Author Archives: famtree2014

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

March 20, 2014

Posted under

Fruit of the Spirit, God's Promises, Peace of God, Trusting God

HOW SAFE ARE OUR HOMES?

If the Lord does not build the house, it is useless for the builders to work on it. If the Lord does not protect a city, it is useless for the guard to stay alert. [Psalm 127:1 (GW)]

A Naples, Florida, real estate ad recently touted a house with a 35-camera security system “set up so if you travel or leave your kids with a sitter, you would have peace of mind.” Another exclusive neighborhood brags about their 24-hour private security patrols and surveillance cameras. One home in that neighborhood is notable for having doors that can withstand the force of a rocket propelled grenade. Do these people truly have security and peace of mind? What does it take for us to feel safe in our homes?

Gated communities, security patrols, alarm systems, surveillance cameras, bullet proof glass and fortified doors can’t protect anyone from Alzheimer’s, addiction, floods, heart-break, cancer, depression, the loss of a child or spouse, financial ruin, or our own death. These things will happen to believers and non-believers alike. The Book of Job makes that abundantly clear. Those who have faith, however, will be sustained through their difficulties. Only in God do we find a true guarantee of security and peace.

My people will live in a peaceful place, in safe homes and quiet places of rest. [Isaiah 32:18 (GW)]

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

March 18, 2014

Posted under

Challenges & Difficulty, Faith & Hope, Fear & Doubt, God's Promises

Shine, Jesus, Shine

Later, Jesus talked to the people again, saying, “I am the light of the world. The person who follows me will never live in darkness but will have the light that gives life.” [John 8:12 (NCV)]

Oh Lord, sometimes our lives turn bleak and gloomy; the dark shadows of distress and futility hinder our view of you. Shine your light on us. Open our eyes. Help us to see you in the darkness of fear, sadness and discouragement. Free us from our prisons of despair!

You will help the blind to see. You will free those who are in prison, and you will lead those who live in darkness out of their prison. [Isaiah 42:7 (NCV)]

“Shine, Jesus, Shine” by Graham Kendrickpainted lady (american lady) -CLIL58-1WEB

 Lord, the light of your love is shining,
In the midst of the darkness, shining.
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us.
Set us free by the truth you now bring us.
Shine on me, shine on me.

Lord, I come to your awesome presence,
From the shadows into your radiance.
By the blood I may enter your brightness.
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness.
Shine on me, shine on me.

Shine, Jesus, shine;
Fill this land with the Father’s glory.
Blaze, Spirit, blaze;
Set out hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow;
Flood the nations with grace and mercy.
Send forth your Word, Lord,
And let there be light.

 

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

March 17, 2014

Posted under

Faith & Hope, Salvation: A New You, Sharing Our Faith

There Are Still Many Martyrs Today

Because of me you will be taken to stand before governors and kings, and you will tell them and the non-Jewish people about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given the things to say. It will not really be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. [Matthew 10:18-20 (NCV)]

According to persecution.org, this past week eight Christians were arrested in Shush, Iran, for the crime of “spreading Christianity;” a church being constructed by Christians in Islamabad, Pakistan, was bulldozed by angry Muslim neighbors; Islamic extremists in Somalia publicly beheaded two women for being Christians; and, in Sri Lanka, a mob of over 250 people, led by Buddhist extremist monks, broke into a Christian pastor’s home and beat him and his wife.

These Christians knew how much it could cost them to speak up for Jesus, but they also knew it would cost them a great deal more not to speak at all. In this nation, we’re not likely to be persecuted for being Christians or arrested for sharing our faith. We should boldly witness for Christ and yet few of us do. What’s our excuse? While Christians elsewhere are being arrested and tried for their faith, most of us are silent about ours. Our silence is a denial of Christ. Beware, we may find ourselves in the highest court, in front of another judge, if we don’t stand before others right now and speak of our belief.

All those who stand before others and say they believe in me, I will say before my Father in heaven that they belong to me. But all who stand before others and say they do not believe in me, I will say before my Father in heaven that they do not belong to me. [Matthew 10:32-33 (NCV)]

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

March 16, 2014

Posted under

Attitudes & Behavior, Faith & Hope

When Others Aren’t There to Speak for Themselves

You should defend those who cannot help themselves. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. [Proverbs 31:8-9 (TLB)]

We were over 100 feet in the air, eight of us enclosed in a small gondola cabin for nine minutes. Instead of the usual chit chat about snow conditions, the man across from me spoke in a derogatory way about a certain group of people. The silence that followed his vitriol was deafening. All sorts of thoughts went through my head: do I ignore him or defend them, how should I do it and what should I say? I finally spoke, somewhat timidly, and was surprised when others joined me, including members of his own family. This man was lovingly and gently brought to task and, hopefully, enlightened just a bit. I spoke up that day but, unfortunately, there are many more times that I don’t.

Lord, forgive us for those times we’ve remained silent when we should have spoken. Forgive us for not trusting you to supply the words that need to be said. Show us how to depend not on our knowledge or rhetoric but on your divine assistance. Give us the words, the ability to say them gently and the sense to know when we should speak and when we should not.

“You must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth!” [Jeremiah 1:7b-9 (NLT)]

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

March 15, 2014

Posted under

Challenges & Difficulty, God's Word: The Bible, Holy Spirit, Wisdom & Guidance

Let’s Not Get Lost

Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil. [Psalm 119:133 (NLT)]

Thank you, Lord, for providing us with all we need to navigate the challenges of life. With the Bible as our guidebook and the Lord Jesus leading the way, we can stay on the right road.

Remember, if you’re headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns! [Allison Gappa Bottke]

The Christian is not one who has gone all the way with Christ. None of us has. The Christian is one who has found the right road. [Charles L. Allen]

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

March 14, 2014

Posted under

God's Grace & Love, God's Word: The Bible, Joy, Obedience, Thanks & Praise

What Blessings Have You Enjoyed?

The teachings of the Lord are perfect; they give new strength. The rules of the Lord can be trusted; they make plain people wise. The orders of the Lord are right; they make people happy. The commands of the Lord are pure; they light up the way. Respect for the Lord is good; it will last forever. [Psalm 19:7-9a (NCV)]

The question was asked, “What blessings have you enjoyed as a result of obeying God’s word?” My first thought was the satisfaction that comes from knowing I’ve done the right thing. Then I realized that by obeying God’s word, my life is blessed, not with a sense of righteousness, but with a sense of direction, peace, and joy. Obeying God’s word enlightens, guides and restores me. Obeying God brings not just an eternal reward in heaven but also an immediate reward in this life.

Thank you, God, for loving us enough to give us your holy word to teach, direct and bless us through this life and into the next.

The judgments of the Lord are true; they are completely right. They are worth more than gold, even the purest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even the finest honey. By them your servant is warned. Keeping them brings great reward. [Psalm 19:9b-11 (NCV)]