May the Eyes of Your Heart Be Enlightened!

Reading:  Ephesians 1
My Verse:  "I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe . . . " (1:16-10 ESV).

This is so wonderful that today, Christmas Eve, I would be reading this chapter.  This is a prayer that I like to pray for those that are especially close to me.  Lord, You are amazing - that You would give this to me on this day - the eve of Your birthday.  Paul so excellently states that which is most important.

I especially like the very first part of this prayer, "By having the eyes of your hearts enlightened".  We so need the eyes of our hearts lit up - our minds opened up to Your Truth!  Without it we understand nothing.  Without it we cannot "know and understand the hope to which He has called you". You only enable us to fully understand this "hope", this hope that  You have given us - the "hope" of You our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! 

The second part is rather astounding.  For the longest time I have totally misread and misunderstood this verse.  I always thought it was talking about what I will inherit from You Lord, but no!  I am the inheritance, "His glorious inheritance"!  I think I missed this because it never really occurred to me that You Lord love me so much You look at my coming to You as Your inheritance!  Wow.

Finally, the third part of this prayer which states"and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe. . . ".  Apparently, there was a great deal of occultism at the time this was written.  The believers needed reassurance that You, Lord are all powerful.  We, today also need to hear this.  There is as much evil today as then I am sure, but we also live in time when world events are so frenetic and on the verge of chaos.  We need to know that You, Lord, are all powerful.  We need to know that those of us who belong to You need not fear for You hold us in the palm of Your hand.  "Behold I have indelibly imprinted you on the palm of each of My hands."  Isaiah 49:16)

The refrain of the song On Eagle's Wings speaks this beautifully.
     And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
     bear you up on the breath of dawn,
     make you to shine like the sun,
     and hold you in the palm of His hand.

Yes, I am so blessed!  Lord light up the eyes of my heart today and tomorrow!  Help me to live with this "Hope" indelibly imprinted on my heart, with the wonderful knowledge that I am Your inheritance, and with the assurance that You are all powerful and as Your child I need fear nothing.

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

He Made Me Free

Reading:  Galatians 4, 5, 6
My Verse:  "In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]:  stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off]"  (5:1).

Lord, this is a most wonderful part of being Your child - freedom.  You free us not just from liturgical rituals and laws but from all chains that bind us.  In You only can we find this wonderful freedom. As we walk and grow in You the burdens slowly but surely fall away.

And yet - again the whole gospel needs to be ever kept in mind.  We must be careful how we use this freedom.  I had a friend who joyfully declared one day that she finally felt free enough to not tithe anymore.  I remember wondering greatly at that and feeling sad for her. She had been tithing out of obligation and not love. Her decision was in connection with a sermon our pastor had given and she heard the sermon, I believe out of context.  She did not consider the whole gospel message.  For tithing is a part of being a believer and  Your Word, Lord teaches us what that is all about.

Yes, Paul speaks of the freedom we have in You with a caution, "stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off].  With this wonderful freedom comes a great responsibility.   "But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy} Spirit; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh"  (5:16).

Here is the crux of my freedom. I must look to You in my walk for You guide and direct my steps.  I must look to You in my walk for You, and You only, empower me to stay on the path You set before me.

I pray, Lord, that today You show me how to "walk and live [habitually] in the Holy Spirit".  I pray that today I live in and enjoy the freedom that You have given me with the whole gospel message ever in mind.

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

There Is Now No Distinction

Reading:  Galatians 1, 2, 3
My Verse:  "There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female;  for you are all one in Christ Jesus."  (3:28)

This is a verse that causes me to realize the importance of always keeping in mind the message of the Whole Gospel.  While a particular verse or message may stand out, may speak to me in particular at a given time I must never take that verse/message out of context or in isolation.  I must consider it in light of the Whole Gospel message.  Lord, I pray that You keep me always to that.

Today this message here is a wonderful one.  Paul is making the point that we are "all one in Christ Jesus".  As we stand before You and are in You there is no distinction between us ethnically, socially, or according to our gender.  Each and every on of us equally share in Your salvation, Lord.  "For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith."  (3:26 ESV)  These must have been sweet words for the people of that day, where discrimination and stratification of the society was so strong.  But even today we need to hear this.  There are so many ills of our society based on discrimination of one kind or another.

Just yesterday there was a news headline of a soldier whose death was attributed to his own comrades basically torturing him for racial reasons.  It is so wrong.  Lord, how we need this message, this message of Your love for each and every human being, this message that we are all equal in Your eyes.

The ESV study Bible clarifies this idea of "sons".  It states that the Greek term for "sons" refers to the "the status of all Christians . . . who having been adopted into God's family . . . enjoy all the privileges, obligations and inheritance rights of God's children."  Thank You, for this, Lord.

And yet . . . this is where the whole message of the Gospel must be considered.  While we are all equal in Your eyes we are not all the same.  We are still janitors and presidents.  We are still male and female.  As such we live out our lives differently, but none are superior in Your eyes.  We just play different roles.  Paul teaches further on this in Ephesians.  There he makes it clear that we are different in that sense.  There is diversity within this concept of equality - diversity not sameness.

This is such a crucial message.  We, humans seem to have this awful tendency of wanting to lord it over one another.  We seem to need to feel superior.  Lord, thank You for this teaching.  Thank You for reminding us that through Your eyes we are all equally important - equally loved.  We do not need to be constantly striving for success, for power, for wealth.  It is an emptiness.  We need You in our lives - for You fill us up with all that we need.

"For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with good"  (Psalm 107:9).

Yes, Lord, You are all that is good and fulfilling.  We are each of us different ethnically, socially, and according to gender but we are also each of us equal in Your eyes.

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Self-Examine & Submit

Reading:  2 Corinthians 9, 10, 11, 12, 12
My Verse:  "Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it.  Test and prove yourselves [not Christ].  Do you not yourselves realize and know [throughly by ever-increasing experiences] that Jesus Christ is in you - unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected?" (13:5)

I find it fascinating that Paul is addressing a group  within the church.  So these are people that claim to be believers - believers that are not accepting Paul as a spiritual leader or the message that he is teaching.

Paul goes all out in these chapters appealing to these individuals.  He finally concludes that each of us must "Examine and test and evaluate your own selves . . .".  He also points out that there should be evidence in our lives if Christ is really in us.  We should be "showing the proper fruits of it (the indwelling of Christ)".  We should also be having an "ever-increasing experience" of Christ's indwelling in us - in other words we should be maturing!

This passage really speaks to me, Lord.  Unfortunately this is something we struggle with constantly.  Our pride can destroy a church and so often has.  We become convinced of some particular doctrine - end up taking sides - hurt one another - break fellowship.  Churches split and much damage is done not only to those that believe but to the testimony of the church.  All because no one wants to admit error.  No one wants to give in or submit to one another's needs.

Yes, in times of disagreement we must focus in on ourselves - "unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected".  We need to question why we are arguing.  We need to cry out to You, Lord for wisdom and guidance.  We need to allow You to heal and correct any wrong thinking we may have.  If we are not willing to do that then we should be forced to do as Paul and question our very salvation.

Throughout Scripture we are admonsihed to examine ourselves and to submit to one another.

"But let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work" (Galations 6:4).

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love . . ." (Romans 12:10).
" . . . be patient, bearing with one another in love."  (Ephesians 4:32)
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."  (Ephesians 5:21)

Yes, how I deal with my relationships with others is very telling about my relationship with You.
Help me, Lord, to keep myself open to You, allowing You to ever heal and correct me.  And help me to be willing to submit to the needs of others and not place my opinions above the needs of others.
Thank You for this message.

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Get Rid of Garbage!

Reading:  II Corinthians 6,7,8
My Verse:  "Therefore, since these [great] promises are ours, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates, and defiles body and spirit, and bring (our) consecration to completeness in the reverential fear of God"  (7:1)

I have written in the margin of my Bible next to this verse.  "Get Rid of Garbage!"

