Daily Prayer - Seasoning and illumination

Good Friday morning, my friends.

 

Jesus said:

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

 

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)

I love these words, but they are challenging.  Sure, it's easy when I am in church on Sunday mornings.  It's easy when I am in a Bible study.  It's easy when I am praying with my family before a meal (sometimes!).  But what about Monday morning at work?  What about Tuesday evening at the pub with friends?  What about Friday night in front of the television?  Are we "seasoning" those around us or is there a blandness about the way we live such that we don't look any different than our neighbours or co-workers?  Are we "illuminating" the path for someone else or are we hiding in darkness because we are afraid to share the Gospel?

 

To be honest, these questions make me uncomfortable.  That's because I have to then ask if I am practicing what I preach? Truthfully, not enough.  But the Holy Spirit is convicting me of this not to condemn me, but to encourage me.  Being salt and light in this world is a gift from God.  Anytime I have had the opportunity to discuss the Gospel, faith, or the Bible with a friend or neighbour I have come away feeling blessed.  And I want more blessings!

 

Who will you be salt or light for today?

 

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

 

 

Dear Lord, I thank you for your Word which teaches me that I am made in the image of you,

I know am the salt of the earth and I am the light of the world.

 

Help me to continue to be that greater light in such a dark world,

not allowing the tricks of the enemy to deter me from living a Christ-like lifestyle.

 

In Jesus' name.

 

(http://www.faith-hope-love-bible-study.com/shortprayers.html)

Daily Prayer - Vagabonds and Ruffians

Good Tuesday morning, my friends,

 

Jesus told a parable about "outsiders" being privileged to partake in a feast because the invited guests had something better to do (Luke 14:15-24).  Well, my friends, we - you and I - are those outsiders.  Many of the first century Jews rejected the invitation, and so the doors were swung open for us "gentiles".

 

John Fischer wrote recently:

It might be good for us to think of ourselves as outsiders - as uninvited guests who got in on the party only because the invited guests had other things to do. It might be good for us to identify more with prostitutes and sinners than with the religious, lest we too become like the Scribes and Pharisees ("beware the leaven of the Pharisees" Matthew 16:6).

It might be good for us to be eternally grateful for the grace of God that has somehow found us when we are so undeserving. No background. No pedigree. We're like a bunch of mutts who got picked up at the pound one day short of our doom by a generous master who bought up the whole place - adopted us all.

Why do I suggest we think like this? Because it is a necessary to the Gospel of Welcome for us to offer the good news to other undeserving folks like us. If we ever think of ourselves as above anyone, then we are closing someone off to the gospel.

Stay an outsider. Stay a sinner (don't sin, but see yourself as one). Stay grateful. Stay amazed that you got "in." And stay close to the door, so you can welcome in other vagabonds and ruffians like yourself.  (http://catchjohnfischer.wordpress.com/2012/11/15/outsiders/)

I am not sure if I am a vagabond or a ruffian.  Probably the latter.  (The guys I played hockey with would probably attest to that.)  How about you?  Stay amazed.

 

 

Grace and peace and amazement be yours in abundance,

Bruce

 

 

Father, how grateful we are that we live in the time of Your favor. 

 

You favor us with Your goodness, love, and provisions. 

 

But most of all You favor us with redemption through the precious blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. 

 

Jesus paid the price and we are recipients of His love and forgiveness. 

 

We give thanks for our salvation and we pray for anyone who has not made that divine appointment with You to make this the day of their salvation, for now is the time of Your favor and now is the day of their salvation. 

 

Amen.

 

(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2009/03/31/a-prayer-of-thanks-for-salvation/)

 

Daily Prayer - All is not as it appears

Good Monday morning, my friends.

 

Do you sometimes (or often) look around you at this world and think that the enemy is winning?  The destruction of family values, proliferation of pornography, statistics of youth leaving the church, and on and on.  It is easy to believe that Satan is growing in power but it is not true.  When Jesus established His church He promised that the "gates of hell would not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18).  So take heart.  Regardless of how things appear, God is in control, and is using everything "for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28).

 

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours,

Bruce

 

 

Father, there is much that troubles us these days as evildoing changes our landscape and our personal lives.

 

It grows distrust in our hearts toward others and at times distrust in our heart toward the way You deal with these matters.

