Monday 11/1/2004
1 Timothy 3 - Church leaders should be upstanding people with good reputations. Then a hymn - Jesus came as a human-The Spirit showed he was God- Jesus preached and we believe.
Isaiah 36-37 - It’s funny how the type of literature just changes back and forth here. The Assyrians are threatening to take Jerusalem from King Hezekiah -- The Assyrian army commander approaches and tells everyone that they are doomed - they will be defeated- but Hezekiah prays and God answers that they will be safe from this attack -- God defeated the Assyrians for Judah -- God will take care of me.
Psalm 119.97-120 - Your word gives me light wherever I walk
You know what’s best for me - I will follow you for even in my sin you save me and drag me to you.
Water-Word-Grace-Spirit-Life
Psalm 149 - God takes pleasure in me - sing a new song to God
Hebrews 11.1-16 - Faith! -- Common people - God leading them - Faith in following that lead.
Psalm 145.13b-21 - God is faithful to his people
Prayer - Oh so short a message today - but you are there - you are there in faith - you are there in the trust of your people who follow you - who pray to you for rescue - who need you - I need you this day - I will follow your lead- show me the path this day - give me your words to say- give me the faith I need - take pleasure in me and hear my song of praise and thanksgiving for your abundant blessings. --- Amen
Tuesday 11/2/2004
1 Timothy 4 - People are going to turn away from God - they are going to lie about God and teach false doctrine- just be aware of this - hold firm to the true faith- study- lead a clean life and be an example of faith and Jesus love in action all in joy for what He has done for you - you are free now to love and serve in joy and happiness.
Isaiah 38-39 - Hezekiah got sick and almost died. Hezekiah prayed and God promised that he would live fifteen more years. As proof that this would be true -- God made the shadows on the steps go back ten steps -- kinda like time going backwards on a sun dial -- don’t know for sure how much time ten steps would be - but it is neat to think about a sign like that - of course then Hezekiah gave thanks-- but in the end Hezekiah was warned of Judah eventually being taken by the Babylonians.
Psalm 119.121-144 - I honestly want to know everything you teach. - don’t let sin control my life
You know what’s best for me - I will follow you for even in my sin you save me and drag me to you.
What does baptism mean for daily living? - repent each day and rise anew and live with God- walk in newness of life - day after day after day
Job 19.23-27a - Jesus lives - I know it!
Micah 4.1-5 - I wanna stream to that mountain of the LORD’s house - let Jesus teach me there about his ways and how he wants me to serve in my calling- understand it all and see God.
Psalm 47 - God is King - sing praises!
Prayer - You give good advice - how to live - how to act - sometimes I stray from your advice - forgive me and help me as I try to correct my sin - teach me in the classroom of that high mountain -- where I see all your glory in creation - give me understanding and equip me to go into the world you have placed me to proclaim the awesome grace you give to all people. --- Amen
Wednesday 11/3/2004
1 Timothy 5.1-20 - Just good advice - take care of each other - pay your Church leaders - correct each other when needed.
Jeremiah 1-2 - God spoke to Jeremiah - it must have been very clear - he can even recall the last time God spoke to him - God chose Jeremiah before he was born - Jeremiah didn’t think he was good enough - a poor speaker and too young - God told him that was a bunch of baloney - just go- speak and do what God says - God touched Jeremiah’s mouth and gave him words - God gave Jeremiah visions - almonds that ripen early - a boiling pot - Jeremiah had a tough message to give - one of defeat for Judah - The people were worshipping gods - they did not worship the LORD - they rejected God - they trusted the power of foreign nations instead of the power of God - when they get in trouble they cry to God - but ignore Him all other times - God is fed up with them -God even tried punishing them but they still didn’t return - Oh how I turn from God - turn to other gods of the day - keep me in your path and focus and trust in you.-- Jeremiah’s call goes through four stages - commissioning, objection, reassurance, and sign -- this similar pattern is followed elsewhere with others.