Lord, You are a Holy God.  You expect us to be holy in body and spirit.  I need to treat my body as Your holy temple.  Therefore, I need to take the very best care of this physical body You gave me.  This includes how I dress - I must dress to honor You!  This includes how I eat - I must eat healthily.  This includes exercise - I must do what is needed to be as physically fit as I am able.  This also includes my health - I must pay attention and strive to be healthy.

But all this is to be done in moderation with discernment and wisdom, always with the aim of honoring You! 

To be holy in spirit requires self-examination.  Lord, it is so critical that I open myself to You - allowing You to heal and correct any wrongness in my mind and spirit.  Because You are the great healer, I need to cry out to You as did David.  "I said, Lord, be merciful and gracious to me; heal my inner self, for I have sinned against You."  (Psalm 41:4)  To be holy in spirit also requires that I make good choices daily - choices that honor You.  I need to ever be careful not to put myself in harms way.
I know, that if I am in tune with You, You will lead and guide me."Oh, send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to  Your dwelling."  (Psalm 43:3)

Thank You, Lord, for this reminder.  I pray You will bless me today and help me to rid myself of "everything that contaminates and defiles body and spirit".  Yes, I want to get rid of the garbage.  I want this temple to be worthy of Your presence.

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Jars Of Clay

Reading:  II Corinthians 4,5
My Verse:  "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us"  (4:7).

What a beautiful verse!  The amplified calls this treasure "the divine Light of the Gospel", because it is You Lord, inside us, empowering us to live as You would have us to live.  "I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance." (John 10:10)

I garden.  I also love using the clay pots, but they are so fragile.  It doesn't seem to take much to crack one.  So I fully get the analogy of our bodies as "jars of clay"!  It is a most apt illustration.  We are  amazingly fragile.

Until I get this - the fact that I am unable to do anything on my own I am useless to You!  I love how this verse was played out in Scripture, in history.  You so often chose the seemingly less capable or unlovely to do Your most wondrous deeds, Lord.

David was the least of his brothers, yet he became a great warrior and king.  Ruth, the Moabitess, of a most disreputable people becomes a part of Your linneage.  Rahab, also was not of Your chosen people and was even a prostitute, yet she too became an ancestor of King David.  Moses, was so certain he was not capable of what You asked of him, yet he led a mighty nation out of slavery in Egypt.  And this goes on even to this day.  You continue transforming and using the most unlikely characters to show "that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us!"  It is the "divine Light"  dwelling within us and working.  "[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight."  (Philippians 2:13)

I love it!  Thank You, Lord.  I pray that Your "divine Light"  shines through this jar of clay ever so brightly!

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Progressively Better!

Reading:  II Corinthians 1, 2, 3
My Verse:  "And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the work of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit" (3:18)\

This is the great thing about becoming a born again believer, a disciple of You, Lord Jesus.  You transform us.  You slowly but surely peel away all the wrongness we have attached to ourselves by living without You.  That is the wonder of You, Lord.

Paul speaks of this in verses two and three also.  "You are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all.  And you show that you are a letter for Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts"! 

Yes, it was the changed lives of the Corinthians that was the only proof Paul needed to authenticate the gospel message that he was preaching.  For all could see the transformation of the lives of the Corinthians.

Yes, Lord, You change lives.  As Your disciples we should not only be changed but in the process of continually being transformed.  For we are never to be satisfied with the status quo.  You tell us we are to strive for perfection.  "Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Philippians 3:12).  Another way that is stated is to "be on being perfect".  Or as the Amplified Bible states:  "... but I press on to lay hold of and make my own that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of me and made me His own." No, it is never a done deal.  We cannot reach perfection this side of heaven, but we are to strive for it.

You promise us that You will bring us along, "in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another. . .".  I am so grateful to be Yours.  I am so grateful to know that I do not need to settle for the status quo.  You are a progressive God and You make me progressively better!

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Resurrection is Essential

Reading:  I Corinthians 15, 16
My Verse:  "For just as in Adam all people die, so also shall all in Christ be made alive" (15:22).

This is a wonderful passage on the essential truth of resurrection.  Paul points out that this is a core truth of the gospel message. 

"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received:  that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures"  (15:3,4, ESV).

Paul uses wonderfully clear logic and carefully and powerfully sets forth the case for how if Christ were not raised from the dead then our faith is futile.  "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain"  (15:14).  He then assures us that,  "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead"  (15:20)!  And then Paul cites all the evidence for this truth!  We can believe that Christ did indeed rise up from the grave.

Your Word, Lord is our ultimate and final Truth.   "And Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life"  (John 4:16).

Yes, unlike other religions we serve a risen Lord.  We celebrate Your birth because of what You came to do.  And You did that most dreadful thing - died for our sins - but Praise God!  You, Lord Jesus, rose on the third day!  You then told us that we will join You.

". . . for I am going away to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself;  that where I am, [there] you may be also" (John 14:2,3 KJAV).

So we too will experience this resurrection.
     "O death, where is your victory?
      O death, where is your sting?  (15:5)

My heart overflows with gratefulness and joy for we can anticipate a most amazing future in the beyond!  Resurrection is for real!

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Weigh & Discern What You Hear

Reading:  I Corinthians 14
My Verse:  "So let two or three prophets speak [those inspired to preach or teach], while the rest pay attention and weigh and discern what is said"(14:29).

Lord, You even direct us in how we are to worship when we gather together in church.  Because You are a God of order You expect us to worship in an orderly way.  "For He [who is the source of their prophesying] is not a God of confusion and disorder but of peace and order" (14:33).  You also expect us to be paying close attention - to be active listeners.

I especially like the phrase "while the rest pay attention and weigh and discern what is said".  This speaks to my responsibility in a worship service.  It speaks to my need to know and understand scripture - to be in the Word.  For I cannot "weigh & discern what is said"  unless I am not only in tune with You but also have some knowledge of Your Word.

I also like what is implied by the phrase "while the rest pay attention".  You are tellng us that we as the congregation are as good at judgement - at discerning truth as the speaker.  I think this is so important.  While, yes, the speaker is gifted and inspired to speak, the rest of us are not to put that speaker up on a pedestal!  We are to be paying close attention to every word the speaker utters!  We are to "weigh and discern" every word to make sure it lines up with Your written Word.

Thank, You, Lord for Paul's teaching here.  Always I need reminding and clarifying, especially this idea that my ability to discern truth is as good as the speaker.  I need to be ever alert and vigilant to this as were the Bereans.

"Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" (Acts 17:11).

I pray that I will "weigh and discern"  every word I hear spoken in future worship services.  I pray that I will be an active discerning listener and worshipper!

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Marred View of Reality

Reading:  I Corinthians 12, 13
My Verse:  "For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then we shall see in reality and face to face!  Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God] (13:12).

Lord, I recall my son, Ethan's wonderful inquisitiveness as a little boy.  We would call his questions "God questions".  And we would talk about how wonderful it will be to sit before You and put forth to You all our wonders!

Even Job spoke of this desire to speak face to face with You in the midst of his suffering. This desire to stand before You, God, and, ". . . let me speak, and You reply to me" (Job 13:22).  Who has not cried out to You in their darkest hour?

Yes, perhaps this innate desire hearkens back to the days when You walked in the garden with Adam.  Then, before sin entered into the world You and he had sweet face to face communion.

Sins ravages have clouded and disfigured our ability to understand truth.  Passage of time has only compounded this problem.  So here we are "looking in a mirror that gives only a dim reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma]".

But, You did not abandon us.  You have "in many separate revelations and in different ways" sent out Truth to us. (Heb. 1:1) Then because You love us so much You sent us Jesus!

"For God so loved the world that He sent us His only begotten Son, so that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Thank You!  Our tree is up - lights and ornaments adorn it!  As I sit and gaze at its beauty my heart is full and my gratefulness spills over  with tears of joy.  I am  so grafeful that, yes, one day I will sit at Your feet and gaze upon Your glory to my hearts content!  No more blurred vision.  No more confusion.