 

We believe Your power is far greater than the enemy and yet the enemy is flourishing.

 

Bring us into the secret place where Your Spirit reveals to us that which the world cannot give or take away.

 

Help us to come to the place where we too can speak the words of Asaph after meeting with You, "Whom have I in heaven but You, and besides You there is nothing I desire." (Psalm 73:25)

 

It is through the name of Jesus that we come to You in prayer and commit these matters to You.

 

Amen.

 

(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2012/11/23/a-prayer-for-the-secret-place/)

Daily Prayer - Wake up!

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

 

I was listening to a Francis Chan sermon podcast on my way to work this morning and was challenged by this question:

"Which would you say is worse: a church with poor Biblical teaching and a poor record of Christian service OR a church with strong Biblical teaching and a poor record of Christian service?"

Pause and re-read that.

 

Think of it in this context: "But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48)

 

I don't know about you, but I hear and read a LOT of sound, Biblical teaching.  I have been given MUCH.  Chances are that you, like I, attend a church that teaches from and about the Bible.  And people are attracted to that, to the Truth.  Are there a lot of people in your church?  There sure are in mine.  Does your church have a great reputation?  Mine does.  But so did the church in Sardis when Jesus said these words:

"To the angel of the church in Sardis write:

 

These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you."

Sardis has been called the "Zombie Church" - the church of the living dead.  Do you suddenly feel hungry for brains?  It may be a sign that you belong to a "Sardis" church!

 

But I digress.  It is easy, oh so easy, to be convicted by these words and then just shrug and walk away.  But remember the words of James 1:23-25 "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do."  Can you remember what you look like?

 

Like I said, I was challenged by the question.  And my response is to challenge you.  Do you, and your church, need to wake up?

 

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

 

 

Heavenly Father,

 

We pray that the church would be alive, not only in reputation but in reality.

 

We pray that the congregation would become stronger in their faith.

 

We pray that the people in the congregation would continue in good works.

 

We pray that the church would repent of its sin.

 

We pray that the people in the church would be characterized by purity.

 

We pray that the church would be alive in You!

 

We pray this in Jesus name.  Amen.

(adapted from http://www.christiancruz.com/index.php/resources/how_to_pray_for_churches)

 

Daily Prayer - To be overtaken with wisdom

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

 

Do you need help making a decision today?  Are you looking for the right words to use when approaching that person?  Are you seeking wisdom?  James 1:5 says: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

 

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding (Proverbs 4:7)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

 

 

Dear Lord, I pray today that I'm overtaken with wisdom.

 

I pray that I stand on your word as I make my daily decisions on today.

 

Guide my thoughts and words and help me to be conscious of what I stand for as a child of God.

 

I pray that your words which I have in my heart be made available when I am face any difficult situation, so that you may get the glory from my life.

 

In Jesus' name.

 

(http://www.faith-hope-love-bible-study.com/shortprayers.html)

Daily Prayer - Stay fertile!

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.

 

Here is an observation.  Figuratively speaking there are three places we can be in "the Church":

• We can be snuggled deep in the centre, surrounded only by people who have been here a long time, have a strong commitment to God, and a deep knowledge of His word.
• We can be near the door, welcoming newcomers, enjoying their marvel at being allowed in, and being constantly reminded that only through God's grace are we part of this wonderful body.
• We can be outside the door, inviting others in, enduring the battering of a society that rejects us as irrelevant, withstanding rejection and ridicule, and being tempted away from the door by the riches of this world.

I believe we need to spend time at all three stations, regularly moving from one to the other. 

 

We can rest at the centre, growing in our own faith and knowledge. 

We can rejoice near the entrance as we see others coming in, shaking off the cold, and warming to the love of God's people. 

And we can truly do His work by standing outside, proclaiming the peace that comes with salvation.

 

What we mustn't do is stay in any one place.  Consider it God's method of "crop rotation" to keep your soil fertile and productive.  (I know, my rural roots are showing.)

 

"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear." (Matthew 13:3b-9)

 

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance!

Bruce

 

 

God our Father,
you conquer the darkness of ignorance
by the light of your Word.

 

Strengthen within our hearts
the faith you have given us;
let not temptation ever quench the fire
that your love has kindled within us.

