5.1.16
1 Thessalonians 1:2 MSG
Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day
and night you’re in our prayers ….
You’re IN my
prayers. That’s often what I write when
I send a picture of my prayers to someone letting them know that I am praying
for them. To daily write the name is a
physical action of thanks and intercession.
Thank you for this person in my life, God, and please act on their
behalf.
I am
surrounded by the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains this week. It is spring and wildflowers are blooming,
trees are budding out, and the hills are awakening from the winter sleep. Into these images I will place my prayers…day
and night.
Ever listening God…. I know you acknowledge every name and
situation I draw. Amen.
Can flowers be
messengers of God? Can sunsets or
sunrises? Or quiet forests with the wind
gently blowing ripples in the branches soft with new growth? Has God sent out messengers that we often
fail to recognize, delivering the good news of an interwoven creation
community?
God wants change on the
inside, from the heart. Not just outer
appearances or the side we show to the world.
We can’t put on our Sunday clothes and suddenly ‘become Christian’. The love of Christ is an inner change, an
approach change, an attitude change – a change from self to service.
What is amazing to me about this verse
is that it is from the Old Testament! It
sounds so much like the words of Christ!
Be transformed with newness – heart, spirit! A clean break from the old ways that limited
our ability to fully live, to fully love.
Once for All. That is the
phrase on one of our banners at church during Lent. Christ’s one sacrifice takes care of it
ALL. Does this mean we can just forget
about it? We can do whatever we want
knowing we are forgiven by the grace of God?
No. It means we can live without
the fear of reprisal or retribution. But
we will all sin – most of us sin in the more subtle ways of relationships,
apathy, or selfishness. But we are
forgiven and given the fresh slate to try, try, try again. Just Christians? Not in my book. God’s grace extends to the whole world.
Everyone, regardless of belief.
Once for ALL.
5.2.16 Romans 10:15 GNT
And how can the message be proclaimed
if the messengers are not sent out? As the scripture says, “How wonderful is
the coming of messengers who bring good news!”
Can flowers be
messengers of God? Can sunsets or
sunrises? Or quiet forests with the wind
gently blowing ripples in the branches soft with new growth? Has God sent out messengers that we often
fail to recognize, delivering the good news of an interwoven creation
community?
These iris
grew wild around the base of a mighty tree, their intricate petals so clearly
revealing the nature of a loving God. I
couldn’t help but turn them into a prayer.
Subtle God… may I heed the silent and hidden messengers sent
to remind us of your love. Amen.
5.3.16 2 Peter 3:9 MSG
With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness.
 |
| I have seen these blossoms lying on the trails and wondered what they were. Finally at Hamilton gardens we confirmed a tulip poplar blossom - we found leaf and flower connected! And then I looked up and saw hundreds of blossoms on the tree branch tips. Beautiful! |
God-time is the
term I usually use. In God-time, it will
happen. Not our time frame, not on our schedule or convenience. God-time.
You can’t rush God-time, nor can you place human expectations on
it. God-time is interwoven in a delicate
and intricate fabric of universal time.
Everything has to come together perfectly for that which God intends to
happen, to happen. And then….you always
have a measure of human choice in the option to throw the balance off. But trust, that in God-time, God WILL act.
Timeless God …. May I
be patient and work under the ticking of YOUR clock, not mine. Amen.
5.4.16 Luke 3:8 MSG
It’s your life that
must change, not your skin.
The skin is easy. On a daily basis, though, changing the heart
is much more difficult. We all do well
on occasion, but to have the mindset of Christ ALL THE TIME is much, much
harder.
My mind is wandering
(much like the road did!) to the Blue Ridge Parkway yesterday. It is in a transformation stage this time of
year, the ‘skin’ of winter past, but the blooming of spring still to come. The early morning mists of fog and clouds reveal glimpses of far-reaching views in an ever-changing panorama. A few azaleas already dot the roadside, but
the magnificence of the rhododendron eruption lies in buds, not blooms. The road winds through hills, and then
seemingly sheds the ‘skin’ of the low places, to emerge high on a ridge top
overlooking miles of wonder, acres of God’s glory. Each turn, each tunnel, each overlook speaks
of change and transformation.
God of transformation … Keep me ever shedding the skin
of selfishness to a heart of love. Amen.
5.5.16 Ezekiel 18:31-32 MSG
Get a
new heart! A new spirit! …. Make a clean
break! Live!
What is amazing to me about this verse
is that it is from the Old Testament! It
sounds so much like the words of Christ!
