Rindy's Devotional Tidbits
|
|
The Spiritual Cafe is pleased to share her daily facebook thoughts. It is our hope that her reflections will be a service to you on your spiritual growth journey.
Week Thirty Two Archives
Year 5; Day 219 Can Anything Good ... ?
Funny how a pastor can speak to a whole congregation and yet you feel like the message was just for you. That's how I felt yesterday. In the first chapter of the Gospel of John we see Jesus calling some of his first disciples. When He called Philip to follow Him, Philip went and found Nathanael. When Philip declared to Nathanael that they had found the one that Moses and the prophets had written about---Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael was skeptical. He responded with, "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" (verse 46) Nazareth was just a small, obscure town. It had nothing to recommend it. Not like Jerusalem or some of the surrounding towns. Philip's response was, "Come and see." (verse 46) Pastor then made a point that struck home with me. Sometimes we may feel like we are in a Nazareth situation. A place, a situation, a circumstance where we ask, "Can any good come from this?" Maybe we have no control or it wasn't our doing. Or maybe it was and now we are truly sorry. We can't find a point or a purpose or the big picture or any way out. Instead of a "Come and see, " Jesus says, "Wait and see. Wait and see what I can and am doing. It is still behind the scenes. Wait and see how I am molding and shaping and pruning you to be more like Me. Wait and see my plan and purpose unfolding for your life. Wait and see how I can work good from evil, hope from despair, and the possible from the impossible." The answer to Nathanael's question was and is a, "Yes. Something good can come from Nazareth." And the answer to our question is the same. "Yes. Something good can come from a Nazareth situation...even if we don't see it and it seems so obscure." Today is Monday. I need to reframe my thinking from obstacles and impossibilities to challenges and possibilities.
Funny how a pastor can speak to a whole congregation and yet you feel like the message was just for you. That's how I felt yesterday. In the first chapter of the Gospel of John we see Jesus calling some of his first disciples. When He called Philip to follow Him, Philip went and found Nathanael. When Philip declared to Nathanael that they had found the one that Moses and the prophets had written about---Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael was skeptical. He responded with, "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" (verse 46) Nazareth was just a small, obscure town. It had nothing to recommend it. Not like Jerusalem or some of the surrounding towns. Philip's response was, "Come and see." (verse 46) Pastor then made a point that struck home with me. Sometimes we may feel like we are in a Nazareth situation. A place, a situation, a circumstance where we ask, "Can any good come from this?" Maybe we have no control or it wasn't our doing. Or maybe it was and now we are truly sorry. We can't find a point or a purpose or the big picture or any way out. Instead of a "Come and see, " Jesus says, "Wait and see. Wait and see what I can and am doing. It is still behind the scenes. Wait and see how I am molding and shaping and pruning you to be more like Me. Wait and see my plan and purpose unfolding for your life. Wait and see how I can work good from evil, hope from despair, and the possible from the impossible." The answer to Nathanael's question was and is a, "Yes. Something good can come from Nazareth." And the answer to our question is the same. "Yes. Something good can come from a Nazareth situation...even if we don't see it and it seems so obscure." Today is Monday. I need to reframe my thinking from obstacles and impossibilities to challenges and possibilities.
Year 5; Day 220 Come and See
When Jesus asked Philip to follow Him, Philip just had to share the news. He went and told Nathanael. Nathanael was skeptical that anything or anyone (especially the Messiah) could come from Nazareth. Philip's response was simple. "Come and see." (John 1:46) He didn't try to convince Nathanael with a lengthy explanation or argument. He didn't quote Scripture or get irritated because Nathanael questioned Philip's judgment. Just a sincere, "Come and see for yourself." Philip was able to take Nathanael to the physical Jesus back then. Today we can only tell people about Jesus. And when they voice skepticism, instead of a "Come and see," we can say, "Look at me." We are His representatives. We are His illustrations of His transforming power...of a new creation in Christ. We can talk until we are blue. We can argue and quote and try to convince. But talking and doing are not the same. Speaking Jesus and living Jesus can be two very different things. They shouldn't be but often they are. What we say and how we live should compliment and support each other. Then when people ask about Jesus or He comes up in a conversation we can back our words up with a simple, "Look at me. Watch and see the difference He makes in a life." I guess the challenge is, can I say that? Can I say, "Instead of me trying to only tell you about Christ and what He can do, just look at me, at my life, and you will see what I am talking about." Today is Tuesday. What do people see when we say nothing?