Psalm 119.145-176 - Pray to God - Put your hope in what God says - God’s laws are made to last forever - God’s Word brings happiness - my life depends on you - not how good I am - save me!
You know what’s best for me - I will follow you for even in my sin you save me and drag me to you.
Jesus gave his body and blood and instituted Holy Communion to come to me through the bread and wine.
2 Thessalonians 2.1-5, 13-17 - Jesus is present now - his kingdom is here with us - give thanks - we are the fruits of his kingdom of salvation.
Hebrews 5.7-10 - Jesus prays for me and saves me through great tears of compassion -- Thank you!
Psalm 22 -I am a worm- scorned and despised- but God will deliver me - tell of God to all - even in the midst of the congregation
Prayer - Lord you come to me each day - you lead me - you guide me - you call me to action - forgive me when I turn away - bring me back to you - for through Jesus you have saved me - and had great compassion for me - send me into the world with your love and compassion . -- Amen
Thursday 11/4/2004
1 Timothy 5.21-6.21 - Again take care of yourself and each other - respect each other - watch out for false teachings - stay firm in faith - remember to be humble - especially with money -- you came in with nothing and your gonna go with nothing - if you do have money - use it to help others and don’t let it control your life in greed or pride.
Jeremiah 3-4 - Israel worshipped other gods -- they didn’t turn back and then the Assyrians defeated them -- they still didn’t turn back -- now the same thing is about to happen to Judah - they had Israel as an example -- God wants his people so bad -- he wants us to depend on him -- but we get stubborn and go the other way - even when he tries to correct us - we just don’t get it
Psalm 120 - Pray - be in favor of peace and do the best you can where you are and with the people you are with
You know what’s best for me - I will follow you for even in my sin you save me and drag me to you.
In communion I receive forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation - I must believe
Luke 20.27-38 - Jesus came to give life - eternal life - don’t get all wrapped up and concerned about death -- live!
Galatians 3.1-14 - the law puts me to death - I can’t completely obey all of the rules - but I am a child of God through faith - just as Abraham had faith - God justifies all who have faith in him and claims them as his own -- Jesus died as cursed on the cross for my sins so that I could believe and be free from the law to go out into the world and tell of what a wonderful gift has been given.
Psalm 119.1-8 - Seek God with all my heart - observe God’s laws - not because through observing them you will save yourself -- you won’t -- but because God has freed you from the sin of not meeting every one of them - making his laws a joy to observe as good guidance - what a shift in thinking!
Prayer - Oh how I come in with nothing and how I will go out with nothing -- but in between -- in between - God you have showed me all the love you have for me - you gave me the gift of eternal life - you gave me the gift of Jesus - you gave me the gift of friends - you gave me the gift of the church - you put your Spirit in me - you showed me your Word - you gave me the gift of friends - you walked with me - you gave me visions - you gave me dreams - you gave me love from friends - you ate with me - you suffered with me - you suffered for me - you listened to me -- you saved me --- thanks and praise to you forever -- I may have come in with nothing - I may go out with nothing -- but in between you gave me life -- thanks be to God! --- Amen
Friday 11/5/2004
2 Timothy 1 - Night and day I mention you in my prayers - Don’t be ashamed to speak for God - The Good News of Jesus lines like a light and offers life that never ends. - If you suffer for proclaiming the Good News -don’t be ashamed- let the faith and love of Jesus be your model
Jeremiah 5-6 - The Jews just don’t understand - they have turned away from God -- he has tried everything to bring them back - now Jeremiah has to go with a message from God that another country will take over Jerusalem -- God will be behind this - he wants his people back and is taking drastic measures to convince them to turn back to him - God won’t let this country completely destroy his Chosen People - there will be a remnant -- a last chance - when you look at God’s accusations -- it makes me realize how rotten I really am - then it makes it even more puzzling as to why God would even care to get me back -- that is a great love!!