Be transformed with newness – heart, spirit! A clean break from the old ways that limited
our ability to fully live, to fully love.
I like the phrase ‘make a clean break!’ For that is what we must do in order to let
the full measure of God seep into our hearts, our souls, and our lives. We have to throw away old relationships that
pulled us down, throw away old ways of doing things. When we fully live, we can fully love….everyone.
Regardless of who or what they might be or have done. We are free to love like Christ.
God of
renewal …. Help me fully live, to fully love.
Amen.
5.6.16 1 John 2:2 MSG
When he served as a sacrifice for our sins, he
solved the sin problem for good—not only ours, but the whole world’s.
Once for All. That is the
phrase on one of our banners at church during Lent. Christ’s one sacrifice takes care of it
ALL. Does this mean we can just forget
about it? We can do whatever we want
knowing we are forgiven by the grace of God?
No. It means we can live without
the fear of reprisal or retribution. But
we will all sin – most of us sin in the more subtle ways of relationships,
apathy, or selfishness. But we are
forgiven and given the fresh slate to try, try, try again. Just Christians? Not in my book. God’s grace extends to the whole world.
Everyone, regardless of belief.
Once for ALL.
We
visited Dry Falls yesterday in southeastern North Carolina. A torrent of water poured over the rocky
shelf, washing clean away everything. We
were able to walk behind the falls. I
like to think this is the manner of grace and sin… we can dance all around
various sins, but God is in the business of forgiveness, renewal, and
cleansing. God’s water of grace is
powerful.
Forgiving God…. wash me clean. Amen.
O my soul,
bless God,
don’t forget a single blessing!
I am thankful this day for my
mothers. Mom Mac is 96, living
independently and an inspiration and role model. Mom Doris has called me daughter since the
day we met! On this Mother’s Day, I am
so grateful to still have them both in my life.
I am thankful for a strong marriage and a rock solid husband. I am thankful for a web of family that doesn’t
smother but nurtures. I praise God for
two sons of whom I am proud….men who walk their own walk but are always there
for each other.
Listen everyone!
Our God deserves our thanks and praise!
We are driving home. We left yesterday afternoon suddenly after weather forecasts indicated we needed to skirt a major storm to the north. I will spend the day driving and watching the
miles speed by. I may not have many
opportunities to spread the message of God to others. What small actions might I take in gas
stations, mini-marts, or restaurants to let at least ONE person know for who and
for what I stand? How many opportunities
to carry the message?
5.7.16 Psalm 103:2-3 MSG
O my soul,
bless God,don’t forget a single blessing!
What a great day to talk
about blessings! We are blessed with
loving family, friends who traveled long distances to help Matt and Kristen
celebrate. We are going to be blessed
with mild but warm temperatures and sunshine after a week of rain. We are blessed with the bountiful beauty of
spring in the hills – blooming trees and bushes. We are blessed with the promise of love – for
one another and for a loving God.
This was a perfect scripture for today
as Kristen’s grandfather delivered a beautiful blessing at dinner for many of
the same things, recounting all the gifts God had bestowed upon the group
gathered.
Thank
you, God, for all your blessings.
5.8.16 Psalm 108:3 GNT
I will thank you, O Lord, among the nations.
I will praise you among the peoples.
I will praise you among the peoples.
What should follow a day of blessings
but thankfulness and gratitude - Publicly stated ‘among the peoples’! We need to acknowledge before others WHO we
give our thanks to!
 |
| A composite of the azalea pond and the cellar building at the wedding ceremony site. |
I praise God for the miracle of nature
and the beauty that lies therein; for the renewal of spring and the reminder of
the promises behind death and rebirth. I
thank you, Lord, for the strength of relationships and our faith family. I am grateful for the mini-miracles that
happen every day in so many ways – reminders of God’s presence.
5.9.16 1 Thessalonians 1:8 MSG
The news of your faith in God is out. We don’t
even have to say anything anymore—you’re the message!
I am the message. What I say.
What I do. That is empowering,
but also a bit frightening. It is a big
responsibility to be the carrier of THE Message.
We are driving home. We left yesterday afternoon suddenly after weather forecasts indicated we needed to skirt a major storm to the north. I will spend the day driving and watching the
miles speed by. I may not have many
opportunities to spread the message of God to others. What small actions might I take in gas
stations, mini-marts, or restaurants to let at least ONE person know for who and
for what I stand? How many opportunities
to carry the message?
5.10.16 2 Timothy 3:16 MSG
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and
useful one way or another.
I am finding this verse
very applicable as I wander the country and daily reflect on a single verse or
two. Usually I can find God speaking to
me in my current circumstance or situation.