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Be Still!

Reading:  I Corinthians 10, 11
My Verse:  "For no temptation has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man.  But God is faithful and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation he will [always] also provide the way out, that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently" (10:13). 

This is such a crucial truth.  This promise Lord, that You will never place me in a situation that I cannot handle.  You will always provide me with the "strength of resistance and power to endure".  You will always see to it that I am "capable and strong and powerful to bear up".

As Your child I need not live my life with trepidation.  But it is hard to do.  It is hard to quiet my fears in moments of great stress and danger.  Anxiety can so easily overwhelm, but as Your ever growing child I believe I do get better at acknowledging You as my Lord and Savior in each and every situation.

I like how Paul immediately after this promise warns us to "shun (keep clear away from, avoid by flight if need be) any sort of idolatry (of loving or venerating anything more than God) (10:14).  Herein is my responsibility.  I need to always avoid placing myself when possible in any situation where temptation would be strong.  I need to make sure I stay under Your umbrella of protection by being obedient to You.

I once knew a Christian man who started going to bars.  He said this was the only place he could reach his friends.  Soon he was also drinking with them - he said it was so he could better talk to them.  His life  seemed to unravel after that.  It was sad to watch.

So, yeah.  Paul's warning is so appropriate - so vital to our walk.  You do promise to keep me, Lord, but I need to stay on the path You lay out before me.  I need to stop trying to solve problems in my own way.  I need to be still in my heart and allow You to work out in me what You would.

"Be still and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"  (Psalm 46:10)

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Running Without A Goal

Reading:  I Corinthians 8, 9
My Verse:  "Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim).  I do not box like one beating the air" ((:26).

Dear Lord God, thank you for men such as Paul - men of strong purpose and perseverance.  We live in such a  confused world.  Our tomorrows are uncertain - fraught with possibility of disaster.  This uncertainty causes us to flail about and live with a constant sense of trepidation.  This sense of trepidation and uncertainty taints all that we do - takes away our joy and freedom to live as You would have us to live. 

But, as Your disciple I do not need to live that way.  I can live with purpose, with determination, with discipline for I do know my ultimate goal. All that I do should be towards that end goal.  That end goal of spending eternity with You!  So I can live with joy.

It is good to see how Paul lives his life with this very clear and strong vision of his end goal.  He is able to  "become all things to all men that I might by all means save some" (9:22).   He doesn't worry about his own set idea of how things are to be.  He can place himself into any situation, with any group of people, and adapt himself to the needs of those he meets in order to lead them to You.  Such power in that!

I visualize a taut line stretched out before me, guiding me toward You!   I cannot see the end for it disappears in the distance,  but I know where it leads. I do not need to run with uncertainty. I can live as Paul. 

"Blessed is everyone who fears, reveres, and worships the Lord, who walks in His ways and lives according to His commandments"  (Psalm 128:1).


Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

An Appointed Way

Reading:  I Corinthians 7
My Verse:  "Only let each one lead the life which the Lord has allotted and imparted to him and to which God has invited and summoned him . . ." (7:17).

My initial response to this is "How, Lord"?  "How do I know to live as You would have me to live"?  But as I meditated further on this verse I began to find comfort and ease of mind.

For, no longer do I need to flail about as though blind.  As Your child Lord God - You lead and guide me.  As long as I remain faithful to Your precepts - You will direct my steps.  Even if I mistep - I need only repent of my disobedience and You will put me back on the correct path - back on my appointed Way!

I quote Tozer here.   "The man of true faith may live in the absolute assurance that his steps are ordered by the Lord.  For  him, misfortune is outside the bounds of possibility.  He cannot be torn from earth one hour ahead of the time God has appointed, and he cannot be detained on earth one moment after God is done with him here.  He is not a waif of the wide world, a foundling of time and space, but a saint of the Lord and the darling of His particular care" (We Travel An Appointed Way).

How wonderful is that?

"The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore" (Psalm 121:8).

I am truly blest to be counted as one of Your saints, Lord.  Thank You for saving and keeping me.

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Permissible But Not Helpful

Reading:  I Corinthians 5, 6
My Verse:  "Everything is permissable for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things).  Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power."  (6:12)

Such a powerful verse - a great life verse!

Paul is writing to the Corinthians who seem to have taken "justified by Christ"  a bit too far.  They are separating their physical acts from their spiritual lives as if the two can be separated!

You tell us, Lord, to serve You with "mind, soul and spirit" - which is our entire being.  Yes, You have saved me from the law but as Your disciple my life should exemplify that very law.

Our Sunday School class has been studying Deuteronomy and we are now on the Ten Commandants.  I like what the teacher said of them - that they are a guide - they describe God's perfect way.  If I live by them my life will be so much the better - and that is what You want for me.


"You are not your own.  You were bought with a price.  So then, honor God, and bring glory to Him in your body.  (6:19,20)

No, my body is not my own.  For the Holy Spirit dwells within making it (my body) a holy temple.  (6:19)

Thank You, Lord, for reminding me that yes, I have much freedom in You but with that comes much responsibility.  I pray that today instead of focusing on my freedoms I focus instead on how I can honor You.

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Prideful Foolishness!

Reading:  I Corinthians 3,4
My Verse:  "What have you that was not given to you?"  (4:7)

In these chapters Paul addresses pride and the dissension and jealousy that pride leads to.  He reveals the corrupting power of pride even in spiritual leaders.  Boy, that is something we see a lot of today - leaders who end up becoming their own gods because they come to love  power, esteem of others and  wealth more than You, Lord!

This brings to mind the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12: 16-21.  Because the rich man had such rich harvests, he had to build bigger barns to store his goods in.  Then because he has all this he says to himself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years.  Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."  But God said to him, "You, fool!  This very night your life will be demanded of you."

This really is such a sad story and it is repeated all too often.  We so easily forget from whence comes our blessings.  Oh, Lord, thank you for this question Paul puts forth.  "What have you that was not given to you?"  It is one we need to constantly ask ourselves.

The parable ends with "This is how it will be for anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."  Lord, keep me from spinning my wheels in pursuit of all the wrong "things." Oh, Lord, what a dreadful way to end ones life because we can take nothing with us when we come face to face with You.  Yes, thank, You, for this question. Thank, You, for this parable. Help me to keep it  at the forefront of my heart, my mind.  I pray that it will keep me from prideful foolishness.

Thank You, Lord, for reminding me to ever look to You with a grateful heart.

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Sheer Absurdity!

Reading I Corinthians 1,2,3
My Verse:  "For the story and message of the cross is sheer absurdity and folly to those who are perishing and on their way to perdition, but to us who are being saved it is the [manifestation of] the power of God.  (1:18)

 Those that deny You, Lord, are totally incapable of seeing Your Truth for what it is. Paul went on to say.  "But the natural, unspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teaching and revelations of the Sprirt of God, for they are folly to him; and he is incapable of knowing them. . . " (2:14) One needs Your Spirit to understand spiritual matters.

I think of all the teaching about what happens when someone rejects You when You do reveal Yourself to them, like the Israelites.  Like the king of Egypt.  Sadly, their hearts became harder.

I think of an individual who continues to deny You.  There was a time when he was somewhat soft to You for I had spoken to Him of You and I believe You were revealing Yourself to him,  but as he continues to deny You, I see his heart become harder and harder.  He now scoffs.  His very visage has changed.  Oh, Lord, it is hard to see this happen.  I still pray for him.  I pray that You will yet have mercy on him and reach out to him.

 John 6:44 says.  "No one is able to come to Me unless the Father Who sent Me attracts and draws and gives him the desire to come to Me."   Our pastor spoke of this at last Sunday service.  We,humans, are incapable of reaching out to You, without You enabling us. This is a hard truth, but it is truth.

