Luke 2:25–33

"At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

'Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised.
I have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared for all people.
He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!'

Jesus' parents were amazed at what was being said about him."

Jesus was the product of God's slow, patient plan over many millennia. It all boiled down to one baby, born in one stable—all of God's work in calling out and fashioning a people to whom he would reveal himself uniquely. The people failed him, again and again, so he took it upon himself to do for them what they could not do for themselves. God's plan through Jesus would not be confined to the Jews, either. This time his revelation would be for all. It's a big plan, and you're part of it! Do you know your part?

Psalm 121:1–4

"I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth!

He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps."

 

The psalmist looks to the mountains, seemingly so strong and stable. Can his help come from there? No, his help comes from the One who created those mountains, and the whole earth and heavens besides! When tempted to trust only in earthly things, go deeper, to the true Source of any power and solidity there is. The One who watches over you and over all his people, constantly, without even a nanosecond of pause, is eager to come to your aid.

2 Samuel 22:26–27

"'To the faithful you show yourself faithful;
to those with integrity you show integrity.
To the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the wicked you show yourself hostile.'"

 

Our perception of God is colored by our own character. God doesn't change, but our ability to perceive his character is linked to who we are. Perhaps this is why God wants us to become more and more like him: so we can know him more fully. Jesus said that to know God truly brings eternal life (John 17:3). How do you experience God? What does that say about you? What in your own character might you want to work on prayerfully? (For instance, if you struggle with his goodness, how good are you?)

2 Samuel 20:16, 19, 20–22

"But a wise woman in the town called out to Joab, 'Listen to me, Joab. Come over here so I can talk to you. …

'I am one who is peace loving and faithful in Israel. But you are destroying an important town in Israel. Why do you want to devour what belongs to the LORD?' …

And Joab replied, 'Believe me, I don't want to devour or destroy your town! That's not my purpose. All I want is a man named Sheba son of Bicri from the hill country of Ephraim, who has revolted against King David. If you hand over this one man to me, I will leave the town in peace.'

'All right,' the woman replied, 'we will throw his head over the wall to you.' Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off Sheba's head and threw it out to Joab. So he blew the ram's horn and called his troops back from the attack. They all returned to their homes, and Joab returned to the king at Jerusalem."

 

A wise woman (who is never even named) saved a whole town from destruction. How? She had the courage to engage Joab, who was battering down the city wall! She got his attention, ascertained who he was, asked him to listen to her, focused him on his real goal (destroy Sheba, not the city), and then went back to her people with a plan of action (kill Sheba and prove it to Joab). What an example of a woman not being afraid to speak up and take action! In fact, that's exactly what made her "wise."

Psalm 120:1

"I took my troubles to the LORD;
I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer."

 

What troubles do you need to bring to the Lord today? What cries of the heart do you need to utter before him? He is ready and waiting to hear your troubles and cries. People may not always want to hear about your difficulties, but God does! Bring them—all of them—to him. He will answer; expect it and look for it

Psalm 119:160, 162

"The very essence of your words is truth;
all your just regulations will stand forever. …
I rejoice in your word
like one who discovers a great treasure"

 

Few things last forever or maintain their value. God's Word is one of those few things. How much do you treasure the truth you've been given? How might you restore your enthusiasm for God's Word if you've lost it? How has God's Word been a "treasure" in your life?

Proverbs 26:24–26

"People may cover their hatred with pleasant words,
but they're deceiving you.
They pretend to be kind, but don't believe them.
Their hearts are full of many evils.
While their hatred may be concealed by trickery,
their wrongdoing will be exposed in public."

 

We are to be discerning and not naïve about people. Some people are deceptive. Proverbs suggests that we need to give people time for their true character to come out. When considering working with someone, or any kind of long-term relationship, you have to take your time so you can discern their true character. This passage suggests that any deception will come to light.

John 21:25

"Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written"

 

John says the whole world could not contain the books that would be written if every single thing Jesus did in his three years on earth were written down. (Talk about living a life of significance!) Yet despite all that could have been said about Jesus and all he did, we have only four Gospels, and many of Jesus' actions are recorded repeatedly. The Gospels, then, contain the nectar—the distillation of what is most important about Jesus. How might this knowledge shape the way you read the Gospels from now on?