The problem with single verse Scripture,
however, is when we USE it to prove OUR point, not God’s. When we take the intent of the scripture out
and verbally spar with just the words.
Every part is God-breathed, but also Christ-seeped with love for one
another. And those verses are always
useful!
5.11.16 Proverbs 21:29 MSG
Unscrupulous people fake
it a lot;
honest people are sure of their steps.
honest people are sure of their steps.
If you
always speak the truth, you don’t have to worry about covering up or
remembering your ‘story’. The truth
wins; the truth frees us.
5.12.16 2 Thessalonians 3:1 GNT
Pray also that God will rescue us from wicked and
evil people; for not everyone believes the message.
5.13.16 Psalm 141:3 GNT
Lord, place a guard at my mouth,
a sentry at the door of my lips.
a sentry at the door of my lips.
5.14.16 Psalm 141:4
Don’t let me so much as
dream of evil
or thoughtlessly fall into bad company.
or thoughtlessly fall into bad company.
We are back to
the adage that we are our thoughts; we are our company. But I am always taken back on the second half
to the model Jesus gave us. You can’t share the good news or nurture the
downtrodden, the ‘bad company’ by staying safe within your circle of ‘nice
friends’ or those who think just like you do.
By having a firm foundation on our faith and trust in God, we have the
strength to go out among the unbelievers and remain strong in our own
faith.
Once again,
easy to say, so hard to live into.
Lord of all….give me the strength to proclaim YOU as I move
and work among those who are different.
5.15.16 Acts 1:8
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes
on you. And you will be My witnesses….
Today
is Pentecost, the one day of the
Christian year when we will focus on the third leg of the Trinity: the Holy
Spirit. We could see Jesus, we
understand a Creator God, but do we really
understand the power and nature of the Spirit?
Is it wind? Is it tongues? How can we SEE it?
I
like to think of the Holy Spirit as the link between God and Christ that allows
us a way into the Trinity, a path into a piece of God. We have a Loving-Creator-Parent God, a
Living-Example Christ, and a Spirit-Presence-God-In-Us Guide that forms our
relationship and faith. The Holy Spirit
puts a piece of God and Christ into us that allows us to put God and Christ
into our world. Then we can become the
witnesses to God we are called to be.
God of the Spirit…..Blow anew each day that I
might witness your holiness to my world.
Amen.
5.16.16 Proverbs 3:27 MSG
5.16.16 Proverbs 3:27 MSG
Never
walk away from someone who deserves help;
your hand is God’s hand for that person.
your hand is God’s hand for that person.
We are the
hands and feet of God. We are God at
work in the world. When we ask God to DO
SOMETHING, God is going to turn it right around and say, ‘Yes, YOU do something
– with my power!’ When we think we don’t
have the skills or the influence, we are doubting that power of God. Never walk away from those who need help or
we are walking away from God.
Caring God….may my hands be your hands, my actions your
actions. Amen.
If a person owns the kinds of things we need to
make it in the world but refuses to share with those in need, is it even
possible that God’s love lives in him?
5.17.16 1 John 3:17 VOICE
If a person owns the kinds of things we need to
make it in the world but refuses to share with those in need, is it even
possible that God’s love lives in him?
I am seeing a
theme here for a few days of compassion for those who are in need. It might be a physical need, an emotional
need, or a spiritual need, but those of us with abundance cannot claim a love
for God when we turn our backs on those needs.
Obviously I should share my material possessions freely, but I can also
share hope, joy, and inspiration to those around me. But it is hard for one
suffering to hear words of hope when they are cold or hungry. The physical needs must be met.
I own ‘the
kinds of things necessary to make it in this world’. How well am I sharing? Can I truly claim God-love in my heart?
God of
compassion…live in my heart that I might freely share my abundance. Amen.
This is a
powerful piece of scripture. Woe to
those who legislate evil or mandate wickedness or legalize oppression, denying
justice to the very ones who need it most!
You can read through the varying translations here and none of them
mince words – this is WRONG! But wait….I’m
not a law-maker or in politics, so I can’t be guilty. Wrong again.
Everytime I support or vote for someone who legislates for the rich and
ignores the poor, I am guilty. Our
congressmen are doubly guilty when they enact laws that benefit ONLY themselves
and neglect
5.18.16 Isaiah 10:1-2 MSG
Doom
to you who legislate evil, who make laws that make
victims—
Laws
that make misery for the poor, that rob my destitute people of
dignity….
the oppressed. What is
my responsibility in this? How can I
stand up in my community and advocate for the rights of all?