You do reach out to us and reveal Yourself to us in many ways.  "In many separate revelations and in different ways God spoke of old . . .  But in the last of these days He has spoken to us in the [person of a ] Son . . ." (Hebrews 1:1,2)  Thank You, Lord, for reaching out to us!  Thank You for sending Jesus!


Oh, Lord, I must ask forgiveness here.  There are times when I grow impatient and even incredulous and  question how can man be so ignorant?  How can they refuse to see You?!  And yet only because You reached out to me was I able to see You!

 Yes, You are sheer absurdity to the natural and unspiritual man.  So Lord, I pray for those  that do not see You.  I pray the scales will come off their eyes.  And I pray they will not reject you but see the wonderful Truth of Who You are!

"You are my God and I will confess, praise, and give thanks to You.  You are my God, I will extol You."  (Psalm 118:28)

Bearing With One Another

Reading:  Romans 14, 15, 16
My Verse:  "Then let us no more criticize and pass judgement on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother." (14:13)

Lord, I like and so need the teaching here.  I often sturggle in this area.  I know I am to live my life so that I am an example - a testimony of Your Grace.

Where I struggle is that I sometimes think I know a better way for someone.  Then I proceed to 'offer' advice . . . When I look back at those instances I wonder at myself!  . . . the sheer audacity!  No wonder the advice was received with anger and rebuff!

Lord, this teaching is so important!  We are all of us in a different place.  You have made us to be each so unique, we respond to our situations differently.  And You know this and treat us and meet us where we are.  I am so thankful and grateful for that!

How I need to keep uppermost in my mind the fact that we each of us are answerable to You on that final day.  "And so each of us shall give an account of himself to God." (14:12)  Help me Lord to look at each person as Your special project.  You are working in their life as You will.  I am to pray for them that they respond to You and Your love.  "Pray at all times in the Spirit with all manner of prayer.  To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints."  (Eph. 6:18)


Lord, I pray wisdom and discernment here.  as Paul said, "We . . . ought to bear with the failings and the frailties and the tender scruples of the weak; and not to please ourselves." (15:1)

Forgive me my moments of intolerance.  For You, Lord Jesus, bear with all my deficiences and flubs!

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Renewal of the Mind

Reading:  Romans 12, 13
My Verse:  "Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you many prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God."  (12:2)

This is such a powerful verse!  I love the thought of a renewed mind. 

There was a time when I was very anxious about being conformed to worldly views.  I worried that I was not knowledgeable or sophisticated enough to discern wrong worldy ideas.  I often wondered, "How was I to  transform my mind?"  Because I understood that if my mind was transformed then it would be renewed and thus able to discern, "what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

I have learned and continue to learn that this is an ongoing process - I never arrive at complete renewal!  More importantly I have learned that I must constantly seek You, Lord.  I am  incapable of doing this on my own.  It is Your Word that renews my mind and so transforms me. 

"For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and spirit , and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart."  (Hebrews 4:12) 

Yeah, that is the key - Your Word!  Thank You, Lord, that we are constantly changing and growing and being renewed as Your children.

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Faith comes By Hearing

Reading:  Romans 9, 10, 11
My Verse:  "So faith comes by hearing, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ."  (10:17)

Such a simple yet profound truth.  Before this Paul states, "Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."   (10:9)

But before one can "acknowledge and confess"  one needs to have heard "the preaching of Christ" or His Word of Truth.  Only after hearing the Word can hearts be stirred to believe and accept the gospel.  Paul even points out again that the Word is proclaimed by the very creation.  "But I ask, Have they not heard?  Indeed they have [for the Scripture says] Their voice [that of nature bearing God's message] has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the far bounds of the world." (10:18)  Lord, You are so loving and pure.  When one seeks Truth You provide the Truth.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself."  (John 1:1)

"The Word of the Lord endures forever, And this Word is the good news which was preached to you."  (I Peter 1:25)

Lord, I know this  truth carries over into our 'walk' once we have accepted Your Word as Truth.  Your Word after enlightening and awakening our souls then goes on to nourish us.  I know that I find Your Word ever more encouraging and enlightening.  I enjoy hearing Your Word preached at church more and more.  I enjoy reading Your Word more and more. 

I thank You for this.  I thank You for those that dedicate their lives to preaching and teaching Your Word.  Help me to be faithful in praying for these dedicated servants of Yours.  For the Word, Your Truth is more powerful that anything else on earth!

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

The Tension

Reading:  Romans 7,8
My Verse:  "For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die.  But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall live forever."  (8:13)

Paul continues to teach here about that area of our Christian lives that creates such tension between God at work in us and our decision to let Him.  I cannot "habitually put to death the evil deeds prompted by the body"  by myself.  And yet through Paul's teaching here I see that I do have a part in this. I need to accept the Truth of Your Word, Lord.  I need to seek You daily.  I need to practice so to speak living as You would have me.

Paul goes on to say, "But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit [really] dwells within you.  But if anyone does not possess the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His."  (8:28) 

The phrase "if the [Holy] Spirit [really] dwells within you" makes me pause.   Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 13:5 to "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.  Test yourselves.  Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?  -unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"

No, I am not exempt from the hardships - the consequesnces of sin here on earth.  Christians along with the rest of creation  "groan inwardly as we wait for the redemption of our bodies" (8:23).  I will, as long as I am here on this earth in this physical body struggle with sin, struggle to keep You ever at the center of my life.    I have read this passage over numerous times and struggled with how to respond to it.  I am finally realizing that this stuggle - this tension is actually a good thing.  It keep me alert.  It makes me responsible.  It helps me to grow ever stronger as Your disciple. 

Thank You, Lord, for the struggle, the tension.  Thank, You, too, that I can be confident of victory because You do promise me that.  "Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us."  (8:37)

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Living Defeated Lives

Reading:  Romans 5,6
My Verse:  "What shall we say?  Are we to remain in sin in order that God's grace many multiply and overflow?  Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?"  (6:1)

Paul deals with a very serious problem here.  He goes into great depth to explain the great hope we have in You, Lord because You died for our sins.  This hope is not only that we get to spend eternity with You but also that we can have victory over sin while living out our life here on earth.  By dying on the cross You, Jesus triumphed over the sin Adam brought into the life of every human being!  The problem being that many after accepting your gift of salvation continue living in sin.

Paul clarifies this problem by saying that true believers are "dead" to sin.  He says, "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.  Do not present your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness."  (6:12,13)

Yes, there is grace but we are each of us responsible daily to place ourselves before You, Lord.  Daily, moment by moment I must make that decision - to live an obedient life for You.  For You, Lord, enable me to obey and live a life of freedom in YOU.

There is a song, Star In the Book, that poignantly speaks to this.
     "There's a star by your name
       Angels are watching over you
      They can't understand why a child
        of the King would be happy to live in the slime. . . "

Paul speaks further of this in I Corinthians 3:15.  "But if any person's work is burned up [under the test], he will suffer the loss [of it all, losing his reward], though he himself will be saved, but only as [one who has passed] through fire."

Such a tragic thing - to live a defeated life when You Lord Jesus are right there wanting us to find true freedom - to live rich and full lives.  "I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)."  (John 10:10)

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Our Goodness Not Enough!

Reading:  Romans 3,4
My Verse:  "As it is written, None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one." (3:10)

This is a big - huge - stumbling block. So many want to trust their salvation to their own -goodness!  How often do we hear - Well, I try to be good.  I hope I have been good enough to get into heaven.

