Date: September 19, 2010 8:30 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Our Father
Our Father
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (MARK 7:7) "This, then, is how you should pray." (MATTHEW 6:9)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:9-13
Jesus taught His own prayer to His disciples. An example of how we also should pray, it is a perfect prayer. Often I have repeated its words without thinking about the power behind them. In the countless ways that we can come to the Lord in prayer, many people like to begin with the confession of sins. When I start thinking about my sins, however, I quickly become distracted. Rather than dwelling on the Lord, I think all about myself.
Beginning the way Jesus began helps me focus on Him. "Our Father;" this first phrase emphasizes our relationship with God. He is our Father, and we are His children, the sons and daughters of the Living God. Jesus is God's Son, which means He is our brother. We have an intimate relationship with the almighty God of the universe. Knowing that ought to encourage us when we are discouraged and show us how precious we are when we feel worthless. God is always with us when we feel abandoned, and His love for us abounds even when we feel unlovable.
Insight: Because of Jesus' sacrifice we are members of God's family, if we believe Him. Remember to thank Him for that in your prayers.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
+DEV+ Abba, an Intimate Name for God
Date: January 29, 2012 11:12 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Abba, an Intimate Name for God
Abba, an Intimate Name for God
"'Abba, Father' he said, 'everything is possible
for you.'" (MARK 14:36) "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.'" (GALATIANS 4:6)
Scripture Focus: Galatians 4:4-7
We have two children, one son-in-law, one granddaughter. In some families I would be called Father, Grandfather, or even Sir. But everyone in our family lovingly calls me Dad. They know how much I cares for them. When any of them needs me, they know they can depend on Dad. He is always available to help.
In the Bible, Abba is the informal name for Father. It means the same as Papa. This was the name Jesus used in His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane several hours before He was crucified.
Today's reading reveals the intimate relationship we have with our heavenly Father. We do not have to plead to an aloof, uncaring God. He is never too busy or too preoccupied with "running the world" to notice us and hear us when we pray. Believers have the extraordinary privilege of a close personal relationship with the Mighty God of the universe. He welcomes our requests. We can always depend on our Abba, our Papa.
Insight: As believers we are privileged to have the same personal relationship with our Heavenly Father, our Abba, as Jesus does.
Topic: +DEV+ Abba, an Intimate Name for God
Abba, an Intimate Name for God
"'Abba, Father' he said, 'everything is possible
for you.'" (MARK 14:36) "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.'" (GALATIANS 4:6)
Scripture Focus: Galatians 4:4-7
We have two children, one son-in-law, one granddaughter. In some families I would be called Father, Grandfather, or even Sir. But everyone in our family lovingly calls me Dad. They know how much I cares for them. When any of them needs me, they know they can depend on Dad. He is always available to help.
In the Bible, Abba is the informal name for Father. It means the same as Papa. This was the name Jesus used in His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane several hours before He was crucified.
Today's reading reveals the intimate relationship we have with our heavenly Father. We do not have to plead to an aloof, uncaring God. He is never too busy or too preoccupied with "running the world" to notice us and hear us when we pray. Believers have the extraordinary privilege of a close personal relationship with the Mighty God of the universe. He welcomes our requests. We can always depend on our Abba, our Papa.
Insight: As believers we are privileged to have the same personal relationship with our Heavenly Father, our Abba, as Jesus does.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
+DEV+ The Source of Joy
Date: January 24, 2012 10:22 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Source of Joy
The Source of Joy
"I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them." (JOHN 17:13) Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (NEHEMIAH 8:10)
Scripture Focus: John 17:6-26
When I broke my back, I learned joy is not something we switch on like a light. Depression and pain drained me physically, emotionally and spiritually. But beyond the pain, the Lord's joy made me strong enough to face that overwhelming situation. I wasn't happy that I became disabled. But, because God was with me, I knew I would survive and know joy again.
Most people think joy is brought on by pleasant circumstances. True joy does not depend on good things happening. If this were so, Jesus would not have experienced it as He faced the cruelty of His death on the cross. Jesus said that in this world believers would experience heart-rending trials, situations that looked impossible to handle. Do those sound like reasons to be joyful?
His joy implanted deep in us remains in spite of the fiercest storms and most fiery trials we face. The joy of the Lord is our strength because He gave up all the joys of heaven so that we might experience true joy and one day be with Him.
