Life Journal, July 31, 2008
Today's readings: Isaiah 63-64; Psalm 107; John 2

Ever Faithful, Ever Loving

Scripture

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. . . .

Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and homeless. Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died. "Lord, Help!" they cried in their trouble and he rescued them from their distress. He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live. Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, imprisoned in iron chains of misery. They rebelled against the words of God, scorning the counsel of the Most High. That is why he broke them with hard labor; they fell, and no one was there to help them. "Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; he snapped their chains. Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he as done for them. For he broke down their prison gates of bronze; he cut apart their bars of iron.

Psalm 107.1, 4-16

Observation

God rescues us--even from our own rebellion--when we cry out to Him.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Today's reading reminds me of God's great faithfulness and His unfailing love--how He rescues and redeems us--even from ourselves. All we have to do is to ask for His help. He steps in and saves us . . . maybe not always the way we would want Him to, but He knows what we truly need.

Today's reading also reminds me of the importance of praising God for His great love and for all that He does for me. I cannot take it for granted--or believe that I deserve to be rescued. God does it because of His love for me and His faithfulness--not because of my righteousness. Praising God in all things is so important, so why don't I do a better job of it????

Today I will remember God's faithfulness and His unfailing love and I will praise Him for all that He does for me!

Prayer

Thank You Lord for saving me--often from circumstances that I bring on myself. Thank You Lord for Your unfailing love and great faithfulness. Thank You for redeeming me! Lord, I praise You for all that You do for me--but most of all for Your unfailing love for me and Your faithfulness. I would be lost without You.

Life Journal, July 30, 2008
Today's readings: Isaiah 60-62; John 1

Prepare the Way

Scripture

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed and the blind will see.

Isaiah 61.1

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. . . .

"Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?"

John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah:

"I am a voice shoulting in the wilderness,

'Clear the way for the Lord's coming!'"

[Isaiah 40.3]

John 1.6-9, 22-23

Observation

We should all be giving witness to the Light in our life.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Am I clearly pointing the way to the Lord? Does my life shine brightly with His Light? We are all called to be His witnesses--to prepare the way for His return--to share the Good News with others. So, my question this morning is--how's it going???

I must be more intentional about being a voice for God and all that He has done for me. We are all called to be His witness--my life needs to be so filled with God that my life is a witness. I cannot do that alone--I need God's strength and power. I need His eyes so I can see.

I recently heard somewhere that God doesn't want first place in our life. . . .He wants our life. He wants to infiltrate and fill and possess each and every area of our life and all that we do.

So, today, I will be a light--pointing to the One true Light, Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Lord, You are the Light of the World--fill me and use me to spread Your Light, Your Love, and Your Good News.

Life Journal July 29, 2008
Today's readings: Isaiah 57-59; Psalm 103; 2 Peter 3

Fasting

Scripture

"No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hid from relatives who need your help.

"Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the Lord will answer. 'Yes, I am here,' he will quickly reply.

"Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring."

Isaiah 58.6-11

Observation

Rather than be "religious" we are called to live out our faith in very real and tangible ways.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

It is easier to be religious than it is to serve God and obey His commandments. Following a set of rules is measurable--we know what to do and how to measure whether we have completed our task or not. But the commandments that God wants us to obey is to "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself." [Matthew 22.37-39] These are not as easy to measure and require us to love and be in relationship. It means caring about people we would probably rather not care about and doing things that we would rather not do.

The Scripture today reminds me what God calls me to do--how I am called to live in a dark world. And it reminds me that I don't do it alone--"The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring."

Today I will rely on God to guide me and to give me all that I need as I look for ways to reach out and love others in very tangible ways--letting my light shiine out from the darkness--recognizing that it is God's light in me that removes the darkness.

Prayer

Creator God, thank You for creating me to be in relationship with You! Thank You that You created me to love and be loved. Help me to live out that calling today with all those that I come in contact with. Open my eyes and help me to see others as You see them. Help me to stay rooted in You so that I strong, because on my own I can do nothing. Lord, today may I fast "Your way"--by living out my faith. Thank You for using me to bring light--Your Light--into the darkness.

Life Journal July 28, 2008
Today's readings: Isaiah 53-56; 2 Peter 2

The Promised Savior

Scripture

Who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the Lord's presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground.

There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected--a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turn our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighted him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's paths to follow our won. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.

He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had one no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave.

But it was the Lord's good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord's good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.

Isaiah 53.1-12

Observation

God loves us so much and wants to be in relationship with us so much that He sent the perfect sacrifice to pay the price of our sins and redeem us.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

How can I not be different after reading Isaiah 53--God's tremendous love for me and His amazing desire to be in relationship with me--no matter the cost. And yet, I take it for granted. I continue to be self-centered and to live for me--not for God. I want things my way. I want to be "happy." How it must break God's heart to have me live this way. I know what I should do, how I should live, the choices I should make--but I don't. Sigh.

