Begin your time with God by reading and reflecting on these selections from John 13 (if you have your Bible handy, you may want to read through the entire chapter)…
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. – Jn. 13:3-5
“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. – Jn. 13:13-17
Foot washing in Jesus day was the job of the lowest servant. It was shocking and debasing for a respected Rabbi like Jesus to do such a thing.
I remember meeting with a young couple who said that they wanted to wash each other’s feet as a part of the wedding ceremony. At first they wanted to wash all of their bridesmaid’s and groomsmen’s feet too, but I told them that since they had 12 in their wedding party, that might take a little longer than they expected. I have to say that the humble image of that bride & groom kneeling to wash each others feet right in the middle of the ceremony was a powerful symbol of what we are called to as Christians.
What does the washing of feet symbolize for us today? What is it that He is calling us, as His disciples, to do?
Near the end of the chapter Jesus says…
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. - John 13:34-35
It is interesting that Jesus says this is the way in which the world will recognize us as belonging to Him – by our love for each other!
But how does the world see that we love one another? By our kindness, our compassion, our generosity and by the way we serve. We should think of our service as love on display or love in action!
Ask God to help you see where His love needs to be put on display in your life…
Jeff Frazier
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Monday, February 8
Did you ever play the game “Truth or Dare” when you were a kid?
Were you more likely to share the truth or take the dare? If you say that it depends on what the dare is, then you’re probably not the daring type.
At the risk of stretching this little analogy too far, we might look at God’s word as a kind of “Truth and Dare” game; God gives us His truth and (in a sense) dares us to believe it.
Consider this passage…
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Do you see that? You are gifted by God! It’s true, do you dare to believe it? You might not think of yourself as a gifted person, you might struggle with self doubt and low self-esteem. Regardless of how you view yourself, God’s word declares that if you belong to Christ, then you have been gifted by God to be used by the Holy Spirit in service to others.
In a way, God “Double Dares” us; He dares us to believe that we are gifted, and He dares us to use our gifts.
Which of these truths (and/or dares) are most difficult for you?
Do you struggle to believe that you actually have gifts, which God can use?
Do you struggle to take action and put your gifts into use for God?
Have you ever stopped to consider how it might feel to God for you not to believe that He has uniquely gifted you, or how it might feel to Him for you to refuse to put the gifts He gave you into action?
Spend a few minutes in prayer…
Jeff Frazier
Were you more likely to share the truth or take the dare? If you say that it depends on what the dare is, then you’re probably not the daring type.
At the risk of stretching this little analogy too far, we might look at God’s word as a kind of “Truth and Dare” game; God gives us His truth and (in a sense) dares us to believe it.
Consider this passage…
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Do you see that? You are gifted by God! It’s true, do you dare to believe it? You might not think of yourself as a gifted person, you might struggle with self doubt and low self-esteem. Regardless of how you view yourself, God’s word declares that if you belong to Christ, then you have been gifted by God to be used by the Holy Spirit in service to others.
In a way, God “Double Dares” us; He dares us to believe that we are gifted, and He dares us to use our gifts.
Which of these truths (and/or dares) are most difficult for you?
Do you struggle to believe that you actually have gifts, which God can use?
Do you struggle to take action and put your gifts into use for God?
Have you ever stopped to consider how it might feel to God for you not to believe that He has uniquely gifted you, or how it might feel to Him for you to refuse to put the gifts He gave you into action?
Spend a few minutes in prayer…
- Praising God that He has uniquely gifted you to make a difference in the world for His glory!
- Asking God to forgive you for either failing to believe or failing to use the gifts He has given you.
- Resolving to use what God has given you in service to others and for Christ!
Jeff Frazier
Friday, February 5, 2010
Friday, February 5
Psalm 40:1-2
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
Begin your time with God today by realizing that as you call out to him – he turns to you and hears! Thank him for meeting with you today.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
If we remember that Paul wrote these words from prison – this becomes an astonishing and powerful paragraph from God’s word!
He doesn’t pray for release; he doesn’t pray for justice and fairness; he doesn’t pray for better treatment; he says, “Don’t be anxious about anything…” and then “the peace of God … will guard your hearts and minds…”
What kind of prayer is this? What kind of peace is this?
This is the prayer of a man who knows that most of what we worry about – including being in prison – are insignificant in comparison with the knowledge that our lives are in God’s hands!
This is a peace that assures us that nothing can happen to us that God cannot redeem into his purpose and glory.
To “take hold” of prayer means to open your heart to God in complete honesty, believing that He both hears and has the power to answer our requests; trusting Him to give us what He knows is best for us, then resting in His peace.
Close your time with him today by asking the Lord to help you to continue to take hold of prayer – and to know the peace of Christ in your heart.