Psalm 121 - God helps and protects me - he never stops caring for me - no matter what
You know what’s best for me - I will follow you for even in my sin you save me and drag me to you.
You let me eat and drink - you become a part of me - one with me and use me to be your body and blood in this world- send me out today
Daniel 7.1-3, 15-18 - Daniel had dreams and vision - he was confused by them - but messengers told him the meaning -- dream- vision and live for God - today.
John 10.14-30 - Jesus gave his life for me -- because he wanted to -- hear Jesus voice - follow it - believe in Jesus - trust in his love and care and receive life eternal
Psalm 23 - Oh to be like the sheep in the pasture -- Jesus leading -- me- dumb as can be -- I am -- but sometimes I think I can lead myself -- what a mistake - follow God always
Prayer - It’s so comforting to know that you care for me all the time - night and day - you are always with me -- lead me into the world today - show me how to comfort others - to keep them in my prayers - night and day - to be your hands - your feet - your body - your blood in this world- you have sent all Christians to proclaim your glory and to do mission in your love to all your people- You are God and you have given the everlasting gift of eternal life to all who believe --thanks!!! -- Amen
Saturday 11/6/2004
2 Timothy 2 - Let Jesus make you strong - Learn from other church leaders and then go and do likewise - God will help you - so don’t be afraid of doing - Keep your mind on Jesus - You will suffer some - but don’t worry - it will all work out and your service goes way beyond the suffering - remember if you die with Christ -you will live with Christ - don’t give up-don’t deny that you know Christ - be faithful - Jesus is faithful to you- don’t argue about the little stuff - words and all - turn from evil - recognize evil and turn away - be easy to get along with - faithful and have a pure heart - be humble - especially when you need to correct another person.
Jeremiah 7-8 - Pay attention - change your ways - be fair and honest - stop worshiping other gods- be nice and take care of others - especially the needy - but look at what I do - I don’t do these things - I turn and do the opposite - I need forgiveness - the people of Judah - refused to listen to God - So Jeremiah had a terrible message to proclaim - God was going to let the Babylonians take Jerusalem - sent the Jews into exile - teach them a lesson for not following God -- but still keep a remnant - a hope for a future - God is like that - even in punishment - there is this hope of a bright future - but I/we must turn back to God - worship only God and serve only God - if you stumble and fall - you get back up - if you take a wrong road- you turn around and go back - go back to God - don’t hold tight to those false idols - listen carefully to God - admit when you are wrong - repent - be ashamed of your sins - blush about them - turn back - Hey!!! -- there it is 8.22 - that “balm in Gilead� - a medicine from trees-ointment for wounds. I always get a kick out of the words to that song.
Psalm 122 - Let’s go toe the house of God! -- and be glad!
You know what’s best for me - I will follow you for even in my sin you save me and drag me to you.
Do you believe -given and shed for you for forgiveness of sins?- I do and am amazed at it!
Ephesians 1.15-23 - Hear and see faith in each other - pray for each other - “so that with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you…� -- Jesus is on the throne- worship and focus only on him - let the eyes of my heart be enlightened!
Isaiah 53.3-12 -Jesus suffered so much for me - through his suffering he made me whole again - I deserved what he took on for me - I stray away from God - Jesus was like the lamb offered for a sacrifice - but out of the anguish there will be light -many will be saved because of Jesus - thanks be to God!