Today, may I find the strength in God to live the life He has called me to live.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am overwhelmed when I think of Your love for me--how deep, how wide, how amazing it is. Forgive me for taking it for granted. Forgive me for being so self-centered and not as Christ-centered as I should be. Forgive me for not loving You or others as You have called me to. Forgive me for judging You and others. Forgive me for not living out my faith in a sacrificial way. Lord God, I want to be consumed by You. Come and fill me with Your Spirit, Your Power, Your Strength . . . . and most of all Your love.

Life Journal July 24, 2008
Today's readings: Isaiah 40-42; 1Peter 3

One Heart, One Mind

Scripture

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has call you to do, and he will bless you for it.

1 Peter 3.8-9

Observation

It's about love and relationship.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

God gave His Son, Jesus, because He wanted to be in relationship with me. . .because of His love for me. It is an amazing--and difficult--thing to understand. Someone loved me enough--even before I was born--to give themself for me so they could be in relationship with me.

And what is asked in return for this amazing gift--that I love and seek to be in relationship with others. God loves me--I love God and demonstrate this love by loving others--unconditionally. God wants to be in relationship with me--I choose to be in relationship with Him when I choose to be in relationship with others. . . when I put others first.

Following God's example is what I am called to do--to love and seek to be in relationship with others--no matter the cost.

Prayer

Father God, I am amazed by Your love for me and Your desire to be in relationship with me. May I walk in that love, may I enjoy that relationship--and may I live it out through my love and relationships with others. Give me Your love and Your desire to connect and be in relationship with others. May I help others to find the path that leads to You through my actions and words--may they all point to You!

Headed for middler camp--back in a week!

Life Journal, July 10, 2008
Today's readings: Micah 5-7; Hebrews 7

What Should I Do?

Scripture

What can we bring to the Lord? What kind of offerings should we give him? Should we bow before God with offerings of yearling calves? Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins?

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:

to do what is right, to love mercy,

and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6.6-8

Observation

We don't have to guess what God wants from us--He tells us what he requires of us. . . . to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

It is so much easier when there is some specific things for us to do--offerings, sacrifices, etc. It is something we can do and get it over with--pay our "fine" and move on. We want something measurable--so we know when we have done enough.

But, that is not what God requires of us. That's why He sent His Son--was to pay the fine for my sins for me. And because of that, all He requires is that I do what is right (following Christ's example--not my own inclinations), that I love mercy (afterall, it was given freely to me), and that I walk humbly with God (that I put Him first and always point to Him--not think of myself first).

So today, I will quit "doing" and begin living the way that God requires. Today I will lean on Jesus, knowing that on my own I cannot do what is right. Today I will extend mercy to one and all, with the help of the Holy Spirit. And, today, I will make it about Him--not about me.

Prayer

Father God, thank You once again for Your Word and Your guidance. Today I want to live the way that You want me to live--to do what You require--not just what I want. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who helps me everyday to walk with You. Thank You for the gift of Jesus and the gift of grace I receive because of Him. Today may all I do and say point only to You!

Life Journal, July 9, 2008
Today's readings: Micah 1-4; Hebrews 6

Meant For Better Things

Scripture

We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and endurance.

Hebrews 6.8b-12

Observation

We are meant to work--serving the Lord--while here. . . and that work is loving others and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

It is so easy to read Scripture and have different folks come to mind who need to hear this. [smile] I find myself thinking--I need to preach this--there are some folks I know who need this! But, then I hear God laughing and see Him smiling and shaking His head--yes child, this is for you. Me????

So, I have to stop and reread the Word and see what God is telling me.

It is easy to become spiritually dull and indifferent. We can be in the Word--we can be praying--but if we are not living it out everyday in a real way, then we don't produce a good crop--instead our field bears thorns and thistles and is useless. We don't see our "work" bearing fruit--so we become lukewarm. We quit trying--blaming others for our lack of enthusiasm and commitment.

We have to be intentional about not becoming spiritually dull and indifferent. It is so easy to slip into a ho-hum life. But, God did not call us to a ho-hum life. He called us to abundant life--and that only happens when we are living it fully in Him. . .loving Him with all our hearts, minds and souls and then loving others. When we do this our lives are full--full of God and there is no room for dullness or indifference.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for Your word and reminding me that I need to continue to loving others and working the field for You. There is no time for indifference or spiritual dullness. Lord, I want my life to be productive for You. Thank You for Your promises. May I be found faithful.

Life Journal, July 8, 2008
Today's readings: Hosea 13,14; Psalms 100, 102; Hebrews 5

Time to Return

Scripture

Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for your sins have brought you down. Bring your confessions, and return to the Lord. Say to him, "Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you our praises. Assyria cannot save us, nor can our warhorses. Never again will we say to the idols we have made, 'You are our gods.' No, in you alone do the orphans find mercy."

The Lord says, "Then I will heal you of yoru faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever. I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven. Israel will blossom like the lily; it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars in Lebanon. Its branches will spread out like beautiful olive trees, as fragrant as the cedars of Lebanon. My people will again live under my shade. They will flourish like grain and blossom like grapevines. They will be as fragrant as the wines of Lebanon.