Insight: Joy is one of the gifts the Lord offers us. His true joy makes us strong. We need to accept his gift today.
Monday, January 23, 2012
+DEV+ Jesus Prays for Us
Date: January 23, 2012 7:40 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Jesus Prays for Us
Jesus Prays for Us
"I pray also for those who will believe in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." (JOHN 17:20, 23)
Scripture Focus: John 17:6-26
Even though Jesus prayed this prayer thousands of years ago for believers, His prayer is for you and me, also. The heading in my Bible says, "Jesus Prays for Future Believers." In vs. 21 Jesus asks the Father "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I in you." God desires unity and harmony among all believers. Unity in us proves to the world that God is real.
Jesus reveals God the Father to believers. In His prayer, He commits Himself to continue teaching us about God. This is a life-long process. He also prays that we realize that the Father loves us as much as He loves Jesus. How breathtaking the thought!
We may forget this when we fail, when we are discouraged, when we question God's love for us. When I, broke my back, I said to God, "This doesn't feel like love." But God's love for us is not based on warm, fuzzy feelings. Even when our dreams are destroyed, we need to remember His infinite love for us never fails, and we can rest solidly in that.
Insight: This amazing truth is beyond our ability to comprehend. God loves you and me as much as he loves Jesus!
Topic: +DEV+ Jesus Prays for Us
Jesus Prays for Us
"I pray also for those who will believe in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." (JOHN 17:20, 23)
Scripture Focus: John 17:6-26
Even though Jesus prayed this prayer thousands of years ago for believers, His prayer is for you and me, also. The heading in my Bible says, "Jesus Prays for Future Believers." In vs. 21 Jesus asks the Father "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I in you." God desires unity and harmony among all believers. Unity in us proves to the world that God is real.
Jesus reveals God the Father to believers. In His prayer, He commits Himself to continue teaching us about God. This is a life-long process. He also prays that we realize that the Father loves us as much as He loves Jesus. How breathtaking the thought!
We may forget this when we fail, when we are discouraged, when we question God's love for us. When I, broke my back, I said to God, "This doesn't feel like love." But God's love for us is not based on warm, fuzzy feelings. Even when our dreams are destroyed, we need to remember His infinite love for us never fails, and we can rest solidly in that.
Insight: This amazing truth is beyond our ability to comprehend. God loves you and me as much as he loves Jesus!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
+DEV+ The Time Had Come
Date: January 23, 2012 11:19 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Time Had Come
The Time Had Come
"After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: 'Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.'" (JOHN 17:1)
Scripture Focus: John 17:1-5
For about three years Jesus healed the sick and lame, performed miracles, and taught people about God and His Kingdom. His life's actions and words demonstrated to the world what the Father is like. The cross always before Him, He knew he would die for us before the world was even created. He came to save us all by giving His perfect life for our sin-tainted lives. The gospel writers reveal many of Jesus' thoughts as He walked through life with the cross looming in His future. Each time someone tried to kill Him, He said that His time had not come yet. His work was not yet completed.
But in due time the hour had come to complete His mission. Jesus' death is God's provision that enables us to have everlasting life. His time had come to save the world, to free us from the bonds of sin and death. This was the reason He was born; this was the reason He died and came back to life. He suffered our punishment - our hell - when the sins every person in the past, present and future were rolled onto Him.
Insight: When we open our lives to Jesus, we will never experience God's wrath. is there any way we can refuse god's life-giving gift?
Topic: +DEV+ The Time Had Come
The Time Had Come
"After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: 'Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.'" (JOHN 17:1)
Scripture Focus: John 17:1-5
For about three years Jesus healed the sick and lame, performed miracles, and taught people about God and His Kingdom. His life's actions and words demonstrated to the world what the Father is like. The cross always before Him, He knew he would die for us before the world was even created. He came to save us all by giving His perfect life for our sin-tainted lives. The gospel writers reveal many of Jesus' thoughts as He walked through life with the cross looming in His future. Each time someone tried to kill Him, He said that His time had not come yet. His work was not yet completed.
But in due time the hour had come to complete His mission. Jesus' death is God's provision that enables us to have everlasting life. His time had come to save the world, to free us from the bonds of sin and death. This was the reason He was born; this was the reason He died and came back to life. He suffered our punishment - our hell - when the sins every person in the past, present and future were rolled onto Him.