With that
said, I just googled our county’s election results. To be informed is a start in a process of
advocacy!
God of
justice…. May I add my voice and action to fight injustice for those who are
denied.
‘Joy….in the face of trouble’. When things go bad, our attitude can be
everything. If we dwell on the bad, the ‘what
ifs’ or such, we only make ourselves miserable and fail to see how God can turn
the situation to good in some way. If we
attempt to thank God in ALL things and face each circumstance with joy, the
situation may not change, but WE will have changed.
5.19.16 1 Thessalonians 1:6 VOICE
You took to heart the word we taught with
joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, even in the face of trouble.
Can
we do it alone? No! The verse says ‘Joy inspired by the Holy Spirit’!
We must carry God with us in order to see life with constant joy! SPIRIT-JOY!
God of miracles…..may I approach each day with
the joy of the Spirit, even when life gets messy.
I loved the
phrase from The Message ‘trigger to
prayer’. What is our trigger? Do we recognize and acknowledge it? Do we pull the trigger often enough? Might a certain flower trigger a prayer for
earth-care? If we have many common
triggers, unceasing prayer will fill our lives.
We encounter many other triggers in our lives. The smell of chocolate may trigger overeating. Loneliness and depression can trigger substance abuse. We might have triggers to anger. What if we could change some of these triggers into moments of prayer instead?
God of
presence… May I pull the trigger to prayer more often, more easily.
Help us, O God
who saves us,
to the honor and glory of Your name.
Pull us up, deliver us, and forgive our sins,
for Your name’s sake.
5.20.16 Philippians 1:3 MSG
Every time you cross my mind, I break out in
exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer.
Are there people
in my life who give me cause to THANK GOD! every time I think of them? People who give me reason to immediately
utter a prayer of gratitude, or intercession?
Are there names that trigger prayers?
Yes, there
are! Names that produce instant thanks,
but more often names that trigger prayers for healing. Sometimes one name can create a chain effect
of prayers, perhaps all people with the same name, but different
circumstances. Often I just put the name
down in plural on my prayers. God knows
and I know who I am talking about!
We encounter many other triggers in our lives. The smell of chocolate may trigger overeating. Loneliness and depression can trigger substance abuse. We might have triggers to anger. What if we could change some of these triggers into moments of prayer instead?
5.21.16 Psalm 79:9 VOICE
 |
| Remembering the yellow iris and the lilies given to me! |
to the honor and glory of Your name.
Pull us up, deliver us, and forgive our sins,
for Your name’s sake.
We need to give
credit where credit is due when difficult times turn out well: God. We
ask God for help so often, but rarely do we stop and thank God when all turns out in ways we couldn’t
imagine! I tried to tell people
constantly that God was in charge of our trip home – otherwise why would storms
have split around us, hail never materialized?
People need to know that God is indeed our savior, God is watching over
us, God will deliver us! To the honor
and glory of God’s name!
Saving
God… May I never fail to acknowledge your name in gratitude and thanks.
Today is Luke’s last Sunday as an employee of Baker
First Presbyterian Church. It formally
ends a three year relationship as Youth Director, additional years as a summer
youth leader, and 29 years as a child of this church, baptized and confirmed
here. Luke has had a profound impact of
the youth under his care, a relationship begun when many of these ‘kids’ were
toddlers. But my greatest admiration of
my son comes in his ability to minister to the ‘lost’ – not just to the kids of
church leaders, but to those whose parents never enter the doors of the church,
sometimes to kids who have no church affiliation, but simply need a strong male
role model. It has been quite a ride to
witness, as senior members and toddlers alike have bonded in a unified
program. He is leaving big shoes to
fill, but leaving a church ready to continue seeking the lost and prepared to offer
different shoes to his successor.
5.22.16 Luke
19:10 GNT
The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
God of the least…. May we all seek the lost with
compassion and love.
An open door
indicates an open mind, an open view of the world, an open diversity of spirit.
Open doors set us up for new beginnings
and new opportunities. This verse from
Acts speaks of Paul’s willingness and desire to talk with anyone and everyone
about Christ – at any time and anywhere.
Do we keep our door open in such a manner? How open is the door to our love?
He will bring lasting justice to all…he
will not give up until things are set right.
5.23.16 Acts 28:31 MSG
He explained everything about Jesus Christ. His
door was always open.
5.24.16 Isaiah 42:3-4 Varied
He will bring lasting justice to all…he
will not give up until things are set right.