"O Israel, stay away from idols! I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me."

Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall.

Hosea 14.1-9

Observation

God offers healing and life for the repentant.

Application [How will I be different today because of what I have just read?]

This would be an easy Scripture to just read and move on. But, it is powerful when I change it and personalize it.

"Return, Melinda, to the Lord your God, for your sins have brought you down. Bring your confessions, and return to the Lord. Say to him, "Forgive all my sins and graciously receive me, so that I may offer you my praises. No one else can save me, not even our instruments of war. Never again will I say to the idols I have made, 'You are my gods.' No, in you alone do I find mercy."

Today I need to pray this prayer--today I need to acknowledge the idols I have made. For if I start with myself--then maybe in time the church will do it . . . . and then maybe someday our country will be able to pray this. But today, it must begin with me.

Prayer

Father, forgive all my sins and graciously receive me, so that I may offer you my praises. No one else can save me. Help me to recognize all the idols in my life--all those things that come before You in my life--and turn away from them. Lord, I know that it is in You alone that I find salvation and mercy. Lord, I know that Your paths are true and right and that righteous people live by walking in them. Lord, help me stay on Your path.

Life Journal, July 7, 2008
Today's readings: Hosea 10-12; Psalm 73; Hebrews 4

Sabbath Rest

Scripture

God's promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. For this good news--that God has prepared this rest--has been announced to us just as it was to them. But, it did them no good because they didn't share the faith of those who listened to God [they didn't combine what they heard with faith]. For only we who believe can enter his [God's] rest. As for the others, God said,

"In my anger I took an oath;

'They will never enter my place of rest,'"

even though this rest has been ready since he made the world. We know it is ready because of the place in the Scriptures where it mentions the seventh day: "On the seventh day God rested from all his work." But in the other passage, God said, "They will never enter my place of rest."

So God's rest is there for people to enter, but those who first heard this good news failed to enter because they disobeyed God. So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. . . . So there is a special rest [a Sabbath rest] still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God's rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall.

Hebrews 4.1-11

Observation

We are called to rest in God regularly--Sabbath rest.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

We live in a world of tired and driven people. If we stop--we might lose--we have to do more and more and more. No time for time off. And then when we take time off--even it is driven to accomplish more and more. How different the world might be if we actually took time to just be in the presence of God--to rest in Him--to find refreshment and renewal in Him.

It is funny--we think we can't "afford" to rest--that we must constantly be going and doing . . . and yet, God when He created the world and everything in it--rested! He set a pattern for us to follow. We were created for a rhythm. Think how much less stress we would have in our lives if we lived the way that God created us to live. But, we don't trust God enough to just stop the craziness and rest. I am so guilty. I give in to the pressures of my "job" and life and expectations and it seems that there is never just time for God and rest. There is always more to do --more to accomplish. But the question is--is it things that God is asking me to do--or the expectations of others/myself??

I must learn how to rest. If I can't do it how can I encourage others to do it? How can I respect those who do it without feeling resentful? God has not called us to a life of craziness--but to a life of peace. It is up to me to draw the boundaries. Am I willing to slow down and listen to God? Am I willing to give God first place in my life--not activity? Today is the time for my first steps in to the arms of God's rest.

Prayer

Father, I am tired. I need to learn to take a Sabbath rest. I need to learn to pull away and spend time with You and just be--not just doing. Help me Lord to be better at drawing my boundaries. Help me to bring joy to You by loving You enough to spend time with You.

Life Journal July 3, 2008
Today's readings: Isaiah 6, 7; 2 Chronicles 26, 27; Philemon

Action

Scripture

And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.

Philemon 6

Observation

Our faith should result in action.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

A good reminder today that I need to always live out my faith--God has given me so much--it is not mine to hold on to, though--it is given to me to give away. So, today I will open my hand and give.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for all the good things I have in Christ. Thank You for being so generous to me. Lord, may I freely give out of what has been freely given to me.

Life Journal July 2, 2008
Today's readings: Isaiah 4, 5; Psalms 115, 116; Jude

Remaining Faithful

Scripture

But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God's Spirit in them.

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love.

And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.

Jude 17-23

Observation

We must always be intentional in our walk.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

It is easy to get sidetracked in our everyday coming and going. . . . and often we don't even realize it. . . . and before long we slip into old sin habits--or begin new ones. And it happens so easily, so naturally that we don't even notice.

To keep from falling away, I have to be intentional everyday at being faithful. I have to keep watch over my words, my actions, my heart. I have to make good choices--not necessarily easy ones.

My human nature is sinful--I have to allow the Holy Spirit to work in my life everyday if I am going to walk the holy path that God has called me to.

Prayer

Father, it is easy to get side-tracked. Please help me to keep my eyes and ears and heart open to the Holy Spirit--so that I am faithful to remain on the path You have put before me. And Lord, if I begin to wander off the path, please take my hand and bring me back to Your path.