Psalm 69 - Save me - I’m drowning - I’m drowning in my sin
Prayer - Lord only you can strengthen - teach me to follow your faithful church leaders - to see the examples of you working through them and to follow - but always keep my focus on you - for you enlighten the eyes of my heart - help me to see clearly your ways from deep inside myself - to focus my bowels on you -- the bowels of my soul- the depth of my heart - oh how words seem so inadequate to express that deep deep place you dwell within me --then like a sunrise - like a blooming flower - like an expanding balloon let you love flow out from this deep place you have planted inside of me - let it flow out to the world I live and play and work in - let others see your love so deeply given on a cross in the pain and anguish and see the wonder and awe and power of what you have done - what you have given - what you have loved for us --- use me this day to show this love in your world ---- then forgive me when I fail - forgive me when I worship other gods - forgive me and help me to recognize my sin -- oh it seems I live in such a world of opposites - on one hand I can see and feel you - on the other had I can see and feel my sin and the evil within me - forgive me I pray - help me to turn around - help me to live that life of love in the world - turn me back out to the world and to the love of others and to the service you send me to - call me - show me how to minister and care for a broken world - for the poor - the hungry - the oppressed and reach out. Feed me your faith - may your body and blood - the bread an wine completely be absorbed into me that I may shed blood in your world - the blood of your compassion for your people - today - here and now -- work through me - use me and take me I pray - this day --- Amen
Sunday 11/7/2004
2 Timothy 3 - In the last days people will love only themselves and money - Instead of loving God- they will love pleasure - Anyone who belongs to Christ Jesus and wants to live right will have trouble from others. - Keep on being faithful - Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word - The Scriptures train God’s servants to do all kinds of good deeds. - the capitalization of “Word� above reminds me of what Luther says about all of Scripture - even in the OT -- it is there to highlight the saving action and grace of Jesus - the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us - this Word is Jesus!
Jeremiah 9-10 - lies come from people and not one of them admit that God is God - don’t trust these liars - God will purify the hearts of his people - in a furnace like gold is purified - it won’t be easy - God will correct us as needed - don’t brag about myself - only brag about worshiping God - change your heart - God is God - God is the only true and living God - He will rule for all time - God created all things and chose me
Psalm 123 - Jesus Christ-Son of God-have mercy on me- have mercy on the whole world -- I turn my eyes to you
You know what’s best for me - I will follow you for even in my sin you save me and drag me to you.
Jesus gives us the authority to forgive the sins of those who repent.
Luke 6.20-31 - Jesus has such compassion - he turns the world upside down - love your enemies - don’t be proud - care for the poor and those in need - let yourself feel the pain of rejection and offer up what you have to help them. How hard this can be -teach me how to live this way
1 Kings 19.1-9 - Elijah was being sought after - all the prophets were being killed - so he ran away - sat under a tree and wanted to die - An angel told him to get up and eat - so Elijah ate - Elijah lay back down to die - the angel came a second time - eat! - he went 40 days on that food and came to a cave and spent the night there -- well then we know the rest of the story - God spoke to him powerfully and sent him out
Psalm 13 - How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long? - Give light to my eyes - trust in God’s love and let my heart rejoice in His salvation - sing to God
Prayer - Lord, I’m so sinful - sometimes when I think I’m an inspiration of your light - I am the problem - sometimes when I lose focus on you I want to run away to that tree - lie down and just wait for it all to end - sometimes when I think words and actions are helpful all they do is hurt - sometimes I know you need to put me in that fire - to boil out all those impurities I have let enter my life - forgive me I pray - let me realize and see that tree that I lie beneath has hope only in that as I slowly look up that tree I realize it is the cross of Christ - it is in Jesus grace that I am saved - that tree I run to - to lay and die beside out of my own pity is that cross that Christ died on for me - that tree that brings life - not because of me but because of you - not because of any inspiration of mine - but because of your inspiration to love a rotten world and a worm like me - to care enough for me to save me -- how I can get up from this crummy spot under this crummy tree of my own and see the tree/cross you gave to me - to see the salvation and life you have given to me - to be energized and filled with your spirit - to feel your call - to be willingly and joyfully sent into your world to serve others to let your light shine once again through me - to be your feet-hands-voice - to be active in this world focused on you and that cross - to tell others the story of how even in the death of myself under my own depressing tree - you give life through that tree of yours - through Jesus -- Thanks be to God! -- Amen
Monday 11/8/2004
2 Timothy 4 - Jesus will come again and judge everyone - we are commanded to preach God’s message - willingly - correct people - point out sin - but also cheer them up and be patient
Jeremiah 11-12 - God is just - he made an agreement with the Israelites - God kept his side - the Israelites did not keep their side - God will enforce discipline per his agreements - over and over again - it is stressed - worship only God - not other gods- Israel was compared to an olive tree - I know about the importance of olives and the oil at that time - what is new is that the olive trees live so long - there are olive trees in Jerusalem today that date from the time of Jesus - so if one doesn’t produce fruit and God’s promise is eternal -- the tree is useless - My response to the gift of eternal life is to produce fruit. -- hmmm!