Insight: When we open our lives to Jesus, we will never experience God's wrath. is there any way we can refuse god's life-giving gift?
Thursday, January 19, 2012
+DEV+ The Glorifying Life
Date: January 19, 2012 10:02 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Glorifying Life
The Glorifying Life
"I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began." (JOHN 17:4)
Scripture Focus: John 17:1-5
Jesus fulfilled every prophecy about Him made in the Old Testament of the Bible. Everything Jesus accomplished glorified God His Father. We bring glory to God when we do His will. Though we aren't perfect, the will of God should be the driving force in our lives.
We are not here by accident. God has a plan and a purpose for our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that He knows the plans He has for us, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." In a world filled with people wandering aimlessly, believers are focused because of their faith in God. His will gives meaning and direction to our lives.
Believers know the answers to difficult questions people ask:
Who am I and where did I come from? Why am I here and where am I going? I am a child created by the loving, living God, made to glorify and enjoy Him, walking each day on the Heavenly Highway that leads me home.
Insight: When we choose to follow God's plans for us, we bring glory to Him. doing His will gives us rewarding, purpose-filled, focused lives.
Topic: +DEV+ The Glorifying Life
The Glorifying Life
"I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began." (JOHN 17:4)
Scripture Focus: John 17:1-5
Jesus fulfilled every prophecy about Him made in the Old Testament of the Bible. Everything Jesus accomplished glorified God His Father. We bring glory to God when we do His will. Though we aren't perfect, the will of God should be the driving force in our lives.
We are not here by accident. God has a plan and a purpose for our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that He knows the plans He has for us, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." In a world filled with people wandering aimlessly, believers are focused because of their faith in God. His will gives meaning and direction to our lives.
Believers know the answers to difficult questions people ask:
Who am I and where did I come from? Why am I here and where am I going? I am a child created by the loving, living God, made to glorify and enjoy Him, walking each day on the Heavenly Highway that leads me home.
Insight: When we choose to follow God's plans for us, we bring glory to Him. doing His will gives us rewarding, purpose-filled, focused lives.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
+DEV+ An Unfailing Faith
Date: January 18, 2012 9:28 PM
Topic: +DEV+ An Unfailing Faith
An Unfailing Faith
"'Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.'" (LUKE 22:31-32)
Scripture Focus: Luke 22:31-34; 54-62
Imagine having Jesus Christ tell you personally, as He told Peter, that He's praying your faith would not fail! All the trials, temptations, and heartaches in our lives would not seem so intimidating. In fact, we do not have to imagine that; Jesus is praying for us.
Peter feared what others thought of him and consequently renounced Jesus three times (vs. 54-62). But God had implanted faith deep in Peter's heart. Peter repented, just as Jesus said he would, and became a great leader of believers, encouraging and strengthening Christians through the ages, even us today.
I've known many people who identify with Peter and have given in to the fear of man. Myself included, we have denied Jesus by our words or actions. Yet we remember that faith in Jesus is infused into our hearts, into every part of us, once we believe in Him. Jesus does not favor one person over another. What He prayed for Peter, He is praying for us right now. This reality has comforted and strengthened me again and again.
Insight: Right now Jesus is praying for you and me, praying that our faith will not fail. He is the source of our faith.
Topic: +DEV+ An Unfailing Faith
An Unfailing Faith
"'Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.'" (LUKE 22:31-32)
Scripture Focus: Luke 22:31-34; 54-62
Imagine having Jesus Christ tell you personally, as He told Peter, that He's praying your faith would not fail! All the trials, temptations, and heartaches in our lives would not seem so intimidating. In fact, we do not have to imagine that; Jesus is praying for us.
Peter feared what others thought of him and consequently renounced Jesus three times (vs. 54-62). But God had implanted faith deep in Peter's heart. Peter repented, just as Jesus said he would, and became a great leader of believers, encouraging and strengthening Christians through the ages, even us today.
I've known many people who identify with Peter and have given in to the fear of man. Myself included, we have denied Jesus by our words or actions. Yet we remember that faith in Jesus is infused into our hearts, into every part of us, once we believe in Him. Jesus does not favor one person over another. What He prayed for Peter, He is praying for us right now. This reality has comforted and strengthened me again and again.
Insight: Right now Jesus is praying for you and me, praying that our faith will not fail. He is the source of our faith.
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