Paul makes it so clear here that sin "crouches at your door, its desire is for you . . . " (Gen. 4:7)
No matter how we try, sin ends up ruling our lives one way or another.  Paul graphically warns about this very thing . .
     "Their throat is a yawning grave . . .
      They use their tongues to deceive . . .
     Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness . . .
     Their feet are swift to shed blood . . .
     Destruction and misery marks their ways . . . "  (Romans 3:13 - 16)

He clearly states that Christ did not make the law null and void but points out the true purpose of it.  "For no person will be justified in His sight by observing the works prescribed by the Law, For (the real function) of the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin."  (3:20)

Justification and right standing with You, Lord, comes only through Your redemptive work. (3:24) So often pride creeps in and I think that I can be good enough - not so!  My pride has to go!  "Then what becomes of [our] pride and [our] boasting?  It is excluded.  On what principle?  Of doing good deeds?  No, but on the principle of faith!"  (3:27)

Living under the yoke of sin is a dreadful thing as Paul warned.  I am so thankful for Your salvation and blessing.  For I am truly blessed!  "Blessed and happy and to be envied are those whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered up and completely buried.  Blessed and happy and to be envied is the person of whose sin the Lord will take no account nor reckon it against him."  (4:7,8)

Thank You, My Lord and My Savior, that I do not need to depend on my own goodness to get into heaven or to have fellowship with You.  For I know I am incapable on my own of attaining such a standard - for Your standard, Lord. is perfection.  You only are truly Good!

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

We Are Without Excuse!

Reading:  Romans 1, 2
My Verse:  "For God's [holy] wrath and indignation are revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who in their wickedness repress and hinder the truth and make it inoperative.   For that which is known about God is evident to them and made plain in their consciousness, because God [Himself] has shown it to them."  (1:18, 19)

Paul makes some strong points here re evolution vs. creation.  He speaks of our "inner consciousness" as something that dwells in all of us.  It is interesting how there is a tendency for people to become concerned about spiritual matters when they face death.  There is a God consciousness in all of us - though many try to deny it.  This is what Paul speaks to here.  He points out the dreadful results when man "who in their wickedness repress and hinder the truth and make it inoperative."

"And so since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or approve of Him or consider him worth the knowing, God gave them over to a base and condemned mind to do things not proper or decent but loathsome." (1:28)

Evolutionists are constantly forced to restate their "scientific conclusions' concerning earth origins.  I am so thankful, Lord, for creation scientists who more and more are able to show that creation does have scientific evidence.  The Institute of Creation Research at www.icr.org is one such group of creation scientists that refute much of evolutionary theory.

For myself, I find that the more I learn about nature the more I am in awe of You, Our Creator.  And I find it more incredible that learned intelligent men such as these evolution scientists could actually believe we all came about through evolutionary processes - it just doesn't compute!

"For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible - clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made.  (His handiworks.)  So [men] are without excuse."  (1:20)

David beautifully proclaims this truth in song! 
     "The Heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows and proclaims His handiwork.
     Day after day pours forth speech, and night after night shows forth knowledge.
     There is no speech nor spoken word [from the stars]; their voice is not heard.
     Yet their voice [in evidence] goes out through all the earth, their sayings to the end of the world, Of the heavens has God made a tent for the sun."  (Psalms 19: 1-4

We are not meant to be without You.  One need only compare cultures or individuals that worship You and those that do not!

Ditat  Deus - God Enriches!

Truth Stranger Than Fiction

Reading Acts:  26, 27, 28
My Verse:  "And as Paul thus proceeded with his defense, Festus, called out loudly, Paul, you are mad!  Your great learning is driving you mad!  But Paul replied, I am not mad, most noble Festus, but I am uttering the straight, sound truth." (26:24,25)

The gospel was so amazing it sounded like madness to Festus, but truth it was.  Paul spoke Your Truth, Lord, with amazing surety, compassion and boldness.

As a young person I was into fantasy.  Loved Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia and Tolkien's Hobbit and his trilogy.  At the time this was the greatest of literature to me.  The odd thing is that I looked at the gospel also as fantasy, truthful fantasy.   I know truth and fantasy are contradictory.  Yet, I delighted in the reading of it and the knowledge of this fantastic truth - for my entire being sensed the truth of Your Word!

These final chapters of Acts show Paul's utter dependence on and trust in the truth of the gospel.  Some of the events are fantastical.  For example when they were looking at sure disaster for the ship Paul was able to assure his shipmates.  "For this very night there stood by my side an angel of the God of Whom I belong and Whom I serve and worship. And he said, Do not be frightened, Paul!  It is necessary for you to stand before Caesar; and behold, God has given you all those who are sailing with you."  (27:23)  And sure enough they all survived the shipwreck.  Another event occurs while they were on the island on which they shipwrecked. Paul gets a poisonous snake on his hand that he calmly shakes off.  The locals were sure of his death but nothing happens to Paul and Paul knew this so was able to be calm about it all.  He knew nothing would happen to him because God had told him several times that he would reach Rome to proclaim the gospel there.

Yes, Paul's life is like a blockbuster movie.  It is filled with intrigue, murder plots, violence, miraculous unexplainable events, a wide array of curious individuals, hurried escapes in the dark of the night, international travel,  many near death experiences and through it all a strong storyline.

The saying "Truth is stranger than fiction"  surely fits the story of Acts.  It is pretty hard to make up such an amazing story.  "The sum of Your Word is Truth; and every one of Your righteous decrees endures forever."  (Psalm 119:160)

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

We Have a Part To Play

Reading:  Acts 23, 24, 25
My Verse:  "Then Paul, calling in one of the centurions, said, Take this young man to the commandant, for he has something to report to him."  (23:17)

I find this a fascinating passage.  It speaks to me of my responsibility as a Christian.  So often we are told, Well the Lord will take care of the problem.  This is often to imply that we don't have anything to do with how things play out in our lives.  But this passage tells me otherwise.

 God reveals to Paul that he will go to Rome so he will not die there in Jerusalem.  "And [that same] following night the Lord stood beside Paul and said, Take courage, Paul, for as you have borne faithful witness concerning Me at Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome." (23:11)
Knowing this Paul immediately acted on the warning of his nephew.  He didn't just sit back and say "God will take care of it."  He made sure the centurion knew of the plot to kill him (Paul) so steps could be taken to prevent it.

Lord, I pray for discernment here.  So often You nudge me to some action and I brush it aside.  I recall the death of an aunt.  The week preceding her death I kept thinking I should call her.  Well, I didn't and she died.  I missed an opportunity to witness to her - and that haunts me.  For she, at least as far as I knew did not know You.

Lord, I see how our actions have eternal import.  For eternity stretches out before us.  Death is not the end of our existence, but it is the end of very important decision - making.

"And just as it is appointed for [all] men once to die, and after that the judgement."  (Hebrews 9:27)

"So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom."  (Psalm 90:12)

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

I Commend You To the Word . . .

Reading:  Acts 20, 21, 22
My Verse:  "And now [brethren] I commit you to God.  And I commend you to the Word of His grace.  It is able to build you up and give you [your rightful] inheritance among all God's set-apart ones." (20:32)

Paul is saying good-bye to the Ephesian Christians.  His words express his deep love and concern for their continued spiritual well-being.

First, he makes it clear to them that he gave them the whole gospel.  "For I never shrank or kept back or fell short from declaring to you the whole purpose and plan and counsel of God."  (20:27)  Paul did not gloss over any of God's revelation, no matter how unpopular.  Also by telling them he told them "the whole purpose and plan and counsel of God."  they were not to be looking for further revelation.  This is one thing I do appreciate in our pastor, he certainly teaches us the whole gospel!

Then Paul warned the Ephesian church that they must,  "Take and be on guard for yourselves and the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you bishops and guardians, to shepherd . . . "
First he tells them to take care and guard their own spriritual lives, then their flock, in that order.  He tells them this because he further warns - "Even from among your own selves men will come to the front who, by saying perverse (distorted and corrupt) things, will endeavor to draw away the disciples after them." (20:30)  One sees this today - churches falling apart from within.  We are well warned here by Paul.

Finally, he commends us to the Word which "will build you up and give you inheritance. . ."  Love this, Lord!  You and Your Word are what keeps me from straying!  You and Your Word are what nourishes me.  Your and Your Word encourage and edify me!