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
Begin your time with God today by realizing that as you call out to him – he turns to you and hears! Thank him for meeting with you today.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
If we remember that Paul wrote these words from prison – this becomes an astonishing and powerful paragraph from God’s word!
He doesn’t pray for release; he doesn’t pray for justice and fairness; he doesn’t pray for better treatment; he says, “Don’t be anxious about anything…” and then “the peace of God … will guard your hearts and minds…”
What kind of prayer is this? What kind of peace is this?
This is the prayer of a man who knows that most of what we worry about – including being in prison – are insignificant in comparison with the knowledge that our lives are in God’s hands!
This is a peace that assures us that nothing can happen to us that God cannot redeem into his purpose and glory.
To “take hold” of prayer means to open your heart to God in complete honesty, believing that He both hears and has the power to answer our requests; trusting Him to give us what He knows is best for us, then resting in His peace.
Close your time with him today by asking the Lord to help you to continue to take hold of prayer – and to know the peace of Christ in your heart.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Thursday, February 4
So what if you pray sincerely and faithfully – and nothing happens? What if you ask God to move a mountain in your life and He seems not to answer? Does that mean He didn’t hear you? Does it mean God doesn’t care? Does it mean He lacks the power to act?
Sooner or later we all have to deal with the difficult problem of “unanswered prayer.” Read the following verses to learn how the Apostle Paul dealt with his experience of unanswered prayer.
2 Corinthians 12:7-9
To keep me from being conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given to me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleased with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Paul had a deep and personal relationship with Christ. He believed in the power of prayer. He asked the Lord to remove some manner of suffering (we’re not sure exactly what Paul meant by “thorn in my flesh”) from his life – the request was not granted. Yet, Paul had come to understand that while God had not granted his request, He had answered his prayer. God gave Paul something else – the grace and strength to live with his suffering and to use it for greater ministry.
Is there something you have been asking God for in recent days that He has not yet chosen to give?
Are you willing, like Paul, to ask the Lord if perhaps He wants to answer your prayer in a different way?
Ask God to grant you the grace and strength to trust Him even in your weakness.
Sooner or later we all have to deal with the difficult problem of “unanswered prayer.” Read the following verses to learn how the Apostle Paul dealt with his experience of unanswered prayer.
2 Corinthians 12:7-9
To keep me from being conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given to me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleased with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Paul had a deep and personal relationship with Christ. He believed in the power of prayer. He asked the Lord to remove some manner of suffering (we’re not sure exactly what Paul meant by “thorn in my flesh”) from his life – the request was not granted. Yet, Paul had come to understand that while God had not granted his request, He had answered his prayer. God gave Paul something else – the grace and strength to live with his suffering and to use it for greater ministry.
Is there something you have been asking God for in recent days that He has not yet chosen to give?
Are you willing, like Paul, to ask the Lord if perhaps He wants to answer your prayer in a different way?
Ask God to grant you the grace and strength to trust Him even in your weakness.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Wednesday, February 3
Jesus taught us that prayer is a relationship with God – and that as His children, we not only have access to God but that we can ask him to meet our daily needs.
In this passage from Mark, Jesus goes further – teaching us that prayer also gives us access to the power of God.
Mark 11:22
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself in to the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
While we understand that Jesus is not promising to rearrange the topography at our whim – but rather is using a striking metaphor to emphasize the power of God – he does seem to be inviting us to ask not only for our basic needs – but for the “mountains” in our lives to be moved!
Do you have any mountains in your life right now?
Are your mountains comprised of emotions like anger, grief or bitterness? Are your mountains built of strained or broken relationships? Do you have a mountain of financial stress – or perhaps of illness?
Are you ready to trust God with your mountain? Jesus is simply reminding us that God is able to do that which seems impossible to us – and that prayer is what accesses His power.
Take some time to identify the mountains of your life and heart – and take those mountains to God in prayer.
In this passage from Mark, Jesus goes further – teaching us that prayer also gives us access to the power of God.
Mark 11:22
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself in to the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
While we understand that Jesus is not promising to rearrange the topography at our whim – but rather is using a striking metaphor to emphasize the power of God – he does seem to be inviting us to ask not only for our basic needs – but for the “mountains” in our lives to be moved!
Do you have any mountains in your life right now?
Are your mountains comprised of emotions like anger, grief or bitterness? Are your mountains built of strained or broken relationships? Do you have a mountain of financial stress – or perhaps of illness?
Are you ready to trust God with your mountain? Jesus is simply reminding us that God is able to do that which seems impossible to us – and that prayer is what accesses His power.