 

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

 

AMEN

 

(http://www.cathedralofsaintmatthew.com/LifeResources/Prayers/PrayersForFaith.htm)

Daily Prayers - Be free

Good Friday morning, my friends.

 

I just want to add a quick note to yesterday's message about God's rules.  He gives us rules not to restrict our freedom but to keep us free.  Keep us free from bondage.  And for those of us in the remedial class, to free us from bondage.  Anyone who has had this experience of being set free may understand this just a little better.  For those who haven't had to - consider yourself greatly blessed!

 

Stay free, my friends.

 

 

Grace and peace and freedom be yours,

Bruce

 

Father, my freedom is in You alone.

 

I did not understand what made me free, nor what my freedom is, nor where to look to find it. 
Father, I have searched in vain until I heard Your Voice directing me. 
Now I would guide myself no more. 
For I have neither made nor understood the way to find my freedom. 
But I trust in You. 
You Who endowed me with my freedom as Your holy Son will not be lost to me. 
Your Voice directs me, and the way to You is opening and clear to me at last. 

 

Father, my freedom is in You alone. 

 

Father, it is my will that I return.

 

(http://www.miracleprayers.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=32&Itemid=56)

Daily Prayer - Rules or Relationship?

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

 

Religion is about keeping rules. Do this, don't do that, blah blah blah.  And if we do a good job keeping the rules we get into heaven.  And if we don't?  Well, there is a place for that too.

 

This is the concept of God that I grew up with, and frankly it has been hard to shake off.  Maybe you can relate.  But it is not the God of the Bible.

 

Did God give us rules?  Absolutely.  Are they there simply to restrict us?  No.  They are there because He loves us and wants to protect us.  Look at it this way, if you have a dog, do you fence in the back yard just to restrict Fido?  Or is it to protect him from getting lost or worse, hit by a car?  And if Fido should happen to get out of the yard and take off do you write him off and say, "Oh well, I guess he's gone"?  No! You go looking for him, just like God pursues us when we stray.

 

God invites us into a relationship with Him that is not predicated on us keeping the rules.  But once we have accepted the invitation and entered into that relationship we obey because of gratitude and because the rules were created in love.

 

Rules are good.  Relationship is better.

 

 

Grace ane peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

 

 

Lord Jesus it's Your plan that I live a full, balanced life.

 

As I long for more of You in my life I realize I need to trust You more.

 

I pray for unshakable faith in Your promises to me.

 

I pray for a deeper relationship with You.

 

Help me to learn Your Word and how to apply it to my life.

 

Help me to let go of childish behaviors as I grow to know You more.

 

I invite You to use me as a vessel of Your love and grace to those around me.

 

Thank you for accepting me Jesus. Amen

 

(http://www.theverseoftheday.info/prayers-for-today/15/)

Daily Prayer - Two for a penny

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

 

It has been a while since I shared some of John Fischer's writing with you.  Below is yesterday's Catch of the Day from the "Fischtank".  As you read this let God's view of your worth override your own view of yourself. 

Two for a penny

 

by John Fischer 
 
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" (Matt. 10:29-31).

 

Three things strike me about these simple, beautiful words of Christ.

 

First: His will encompasses everything in my life. If God wills to allow the death plunge of an innocent sparrow and can somehow incorporate that tragic event into His total plan for the world, then He certainly must be doing the same with the apparent tragedies that occur in my life. Limiting God's will to what is good for me (from my finite perspective) is to rob Him of His sovereignty over all things.

 

Second: God is involved with us even in the minutest details of life. The hairs of my head . . . numbered? Really! I can just imagine God saying, "Hold still; I'm counting - 12,534 . . .12,535 . . ." (Except that in my case, it would be - 543. . . whoops... 542. . .!) If God knows how many hairs are in my head, is there anything about me that could possibly escape his knowledge?

 

Third: God not only knows us, but He assigns us the highest value in spite of knowing us completely. "You are worth more than many sparrows." My perception of this concept went through a wonderful metamorphosis as I meditated upon it. At first I wasn't very impressed. How many sparrows am I worth! Fifty? A hundred? At least a thousand, I hope! And then it hit me. Sparrows may not be very important to me, but they are very important to God. He conceived of them in His mind and created them with great care. He fashioned them with perfect aerodynamics and set them soaring in the sky. He taught them how to gather food, to reproduce, and care for their young; and when one flies unwittingly into the invisible trap of my plate-glass window and falls lifelessly to the ground - He knows. Suddenly the worth of sparrows shot up - and so did mine, and with it, the value of every person on the face of this earth.