"As for God, His way is perfect!  The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him."  (Psalm 18:30)

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

With Reason and Respect

Reading:  Acts 16 - 19
My Verse:  "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?  For you bring some strange things to our ears.  We wish to know therefore what these things mean."  (17: 19,20 ESV)

This is a wonderful illustration, Lord, of how to reach people of different world view.  Paul demonstrates here how one can reach a people of another culture in a reasoned and respectful way.

Paul spoke to the Athenians where they were.  "Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious."  The Athenians were idol worshippers - and had numerous idols including one to "the unknown god."  This gave Paul a great opening and he proceeded to bring the entire gospel to them - informing and enlightening them to the error of idolatry and who this unknown God was. 

Paul told them that this god was "The God Who produced and formed the world and all things in it, being Lord of the heaven and earth, does not dwell in handmade shrines.  Neither is He served by human hands, as though He lacked anything for it is He Himself Who gives life and breath and all things to all [people]."  (17:24-25)

Paul then quoted their own authors to support what he was teaching.  By doing this he not only showed that he understood where they were but also that  he had respect for those writers. 

There is such pressure today to be tolerant of the beliefs of others.  Paul did not tolerate anyone's erroneous beliefs but he didn't just bash them either.  Always "he reasoned"  with them respectfully. 

Lord, I pray that I will strive to use reason and respect  with others.  I pray that I strive to understand the perspective of others, never to compromise Your Truth, only to use that knowledge to reason with them.

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Yoke of Legalism

Reading:  Acts 13, 14, 15
My Verse:  "Now then, why do you try to test God by putting a yoke on the necks of the disciples, such as neither our forefathers nor we [ourselves] were able to endure?"  (15:10)

The Jerasulem Council - a first time gathering of Christian leaders convened to work out conflicts as to how new Christian converts, especially Gentiles, should conduct themselves and whether they should be expected to follow the Jewish customs pertaining to circumcision and the Mosaic laws.  Peter is pointing out here that neither the forefathers nor they themselves were able to follow all those laws.  He then goes on to point out that Jesus Christ basically made all that nil.  Jesus freed Christians from rituals and laws.  "But we believe that we are saved through the grace (the undeserved favor and mercy) of the Lord Jesus, just as they are." (15:11)  Here by "they" he is referring to the Gentile converts.  He is pointing out that everyone was now saved by the grace of God.  All that is needed is faith in Jesus Christ.  We can do nothing toward our own salvation but believe and accept the truth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

It is so unfortunate that even today many churches saddle their members with the yoke of legalism - telling them they need to do this or that in order to be truly saved.  When all that is required is to believe and accept Christ.  Jesus said. "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me."  (John 14:6)

Lord Jesus, help me in this.  I too find it so easy to look askance at those that are a bit 'different' from myself.  I can so easily get out of my 'comfort zone'.  I pray for wisdom, discernment and mostly for the love spoken of in I Corinthians 13.  "It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude and does not act unbecomingly.  Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking;  it is not touchy or resentful . . . "

I pray this for myself and for the churches so that we will not be placing a "yoke on the necks of the disciples".

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

No Respecter of Persons!

Reading:  Acts 9, 10, 11, 12
My Verse:  "And Peter opened his mouth and said; Most certainly and thoroughly I now perceive and understand that God shows no partiality and is no respecter of persons."  (Acts 10:34)

Talk about exciting times!  I find it hard to stop reading here - Lord, this is a wonderful account of You at work in man - opening up their minds to Your Truth!  Even the minds of great leaders like Peter.  This was a hard truth for the Jews.  There was such a deep entrenched generational enmity between Jew and Gentile.  And yet Peter rose to the occasion as You lead him to realize this new ground breaking Truth - "that God shows no partiality and is no respecter of person." You were revealing to Peter, Lord,  that all people were created by You, all people were to be reached out to with Your gospel.

It is interesting reading when Peter did get to the home of Cornelius.  The first thing he says is, "You yourselves are aware how it is not lawful or permissible for a Jew to keep company with or visit or even to come near or to speak first to anyone of another nationality . . "  What they were doing what unheard of.  They were breaking barriers!  What Peter says next is huge!  "...but God has shown and taught me by words that I should not call any human being common or unhallowed or unclean." (10:28)

And so Peter speaks the gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile.  Cornelius and his household are saved and baptized.  And for confirmation that this was indeed of God the Holy Spirit visibly fell on each of the new converts.  It is pretty wonderful stuff!

I thank You, Lord, for how this read.  It not only reminds me of how I need to be "no respecter of persons"  but also how I need to be, like Peter,  ever open to Your teaching.

"Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for Your are the God of my salvation; for You do I wait all the day long."  (Psalm 25:5)  

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Stephen's Singleminded Life!

Reading:  Acts 6, 7, 8
My Verse:  "Then all who sat in the council (Sanhedrin) as they gazed intently at Stephen, saw that his face had the appearance of the face of an angel."  (6:15)

Stephen has been busy about the work of his Lord and Savior.  He was intense and singleminded.  "Now, Stephen, full of grace and power worked great wonders and signs among the people." (6:8)  Like Jesus he drew the attention of the Jewish leaders and so was drug before them and falsely accused of many things.  Yet, he stands before them aglow with the presence of his Lord.

When asked point blank if the accusations were true he did not directly deny them but went into a long teaching and historical discourse of the gospel story speaking of; Abraham, Joseph, Moses and the unbelief of the people of Israel.  He concludes by accusing the council of unbelief.  "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit.  As your fathers did , so do you."  (7:51,52)

These seem like harsh words, they certainly were not very diplomatic.  But Stephen spoke truthfully.  He saw the cold haughty hypocritical hearts of the leaders.  His words cut deeply - because they were truth.  The council became so angry that Stephen ended up being stoned to death.

One might think that Stephen went too far, but upon reflection he could do nothing else.  He lived for his Lord.  He did not care or worry about his safety.  He was willing to do and be whatever his Lord wanted of him - in this case it meant martyrdom.

Stephen is such a wonderful example of living fully for You, Lord.  He so completely trusted in Your love for him.  He knew that nothing would happen to him that You didn't want to happen.  And when he was stoned - You took him through that gloriously. 

Thank, You, for the example of  Stephen's purposeful and singleminded life.

Ditat  Deus - God Enriches! 

Do A One-Eighty!

Reading:  Acts 3,4,5
My Verse:  "So repent; turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."  (3:19)

Such an amazing verse!  Peter told the people they needed to do a  one-eighty degree turn!  He said, "turn around" - for they were headed in the wrong direction.  He plead with them to "return [to God]"

Only then will sins be forgiven - "that your sins may be erased."  Oh - to be guilt free - to have one's sins blotted out!  Who doesn't want that?

And finally "that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."  Times of refreshing!  This world can definitely wear us down.  We are so often in need of encouragement - lifting up.  Here Peter tells us we will get "times of refreshing from the presence of our Lord"  if we do a one-eighty degree turn and return to Him!

So very simply stated.  Peter was a master at  simply and strongly stating Your Truths, Lord.  Thank You for such a man as Peter.

Thank You for helping me to do  that one-eighty degree turn.  Thank You for erasing my sin.  Thank You for the times of refreshing.

Ditat  Deus - God Enriches!

Only God Knows Tomorrow!

Reading:  Acts 1,2
My Verse:  "He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with and know what time brings, . .
. which the Father has appointed by His own choice and authority and personal power."  (1:7)

Oh, Father God in heaven, this is a truth I need so to keep ever before me!  You, Lord God, only You knows what tomorrow brings.  This is something we as humans spend way too much time attempting to plan for and fretting over - our future.

Planning is okay, just so we keep You uppermost in those plans.  For You, Lord God, are a God of order and You expect me to live a disciplined and ordered life.  This takes some planning on my part.  "Only let us hold true to what we have already attained and walk and order our lives by that."  (Phil. 3:16)  I thank You for my husband, for it is from him that I have learned much in this area of being organized!   I have yet so far to go.