Take some time to identify the mountains of your life and heart – and take those mountains to God in prayer.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Tuesday, February 2
Begin your time with God today by taking about five deep breaths. Each time you breathe out – imagine you are exhaling all the stress, tension and concerns that burden your heart – and just trusting them over the God as you prepare to meet with him.
All relationships begin with and depend on some degree of honesty. The writer of this Psalm understood that – and understood that genuine prayer begins with honesty with God.
Psalm 13
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.
Have you ever felt like you were praying the right words – but still somehow felt disconnected from God?
Have you ever felt angry or disappointed with God but tried to hide those feelings behind flowery and “proper” words?
Jesus taught us that prayer is a relationship – and therefore that prayer begins with honesty. When we hold back our “less than pleasant” emotions from God – we are like Adam and Eve hiding in the garden. Remember in Genesis when God pursued them saying, “Where are you?”
In the same way, God invites us to be completely honest with him. The psalmist understood that and blurts out what is almost an accusation, “Will you forget me forever?”
Take some time to open your heart completely before God? Is there any way in which you may have been withholding something – anger, disappointment, resentment, fear – from the One who knows and loves you perfectly? Trust that God is big enough to understand and absorb all that you carry in your heart. Ask Him to help you trust him and release those things to Him.
Use your journal if it helps you to write out your thoughts and prayers.
All relationships begin with and depend on some degree of honesty. The writer of this Psalm understood that – and understood that genuine prayer begins with honesty with God.
Psalm 13
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.
Have you ever felt like you were praying the right words – but still somehow felt disconnected from God?
Have you ever felt angry or disappointed with God but tried to hide those feelings behind flowery and “proper” words?
Jesus taught us that prayer is a relationship – and therefore that prayer begins with honesty. When we hold back our “less than pleasant” emotions from God – we are like Adam and Eve hiding in the garden. Remember in Genesis when God pursued them saying, “Where are you?”
In the same way, God invites us to be completely honest with him. The psalmist understood that and blurts out what is almost an accusation, “Will you forget me forever?”
Take some time to open your heart completely before God? Is there any way in which you may have been withholding something – anger, disappointment, resentment, fear – from the One who knows and loves you perfectly? Trust that God is big enough to understand and absorb all that you carry in your heart. Ask Him to help you trust him and release those things to Him.
Use your journal if it helps you to write out your thoughts and prayers.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Monday, February 1
Begin your time with God today by reading Psalm 42:1-2:
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you O God.
My soul thirsts for the God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Take a few moments in prayer to both quiet your mind and thank the God of the universe for the privilege of meeting with him personally today!
Hebrews 10:19-22
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…”
Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt either unwelcome or unwanted by God?
Have you ever felt that the mistakes or sins of your past have “disqualified” you from God’s presence?
Paul here is referring to the fact that in the ancient Tabernacle (and later Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem) the “Most Holy Place” was an inner room where the presence of God dwelled. This room was separated from the rest of the Tabernacle by a heavy curtain. The only person allowed to enter was the High Priest – and he entered only once a year to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people. But when Jesus died on the cross, scripture says that this veil was torn from top to bottom – indicating that now all who put their faith in Jesus have access to God himself. Paul is teaching us that through Christ we can approach God with confidence and assurance.
Take a few moments to reflect on the amazing truth that you have been given “confident access” to the very presence of God through prayer. Because Jesus has opened the way to God through his sacrifice on the cross – our sins no longer separate us from Him.
Because God welcomes us into his presence, we can tell him anything and ask him anything. What do you need to share with Him today? What would you like to ask Him today?
Brian Coffey
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you O God.
My soul thirsts for the God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Take a few moments in prayer to both quiet your mind and thank the God of the universe for the privilege of meeting with him personally today!
Hebrews 10:19-22
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…”
Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt either unwelcome or unwanted by God?
Have you ever felt that the mistakes or sins of your past have “disqualified” you from God’s presence?
Paul here is referring to the fact that in the ancient Tabernacle (and later Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem) the “Most Holy Place” was an inner room where the presence of God dwelled. This room was separated from the rest of the Tabernacle by a heavy curtain. The only person allowed to enter was the High Priest – and he entered only once a year to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people. But when Jesus died on the cross, scripture says that this veil was torn from top to bottom – indicating that now all who put their faith in Jesus have access to God himself. Paul is teaching us that through Christ we can approach God with confidence and assurance.
Take a few moments to reflect on the amazing truth that you have been given “confident access” to the very presence of God through prayer. Because Jesus has opened the way to God through his sacrifice on the cross – our sins no longer separate us from Him.
Because God welcomes us into his presence, we can tell him anything and ask him anything. What do you need to share with Him today? What would you like to ask Him today?
Brian Coffey
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