 

You and I are the creatures He prizes above the rest of His creation. We are made in His image and He sacrificed His Son that each one of us might be one with Him. Sparrows are sold at two for a penny; we were bought for a much higher price. So don't be afraid: nothing escapes His notice.
 
John Fischer
Fischtank.com

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

 

Gracious and merciful Father, through your holy Word we see how you care for all people and how your love and mercy extend to everyone. 

 

Forgive us when we doubt your care. 

 

Remind us daily that if not even a sparrow falls to the ground without your knowledge, how much more you pay attention to our lives and us. 

 

Help us to see that there is never a time when you are not watching over us and comfort us with the knowledge that because of Jesus' death and resurrection, we are truly the objects of your love. 

 

In Jesus' name.  Amen.

 

(http://fhpministries.org/devotion-and-prayer-for-week-of-october-28-2012/)

Daily Prayer - Bear fruit

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.

 

As I may have mentioned before, I have a list of words on a piece of paper over my desk.  They read:

 

Love

Joy

Peace

Patience

Kindness

Goodness

Faithfulness

Gentleness

Self-control

 

You may recognize these as Paul's list of the "Fruit of the Spirit" from Galatians 5.

 

More than once I have looked at this list and thought something like "I am doing pretty well with love, kindness, and gentleness; OK with joy, peace, goodness and faithfulness; but suck at patience and self-control".  Then I resolve to do better at the ones in that latter list.  Ever do that?

 

We tend to look at this as a to-do list.  But producing this fruit is not something we do, but rather something that God does in and through us.  We cannot attain any of these by effort, but only by abiding in Christ.  Jesus said: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5).

 

So we must stop trying to bear fruit, but rather walk in step with the Holy Spirit and God will produce an orchard of fruit. 

 

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Bruce

 

 

Holy and loving Father,

May we seek to walk in step with your Spirit today.

And in doing so may we allow You to produce abundant fruit in our lives.

 

In the wonderful name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

Daily Prayer - Dive in

Good Friday afternoon, my friends.

The prayer below is one I would not have shared with you even a short time ago.  I say that because it would not have resonated with me - I had not experienced the type of relationship with God that it conveys.  And even now I am only sticking my toe in the water of the love my Father has for me.  I share this because I want you to know that if you "aren't feeling the love", take heart.  Continue to pursue God.  Ask.  Seek. Knock.  Open the door and Christ will come in, sit, and eat with you (Revelation 3:20).  And if you are already in the deep end of God's love, you know the water is fine!

 

 

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

 

 

Father, the accolades, merits, relationships and physical treasures I've accumulated in this life are but rubbish when compared to the all surpassing gift of knowing You, receiving Your forgiveness, and experiencing Your redemptive love.

 

Because I am risen with Christ I want to place my affections on things above rather than things on this earth where I am so easily distracted from  that which really matters and draws me closer to Your throne.

 

To know You, Father, is to know unfathomable peace and joy beyond measure.

 

I thank You through Christ Jesus my Lord.

 

Amen.

 

(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/)

Daily Prayer - Freedom

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

 

This week I have been listening to a sermons series on Paul's letter to the church in Rome.  There are four sermons in this series by Andy Stanley, called "Free", and I have heard three so far. 

 

If you can relate to this passage of scripture, then these messages are for you:

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.  For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. (Romans 7:15, 18b-19)

If you have ever read it you will know that Romans can be a bit of a struggle.  And these sermons are no different.  I have been listening to each one twice before moving on to the next, and I highly recommend this approach.  But trust me - they are absolutely worth the effort.  The first one is probably the most challenging - don't let it discourage you - persevere!

 

You can find videos of the sermons here, or download the mp3 podcasts here:  Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.

 

I hope you can find time to work through these and receive the promise of having life and having it to the full (John 10:10).

 

Grace and peace and freedom be yours in abundance,
Bruce

 

All-powerful and ever-living God,
at morning, noon and evening we pray:
cast out from our hearts the darkness of sin
and bring us to the light of your truth.