Can we do any
less? Will we give up the fight for
justice because the job seems too big, the challenge too overwhelming? Will we just retreat to our comfortable homes
and our full plates of food and turn our back to those who struggle? Isaiah writes of the one to bring lasting
justice….Isaiah writes not only of Jesus, but the Jesus-Within-Us. The challenge is for us - the hands and feet of God here on earth –
to not give up. To set things
right. Every day in some way.
God of
justice…. Give us the strength to keep up your work. Give us the stamina to set things right. Amen.
“For a smart
person, you sure can be dumb sometimes.”
I don’t know how many times I heard my father express this thought. Sometimes he was referring to his brilliant
scientific brother, other times he might have been speaking about us, his children! But all the intelligence, learning, education
or brainpower in the world can’t compensate for the inability to apply that
intellect to our surroundings and experiences.
God, you are my God. I celebrate you. I praise you. You’ve done your share of miracle-wonders,
well-thought-out plans, solid
and sure.
5.25.16 Proverbs 17:16 GNT
It does a fool no good to spend money on an
education, because he has no common sense.
“For a smart
person, you sure can be dumb sometimes.”
I don’t know how many times I heard my father express this thought. Sometimes he was referring to his brilliant
scientific brother, other times he might have been speaking about us, his children! But all the intelligence, learning, education
or brainpower in the world can’t compensate for the inability to apply that
intellect to our surroundings and experiences.
Perhaps the
analogy could be made in terms of Bible Wisdom and Bible Application. Knowing
the Word verse by verse doesn’t necessarily mean living the Word day to day.
Being able to quote chapter and verse is useless when one cannot apply
that knowledge to fulfill said chapter and verse in service or compassion or
love.
Does that
mean education is worthless? No! It means common sense, or the ability to transfer brain-power to muscle-power
, is priceless!
God grant me the common sense to put my knowledge to
work in your name.
5.26.16 Isaiah 25:1 MSG
God, you are my God. I celebrate you. I praise you. You’ve done your share of miracle-wonders,
well-thought-out plans, solid
and sure.
‘Well thought out
plans’. Makes me think of blueprints and
building. And God IS building - building a better world, building relationships
of love and compassion. Does it
sometimes seem like it will take a God-miracle for this to happen in today’s
world? Yes. But God can work those kinds of miracles if
each and every one of us starts doing our part.
We must also read the blueprints and plans and join in the
building. ‘Solid and sure’ – that’s the
kind of building God has in mind. We CAN
do it!
Builder
God….help us read the blue-prints to a better world centered on love. Amen.
5.27.16 Acts 20:24 GNT
But I reckon my own life to be worth nothing to
me; I only want to complete my mission and finish the work that the Lord Jesus
gave me to do, which is to declare the Good News about the grace of God.
I am backing up to last Monday and our visit to
the iris gardens north of Salem for my prayers.
What spectacular beauty declaring a tiny piece of God’s grace.
Listen to your leaders, who have spoken God’s
word to you. Notice the fruits of their lives and mirror their faith.
God of my unending path....may I look to mirror Christ in all I do and say. Amen.
5.28.16 Exodus 28:29 GNT
When Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will wear
this breastpiece engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, so that I,
the Lord, will always remember my
people.
I walked my
prayers today on the Bandon beach. Denny
Dyke, the labyrinth maker, was at work with his crew and a GIANT interlocking circle
in the sand. I got to help ‘groom’ the
labyrinth before walking. Lots of
people, but I was still able to take my pace and reflect. Dyke had a Memorial Day ‘alcove’ built
in. Pretty nice. Thank you, God.
I found this
scripture interesting for a Memorial Day weekend passage. We remember our fallen as their names are
inscribed on plaques and statues, stones and pillars. It is important to take time to remember the
sacrifices made by others for our sake.
5.31.16 Hebrews 13:7 VOICE
Listen to your leaders, who have spoken God’s
word to you. Notice the fruits of their lives and mirror their faith.
Mirrors. Reflect.
Mirror the faith of our spiritual leaders, but especially mirror
Christ. He came to show us the way, face
to face. We have the Holy Spirit to
continually be putting that mirror in front of us and asking, ‘How are we
measuring up?’
A busy
week. We drove home yesterday from
Bandon and have four days to prepare to leave again. Four days of church responsibilities,
volunteer activities, in addition to packing up the trailer. I will need to keep my mirror handy and be
sure I am reflecting the image I need to reflect.
I am trying
to learn to draw the Spirit Circles.
There is a pattern to this that I want to figure out. God of my unending path....may I look to mirror Christ in all I do and say. Amen.
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