Cranky and Unappreciative?

 

 John 21:15-17

Jesus Reinstates Peter

¹⁵ When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
¹⁶ Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
¹⁷ The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep."

When I began serving at a homeless shelter, I assumed the guests would be appreciative. But several complained about the menu, and others snatched their plates in silence.
 Most met my smile with sideways glances that spoke of wariness and distrust. I thought angrily, How dare they treat me this way! They don’t even know me.





 Then I heard God speaking through my frustration: “Jill, do you know them?” The next week I began to actually sit and eat with the guests. I asked, “How are you?” and took the time to listen — not only to what was said but also to what was not said. I heard the sadness in the tone of voice, observed the forced smile, and was touched by the eyes glassy with tears. I learned names and heard stories. Those I once saw only as grouchy and ungrateful became sisters and brothers — each with their own unique pains of the past, fears of the present, and hopes for the future.

  In our reading for today, Jesus gave Peter some very specific directions about showing his love for Christ by serving others: “Feed my lambs . . . Tend my sheep.” Even those who at first seem cranky and unappreciative, we are also called to feed and to tend.

 

The Author  Jill Allen Maisch (Maryland, USA) from The Upper Room

Thought for the Day

Serving in Christ’s name requires building relationships.

Prayer

Dear God, help us discover how we might tend to the physical and spiritual needs of the people around us. Amen.

Prayer focus  Those who serve the homeless

Impure Spirits

Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. Mark 1:23-26

There are impure spirits inside some people. Some even possess individuals in our places of worship. It is scary to see those who have Satan as their master and who are set on disrupting the work of God. They may say they believe in God, because ‘even the demons believe and tremble,’ but their heart is far from Him. Impure spirits try to blend in with true believers, but they are exposed as fakes to those with spiritual discernment. Christ’s presence drives them out.

Jesus encountered evil in the synagogue and cast out the impure spirit from the man. Demons are not comfortable where Christ is taught and where the Spirit of God has a powerful presence.

 Unfortunately, some impotent churches have people who go through the motions with zombie like spiritual energy. The enemy’s influence has embedded their minds. Evil induces individuals to smile and be satisfied to live for themselves. Impure spirits lead people to live impure lives.

 

 

 

 

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. James 2:19

Therefore, make sure not to make light of the influence of impure spirits. If you embrace activities and entertainment that espouse evil, you expose yourself and your family to the entertainment that espouse evil. Even events done in fun and jest can open the door to the unintentional consequences of accepting the abnormal as normal. Your children can dress up and have fun without imitating witches, warlocks, spiritists and the occult. Why dance with the enemy and risk defilement by his influence?

Furthermore, pray against impure spirits in the pure name of Jesus Christ. They cannot stand it when we stand up to them in the mighty name of Jesus.

Everyone will bow to our Lord Jesus, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11”  Impure spirits cannot remain in the presence of Purity, the Lord Jesus.

Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:31

Prayer: Heavenly Father, lead me by Your Spirit to discern impure spirits and confront them in the pure name of Jesus Christ.

Related Readings: 1 Samuel 28:3-9; Job 1:6-12; Mark 3:15; 1 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 9:20

Post/Tweet today: Impure spirits lead people to live impure lives. #impurespirits

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© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
Wisdom Hunters Resources / A

Life’s Interruptions

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Mark 1:35-37

Life is full of interruptions. Car maintenance, a sick child, divorce, death, financial surprises, a friend’s crisis, government shutdowns, home repair, health questions, and job issues all interrupt our regular routine. If we have perfectionist tendencies we can stress out over control slipping away or we can learn to embrace Christ’s control. Ironically, expectations of a stress free life only create stress. As long as we live, life will interrupt, so how shall we respond?

Jesus was interrupted in His prayers and He was interrupted by the leper, but He used them both for God’s glory. Is the Lord in on our life’s interruptions? Many times, yes! He takes distractions in our prayer time and uses them to lead us into His will. On occasion while praying, my mind races with a mental list that longs for immediate attention. So, I stop praying, write down the items and then offer the list in prayer as a sacrifice to Jesus. The Holy Spirit leads me in how to manage the needs I’ve written down. So, I seek to lean into the Lord when interrupted by life.