When Jesus asked Philip to follow Him, Philip just had to share the news. He went and told Nathanael. Nathanael was skeptical that anything or anyone (especially the Messiah) could come from Nazareth. Philip's response was simple. "Come and see." (John 1:46) He didn't try to convince Nathanael with a lengthy explanation or argument. He didn't quote Scripture or get irritated because Nathanael questioned Philip's judgment. Just a sincere, "Come and see for yourself." Philip was able to take Nathanael to the physical Jesus back then. Today we can only tell people about Jesus. And when they voice skepticism, instead of a "Come and see," we can say, "Look at me." We are His representatives. We are His illustrations of His transforming power...of a new creation in Christ. We can talk until we are blue. We can argue and quote and try to convince. But talking and doing are not the same. Speaking Jesus and living Jesus can be two very different things. They shouldn't be but often they are. What we say and how we live should compliment and support each other. Then when people ask about Jesus or He comes up in a conversation we can back our words up with a simple, "Look at me. Watch and see the difference He makes in a life." I guess the challenge is, can I say that? Can I say, "Instead of me trying to only tell you about Christ and what He can do, just look at me, at my life, and you will see what I am talking about." Today is Tuesday. What do people see when we say nothing?
Year 5; Day 221 Peace in the Storm Pt. 1
I saw a poster on Facebook the other day. It was a picture of a man sitting in a chair with his feet folded up crosswise. He was holding an umbrella as he floated in the middle of an angry looking sea against a stormy sky. The caption read, "Don't let people pull you into their storm. Pull them into your peace." I have been thinking about that off and on since. It seems a lot easier to get pulled into someone's storm than into peace. I remember years ago going home for a visit. There was a family disagreement and I allowed myself to get pulled in. I took a side and added to the problem instead of being a peacemaker. As I thought about the poster, I thought about the apostle Paul. Paul had been persecuted and falsely accused by the Jewish religious leaders. After appearing before various officials to no avail, he made an appeal to appear before Caesar in Rome. Paul, along with other prisoners, was put aboard a ship under the guard of Roman soldiers. Paul already knew his life journey was nearing its end. "Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again." (Acts 20:25) For most of us that would be storm enough...knowing we were facing the final events of our life on Earth. Yet instead of questioning God, Paul faces every storm with the peace of God. Paul declares, "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me---the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace." (verse 24) Despite knowing that he was facing hardship, persecution, arrest and probably death, Paul saw everything as an opportunity to share the Gospel. Today is Wednesday. Imagine if we looked at every storm, every difficulty as opportunity.
I saw a poster on Facebook the other day. It was a picture of a man sitting in a chair with his feet folded up crosswise. He was holding an umbrella as he floated in the middle of an angry looking sea against a stormy sky. The caption read, "Don't let people pull you into their storm. Pull them into your peace." I have been thinking about that off and on since. It seems a lot easier to get pulled into someone's storm than into peace. I remember years ago going home for a visit. There was a family disagreement and I allowed myself to get pulled in. I took a side and added to the problem instead of being a peacemaker. As I thought about the poster, I thought about the apostle Paul. Paul had been persecuted and falsely accused by the Jewish religious leaders. After appearing before various officials to no avail, he made an appeal to appear before Caesar in Rome. Paul, along with other prisoners, was put aboard a ship under the guard of Roman soldiers. Paul already knew his life journey was nearing its end. "Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again." (Acts 20:25) For most of us that would be storm enough...knowing we were facing the final events of our life on Earth. Yet instead of questioning God, Paul faces every storm with the peace of God. Paul declares, "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me---the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace." (verse 24) Despite knowing that he was facing hardship, persecution, arrest and probably death, Paul saw everything as an opportunity to share the Gospel. Today is Wednesday. Imagine if we looked at every storm, every difficulty as opportunity.
Year 5; Day 222 Peace in the Storm Pt. 2
The apostle Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and eventually was put on a ship sailing to Rome where he would make an appeal to Caesar. Paul had already been told by the Holy Spirit that hardship and persecution would be part of his final journey. But Paul was at peace because all he wanted to do was share the Gospel and he did. As they sailed, their progress was slowed by poor weather. A decision had to be made about where to spend the winter. Paul warned them, "Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also." (Acts 27:10) Paul wasn't concerned for himself. God already had informed him that he would testify about Christ in Rome. That purpose gave Paul a peace even when faced with a storm. He had a promise that he chose to look at. I think it was Graham Cooke who said that with every problem there is also a promise and we need to focus on the promise and not the problem. Paul's advice not to sail on was sound. The centurion had the authority to make a decision based on Paul's (who he respected) warning or the pilot's opinion. When we are headed into a storm or are in the midst of one, it matters who we listen to, who we heed, who has our ear. The centurion could have been pulled into the peace and safety that Paul offered with his Godly admonition. Instead, the soldier listened to the pilot and the gentle wind turned into a hurricane force "northeaster". But God was there even in the poor choice made by the centurion. And so was Paul. Today is Thursday. "Don't let people pull you into their storm. Pull them into your peace." (Facebook poster) Part 3 tomorrow.