But fretting is never profitable in any way.  "And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure to his stature or to the span of his life?"  (Matt. 6:27)  I need to be so 'centered' in You Lord that I am not swayed by current circumstances.  I need to be like David.  "For David says in regard to Him, I saw the Lord constantly before me for He is at my right hand that I may not be shaken or overthrown or cast down."  (Acts 2:25)

Yes, You only hold tomorrow in Your Hands.  And You love me more than I can ever understand.

Help me, Lord God to stay focused on that truth!

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Small Things

Reading:  John 20, 21
My Verse:  "But the burial napkin which had been around Jesus' head was not lying with the other linen cloths, but was rolled up in a place by itself."  (20:7)

So achingly beautiful these final chapters of John are.  Lord, I can envision You rising up from Your death couch and pausing to take the time to fold the face napkin and set it down.  This small - seemingly insignificant act speaks volumes to me.  I need to pay attention to the small things in my life - for how I deal with them reflects my whole attitude.  I am learning, Lord!

You appeared to Mary Magdalene first.  Why Mary?  She was not important in the world's eyes.  Yet . . .  Lord, again this speaks to me.  I need to pause in my hurried activities and pay attention to the people You bring into my life each day.  Again, Lord I am learning, but oh so slowly!

Finally, You made breakfast for the disciples.  "When they got out on land, they saw a fire of coals there and fish lying on it and bread. . . . Jesus said to them.  Come, have breakfast."  (21:9, 12) 

So beautiful this act of service and love.  You, Our Risen Lord took time to prepare a meal for Your disciples because they had been working hard and were hungry.

Lord Jesus, You show me by Your every act that nothing is so small or insignificant that it should not receive my full attention.  You show me how I as Your follower am to approach all things in life.

Thank You.

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Jesus Was Not A Victim!

Reading:  John 18, 19
My Verse:  "When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, It is finished!  And He bowed His head and gave up His Spirit."  (19:30)

No, Lord, You were not a victim here.  You knew what was coming - this is why You came to earth - to do the unthinkable!   You came to give up Your life.  It all happened as You and the Father planned.

So many things happened to show Your Deity.

"When Jesus said to them, I am He, they fell backwards and fell to the ground."  (18:6)  Such power in that pronoucement. "I am He!"

You would not let Your disciples fight for You.  You told Peter, "Put the sword back into the sheath!"  Then You healed the ear of the man, Malchus that Peter had cut off.  Right there You did a miracle. 

Even Pilate feared You and wanted nothing to do with Your crucification.  "So when Pilate heard this said, he was more alarmed and awestricken and afraid than before."  (19:8)  He, Pilate was reacting to  what the Jews were saying.  They said that You, Jesus claimed to be the Son of God.  Pilate seemed to sense the truth in this.

When he, Pilate, tried to get Jesus to defend himself because he, Pilate had authority to crucify Jesus or not.  Jesus told him.  "You would not have any power or authority whatsoever against (over) Me if it were not given you from above.  For this reason the sin and guilt of the one who delivered Me over to you is greater."  (19:11)
And, finally, You said.  "It is finished!"  Then, Jesus, You bowed Your head and gave up Your spirit.  The cross by itself could not kill You.  Neither could the people if you had not cooperated in this amazing event.  You did this to conquer death.  "Oh death, where is your sting?  Oh  Hades, where is your victory?"  (I Cor. 15:55 NKJV)

Yes, Lord You were the conquerer, the Victor -  not the victim!

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Farewell Prayer

Reading:  John 17
My Verse:  "I am praying for them.  I am not praying for the world, but for those You have given Me for they belong to You."  (17:9)

Here You are, Lord.  It is finally that time.  You know what is coming and so You prepare Yourself for the coming ordeal through prayer.

First, You pray for Yourself.  "Father the hour has come.  Glorify and exalt and honor and magnify Your Son, so that Your Son may glorify and extol and honor and magnify You."  (17:1)  This is magnificent!  Oh, Lord, how much I have to learn from You.  Each time I read Your Word a new truth is revealed to my spirit.  It is not only okay for me to pray for myself, I need to!

Second, You pray for Your followers.
      "I am praying for them."
      "I do not ask that You will take them out of the world, but that You will keep and protect them from
the evil one."  (17:15)
      "Sanctify them by Truth."  (17:17)
     "That they may be one, just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me." (17:21)
      "Father, I desire that they also . . . may be with Me where I am . . . "  (17:24)
How Your love for us comes through here in Your words. 

Finally, You pray for future believers.  "Neither for these alone do I pray, but also for all those who will ever come to believe in Me through their word and teaching."  (17:20)  So encouraging, that You expected more to come to You.  How I need to be ever optimistic here, especially for those that I have prayed for so long but seen no results.  Thank You for this Lord, it helps me to pray with more expectation and hope for those loved ones that need You.

This Your final prayer teaches us so much but mostly shows how much You love us!

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
 

I AM THE VINE!

Reading:  John 15, 16
My Verse:  "I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I  in him bears much fruit.  However, apart from me[cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing."  (15:5)

So many deep amazing truths here!  Lord, You are nearing the end of Your time on earth as a human.  Your words begin to have a sense of urgency in them.  This whole passage needs to be in BOLD.  It shouts out THIS IS IMPORTANT!  Your amazing love and compassion strongly flows through here.

You  call Yourself the vine.  According to Thayers Lexicon "as a vine imparts to its branches sap and productiveness, so Christ infuses into His followers his own divine strength and life."  I cannot live my life as a follower of You without You!  I need to be connected to You so that Your divine love and wisdom flows into me and enables to live as You would have me to live.

A Sara Groves song helps to express my thoughts here so well.  She was in a place in her life that she couldn't 'hear' You.  She asks You to speak up because her ability to hear You was greatly diminished.  We end up there so often.  The cacophony of our world drowns You out.  It is so important - vital, that we recognize this and cry out to You.  Cry out to You to have mercy on us in our unbelief!  In our apathy!  In our weakness!

In another of her songs, her cry is for You Lord to "stir my heart" and "renew my first desire".  We daren't assume that we are okay.  We are way too weak, even Peter, the Rock denied You.  Oh Lord, we are so ever "prone to wander".

Yet, Lord, You also give us promises as Paul wrote in Philippians 1:6.  "And I am convinced and sure of this very thing. that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ[right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full conpletion in you."  This has been my life verse as You know Lord.  I thank You for these sweet words.

But, I cannot sit back and expect You to do it all in this relationship.  I have a responsible part in this.  I need to ever, "Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it.)  Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength!"  (I Cor. 16:13)

So, Yes!  Thank You, Lord for this passage, for the sense of urgency.  I must ever be alert and do my part to keep my branch well connected to You the vine!

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

He Prepares A Place For Us!

Reading:  John 13, 14
My Verse:  "In My Father's house there are many dwelling places (homes).  If it were not so I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you." (14:2)

This has to be one of the most comforting verses of the Bible.  I know when Mom was in the hospital this last time and we were made to understand that she was not be to with us much longer, she would tell visitors, "I am going to my mansion in heaven."   That she faced death with a steady expectedness and a soft, deep joy.  That she had confidence in where she was going. This was such a comfort to me. 

Thank You, Lord, for this verse.  Thank You for telling us that You have gone to prepare a place for us.  This tells me that I will not be a disembodied spirit floating about in heaven.  I will have a specific dwelling place, a home in eternity. 

This idea of You preparing a dwelling place for me is wonderful.  It makes me ponder the whole concept of 'home'.  I even looked up the Greek meaning of the words - dwelling, home, prepare, to make sure I was understanding what You are saying here.  A home is so important even here on earth, where it is only a temporary dwelling.  It is where we find refuge from the outside world.  It is where we rest and recoup our energies for further work.  It is where we seek the fellowship of our family and friends.  It is where we find comfort.  I look at my role as a homemaker with so much more seriousness and a kind of honor.  I like being the one to prepare and keep our home for the comfort of my family.  You set before me such a wonderful example.

Then, Lord, You go on to say. "And when I go to make ready a place for you, I will come back again and will take you to Myself, that where I am there you may be also."  (14:3)

How wonderful is that!?