Psalm 124 - God is on our side - Praise God - he will protect us
Think of all the saints there are because of Jesus act of love on the cross.
Receive the Holy Spirit
Micah 1.1-9 - God is coming out of his place - God is coming down here- He is coming to me and you
Jeremiah 38.1-13 - They got mad at Jeremiah for telling God’s hard truth about things and threw him in a cistern!! - of all places - makes me think of the collection of natural baptismal water - the Word of God in Jeremiah and the collection of water.
Psalm 18 - I love you LORD - You save me and rescue me - I call on you when I’m in distress - He bosed the heavens and came down - He reached down - You save
Prayer - Jesus- you rescue me from the deep mud of my sin - forgive me - be with me this day - as I sink into the mud - fill my cistern with your Word and life giving water - rescue me in that great promise of baptism - that day after day I will arise to a new life in You. As opportunities arise today to tell your story - give me the words I need - as opportunities arise today to serve others - give me the skills and abilities I need. You fill me with your Word, your love and life - send me out this day . ----Amen
Tuesday 11/9/2004
Titus 1 - Church leaders are to be upright - the standards are higher - keep your heart pure and everything will be pure
Jeremiah 13-14 - Uhgg!!-- Buy some underwear and wear them but don’t wash them! -- A command from God!- Take em off - hide the shorts in a crack (well - this one I could have fun with too!) - between some large rocks -- Sometimes I can see God has a sense of humor with Jeremiah - Go back and get the shorts-the dirty underwear was rotted - go figure - this was all an object lesson for Jeremiah - Babylonia will destroy the pride of the people of Judah - when finished they will be good for nothing just like the underwear - return to God - confess - worship God - there were prophets during Jeremiah’s time that were just saying what people wanted to hear and not the bold message of God - watch out for these - listen carefully - I haven’t thought of that but have done it---complain to God in prayer- that’s what Jeremiah was doing too - hmm- back to the underwear - it is symbolic of the close relationship God had with his people - the people abandoned God and were ruined
Psalm 125 - Trust God - he will protect you
Think of all the saints there are because of Jesus act of love on the cross.
Repent and be forgiven - Believe it!
Micah 2.1-13 - God gathers us together
Hebrews 10.32-39 - Have confidence in suffering - keep faithful - in a little while Jesus will be coming again - don’t shrink back
Psalm 25.11-22 - forgive me - God is a friend - he will relieve the troubles of my heart - God will save
Prayer - today help me to be an upright person - bring me close to you - as close as underwear- but help me to remain close and not be separated from you- you will protect and guide me - you will comfort me - you have saved me - I believe and trust in you - show me today how to love others - how to express your love for them through me - show me how to act today - show me how to reach out - show me how to act and to do your will --- Amen
Wednesday 11/10/2004
Titus 2 - To sum it up -- be good -- but to be honest - all this stuff makes me wanna puke - it’s like - be good so others will think Christians are good -- well - Christians are good - but not because I’m good - but because Christ is good - so no matter how good I try to act it is only an act -- I don’t need to put on a show - forget that crap - Jesus will make me good someday and I’m not gonna worry about it-- yea I’m gonna be decent and all - but not to put on a show- but because I know Jesus saved me and I must turn from sin -- so for how I feel now -- you get me how I am -- good and bad
Jeremiah 15-16 - I like chapter 15 - sometimes that’s how I feel with God - gripe about something and then he tells me to shut up and go on - quit being such a baby - You know - God told them that they would no longer call him the God who rescued Israel from Egypt - they will call him God who rescued them from Babylon -- It seems to me that God is moving real close now - He isn’t a God of history that rescued some relatives long ago -- he rescues me - now - in my life - very personal - a good message
Psalm 126 - It seemed like a dream - we celebrated with laughter and joyful songs to God - let me be like a stream in the desert - leaking your life giving water into the world
Think of all the saints there are because of Jesus act of love on the cross.