The apostle Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and eventually was put on a ship sailing to Rome where he would make an appeal to Caesar. Paul had already been told by the Holy Spirit that hardship and persecution would be part of his final journey. But Paul was at peace because all he wanted to do was share the Gospel and he did. As they sailed, their progress was slowed by poor weather. A decision had to be made about where to spend the winter. Paul warned them, "Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also." (Acts 27:10) Paul wasn't concerned for himself. God already had informed him that he would testify about Christ in Rome. That purpose gave Paul a peace even when faced with a storm. He had a promise that he chose to look at. I think it was Graham Cooke who said that with every problem there is also a promise and we need to focus on the promise and not the problem. Paul's advice not to sail on was sound. The centurion had the authority to make a decision based on Paul's (who he respected) warning or the pilot's opinion. When we are headed into a storm or are in the midst of one, it matters who we listen to, who we heed, who has our ear. The centurion could have been pulled into the peace and safety that Paul offered with his Godly admonition. Instead, the soldier listened to the pilot and the gentle wind turned into a hurricane force "northeaster". But God was there even in the poor choice made by the centurion. And so was Paul. Today is Thursday. "Don't let people pull you into their storm. Pull them into your peace." (Facebook poster) Part 3 tomorrow.
Year 5; Day 223 Peace in the Storm Pt. 3
"Don't let people pull you into their storm. Pull them into your peace." (Facebook poster) That is what the apostle Paul did as he journeyed by ship to Rome. Arrested and persecuted in Jerusalem, Paul appealed to Caesar and along with other prisoners had set sail under guard. The journey was delayed by poor weather and a decision had to be made about where and when to winter. Paul warned them not to move on at risk of great loss but the centurion listened to the pilot of the ship rather than Paul. Paul had the Spirit's assurance that he would appear before Caesar and did not get upset when his voice was ignored. As they sailed on, a huge storm descended and for days the ship was battered and cargo lost. Paul could have huddled in a corner and let the others get what they deserved. But he didn't. Instead, he spoke peace and encouragement into those onboard. An angel of God had appeared to Paul and said, "...'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' So keep up your courage men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island." (Acts 27:24-26) Paul didn't keep his assurance to himself. Neither did he gloss over the fact that the difficulties would not magically disappear because God was with him. Paul's peace came from knowing that God was with him in the storm and would see him through. That assurance can be ours today. God has not changed. He is still our Lord whether calm or stormy. Today is Friday. How are we in the midst of a storm?
"Don't let people pull you into their storm. Pull them into your peace." (Facebook poster) That is what the apostle Paul did as he journeyed by ship to Rome. Arrested and persecuted in Jerusalem, Paul appealed to Caesar and along with other prisoners had set sail under guard. The journey was delayed by poor weather and a decision had to be made about where and when to winter. Paul warned them not to move on at risk of great loss but the centurion listened to the pilot of the ship rather than Paul. Paul had the Spirit's assurance that he would appear before Caesar and did not get upset when his voice was ignored. As they sailed on, a huge storm descended and for days the ship was battered and cargo lost. Paul could have huddled in a corner and let the others get what they deserved. But he didn't. Instead, he spoke peace and encouragement into those onboard. An angel of God had appeared to Paul and said, "...'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' So keep up your courage men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island." (Acts 27:24-26) Paul didn't keep his assurance to himself. Neither did he gloss over the fact that the difficulties would not magically disappear because God was with him. Paul's peace came from knowing that God was with him in the storm and would see him through. That assurance can be ours today. God has not changed. He is still our Lord whether calm or stormy. Today is Friday. How are we in the midst of a storm?
Year 5; Day 224 Peace in the Storm Pt. 4.