 

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

 

AMEN

 

(http://www.cathedralofsaintmatthew.com/LifeResources/Prayers/PrayersForSin.htm)

Daily Prayer - Can't get no .... Satisfaction!

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.

 

Do you long for a soul filled with peace?  With satisfaction?

 

Me too.  Join me in lifting this prayer today.

 

 

Amazing Grace and Eternal Satisfaction be yours!

Bruce

 

Lord, the world does not give my soul peace of mind:
I have wasted my money on that which does not feed my soul.
I have labored for that which does not satisfy.
I am never satisfied with my possessions.
My love of money is not satisfied with gain.
Nothing else satisfies me but you.

Lord, I hunger and thirst for righteousness: Please satisfy my soul's yearning.
You satisfy the one who is thirsty,
and the hungry you fill with good things.
You open your hand and satisfy every living thing.
You give power to the faint.
If I wait upon you, you will renew my strength.
I shall mount up with wings like an eagle.
I shall run and not be weary.
I shall walk and not faint.

O God, I seek you; my souls thirsts for you,
as in a dry and weary land where no water is.
My soul clings to you,
for your right hand upholds me.
As a deer longs for flowing streams,
so longs my soul for you, 0 God.
My soul thirsts for you, for the living God.

When shall I come and behold the face of God?
Then I will be satisfied.

 

(http://joelstephenwilliams.com/PrayerContentment.htm)

Daily Prayer - Muttering ...

Good Monday morning, my friends.

 

This morning I have a question for you.  Is anyone muttering about the people you hang out with? 

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." (Luke 15:1-2).

Are you hanging around with the sick who need a doctor?  Or are you, like I do here each week day, just preaching to the choir, those who have already accepted the unsurpassed gifts of redemption and salvation?  (Don't get me wrong - you are a wonderful choir and I love you dearly!)

 

And this isn't about the muttering - for that smacks of self-righteousness, but rather about who we are spending time with, sharing the Gospel.  Maybe, just maybe, we need to spend a little more time with "tax collectors and sinners".  And let the mutterers mutter.

 

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance!

Bruce

 

 

Lord Jesus, I praise you for making me a part of your broken-yet-beloved bride; for calling me, healing me, saving me. I have no problem acknowledging my sickness and receiving your remedy, for there's no greater friend of sinners than you. Thank you for eating and drinking, reclining and dining, fellowshipping and communing with the likes of me.

 

O that this welcoming gospel would taken hold more deeply in our churches; O that we would be criticized by Pharisees and "older brothers" (Luke 15) for all the sick people, broken sinners, and cultural misfits who gathered there. May we grieve when your welcoming heart is not extended in our churches, as you intend and the gospel commends. We're not "used-to-be-sinners"; we're those who still need your grace and mercy every single day. Never let us forget this, Lord.

 

Oh, to be more like Levi—to be so impacted by your love, Lord Jesus, that I'm constantly throwing mini-banquets for friends and "outsiders". Turn my lunch appointments into a threesome, with you and a friend. Turn my family gatherings into occasions where you're always filling the empty seat. Make this concave heart of mine much more convex, much more friendly to outsiders, much more like yours, Jesus; much more accommodating, unrushed and joyful. So very Amen I pray, in your merciful and mighty name.

 

Scotty Smith, Founding Pastor, Christ Community Church, Franklin, TN

 

(http://christcommunity.org/NewsResources/Blogs/tabid/93/ID/3382/A-Prayer-for-Eating-and-Drinking-with-Tax-Collectors-and-Sinners.aspx)

Daily Prayer - Worry vs. Peace

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

 

Yesterday's message on malcontentedness only speaks of part of the problem - current circumstances and situations.  How about anxiety about what could happen - the "what if's"?  What if I lose my job?  What if I can never find a job?  What if my husband gets cancer?  What if my child gets hurt? Do you sometimes (or often or always) lay awake at night paralyzed by fear of the future?  I know I do.  Jesus cautions us against this.  He said "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."  (Matthew 6:34).  Just like borrowing money steals our future earnings, worry about tomorrow steals our current joy.