Psalm 119:138, 140, 143

"Your laws are perfect
and completely trustworthy. …
Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
that is why I love them so much. …
As pressure and stress bear down on me,
I find joy in your commands."

 

God's Word is entirely worthy of our trust. It's been tested and found true, again and again. There are few things in which we can absolutely trust, but this is one of them. We find joy in God's promises and commands, even during times of pressure and stress, because possessing truth and the promises of God surpasses any negative thing we can experience.

Psalm 119:130

"The teaching of your word gives light,
so even the simple can understand."

 

God's words are meant to be understood. The words themselves promote understanding, not only of themselves, but of the world, as light renders everything visible. One does not need theological training to understand God's words. An obedient heart is the prerequisite for understanding God's Word.

John 19:26–28

"When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, 'Dear woman, here is your son.' And he said to this disciple, 'Here is your mother.' And from then on this disciple took her into his home. Jesus knew that his mission was now finished …"

 

See the tenderness of Jesus: One of his last actions on earth was to provide for his mother. Once he did that, he knew everything was now finished. For what pain do you need the tender touch of Jesus? Go to him for healing, knowing that he is as eager to meet your deepest need as he was to care for his earthly mother's needs

Psalm 119:95

"Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me,
I will quietly keep my mind on your laws."

 

In the midst of danger, the psalmist does not dwell on that reality or his fear but instead resolves to "quietly keep my mind on your laws." What a wonderful, practical example for us to follow! In the midst of whatever danger, anxieties, or fears you may experience, resolve to quietly keep your mind on God's Word rather than on your situation. Doing that will change your experience

John 5:46–47

"If you really believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me. But since you don't believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?"

 

These verses indicate that believing one thing (the Hebrew scriptures, in this case) paves the way to greater belief … and probably vice versa. Since the Jewish leaders did not believe what Moses wrote, they were not able to understand who Jesus was. Does a little faith, then, open us up to more? This passage hints that it does, but some parables that Jesus taught, such as that of the mustard seed, make it plainer. If you want more faith, dwell on the faith that you have now, and it will grow.

Psalm 119:89, 91

"Your eternal word, O LORD,
stands firm in heaven. …
Your regulations remain true to this day,
for everything serves your plans."

 

 

God's Word is eternal; its truth will never change or pass away. For those who don't see the Bible as relevant today, these verses refute that stance. God's Word, his laws, and his truth stand firm forever, and everything that happens still serves his plan. Can you let this truth give you peace today? As you dwell on God's Word, rest in the fact that everything serves his plans. As you put yourself in the way of God's good plan by obedience, you can experience amazing peace

Proverbs 22:26–27

"Don't agree to guarantee another person's debt
or put up security for someone else.
If you can't pay it,
even your bed will be snatched from under you."

 

 

 

What could be clearer: Don't co-sign another person's note! We are not to be so "nice" that we are foolish. These verses suggest it's wise to avoid getting mixed up in other people's financial affairs. Life is uncertain enough for oneself, without dealing with other people's finances. If you have friends or family members who want you to help them financially, heed these verses.

Proverbs 23:4–5

"Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich.
Be wise enough to know when to quit.
In the blink of an eye wealth disappears,
for it will sprout wings
and fly away like an eagle."

 

How straightforward these verses are! How true, too—riches can take wing so quickly. Taxes can eat away at the nest egg, or an unexpected repair or medical bill can demolish your savings. What's the answer? The issue here seems to be restraint. If you trust in God to take care of your needs, you can find balance. You can take time for rest and recreation. Work hard—but don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. Work hard—but know when to quit. Trust the ultimate source of your provision: God.

John 4:34

"Then Jesus explained: 'My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.'"

 

"Nourishment"—energy—came to Jesus through doing God's will and completing the work he was given to do. A strong sense of purpose energizes us spiritually as much as food energizes us physically. It's just as important as food. Do you possess this strong sense of purpose and of the work God has given you to do? If not, pray for God to show you!

Proverbs 22:24–25

"Don't befriend angry people   or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them   and endanger your soul." These verses give us permission to avoid close relationships with angry or "toxic" people. You may not be able to avoid them altogether, but you can avoid getting too close. You can avoid constant association with them. You can be pleasant and kind, but keep your distance. These verses imply that angry people are actually dangerous to your soul. They will bring you down to their level, every time. You become like those you associate with regularly.

John 4:13–14

"Jesus replied, 'Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.'"