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Jesus Wept

Reading:  John 11, 12
My Verse:  "Jesus Wept." (11:35)

This is an amazing thing!  You, God, wept openly.  You, God, were visibly distraught - "sighing repeatedly" and "deeply disquieted"  as You approached the tomb of Lazarus.  Why?

Was it to show us that You, in Your humanity felt the same sorrow we do at the death of a loved one?  To show us that it is okay for us to mourn?  That sorrow is very real and very much a part of our human experience?  Your weeping showed Your humanness - Your sadness at the suffering of loved ones.  By weeping openly You showed me that weeping does not need to mean lack of faith.  Neither does it show weakness.

A footnote in the ESV says that there was anger mixed with Your sorrow, Lord.  You were sad but also angry at the evil presence of death.  Death was so not meant to be.  You did not create us for that experience.

But, while I am here - on this earth - sorrow will indeed be a part of my life. It is very likely I will experience that pain of losing a loved one to death again before I myself die.   And it is okay for me to weep.  I am encouraged by this as I tend to be emotional.

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing Your humanity here, for showing me I need not be ashamed of my tears.  "You number and record my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle - are they not in Your book?" (Psalm 56:8)

Greater still I thank You that I can look forward to that time when, "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4)

Knowing that You had victory over death enables me to deal with the sorrow.  Thank You.

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Well, This Is Astonishing!

Reading:  John 9, 10
My Verse:  "The man replied, Well, this is astonishing!  Here a Man has opened my eyes, and yet you do not know where He comes from."  (9:30)

Out of pure frustration this man, who had been blind from birth and so was probably a beggar proceeded to lecture the learned men of the  church.  Of course these men did not take kindly to this and threw him out of the temple for his audaciousness!  It is kind of funny.  This was like the third time the poor man was questioned, so the men of the church sort of asked for it (so to speak).  They just would not believe the story of the miracle and of Who You were, Jesus.  They just did not want to believe.

It makes me think of people today who hear of You and know of You yet they keep seeking You through other means than what You have set out in Your Word.  They seek other religions, religions that do not require of them what You require - our very heart, mind and soul. 

Over and over You tell us.
   "I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that I Myself am the Door for the sheep." (10:7)
    "I Am the Good Shepherd"  (10:11, 14)

We are today a learned people.  We love information - are we not called the "Information Age"?  Yes, we fill our heads with facts - technical, mechanical, historical, etc.  Like those learned men questioning the healed blind man we tend to become blinded ourselves by  mere facts and knowledge, so that we cannot see the Truth.

I like how Tozer addresses this.  "Facts are not to be despised.  They are to be sought for their practical value and used in the service of truth, but they are never to be allowed to substitute for those "treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3) which are hidden in Christ."

Yes, Lord, You are the Door and the Good Shepherd.  These are spiritual Truths that the learned men could not grasp and this to the astonishment of the healed blind man. 

You go on to promise us that once we become Yours - we will always be Yours.  "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages.  And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand."  (10:28)

This, too, is a Truth to be astonished at and so thankful for!

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Examine My Own Heart!

Reading:   John 7,8
My Verse:  " . . . let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.   . . .They listened to Him, and then they began going out, conscience-stricken, one by one, from the oldest down to the last one of them. . . ."  (8:7-9)

You, Lord, are so amazing!  You go right to the core of the issue.  In this case You very simply and clearly revealed to the accusing, sanctimonius men the sin in their own self-righteous hearts. The simple words, " . . .let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her . . ", placed such a bright light on their hearts that they could do nothing but slink away with tail tucked between their legs!  When all the men had gone away You asked the woman.  "Woman, where are your accusers?  Has no man condemned you?  She answered, No one, Lord!"  (8:10,11)

How I need to examine my own heart as You caused these accusing men to do.  It is so easy to look critically and judgementally at others, especially when they have committed an obvious and outright 'sin'.  I need to instead be examing my own heart for hidden sins that are just as hated by You.  It is so easy to place the blame elsewhere when I feel I have been slighted.  Lord, help me to not be so quick to judge.  Help me instead to question my own heart attitude, motives.  "Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; test my heart and my mind."  (Psalm 26:2)

I love how the guards seemed to completely forget what they were supposed to do with You, Jesus, because they were so awed by Your Words!  "Never has a man talked as this Man talks! (7:46)  It is interesting how the Pharisees did not even seem to wonder at this but simply reprimanded the guards.  The hearts of the Pharisees were so darkened, so full of their own idea of what was truth.  Lord, let me never forget that it is far too easy to get there - to be a Pharisee.  I must ever be open to You, to Your teachings.  I do not want to become dogmatic in how I live my Christian life.  I would be ever fresh and renewed by You and Your Truth!

Thank You, Lord, that I can trust in You to keep me from a Pharisaic attitude.  "So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him,  If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples.  And you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." (8:31,32)

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

What God Asks of Me!

Reading:  John 6
My Verse:  "Then they said, What are we to do, that we may [habitually] be working
                     the works of God?
                     Jesus replied, This is the work (service) that God asks of you; that
                      you believe in the One Whom He has sent."  (6:28,29)

That is all You ask of me - that I "believe in the One Whom He has sent."

Oh, Lord God, why do we complicate things so?  It just all gets so muddled we become unable to see the clear simple truths of Your Word.

I think of all the church institutions down through the ages with their ever building volume of myriad rules, regulations, traditions, orthodoxies.  The gospel message becomes lost in it all and awful atrocities are done in what is thought to be the name of You but it isn't You at all.  Horrible things - the crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, beheadings, burning at the stake, mass suicides (and this in our own "enlightened" country).  People struggle to keep all the rules their church asks of them.  By doing so they hope they make it into heaven. 

I watched a TV documentary on people's ideas of getting into heaven.  Most said, "I hope I am going there."  or "I am trying to do what is right."  Such uncertainty and the interviewer was asking most people as they were leaving their churches!

Lord God, all You ask of us is that we believe in Jesus, Your Son.  Believe that He did come to earth.  He did die on that awful cross for my sins.  He did rise on the third day just as He said He would!

"For this is My Father's will and His purpose, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."  (6:40)

"I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, he who believes in Me has eternal life." (6:47, 48)

Oh, to say with the confidence and surety of Peter.  "And we have learned to believe and trust, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are the Holy One of God, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God." (6:69)

Blessed Assurance!

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

Single Purpose of Scripture

Reading:  John 4,5
My Verse:  "Just as the Father raises up the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whoever He wills and is pleased to give it."  (5:21)

Here is an Aha! moment.  I finally get it!  I finally get that the whole of scripture has a single purpose.  This verse simply, clearly focuses my mind on the fact that all of the Bible - its entire single purpose is to save us! As I think back on it all - all the drama, tragedy, history, songs of joy, songs of despair, songs of inspiration and praise, prayers, examples of men and women living for You or not, there is so much there and all of it put together is to show us the way to YOU!

First You desire to save me from my sin.  "Therefore if any person is in Christ he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away.  Behold, the fresh and new has come!"  (II Cor. 5:17)  By saving me You enable me to live  an abundant life here on this sinful earth.  You continually grow me and transform me.

Then You save me from the result of  physical death by resurrecting my body to be rejoined with my spirit on Your great and glorious Day!  "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the [sound of the ] last trumpet call.  For a trumpet will sound and the dead [in Christ] will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed (transformed)."  (I Cor. 15:52) 

The Bible is so grand!  It simply shouts of Your love for us and our need for salvation.  Forgive me Lord, for those weak moments when I doubt this truth.  I see all the awfulness and begin to wonder, but You do things in Your time.  A wonderful song has been running through my mind, we sang it at evening church last Sunday.
    
    " In His time, in His time.
     He makes all things beautiful, in His time.
     Lord, please show me every day,
     As You are teaching me Your way,
     That You do just what You say
     In Your time."

Thank You for that Lord Jesus.

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!