I am guilty of sin - even some I don’t know about --forgive me
Micah 3.1-8 - Don’t be a phony -- see the world as it is - serve others in need - don’t just remain in my little nice world
Ephesians 2.1-10 - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God-- not the result of works, so that no one may boast. ---I don’t know, George--- that may beat John 3.16 in my mind.
Psalm 30 - I cry to God and he helps - he heals - sing praises to God - give thanks to God - Joy comes in the morning - think about Easter
Prayer -- Lord be with me today - lead me - show me how to act so that I don’t embarrass you - for you come down and get close and personal - you come into my life and save me from my own exile- you bring me home to you - home where we can laugh together and serve in your kingdom in joy - home where we can praise God - home where we can sing a joyful song - home forgiven of my sins - then a new day comes and it’s time to leave home again - go into the world and serve you and each other in your kingdom -- I gotta go now -- I’ll be thinking of you! --- Amen
Thursday 11/11/2004
Titus 3 - Obey the authorities - God is good and kind - he saved us because of his mercy - not because of any good thing we have done - God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit - gave us new birth and a new beginning- he made us acceptable and gave us the hope of eternal life- warn troublemakers a couple of times then move on- don’t spend a whole bunch of time on that stuff - just keep pressing on towards the spread of the Gospel
Jeremiah 17-18 - Jeremiah had to tell the people stuff they didn’t want to hear - how they were doing wrong - how they needed to repent and turn back to God - how God would punish them - how they would be captured and taken away - the people began to hate him- he was always negative - he told them how God has power over them like a potter has power over the clay - so the people got fed up with Jeremiah and plotted to accuse him of a crime and get rid of him
Psalm 127 - God takes care of me - even while I sleep
Think of all the saints there are because of Jesus act of love on the cross.
Examine your life according to the Ten Commandments - repent of sin
Psalm 98 - Sing praises to God - he is coming
Jonah 2 - Jonah prayed from the belly of the fish - he had gone deep in the waters - death all around - covered by that saving water of baptism - God brought and gave new life to Jonah - even when he deserved death - he raised him out of the water and the fish puked him onto dry land --- God is awesome and has a great sense of humor -- it definitely keeps us humble - especially when you realize that I am nothing more than puked up fish chunks - saved by God and sent on a mission to proclaim his word -- how weird can that be?
Psalm 73 - When we can’t figure it out -- go to the sanctuary of God- God gives the solutions - We listen -
Prayer - Yea Lord you spew me out into my world - may I proclaim your gospel today - but it is such an honor to be spewed -- for by your very own example - you gave and spewed yourself in human flesh in Jesus into my world - you didn’t have to do this - you are God - but I see and feel your love for me and how you chose to save me through the spewing of your Son into this world and my world to live and die for me - I am so grateful - help me to show and spew out that same love to those I meet this day -- Amen
Friday 11/12/2004
Philemon - Paul is writing this letter from jail - Paul is writing to Philemon - the slave owner of Paul’s friend and co-minister Onesimus -- Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon and wants Philemon to accept Onesimus back - So this letter from Paul put Philemon on the spot -- will he accept Onesimus -- his slave back as a slave or as a brother in Christ?