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15

We are all needy to one degree or another. Needy people need to have their needs met. Therefore,  when someone interrupts your life with their need, look for the Lord in the interruption. Pray for a way to meet their need in Jesus’ name so they are attracted to His love. Furthermore, you are not called to meet everyone’s needs all the time. There are others God wants to engage as His benevolent blessing. Be available, do what you can, and trust the Lord to add more resources.

There is no shame in being needy. This is the human condition. It is what draws us to God. So, we first seek Christ Jesus to meet all our needs in Him. His love, His patience, His mercy, His rest and His care are a treasure trove of spiritual invigoration, emotional healing, and mental stamina. The Lord is with us in the middle of life’s interruptions. We also seek those who love us when we need love. We ask for prayer in our pain. We need each other and we need our Savior Jesus when life interrupts our plans. Yes, life’s interruptions direct us to God’s better plan!

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Prayer: Heavenly Father, when life interrupts my goals and aspirations, thank you for meeting my needs in Christ Jesus.

Related Readings: Psalm 23:1, 39:5; Matthew 8:24; Luke 12:18-20; 2 Corinthians 9:8

Post/Tweet today: Ironically, expectations of a stress free life only create stress. #lifesinterruptions


© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
Wisdom Hunters Resources / A registered 501 c3 ministry

Humble and Gentle

After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. Mark 1:7, 10

Jesus was introduced by a humble man and a gentle dove. One came from earth as a reminder of the need for our confession of sins, and the other came from heaven as a reminder of God’s forgiveness of sins. City and country people came to be cleansed of their sin. Fiery spiritual revival spread across the villages into the towns, as John and Jesus were lightening rods for the Holy Spirit’s energy. Indeed, their humble and gentle attitude invited the Trinity’s trust and favor.

We are drawn to preachers and teachers who proclaim and teach truth from a humble heart and a gentle spirit. Truth is convicting enough without the pride of man adding insult to injury. Yes, with humility we can say something hard with a smile and still solicit the trust of our friend. Our gentle words carry with them the blessing of God’s Spirit. Humble men and women point people to Jesus, not to themselves. Gentleness gets people to God. Here they feel His love and approval.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I (Jesus) am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

Do you submit to God moment by moment so the fullness of His Spirit bears the fruit of humility and gentleness in your life? Union with your Lord brings out His best in You. Because He is gentle, you become gentle. Since He is humble, you become humble. You grow in support of your relationships by being available to satisfy their needs. Patience is your fuel for gentleness and prayer powers your humility. Your Heavenly Father is well pleased when you grow in these.

God graced the globe with a gentle and peaceful dove. We felt His love as He pronounced His pleasure in His son Jesus. 

 Like Noah, who knew the storms were over when the dove’s beak clenched an olive branch, so Jesus was God’s olive branch to mankind’s mishaps. Grace is God’s rainbow of redemption to a world flooded with fear. Glory in the salvation of a forgiving Trinity. Rejoice, we are invited into the humble and gentle community of the Father, Son and Spirit!

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

Prayer: Lord Jesus, grow my spirit by the power of Your humble and gentle Spirit.

Related Readings: Genesis 8:11; Joel 2:28; Acts 11:16; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:2

Post/Tweet today: Patience is our fuel for gentleness and prayer powers our humility. #humbleandgentle


© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.

Standing the Test of Time

 

 

Ecclesiastes 2:9-11  New International Version (NIV)

⁹ I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.

¹⁰ I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;
    I refused my heart no pleasure.
My heart took delight in all my labor,
    and this was the reward for all my toil.

¹¹ Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done
    and what I had toiled to achieve,
everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;
    nothing was gained under the sun.

The psalmist wrote, “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.”  - Psalm 71:18 (NIV)

 

My husband and I have begun researching our family ancestry. During this process we have visited many cemeteries to take pictures of family grave markers. Some of the markers are simple, small headstones. Others are grand monuments. Many quote a scripture verse, or say how much the person was loved and will be missed. The passing of time, however, has been an enemy to these well-intentioned memorials. Many are fading, falling down, broken, and cracked. Some plots are covered up with vegetation, and not all monuments are readable.