 

How true is verse 14 in your life? Has the water of life really taken away your thirst? If not, why not? Are you coming to the right well often enough? Are you drinking deeply enough, long enough?.'

Psalm 103:13–14

"The LORD is like a father to his children,
  tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
For he knows how weak we are;
  he remembers we are only dust"

How comforting it is to know that God understands how weak we are! He is not an abusive father who demands more than we can give. No, this Father is tender and compassionate. He understands and allows for our weakness, frailty, and constant failure. This is a Father to be trusted and loved back.

John 1:33

"I didn't know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, 'The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'"

 

Here we get some insight into John the Baptist's faith. When he first obeyed God and started baptizing with water, he didn't know whom he was preparing the way for. All he knew was that he was supposed to baptize with water and that God would point out "the one" in due time. He gave John the sign to look for. John looked and eventually saw. In the meantime, he trusted and obeyed God. That's faith

Psalm 118:4–9

"Let all who fear the LORD repeat:
        'His faithful love endures forever.'

      In my distress I prayed to the LORD,
        and the LORD answered me and set me free.
      The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear.
        What can mere people do to me?
      Yes, the LORD is for me; he will help me.
        I will look in triumph at those who hate me.
      It is better to take refuge in the LORD
        than to trust in people.
      It is better to take refuge in the LORD
        than to trust in princes."

 

 

If we truly believed that God is for us, that we can take refuge in his faithful love, would we ever feel afraid again? Here the psalmist reminds himself that because God is "for him," he has no need to fear. What can a mere human do to him, if God himself is on his side? God frees us from fear of human scorn and hatred when we take refuge in him rather than in human power. In what—or whom—are you trusting?

2 Kings 17:14–18

"But the Israelites would not listen. They were as stubborn as their ancestors who had refused to believe in the LORD their God. They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors, and they despised all his warnings. They worshiped worthless idols, so they became worthless themselves. They followed the example of the nations around them, disobeying the LORD's command not to imitate them.

       They rejected all the commands of the LORD their God and made two calves from metal. They set up an Asherah pole and worshiped Baal and all the forces of heaven. They even sacrificed their own sons and daughters in the fire. They consulted fortune-tellers and practiced sorcery and sold themselves to evil, arousing the LORD's anger.

       Because the LORD was very angry with Israel, he swept them away from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained in the land."

 

Idolatry is a pervasive and devastating sin. What you worship is what you become. God tried everything he could to get his people to love and obey him so he could fulfill his wonderful plan. But his people continually refused to listen. They turned from him again and again, and eventually God had to judge them and let them reap the fruit of their heart and actions. It may take time, but we always reap what we sow. Are you sowing in the soil of truth, love, obedience, and faith in the one true God.

Psalm 138:8

"The LORD will work out his plans for my life—
for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever.
      Don't abandon me, for you made me."

 

Do you ever feel as if God has abandoned you? David seems to have felt that way here. Yet despite his feelings, he asserts his confidence that because God made him in the first place, God has plans for his life that he will work out in accordance with his faithful love. Especially in times of stress or doubt, these truths can sustain us and turn our doubts away.

Jeremiah 17:7–8

"But blessed are those who trust in the LORD
        and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.
      They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
        with roots that reach deep into the water.
      Such trees are not bothered by the heat
        or worried by long months of drought.
      Their leaves stay green,
        and they never stop producing fruit."

 

Do you ever find yourself saying something like "I'm doing fine, under the circumstances"? These verses paint a picture of life despite circumstances. Heat and drought do not bother the tree that has roots that reach deep into the water. You become like such a tree by complete trust in God, by looking to God alone for your hope and confidence. When something happens that could disturb you, you sink your roots a little deeper into the character of God. You lean on the truth of his rock-solid trustworthiness. And you find yourself unshakable, fruitful.

Luke 19:26

"'Yes,' the king replied, 'and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.'"

 

Interestingly, another rendering of "do nothing" is "have nothing." It seems this servant thought that what he had been given was not enough to manage. You may think you "have nothing," but this parable suggests that everyone is given something. To dismiss "little" as "nothing" means losing—forever—what little you have. God does not hold us accountable for what we don't possess. He always uses what we do have … and that's always enough.