 

Yesterday I quoted Paul's litany of the trials he had endured and yet was still able to be content in all circumstances.  Paul says this in his letter to the church at Philippi:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9)

In addition to the litany of the trials Paul had endured (as I quoted yesterday) he was in chains in a Roman prison when he wrote that.  Rejoice? Do not be anxious about anything?  The key to Paul's contentedness, I believe, is the phrase "with thanksgiving".  If we look at all that God has done for us in the past, and at the hope He has given us: a future of eternity with Christ in heaven, we cannot help but be thankful for our current circumstances and have confidence that nothing that comes at us in the future will be more than light and momentary troubles (2 Corinthians 4:17).  Focus on the true, the noble, the right, the pure, the lovely, the admirable, and not on the worst case scenario.  And a peace that cannot be defined will be yours.

 

 

Grace and a peaceful sleep be yours,

Bruce

 

Father, I'm praying that I and my friends will be free from worry...

 

Help us not worry when things don't go the way we expect. Jesus said we're not to fret, not to worry, not to let our hearts be troubled or afraid. He said we're to trust in You— and also in Him. May it be so in our lives and ministry, no matter how impossible things seem. (John 14:1, 27b)

 

Keep us from worrying about tomorrow, for each day has enough trouble of its own. When such trouble comes, help us to cast all our anxiety on Christ because He cares for us. (Matthew 6:34; 1 Peter 5:7)

 

Help us not to be anxious about anything but to pray about everything with thanksgiving—for when we do, You'll give us Your peace that surpasses our understanding, and such peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7)

 

Keep our minds steadfast in trusting You, and give us Your perfect peace. May we turn to the Lord of Peace who will give us peace at all times, in every way. (Isaiah 26:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:16)

 

Help us leave every worry at Your feet where it belongs.

 

In Jesus' name, amen.

 

(http://www.beliefnet.com/Prayers/Catholic/Comfort/To-Be-Free-From-Worry.aspx)

Daily Prayer - Contentment

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

 

In thanking the church in Philippi for their gifts, Paul says "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11b-13).  Well, we can't say "easy for you to say, Paul.  How hard could it be to start churches in the first century Roman world?"  Check out what he went through:

I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? (2 Corinthians 11:23b-29)

Content in all circumstances.  This one hits home for me.  Little things can set me off - a minor, unexpected change in schedule; a missing tool; a mess created by dropping a dish; breaking an important piece in something I am assembling; having to wait for anything (or anyone)!  These things can change my mood in an instant and I am anything but content.  You probably have a list too.  And what about the bigger things: loss of a job; the end of a marriage; a child making very wrong decisions; expecting to win a contract or receive a promotion, but not getting it; a serious illness or injury.  How do we react in those situations?

 

Personally, I need to learn to pause in that moment before I react to the issue at hand.  I need to turn, as Paul did, and focus on "him who gives me strength", on God.  If I can look at my circumstances through the lens of faith and eternity, then my point of view changes completely.  I am given strength to control my frustration/anger/grief and realize that God is bigger than this situation.  He has a plan that is good and will prevail. 

 

Pray that I can live out this lesson and I will pray the same for you.

 

"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope." Psalm 130:5

 

Grace and peace and contentment be yours in abundance!
Bruce

 

 

Thank You, Lord, for those seasons of waiting through which You reveal Your grace and immeasurable love for us.

 

Help us remember Your sovereign goodness, depend on Your faithfulness of character, and rejoice in Your constant presence.

 

When waiting is hard, remind us that You're never late.

 

When waiting is wearing us out, show us if we're trying to do things in our own strength instead of allowing You to empower and equip us.

 

When waiting is lonely, give us courage to be still as You brush burdens off our shoulders and into Your capable hand.

 

Keep our eyes on the glory of the cross when the wait seems endless.

 

Bless us with peace and contentment that reflects our hope in You, not our circumstances.

 

Thank You for loving us too much to rush Your perfect plan for our lives.

 

You alone are worthy of our praise, Abba.

 

We trust You.

 

In Jesus' name, Amen

 

(http://inspirewriters.com/?p=4324)

 

 

Daily Prayer - Stumbling because of Jesus?

Good Monday morning, my friends.

Last week I listened to a podcast sermon on Matthew 11:2-11.  Yesterday, our pastor spoke on the same passage.  When God repeats a message to me, I have learned (am learning?) to pay attention.  This is the passage:

When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"

Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me."