If King David and King Solomon had grand burial sites, time and generations have hidden the locations. But their failures and victories, their works of faith that live on in the psalms and writings in the Bible, remind us of our need for God. Memorials of stone, marble, and brass may not last.

But our life of faith and the example we set will be passed down from generation to generation — a permanent monument that will stand the test of time.

 

The Author  Shelby H. Grant (North Carolina, USA)

 

Prayer

Dear Father, help us to live in a way that those who come after us will find in our lives true examples of faith in you. Amen.
 

Prayer focus   Cemetery caretakers

A Humble Husband

“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers” (1 Peter 3:7).

A humble husband has a hungry heart for the Lord and seeks to follow Christ’s commands. He submits to His Savior Jesus before he expects submission from his wife. A humble husband hears from God before He seeks to direct his family. It is from a position of humility that his prayers are not hindered; indeed, heaven hears and answers.

Furthermore, a husband who walks in humility is considerate and caring of his wife. He makes her feel special daily, especially on her birthday, wedding anniversary, and special days in between. Humility is respectful and loving, always watching for ways to honor God’s gift—his wife. Love and respect are twin traits of humility that tower over pride.

A humble husband is quick to admit he does not know everything; thus, he values his wife’s opinion and advice. Before a major decision, he leads his bride in prayer to their heavenly Father for His wisdom and direction. She is comforted knowing that he, as the spiritual leader of the home, is accountable to almighty God. Humility invites trust.

A humble husband sees Jesus as his model of humility 

that leads to obedience.

“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8). Humility follows Jesus wherever He leads.

Powerful prayers flow from the heart of a humble husband. On his knees he engages the enemy on behalf of his family. He understands his responsibility to represent God well in the home. His attitude toward almighty God strongly influences his wife and children’s attitude toward the Lord. He totally trusts the Lord and leads his family to do the same.

How is your heart? Is it haughty or humble under Christ’s authority? Have you accepted your role as the spiritual leader of your home? If so, engage with your wife as joint heirs of God’s gracious gift of life. Learn to love her like the Lord loves her. Admit your wrongs, ask her forgiveness, and serve her well—so your prayers will prosper for God’s glory.

“The Lord said to me, ‘Go, show your love to your wife again…. Love her as the Lord

loves’” (Hosea 3:1).

Do I humble myself daily before the Lord and my wife? Does she normally feel love and respect from me?

Related Readings: Genesis 24:67; Deuteronomy 8:3, 16; Luke 18:14; Colossians 3:19

Post/Tweet: A humble husband submits to His Savior Jesus before he expects submission from his wife.

© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.

Around the World

   Psalm 67^[

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song.

¹ May God be gracious to us and bless us
    and make his face shine on us—^[b]
2 so that your ways may be known on earth,
    your salvation among all nations.

³ May the peoples praise you, God;
    may all the peoples praise you.
⁴ May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
    for you rule the peoples with equity
    and guide the nations of the earth.
⁵ May the peoples praise you, God;
    may all the peoples praise you.

⁶ The land yields its harvest;
    God, our God, blesses us.
⁷ May God bless us still,
    so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.Psalm 67:1-7

Jesus said, “As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”  - John 17:21 (NRSV)
 

When I open my computer each morning I’m excited to read the meditation from The Upper Room. Not only do I get a message that guides or uplifts me during the day; I also have fellowship with Christians all over the world. I have a chance to pray for the circumstances of the authors — for their bereavement, struggles of faith, or rejoicing. I next pray for the country where the day’s writer lives. Recently I have prayed for Japan, Germany, Spain, Australia, Canada, and my own country, England. The various U.S. states have been featured in my prayers as well. On my wall hangs a large map of the world to help me locate the countries I’m not very familiar with.

Each morning I get a thrill as I realize that people all over the world are reading these same scripture passages and meditations and praying about the same concerns. Though we read and pray at different times, our problems, searchings, and rejoicings are similar, and we all can receive answers and help as we read.
And because we read and pray at different times, as we do a wave of prayer moves around the globe.

 

The Author   Carol Purves (Cumbria, England)  from The Upper Room

 

Prayer

All praise to you, faithful God, that you listen to us and have compassion on us. Amen.
 