1 Kings 2:41–43

"Solomon heard that Shimei had left Jerusalem and had gone to Gath and returned. So the king sent for Shimei and demanded, 'Didn't I make you swear by the LORD and warn you not to go anywhere else or you would surely die? And you replied, "The sentence is fair; I will do as you say." Then why haven't you kept your oath to the LORD and obeyed my command?'"

Maybe, over time, Shimei thought that his agreement with King Solomon didn't really matter, for he disobeyed (in order to get his slaves back). But Solomon did not forget. He called Shimei to account, reminding him of the agreement that Shimei consented to and affirmed was fair. Here's a good reminder that, if we're a leader at work in the church or at home, we must hold people accountable and mete out the consequences.

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Have a Great Day!

Carol

 

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

John 13:17

"'Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.'"

 

Blessing doesn't come from knowing; it comes from doing what we know. When God teaches you something, do you act on it right away? What do you know but are not doing? What resources might God be providing to help you do what you know?

Psalm 118:27

"The LORD is God, shining upon us"


What an image: God is light, and he shines upon us. His light always shines on you, revealing what would otherwise be hidden. His light shines on you, warming like the sun. His light causes you to bloom like a plant that needs sunlight to thrive. Bask in the warmth of his light!

Proverbs 24:27

"Do your planning and prepare your fields
  before building your house"

In an agrarian society, to "prepare your fields" meant securing your source of provision. You would do this before building your house, providing shelter and a home base. The economic security comes before the emotional gratification. What might this mean on a practical level? What about using your discretionary income not to improve your lifestyle but to invest wisely so that the investment produces income? Or it might mean getting out of debt before making extra purchases. Are you making sure that you have a stable economic base before you enjoy the comforts—and even the smaller necessities—of life?

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Have a Great Day!

Carol

 

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

Proverbs 24:30–34

"I walked by the field of a lazy person,
        the vineyard of one with no common sense.
      I saw that it was overgrown with nettles.
        It was covered with weeds,
        and its walls were broken down.
      Then, as I looked and thought about it,
        I learned this lesson:
      A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,
        a little folding of the hands to rest—
then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit;
        scarcity will attack you like an armed robber."

 

What a graphic picture of laziness! The effects seem to creep up on the lazy person. While the sluggard is focused on ease, on not pushing himself, poverty sneaks in. But do these verses apply only to laziness per se, or might they apply to misplaced priorities in general? What if verses 30–34 were phrased differently? "A little more time online, one more email responded to—and my relationship with my children and spouse will disintegrate, my relationships in the community will erode …"

Psalm 118:4–9

"Let all who fear the LORD repeat:
'His faithful love endures forever.'

In my distress I prayed to the LORD,
and the LORD answered me and set me free.
The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?
Yes, the LORD is for me; he will help me.
I will look in triumph at those who hate me.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in people.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes."


If we truly believed that God is for us and that we can take refuge in his faithful, everlasting love, would we ever feel afraid again? Here the psalmist reminds himself that because God is "for him," he has no need to fear. What can a mere human do to him, if God himself is on the psalmist's side? God frees us from fear of human scorn and hatred when we take refuge in him rather than in any form of human power. In what—or whom—are you trusting?

John 11:1–6

"A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord's feet and wipedJesus loved his friends, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus—and because of this, he did not go to them. He knew that God had a larger, grander plan than his merely healing Lazarus. When God's answer to prayer seems to be no—when he seems to ignore your desperate pleas—it's likely that he has a bigger, grander plan. Perhaps your own suffering is a necessary (though temporary) part of it. Can you believe this, trust it, and test it in your own experience? them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick. So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, 'Lord, your dear friend is very sick.'

 

But when Jesus heard about it he said, 'Lazarus's sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.' So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days."
John 11:1–6

John 11:14–15, 20–27

"He told them plainly, 'Lazarus is dead. And for your sakes, I'm glad I wasn't there, for now you will really believe. Come, let's go see him.' …

When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. … Martha said to Jesus, 'Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.'

Jesus told her, 'Your brother will rise again.'

'Yes,' Martha said, 'he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.'

Jesus told her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?'

'Yes, Lord,' she told him. 'I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.'"

Martha knew that Jesus could have healed Lazarus. Now she was being asked if she believed he could actually raise him from the dead. Part of his "grander plan" in waiting to come to the sisters was stretching Martha's (and the disciples') faith further, helping them to catch a much deeper glimpse of his identity. His purpose for our lives is always to get us to know him better. When you're faced with suffering, do you primarily seek to gain relief from the suffering or to know Jesus in the suffering?