As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:

"'I will send my messenger ahead of you,

    who will prepare your way before you.'

Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

So here is John the Baptist, rotting in Herod's prison, waiting for Jesus to do something to get him out.  He even begins to doubt if Jesus is "the One" and even sends some of his followers to say "Hey Cousin - remember me?  Can I get a little help here?  You are God, right?  Right???"  Jesus does not chide John for his doubts, and instead sends him a wonderful, loving response.  But at the end of that response is a very curious message:  "Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me." Stumble "on account" of Jesus?  Seriously?  Who would do that?  Well, I could (and have).  And so could you.  When Jesus doesn't do anything to end what we see as unjust suffering, or doesn't meet our expectations of what He "should" be, we start to doubt Him.  Just like John did.  But like John we need to alter our perception and expectations of Jesus.  We need to recognize that our character is the ONLY thing that we will take from this life into the next and that building character can be a long painful process.  Just like when we tell our children (or were told by our parents) when there is task at hand they (or we) don't want to do - "It builds character".

Good luck with your construction project.  Just remember to follow the Architect's design ...

Grace and peace be yours in abundance!

Bruce

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, 

because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 

perseverance, character; 

and character, hope. 

And hope does not put us to shame, 

because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, 

who has been given to us.

(Romans 5:3-5)

Daily Prayer - Hungry?

Good Friday morning, my friends.

 

Pray today for a greater hunger for God's Word.  Pray that the Bread of Heaven will feed and satisfy that hunger.

 

Have a wonderful weekend.

 

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance!

Bruce

 

 

Father, in the same way that we grow hungry before mealtime, stir up a hunger within us for the spiritual food You provide through the living Word of God.  

 

You are the Bread of Life who provides physically and spiritually for our daily needs.  

 

Following a hearty meal we often linger around the dinner table considering the tastiness of our meal.  

 

When we "taste and see that the Lord is good" we want to linger in Your presence and consider Your goodness, offering praise to You for all that You are and all that You provide for us.  

 

Bread of Heaven feed us until we are truly satisfied and filled with all the good things that come from You.  

 

In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2012/10/16/a-prayer-for-daily-bread/)

 

Daily Prayer - God, have mercy on me, a sinner

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

 

Do you ever have a period of time where things are going well - you haven't recently slipped back into that sinful habit; you are regularly spending time reading your Bible; you are taking part in a Bible study; and you are singing songs of worship in your head?  Don't you just feel in those times that God really hears your prayers?  

 

And then there are times where you "backslide"; where the old temptations are too difficult to resist; where you don't pick up your Bible from one week to the next; and some old Cher song is the only thing stuck in your head? You can't even bring yourself to pray because you know God is not listening to you.

 

With that in mind, read this familiar parable told by Jesus:

 

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

 

"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

 

"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Luke 18:9-14)

 

Consider this Pharisee: He doesn't steal from his employer.  He doesn't cheat on his wife.  He fasts twice a week (when the law only required it once a year!).  He gives generously to his "church".  He is the guy you want to go to lunch with or have in your Bible study group!  And the despised tax collector does not so much as say he is sorry for all of the people he has ripped off, all of the money he has stolen for Rome, for being a traitor to his country.  He can't even lift his eyes.

 

I fall into the "Pharisee trap" all the time.  I get really proud of my humility.  But God isn't impressed one iota with my outward behaviour, with my "religion".  He is only concerned with where my heart is when I come to Him.  I have to remember to truly humble myself before entering His presence and to remember that nothing I have done has contributed to my salvation.

 

Conversely, if I (or you) are in that place where you don't feel you are "clean" enough to come to God, then we need to think again. We need to pray "God, have mercy on me, a sinner."  And allow His forgiveness, His righteousness, to wash over us.

 

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

 

 

Have mercy upon me, O God,

According to your loving kindness;

According to the multitude

of Your tender mercies,

Blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

And cleanse me from my sin.

 

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me to hear joy and gladness,

That the bones you have broken may rejoice.

Hide Your face from my sins,

And blot out all my iniquities.

 

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from Your presence,

And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

 

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,

And sinners shall be converted to You.

(Psalm 51:1-2,7-13)