Prayer focus  Those who write for The Upper Room

Protect Your Family

An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.“Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” Matthew 2:13

The Lord protects His children. He protects them from those with evil intent. He reveals the unrighteous motives of unscrupulous men and women. He protects His loved ones from temptation. But when they are tempted, He provides a way of escape. He protects His followers from themselves. He surrounds them with objective counsel. Wise ones tell them what they need to hear in love, not what they want to hear. God protects what is precious to His heart.

There are defining moments which require the prayerful protection of our family. It may be a financial temptation to borrow too much money. This materialistic burden forces us to work too much to the neglect of our spouse and children. So, contented expectations reject detrimental desires to grow our lifestyle beyond our means. Perhaps our family needs us to radically curtail the calendar, so we are free to be a family. Yes, we get under God’s protection to rest in Him.

May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you. Psalm 25:21

Moreover, your integrity is an instrument of the Lord’s protection. Your good name is like a tall imposing black cast iron security gate that the enemy cannot scale, lest it is breached by your bad behavior. Your character is a thick walled citadel of Christ’s protection that rests on the hill of His help. Like money, the worth of your integrity compounds over time. It protects you from people assuming the worst, instead they assume the best. Your integrity protects your family.

Furthermore, your Heavenly Father protects you with His love and faithfulness. The goodness of God, like a fortified castle, provides safety from unseemly souls. His love only leads you to places where He is with you. His faithfulness does not falter or default. Nations can fail to pay their debts, but the Lord God Almighty is 100% dependable. Thus, keep your family trusting in Jesus. When your family is under God’s authority they are under His protection. His grace guards your home!

May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him. Psalm 61:7

Prayer: Heavenly Father, lead me into Your protection and away from my impulsive actions.

Related Readings: Joshua 24:17; Psalm 12:5,7, 20:1, 91:14; Malachi 2:16; 2 Thessaloinians 3:3

Post/Tweet today: Your integrity is an instrument of the Lord’s protection. Your good name is like a tall imposing security gate. #protect

Blessed by these readings?: pray about giving a donation, click…http://bit.ly/KArLE5

© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.

Children Praise God

Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’”? Matthew 21:9

The Lord calls forth praise from the lips of precious children to Him. They praise Him for they know He loves them. They praise Him because He cares for them. They praise Him for His goodness. They praise Him for His forgiveness. They praise Him for the beauty of His holiness. Their praise is pure, unsoiled by skeptics. A child has yet to be defiled by the cynical sorts Satan sends to confuse adults. Their authentic air of worship drifts a pleasing aroma into the nostrils of God.

A child is positioned by their honest intentions and trusting hearts to embrace Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Thus, as parents we are responsible to encourage their growth in grace and truth. We teach them songs of praise at an early age so words of worship make their way into the depths of their moldable hearts. ‘Bless the Lord and all that is within me’ will not be soon forgotten by a son or daughter who sings this to Jesus. Yes, praise revels Christ’s salvation.

The living, the living—they praise you, as I am doing today; parents tell their children about your faithfulness. Isaiah 38:19

 

 

 

Furthermore, make it fun for your child to praise Jesus. Play uplifting and joyful music in the car and at home. A chorus like, ‘Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe,’ is an easy phrase to recall and it reflects the heart of Christ. He says, ‘If you love me keep my commands’ (John 14:15).  A simple and appropriate way for a child to honor their parents is to obey them. Instant obedience is an indicator of a person whose praise to God is life changing.

A family who worships together grows in grace together. Yes, there are times you wonder if all the Sunday morning ruckus is worth the physical energy and

 

emotional stress to get your little ones to church. Absolutely yes, keep your family in a healthy, faith filled environment. Like a greenhouse grows luscious fruit and vegetables, so your child’s heart warms to God in worship. Encourage your child to praise God by your passionate praise to God. He inhabits His praises!

But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:3, KJV

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your goodness, humility and mercy. May I praise with the purity of a child.

Related Readings: Exodus 15:2; Psalm 8:2, 71:22; Luke 10:21; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Post/Tweet today: Like a greenhouse grows luscious fruit and vegetables, so your child’s heart warms to God in worship. #praiseGod


© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.