--

Have a Great Day!

Carol

 

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

Psalm 116:1–2, 5

"I love the LORD because he hears my voice
  and my prayer for mercy.
Because he bends down to listen,
  I will pray as long as I have breath! …
How kind the LORD is! How good he is!
  So merciful, this God of ours!"

We have good reason to pray and keep praying: God listens and acts! How many prayers has God answered in your life? How can the memory of those answered prayers encourage you to keep praying? When God answers prayer, do you take time to thank him and revel in gratitude, as the psalmist does here?

--

Have a Great Day!

Carol

 

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

John 10:28–30

"'I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand. The Father and I are one.'" As one of the Great Shepherd's sheep, you are utterly secure in Jesus. You will never perish; you possess eternal life. Furthermore, no one can ever snatch you away from Jesus. The Father himself has given you to Jesus. What a comfort—what security! In addition to this, Jesus and the Father are one, so you possess double power and double security. Let these truths sink into your soul. Bask in the peace of such security.

--

Have a Great Day!

Carol

 

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

John 10:27

"'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.'"


Jesus' sheep recognize his voice and follow him because he knows them. Do you recognize the voice of Jesus? How does he speak to you? In what ways do you recognize his knowledge of you? How does this motivate you to follow him?

Acts 10:34–35, 44–45

"Then Peter replied, 'I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.' …

Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too."

This event was a huge leap forward for the church. It was very clear to everyone that God intended salvation and the Holy Spirit to be available for Gentiles as well as Jews. This broke through the Jews' expectations in a huge way. When have you experienced a breakthrough in your own life, when God took things to a whole new level? Are you open to his doing that at any time?

--

Have a Great Day!

Carol

 

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

Psalm 133:1–2

"How wonderful and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in harmony!
For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil
that was poured over Aaron's head,
that ran down his beard
and onto the border of his robe."


Have you ever had a falling out with someone and then worked it out so you live again in harmony? Then you will appreciate these verses. Harmony is a wonderful thing, and verse 2 suggests that it is both rare and precious. It's worth pursuing! Is there someone in your life with whom you need to restore harmony?

Acts 10:4

"Cornelius stared at him in terror. 'What is it, sir?' he asked the angel. And the angel replied, 'Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering!'"

Our actions and disciplines, such as prayer and giving to the poor, are not a means of salvation in themselves, but they do put us in a position where God can work more in our lives. Cornelius was following God as well as he could, given what he knew. God honored that and arranged to bring him into more of the truth and experience of God's reality. Take heart that God sees and will reward your faithfulness in disciplines such as reading his Word, praying, and walking in obedience. The reward will be more of himself.

--

Have a Great Day!

Carol

 

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

Psalm 130:7–8

"O Israel, hope in the LORD;
for with the LORD there is unfailing love.
His redemption overflows.
He himself will redeem Israel
from every kind of sin."


Do you need hope today? Memorize and claim this wonderful promise: With God there is unfailing love and overflowing redemption for every sin. What do you need redeemed? From what sins—your own or the sins of others—do you need salvation? Picture a fountain, overflowing with all you need to

Mark 4:14–20

"'The farmer plants seed by taking God's word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!'"


What kind of soil are you? Do you receive the Word gladly yet let it be snatched away or crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, or the desire for things other than the Kingdom of God? Or do you hear and accept it and let it produce a harvest? It is likely that you are a mixture. In some areas, you are producing fruit; in others, you produce nothing. Let God show you where the soil of your heart has weeds or rocks so that you can remove them and produce more fruit.

Acts 8:26–31, 35

"As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, 'Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.' So he started out, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the Kandake, the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

The Holy Spirit said to Philip, 'Go over and walk along beside the carriage.'

Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, 'Do you understand what you are reading?'

The man replied, 'How can I, unless someone instructs me?' And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him. … Philip told him the Good News about Jesus."

God gave Philip very specific instructions. He had for Philip a divine appointment with an influential man who obviously was seeking God. Philip obeyed and shared his faith. Note that he used Scripture to talk about the gospel. He had to know and understand the Scriptures to open them up to another person. Do you know Scripture well enough to do this? Do you use God's Word when you share your faith? Finally, do you believe that God is already preparing people to learn about him, and are you willing to be sent to them and to open your mouth about Jesus?

