Monthly Archives: April 2013

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April 16, 2013

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Faith & Hope, Fear & Doubt, Forgiveness, God's Plan

WHERE WAS GOD?

Note: This was written the day after the Boston Marathon bombing, 2013

Why am I discouraged? What is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior and my God! [Psalm 42:5 (NLT)]

Lord, I’m angry! Where were you when the bombs exploded yesterday? Where were you when the twin towers fell, or when people were shot in the theater or when children died in their school? I’m angry and discouraged because I don’t understand how our almighty and loving God can allow these terrible things to happen. I know I’m supposed to have faith and trust in you, but it is so difficult in times like these.

Thank you, God, for loving and forgiving me even when I have difficulty loving, forgiving, and even believing in you.

I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining. I believe in love, even when I feel it not. I believe in God, even when he is silent.[Words found scrawled on a cellar wall in the bombed ruins of Cologne, Germany, following World War II]

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April 14, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works, Obedience

A TALL ORDER

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. [Matthew 5:44 (NLT)]

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. [Romans 12:14 (NLT)]

Although we may not have armed foes, we do have “enemies.” We all have people in our lives who wound our hearts and souls. It may be a boss or a client, a neighbor or a “friend,” an in-law, a child and even a spouse, or simply some stranger met by chance.

Whoever these “enemies” are and whatever it is they might have done to hurt us, Jesus tells us how we are to respond: with love! It doesn’t matter that their behavior is totally unjustified; we are supposed to pray for them. It doesn’t matter how much they have hurt us; we are to respond with love. Instead of condemning them, we are to reach out and bless them. That’s a tall order; are we up to the task? For whom should we pray today?

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April 12, 2013

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Fear & Doubt, Peace of God, Worry

THE PREREQUISITE FOR PEACE

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you. [Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)]

“Oh, Lord,” I complain, “My heart is troubled, where is this peace you promise?”

“Foolish child,” He responds, “Where is the trust in me that is the requirement for that peace?”

Trust in The Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal rock.” [Isaiah 26:4 (NLT)]

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April 11, 2013

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Faith & Hope, God's Plan, God's Promises, Obedience, Salvation: A New You

PICK UP YOUR CROSS

4-11-13 Pick up your cross Glenwood Spgs COWEBThen Jesus said to his followers, “If any of you want to be my follower, you must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to carry the cross that is given to you for following me. Any of you who try to save the life you have will lose it. But you who give up your life for me will find it.” [Matthew 16:24-25 (ERV)]

O Lord, picking up my cross means making changes in my life and that means leaving my comfort zone. I may not like who or where I am right now, but at least I know what to expect and what is expected of me. I’m afraid to change. Please give me the courage to step out of my old ways and face the unknown so that I may discover the life you have waiting for me.

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April 10, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Prayer

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. [Psalm 19:14 (NLT)]

Thank you, God, for this day. Direct my thoughts, monitor my speech, and prompt my actions. Inspire my petitions and hear my prayers.

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April 9, 2013

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Bible Stories, Challenges & Difficulty, Faith & Hope, Trusting God

WE CAN KILL GIANTS!

And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us! [1 Samuel 17:47 (NLT)]

These were the words of a young shepherd boy, armed only with a stick, a sling and five stones. They were said to a nine-foot tall giant, wearing 125 pounds of armor and armed with a huge spear. The boy, however, knew he had a secret weapon: the power of God!

Oh Lord, show us how to be like David. Give us both faith in you and confidence in our ability to meet whatever challenge you present. May we never cower in the face of what seem to be overpowering obstacles. What giants do you want me to slay today?