stones and Words
Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words.....
Finish the sentence. How untrue it is. Words can be extremely hurtful and damaging. In fact, they can replay in our minds over and over, causing continual pain.
Every morning let us pray: Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. (Psalm 141:3) May my words be fitly spoken, like apples of gold in a setting of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)
TV~ (Today's Verse)
A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. [Proverbs 15:4
Friday, February 14, 2014
Multitude of Sins
On this day where love is celebrated, it can seem perhaps that our romantic partner does not measure up to what we see around us. This is where true love can be practiced.
True love is not self-seeking, but is patient, kind, longsuffering and humble. This is the love that comes from above. This is the love that covers the multitude of sins found in our fallen relationships. This is love given to one who is undeserving.
True love means reaching out to our partner within his needs and weaknesses, not distancing ourselves due to those imperfections. Lord, have mercy upon us.
TV~ (Today's Verse)
He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior… [Titus 3:5]
True love is not self-seeking, but is patient, kind, longsuffering and humble. This is the love that comes from above. This is the love that covers the multitude of sins found in our fallen relationships. This is love given to one who is undeserving.
True love means reaching out to our partner within his needs and weaknesses, not distancing ourselves due to those imperfections. Lord, have mercy upon us.
TV~ (Today's Verse)
He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior… [Titus 3:5]
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Expediency vs. Excellency
There are effective, yet unwise ways that we can get immediate results from our loved ones. Through a show of force, in words or action, we can often be successful in getting what we want. That is, for the moment. But force brings about long-term results of brokenness and distance.
Think of a mother who regularly slaps her child across the face to get her to do some chores. The child may obey for the moment, but as an adult she will not have a close relationship with her mother and there will be residual resentment and anger.
St. Paul spoke of a more excellent way. The way of love. I add to that the way of prayer. The way of love and prayer does not always bring immediate results. Yet in the end, there will be peace, joy and satisfaction. The results will take longer to show, but they will be lasting results of true change, not momentary.
Think of a mother who regularly slaps her child across the face to get her to do some chores. The child may obey for the moment, but as an adult she will not have a close relationship with her mother and there will be residual resentment and anger.
St. Paul spoke of a more excellent way. The way of love. I add to that the way of prayer. The way of love and prayer does not always bring immediate results. Yet in the end, there will be peace, joy and satisfaction. The results will take longer to show, but they will be lasting results of true change, not momentary.
TV~ (Today's Verse)
Love suffers long, and is kind...[I Corinthians 13:4]
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
The Shadow of the Death of a Dream
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
Psalm 23 often graces the backs of funeral cards, with the valley of the shadow of death being appropriated to the season of life when a loved one has died. There are other types of death, though. Sometimes we deal with the death of something we'd always thought would be there, or results we expected from our hard work. One day, these things are gone and we are dealing with loss.
During times of disappointment and loss, we are in the shadow of the death of a dream. It can be a time of fear; what else are we going to lose? Will things get worse? Yet, we are not to fear evil, but focus on God's presence with us. He has promised to comfort us, too.
TV~ (Today's Verse)
I will go forth in the strength of the Lord and will make mention of thy righteousness only. [Psalm 71:5]
Psalm 23 often graces the backs of funeral cards, with the valley of the shadow of death being appropriated to the season of life when a loved one has died. There are other types of death, though. Sometimes we deal with the death of something we'd always thought would be there, or results we expected from our hard work. One day, these things are gone and we are dealing with loss.
During times of disappointment and loss, we are in the shadow of the death of a dream. It can be a time of fear; what else are we going to lose? Will things get worse? Yet, we are not to fear evil, but focus on God's presence with us. He has promised to comfort us, too.
TV~ (Today's Verse)
I will go forth in the strength of the Lord and will make mention of thy righteousness only. [Psalm 71:5]
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Living Without Power
Thanks to a recent ice storm, today is the fourth day that I have been without power. My life is dramatically different without lights, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, oven, heater, washer and dryer and a computer. The only connection to the outside world is my smart phone. When power is restored, it will seem like a new lease on life.
So it is when we live without the power of Jesus Christ in our lives. If we shut him off consciously or by refusing to turn away from sinful choices, our life will be dim, cold and flat. The power of Christ is always available; we don't have to wait for the linemen to show up. We can open our hearts and ask Jesus to light up our lives - every day.
TV~ (Today's Verse)
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. [John 12:46]
So it is when we live without the power of Jesus Christ in our lives. If we shut him off consciously or by refusing to turn away from sinful choices, our life will be dim, cold and flat. The power of Christ is always available; we don't have to wait for the linemen to show up. We can open our hearts and ask Jesus to light up our lives - every day.
TV~ (Today's Verse)
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. [John 12:46]
Sunday, February 2, 2014
The Second Annunciation
In church today, we reflected upon the time when Joseph and Mary brought the baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. It was then that Simeon told Mary that a sword would pierce through her own soul also.
This could be seen as the second annunciation. In the first, Mary was presented wtih her calling as the mother of our Saviour. In the second, Mary was presented with her painful future as she walked the path of suffering alongside of her Son. In everything, she continued to say "yes" to God. May we be the same way.
TV~ (Today's Verse)
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled."
[Luke 1:38]
This could be seen as the second annunciation. In the first, Mary was presented wtih her calling as the mother of our Saviour. In the second, Mary was presented with her painful future as she walked the path of suffering alongside of her Son. In everything, she continued to say "yes" to God. May we be the same way.
TV~ (Today's Verse)
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled."
[Luke 1:38]
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