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Have a Great Day!

Carol

 

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

Psalm 121:1–4

"I look up to the mountains—
  does my help come from there?
My help comes from the LORD,
  who made heaven and earth!
He will not let you stumble;
  the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
  never slumbers or sleeps."

The psalmist looks to the mountains, seemingly so strong and stable. Can his help come from there? No, his help comes from the One who created those mountains and the whole earth and heavens besides! When tempted to trust only in earthly things, go to the true Source of any power and solidity there is—God. The One who constantly watches over you and all of his people, without even a nanosecond of a pause, is eager to come to your aid.

--

Have a Great Day!

Carol

 

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

2 Samuel 21:1

"There was a famine during David's reign that lasted for three years, so David asked the LORD about it. And the LORD said, 'The famine has come because Saul and his family are guilty of murdering the Gibeonites.'"

It took David three years to ask God if there was a particular reason for the famine. When we face a difficult circumstance, we should ask God why it's happening. The fashion is to assume, "It's a fallen world; bad things just happen." Perhaps we should ask God to reveal if there is anything we did to bring about the difficulty, anything we need to repent of or make amends for. In this case, Saul had done something bad, and famine was the result. When David made things right, the famine ceased. What areas of your life could use some examination?

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Have a Great Day!

Carol

 

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

Acts 2:7–8, 12

"They were completely amazed. 'How can this be?' they exclaimed. 'These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!' They stood there amazed and perplexed. 'What can this mean?' they asked each other."

"What can this mean?" This incident, when everyone heard God's message in their own language, was a most wonderful sign and symbol of what God would accomplish in the days after Jesus' ascension, in the new era of the new covenant. God's Spirit and salvation would be available to every single person on earth, regardless of background, gender, race, or age. There would be no barriers at all anymore! All would hear and have the opportunity to believe. What can you do to recapture the wonder of this truth and to share this good news with those whom God has put into your world?

--

Have a Great Day!

Carol

 

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

Proverbs 26:24–26

"People may cover their hatred with pleasant words,
but they're deceiving you.
They pretend to be kind, but don't believe them.
Their hearts are full of many evils.
While their hatred may be concealed by trickery,
their wrongdoing will be exposed in public."


We are to be discerning and not naïve about people. Some people are deceptive. This passage suggests also that we should give people time for their true character to come out. When considering working with someone or beginning any other kind of long-term relationship, you have to give it time so you can discern that person's true character. Pay attention to what other people say about them; take the time to check things out. If there's anything to know, this passage suggests that it will come to light.

Proverbs 26:27

"If you set a trap for others,
you will get caught in it yourself.
If you roll a boulder down on others,
it will crush you instead."


What we mete out on others returns to us. This verse describes that principle in the negative, as a warning. The converse is also true, and it is most likely the antidote: Do good to others, and it too will come back to you. What harm might you be inflicting on others, perhaps unintentionally? What good can you do, to get the momentum moving in the right direction?

Acts 1:14

"They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus."

 

In Mark 3:21, 31, we see Jesus' mother and brothers thinking that he is "out of his mind." They tried to talk to him, perhaps to talk some "sense" into him. But after Jesus' death and resurrection, his mother and brothers were in the upper room, now followers of Jesus. Though he did not let their misunderstanding of his mission hamper his ministry, he also did not neglect them. Their salvation was as much a priority as the world he came to save. Is the salvation of your own family a priority for you?

Psalm 119:165

"Those who love your instructions have great peace
and do not stumble."


Do you want great peace? Treasure God's instructions by meditating on them and following them. This verse promises that not only will you have peace, you will not stumble on your way. You will have the light of truth to keep you from tripping over obstacles in your path. You will see them clearly (having God's perspective), and you will know what to do about them (go around them, walk over them, move them, or run the other way).

John 21:25

"Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written."


John says that the whole world could not contain the books that would be written if every single thing Jesus did were written down. (Talk about a life of significance!) Yet despite all that could have been said about Jesus and his deeds, we have only four Gospels, and many of Jesus' actions are repeatedly reported. The Gospels, then, contain the nectar—the distillation of what is most important about Jesus. How might this knowledge shape the way you read the Gospels from now on?

2 Samuel 19:7–8

"[Joab said,] 'Now go out there and congratulate your troops, for I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a single one of them will remain here tonight. Then you will be worse off than ever before.'