Jeremiah 19-20 - God sends Jeremiah out with a clay jar - Jeremiah tells the people how bad they are - that they have turned from God and worshipped Baal --Then he smashes the jar - God will smash Judah and Jerusalem like that jar -- enough is enough -- your chances are up - Jeremiah is arrested and placed in stocks and put on display by Pashhur -- the next day Pashhur lets Jeremiah go - but Jeremiah told Pashhur a message from God that he would be called “Afraid-of-Everything� or “Terror on every side“-- You know-God had Jeremiah say some pretty bold stuff!
Psalm 128 - God blesses me with so many things!
Think of all the saints there are because of Jesus act of love on the cross.
I, a poor sinner, confess before God that I am guilty of many sins. I repent of all these sins and pray for mercy. I promise to do better with God’s help.
Malachi 4.1-2a - the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing on it wings
Romans 12.9-21 - Let love be genuine - love one another with mutual affection- associate with the lowly
Psalm 20 - My pride is in God
Prayer - Lord, let me send out a letter of plea from this place I am in today - that we may all be united in Christ Jesus death - resurrection and saving grace - may we all come together in his love to love one another in that powerful way you have shown to us -- let me be bold today to proclaim your truth even when it may be tough to say - even when I may want to shy away from it - let me walk right up and boldly knock on that door and invite others to play - lead me this day in your presence for your blessings in my life are many and great - You are God! -- Amen
Saturday 11/13/2004
James 1 - Be glad even if you have a lot of trouble - God is generous and won’t correct me for asking him for anything - I must have faith and not doubt - don’t give up - have faith - temptation drags me off and traps me - every good and perfect gift comes from God - God sent his Word to give me new birth - Obey God’s message - don’t just listen to it - don’t just hear and forget - It all sounds so much like Proverbs or something - but is good advice on how to live - God gives gifts - use them!
Jeremiah 21-22 - The Babylonians are taking Jerusalem and King Zedekiah wants God to rescue them - there comes a point when we must face the consequences of our sin -- feel the pain of it all - then we can turn to God - Even though God forgives me - the consequences of my sin are still there - “if you want to live, you must go our and surrender to them.� --- I must surrender my will and give it up to God
Psalm 129 - God sets me free
Think of all the saints there are because of Jesus act of love on the cross.
Don’t torture yourself with imaginary sins.
2 Thessalonians 3.6-13 - don’t be idle - God has much work for me to do -- act in joyful response - now!
2 Corinthians 4.1-9 - “we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake.� -- “Let light shine out of darkness,� who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.� -- “But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come form us.�
Psalm 31 - I give my spirit to God - trust in him -Love God
Prayer - I hear you -there are times to listen - there are times to reflect - there are times to meditate - there are times to pray -- but all the time I need to love - love in action - love neighbors- love poor - love friends - love family - Your love is deep -- deep love - let it shine through my clay jar this day - let your love shine through - let all see you - not me - let all see you - let all see you light up the dark places of my heart and your light of love shine out from deep within - the heart - the bowels - the very center of my being and soul -- that is your place -- that is where you are - forgive me when I forget to let you stay there - forgive me when I run you out of that very core of my being - turn me around - shake me up and help me to do better - you need to be there for me to live - and I need to give you my spirit - that spirit that is yours anyway -- but I need to give it up and give it out to the world you send me to. Lead and guide me as I do this today and next week - I give thanks for this treasure you give to me in this clay jar -- I give you thanks for feeding me your love through that same treasure in clay jars that you let me peek at in friends -- those that comfort me and willingly show their Spirit of the great Comforter -- that let their light shine from their soul into the world -- their light which is your light - their light which is blessed by you - their light sent as a gift from you -- may we all build each other up with Your Spirit of love so that a multitude of saints may march into their perspective worlds today and next week to proclaim the gospel story of your saving grace to a world in pain and darkness -- make it a powerful movement of many - fill all of us and send us in joyous thanks for all you do! ---- Amen
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