Heading for Rome, Paul (a prisoner) was one of 276 on the ship. The centurion did not heed Paul's advice to winter over and instead, tried to sail to Crete. After days of battling a raging storm, Paul spoke words of encouragement to all onboard. He reassured them of God's protection but they would still have to deal with being shipwrecked. The storm got so bad that some of the sailors tried to sneak off in the lifeboat. Paul told the soldiers that God's protection hinged on them all staying together. The soldiers cut the rope to the lifeboat. The days of struggle had taken its toll on everyone. Paul urged those onboard to take nourishment and he gave thanks for his food in front of everyone and began to eat. Paul's example, his calmness, and his unflagging faith encouraged everyone else and they all took some food. In a storm of life we all have a choice...to enter into the storm with its chaos and worry or to ride it out with our eyes and heart and mind fixed on God. When the ship ran aground near an island and was broken in pieces everyone...crew, prisoners, soldiers, and others either swam or floated on debris to shore. Everyone, all 276 of them, reached land safely. Paul did not allow himself to get pulled into the storm of fear and anxiety that the others had. Instead, he pulled them into his peace with his words of encouragement and unwavering faith that God would do what He said. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) Today is Saturday. "Don't let people pull you into their storm. Pull them into your peace." (Facebook poster) A peace that only God can give.
Heading for Rome, Paul (a prisoner) was one of 276 on the ship. The centurion did not heed Paul's advice to winter over and instead, tried to sail to Crete. After days of battling a raging storm, Paul spoke words of encouragement to all onboard. He reassured them of God's protection but they would still have to deal with being shipwrecked. The storm got so bad that some of the sailors tried to sneak off in the lifeboat. Paul told the soldiers that God's protection hinged on them all staying together. The soldiers cut the rope to the lifeboat. The days of struggle had taken its toll on everyone. Paul urged those onboard to take nourishment and he gave thanks for his food in front of everyone and began to eat. Paul's example, his calmness, and his unflagging faith encouraged everyone else and they all took some food. In a storm of life we all have a choice...to enter into the storm with its chaos and worry or to ride it out with our eyes and heart and mind fixed on God. When the ship ran aground near an island and was broken in pieces everyone...crew, prisoners, soldiers, and others either swam or floated on debris to shore. Everyone, all 276 of them, reached land safely. Paul did not allow himself to get pulled into the storm of fear and anxiety that the others had. Instead, he pulled them into his peace with his words of encouragement and unwavering faith that God would do what He said. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) Today is Saturday. "Don't let people pull you into their storm. Pull them into your peace." (Facebook poster) A peace that only God can give.
Year 5; Day 225 An Undivided Heart
I listened to a message by Graham Cooke called "An Undivided Heart". Before he got into it, I thought about the phrase "an undivided heart". Literally, an undivided heart is a heart not divided. Not divided by what? The first thing that came to mind is loyalties. Loyalties to loved ones, to a job, to country, to self. Conflict can arise when those loyalties clash or differ. Solomon married many women from foreign countries. He allowed them to influence his relationship with God. Traitors allow their loyalty to their country to become clouded. Disloyalty happens when the heart becomes divided. Selfishness can divide a heart. Wanting what you want regardless of consequences. Feeling a sense of entitlement where none belongs. Going after something that isn't really ours to go after. A divided heart happens when we're not in tune with God. When His will is not ours. When He is not first. Often we have a divided heart. One minute love, the next hate. A season of peace followed by conflict. Wanting one thing, then another, and another. Cooke's point was when it comes to God, He has an undivided heart when it comes to us. He loves us. That's it. On our worst day and our best day...He loves us. Knowing all (literally) about us changes nothing...He loves us. He is not in conflict about it. He doesn't change with time or circumstances. He loves us. With an undivided heart. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17) Today is Sunday. What an amazing gift...to be loved with God's undivided heart.
I listened to a message by Graham Cooke called "An Undivided Heart". Before he got into it, I thought about the phrase "an undivided heart". Literally, an undivided heart is a heart not divided. Not divided by what? The first thing that came to mind is loyalties. Loyalties to loved ones, to a job, to country, to self. Conflict can arise when those loyalties clash or differ. Solomon married many women from foreign countries. He allowed them to influence his relationship with God. Traitors allow their loyalty to their country to become clouded. Disloyalty happens when the heart becomes divided. Selfishness can divide a heart. Wanting what you want regardless of consequences. Feeling a sense of entitlement where none belongs. Going after something that isn't really ours to go after. A divided heart happens when we're not in tune with God. When His will is not ours. When He is not first. Often we have a divided heart. One minute love, the next hate. A season of peace followed by conflict. Wanting one thing, then another, and another. Cooke's point was when it comes to God, He has an undivided heart when it comes to us. He loves us. That's it. On our worst day and our best day...He loves us. Knowing all (literally) about us changes nothing...He loves us. He is not in conflict about it. He doesn't change with time or circumstances. He loves us. With an undivided heart. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17) Today is Sunday. What an amazing gift...to be loved with God's undivided heart.