So the king went out and took his seat at the town gate, and as the news spread throughout the town that he was there, everyone went to him."



Despite David's grief over Absalom's death, he was teachable. He listened to Joab's point of view and responded. David, who was personally devastated and whose kingdom was in political disarray, needed to lean not on his own wisdom or feelings but on his advisor. He needed to put aside his own grief and pain to serve. We too are sometimes called to lay aside our own issues so we can deal with our responsibilities. We must lean on God to strengthen us at such times and be willing to sacrifice our own needs.

Matthew 7:7

"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you"
(Matthew 7:7, NLT)

Is there something you are believing God for today? Does it seem like it's taking a long time to come to pass? Be encouraged because the Bible says that through faith and patience you will inherit His promises! If you'll stay in faith, if you'll keep on seeking Him, it won't be long until you see that breakthrough!

The problem is that most people give up just before they get their miracle. They stop when things get hard or when they don't get the answer they want the first time. But today's verse encourages us to continually ask and continually seek. That doesn't mean that we seek Him one time and then stop. No, we seek Him until we have the promise!

Today, submit your prayers to the Lord and keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking on the door, and it will be opened to you. Know that God is working behind the scenes. He perfecting whatever concerns you. Don't give up! Instead, start thanking Him for His faithfulness in your life. Thank Him for His promise that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek after Him!


from Joel and Victoria Osteen

Psalm 119:138, 140, 143

"Your laws are perfect
  and completely trustworthy.
Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
  that is why I love them so much.
As pressure and stress bear down on me,
  I find joy in your commands."

 

 

God's Word is entirely worthy of our trust. It's been tested and found true, again and again. There are few things in which we can absolutely trust; this is one of them. The promises and commands foster joy, even during times of pressure and stress. Possessing truth and the promises of God surpasses any negative thing we can experience.

Mark Batterson Quote

Don't focus on finding the right person; focus on becoming the right person.

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Have a Great Day!

Carol

 

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

Proverbs 11:27

"If you search for good, you will find favor;
but if you search for evil, it will find you!"


Do you look for the good, particularly in people? If you do, you will find favor. If you focus on the negative all the time—watch out! The negative will find you. Yes, sometimes you have to search for the good; it's not always apparent. But the search is worth the favor you will experience.

John 19:26–28

"When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, 'Dear woman, here is your son.' And he said to this disciple, 'Here is your mother.' And from then on this disciple took her into his home. Jesus knew that his mission was now finished."

See the tenderness of Jesus: One of his last actions on earth was to provide for his mother. Once he did that, he knew that everything was finished. For what pain do you need the tender touch of Jesus? Go to him for healing, knowing that he is as eager to meet your deepest need as he was to care for his earthly mother's needs.

--

Have a Great Day!

Carol

 

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

Jesus' Last Words on the Cross (Max Lucado)

Jesus' Last Words on the Cross

The hill is quiet now. Not still but quiet. For the first time all day there is no noise. The clamor began to subside when the darkness—that puzzling midday darkness—fell. Like water douses a fire, the shadows doused the ridicule. No more taunts. No more jokes. No more jesting. And, in time, no more mockers. One by one the onlookers turned and began the descent.

That is, all the onlookers except you and me. We did not leave. We came to learn. And so we lingered in the semidarkness and listened. We listened to the soldiers cursing, the passersby questioning, and the women weeping. But most of all, we listened to the trio of dying men groaning. Hoarse, guttural, thirsty groans. They groaned with each rolling of the head and each pivot of the legs.

But as the minutes became hours, these groans diminished. The three seemed dead. Were it not for the belabored breathing, you would have thought they were.

Then he screamed. As if someone had yanked his hair, the back of his head slammed against the sign that bore his name, and he screamed. Like a dagger cuts the curtain, his scream cut the dark. Standing as straight as the nails would permit, he cried as one calling for a lost friend, "Eloi!"

His voice was raspy, scratchy. Reflections of the torch flame danced in his wide eyes. "My God!"

Ignoring the volcano of erupting pain, he pushed upward until his shoulders were higher than his nailed hands. "Why have you forsaken me?"

The soldiers stared. The weeping of the women ceased. One of the Pharisees sneered sarcastically, "He's calling Elijah."

No one laughed.

