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February 3, 2014

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Forgiveness, God's Grace & Love

How Can He Do It?

Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. [Psalm 65:3 (NLT)]

It just takes a glance at the newspaper or a few minutes of television to see how absolutely horrific we humans can be to one another. The abuse of power, the exploitation, atrocities, corruption, selfishness, violence and depravity that exist in our world are both overwhelming and depressing. It seems that every day brings another news report that makes me ashamed of being part of the human race. How can we call ourselves “civilized”? That God is capable of repeatedly forgiving the evil mankind regularly recommits is hard to believe. Moreover, that He actually does forgive us our sins is astonishing. I find it absolutely mind-boggling, however, that God hasn’t given up on us in despair. Instead, He sacrificed his son for our salvation. If He hasn’t given up hope in the human race, neither will I.

Thank you, O Lord; we are so unworthy of your love, mercy and forgiveness.

The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. [Psalm 145:8-9 (NLT)]

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February 2, 2014

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Holidays & Holy Days, Salvation: A New You, Today: Make it Count

Are We Ready for the Big Day? (Super Bowl Sunday)

I don’t think, friends, that I need to deal with the question of when all this is going to happen. You know as well as I that the day of the Master’s coming can’t be posted on our calendars. He won’t call ahead and make an appointment any more than a burglar would. About the time everybody’s walking around complacently, congratulating each other – “We’ve sure got it made! Now we can take it easy!” – suddenly everything will fall apart. It’s going to come as suddenly and inescapably as birth pangs to a pregnant woman. [1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 (MSG)]

It’s Super Bowl Sunday and the past few weeks have been filled with hype about this event. We’ve heard from coaches, players, sports analysts, bookmakers and weather forecasters; we’ve even seen previews of the ads that will be shown during the game. People have stocked up at the grocery and liquor stores, donned their favorite team’s colors, and planned their parties and menus. With ticket prices so high, many made sacrifices to attend the game; some even sold even their cars to purchase tickets. All of this planning and excitement are for the earthly rewards of a championship trophy, money, fame, a few hours of entertainment and bragging rights.

I couldn’t help but compare the elaborate preparations for this yearly event with our preparations for the day we will meet with God. In football there is a clock that tells us when time is running out; life isn’t that way. We’ll never know when the final whistle will blow. Unlike the Super Bowl trophy, God’s reward will be eternal; there won’t be another opportunity to play again the following year. Some day we will all give an accounting of our lives to our Father in Heaven. What kind of preparations are we making for that special day?

You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. [1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (MSG)]

There is no escape for the man who squanders his opportunity to prepare to meet God. [From “Hope for Each Day” by Billy Graham]

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February 1, 2014

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Prayer

What’s Your Prayer?

I ask two things from you, Lord. Don’t refuse me before I die. Keep me from lying and being dishonest. And don’t make me either rich or poor; just give me enough food for each day. If I have too much, I might reject you and say, “I don’t know the Lord.” If I am poor, I might steal and disgrace the name of my God. [Proverbs 30:7-9 (NCV)]

When we get right down to it, our prayers don’t have to be complicated and our needs are few. What will you ask of Him today?

Day by day, Day by day,
Oh, Dear Lord, Three things I pray:
To see thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
Follow thee more nearly,
Day by day.

[“Day by Day” from the musical Godspell; music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz]

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January 31, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Holy Spirit, Temptation & Sin

Watch and Pray

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. [Matthew 26:41 (NIV)]

Lord, there will be many temptations today. Make us mindful of those moments; keep us alert and guide our thoughts, words and actions. When we’re tempted to find fault, let there be understanding and acceptance; when we become judgmental, give us tolerance. When pride tempts us, make us humble. Replace our moments of exasperation with serenity, our resentment with forgiveness and our anger with love. Give us discernment when we speak so that no harsh words, gossip or profanity leave our mouths. Strengthen us, O Lord, with your Holy Spirit, so that we are your ambassadors of Christian love.

O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams. [Saint Augustine]

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January 30, 2014

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God's Grace & Love, Thanks & Praise, Wisdom & Guidance

Let us Give Thanks

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. [Colossians 4:2 (NLT)]

Heavenly, Father, thank you for the many blessings in our lives: our health and homes, family and friends. Most of all, dear Lord, thank you for your unfailing love. Open our eyes and give us grateful hearts, not just for the joys of life, but also for the stumbling blocks we encounter. Teach us to turn them into stepping stones so that we can better serve you.

 

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January 29, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Temptation & Sin

The Deadliest of Sins

Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God. [Habakkuk 2:4 (NLT)]

Father, help me know the difference between the pleasure and satisfaction that comes from a job well done, achieving a long-term goal, or accomplishing a challenging task and the prideful arrogance that comes from thinking I am better than someone else. Keep my heart humble.

Pride, after all, is one of the seven deadly sins – and the worst, according to most theologians, because it elevates the self to the place of God. … Pride as a sin is an attitude toward oneself and others, while the other thing we call pride is a feeling about excellence. To take pride in one’s work is not the same as taking pride in one’s birth. The first is a form of self-respect; the second is a form of snobbery. [From “Pieces of Eight” by Sidney J. Harris]