He'd shouted a question to the heavens, and you half expected heaven to shout one in return.

And apparently it did. For the face of Jesus softened, and an afternoon dawn broke as he spoke a final time. "It is finished. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."
As he gave his final breath, the earth gave a sudden stir. A rock rolled, and a soldier stumbled. Then, as suddenly as the silence was broken, the silence returned.

And now all is quiet. The mocking has ceased. There is no one to mock.

The soldiers are busy with the business of cleaning up the dead. Two men have come. Dressed well and meaning well, they are given the body of Jesus.

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Have a Great Day!

Carol

 

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

Proverbs 26:17

"Interfering in someone else's argument
is as foolish as yanking a dog's ears."


Do you ever find yourself needlessly entering someone else's argument? That's as foolish as yanking on a dog's ears; you know you will get bitten. Entering an argument or conflict brings sure results—you'll get "bitten" by the arguers, who will turn on you. And you will have brought it on yourself needlessly. How much trouble do you bring on yourself needlessly? It's worth pondering

John 16:23–24

"'At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.'"


We Christians enjoy direct access to the Father now, through Jesus. We can ask for anything, and we will receive it and have abundant joy. What an amazing way to live! Are you living it? Do you feel connected enough to God to know what you can confidently ask for? What kinds of things are you asking for, and why? If you can honestly say the things you're asking for are in God's will, then confidently expect to receive them. If you cannot, ask God to change your heart so your motives are pure.

Mark 4:26–29

"Jesus also said, 'The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he's asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.'"


What does the farmer do here for the seed? Not a lot: He scatters seed on the ground. Then he goes about his business. All on its own, the seed sprouts and grows. The farmer doesn't understand how it happens; he just knows it does. It grows because the principle of life and growth is in the seed itself. The farmer's job is to let it grow and then harvest it at the proper time. Similarly, you can relax in the knowledge that God has placed in every heart what is necessary to grow and live.

Proverbs 11:24–26

"Give freely and become more wealthy;
be stingy and lose everything.
The generous will prosper;
those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
People curse those who hoard their grain,
but they bless the one who sells in time of need."

In God's economy, money and goods must flow. They must move. Wealth is created through generosity and openhearted giving. If money is an issue for you now, look for ways to give. It may seem counterintuitive, but it is God's way. Actively look for ways to refresh others, to improve their lives in whatever way you can. Then you will also reap the benefits. Live by the rules of God's economy, and you will be included in God's sufficiency.

Exodus 32:9–12, 14

"Then the LORD said, 'I have seen how stubborn and rebellious these people are. Now leave me alone so my fierce anger can blaze against them, and I will destroy them. Then I will make you, Moses, into a great nation.'

"But Moses tried to pacify the LORD his God. 'O LORD!' he said. 'Why are you so angry with your own people whom you brought from the land of Egypt with such great power and such a strong hand? Why let the Egyptians say, "Their God rescued them with the evil intention of slaughtering them in the mountains and wiping them from the face of the earth"? Turn away from your fierce anger. Change your mind about this terrible disaster you have threatened against your people!' …

"So the LORD changed his mind about the terrible disaster he had threatened to bring on his people."

Moses could have said, "This is my chance to rid myself of the troublesome burden of these people. If God can't stand them, why should I? God said he'd make me into a mighty nation. Yes!" But he did not think about himself. His concern was for God's reputation. That approach had power to change God's mind. Are your prayers more concerned about God than yourself? Those are the kinds of prayers that move God

Matthew 25:16–19

"'The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master's money.

'After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money.'"

The two servants who had been given the most each doubled their income. They acted out of confidence. The servant who had been given the least acted (or failed to act) because of fear. Are there any fears that hold you back from making the most of what you've been given? Ask God to take away these fears—they do not come from him! Have faith that you possess the ability to double what you have been given.

Psalm 84:5-7

"What joy for those whose strength comes from the LORD,
who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,
it will become a place of refreshing springs.
The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
They will continue to grow stronger,
and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem."


This life is a journey, a journey toward our true home, pictured here as Jerusalem. On the way, we do walk thorough the Valley of Weeping. These verses say you grow strong through weeping, and the tears shed are transformed into pools of blessing. Certainly something to meditate on. First, let yourself cry when you need to. Let God consecrate and transform the tears. What you end up with are refreshing springs—refreshment for you and others.