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 Five Archives
Year 5; Day 29 Here I Am
I was doing my Bible study homework (we have a workbook) last night...looking up Scriptures, answering questions...and I read the words of Christ in Revelation 3:20; "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." I felt that little something when I read it so I went back to read it again...more slowly...more carefully. "Here I am!" He is not trying to surprise us. He is not sneaking up on us. He came in the flesh. He is revealed in God-breathed Scriptures. He indwells those who accept Him even now. He is here. "I stand at the door and knock." He is not trying to barge into our lives. He is not kicking at the door or waiting outside silently to see if He is noticed. He is knocking...letting us know He is there. Waiting to see if He will be acknowledged, welcomed. "If anyone hears my voice and opens the door..." The "If" seems to imply not everyone hears. Why? Maybe their ears are full of "other" things...other noises...other voices they have chosen to listen to. Maybe they don't care or are not interested. We not only have to hear but we also have to act. We have to open the door to Christ...to repentance, salvation, submission, obedience, faith, trust...to relationship. Some people may hear Christ knocking but refuse to open the door. They aren't interested or they outright reject Him or they are foolish in their ignorance of Who is knocking. Some may want to crack the door and see what happens and others seem to open the door but don't really want Him to come in and stay. But there is a wonderful, marvelous outcome to opening wide the door of our heart and life to Christ. He says He "will come in and eat with him and he with me." Christ doesn't want to stand in the doorway or chat in the entrance. He wants to come into the heart of the home (or a life), sit down and share a meal. He wants fellowship, companionship, relationship. He did not sacrifice Himself for shallow or superficial. Today is Sunday. Even today He is still saying, "Here I am!" But we have to open the door.
I was doing my Bible study homework (we have a workbook) last night...looking up Scriptures, answering questions...and I read the words of Christ in Revelation 3:20; "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." I felt that little something when I read it so I went back to read it again...more slowly...more carefully. "Here I am!" He is not trying to surprise us. He is not sneaking up on us. He came in the flesh. He is revealed in God-breathed Scriptures. He indwells those who accept Him even now. He is here. "I stand at the door and knock." He is not trying to barge into our lives. He is not kicking at the door or waiting outside silently to see if He is noticed. He is knocking...letting us know He is there. Waiting to see if He will be acknowledged, welcomed. "If anyone hears my voice and opens the door..." The "If" seems to imply not everyone hears. Why? Maybe their ears are full of "other" things...other noises...other voices they have chosen to listen to. Maybe they don't care or are not interested. We not only have to hear but we also have to act. We have to open the door to Christ...to repentance, salvation, submission, obedience, faith, trust...to relationship. Some people may hear Christ knocking but refuse to open the door. They aren't interested or they outright reject Him or they are foolish in their ignorance of Who is knocking. Some may want to crack the door and see what happens and others seem to open the door but don't really want Him to come in and stay. But there is a wonderful, marvelous outcome to opening wide the door of our heart and life to Christ. He says He "will come in and eat with him and he with me." Christ doesn't want to stand in the doorway or chat in the entrance. He wants to come into the heart of the home (or a life), sit down and share a meal. He wants fellowship, companionship, relationship. He did not sacrifice Himself for shallow or superficial. Today is Sunday. Even today He is still saying, "Here I am!" But we have to open the door.
Year 5; Day 30 Prompted and Willing
I like the word prompting. It is like an internal tap or a little nudge. It is felt on the inside just as much as a pat can be felt on the outside. On the radio Chuck Swindoll spoke on giving generously. While in the desert after being led out of Egypt, God spoke to Moses. God instructed him to make a portable tabernacle so that God would have a place to dwell among them. The Israelites were to bring an offering to kick-start the project. "You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give." (Exodus 25:2) There was a prompting in the heart and then a giving. And even though they had been slaves, they had plenty of gold, silver and other items to give. After the 10 plagues in Egypt, the Egyptians were so glad to see the Hebrews leave, they gave them all kinds of plunder. Various times throughout the making of this Tent of Meeting offerings were taken. Everything from jewellery, gold, silver, hides, wool, and yarn were given. "and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord...All who were willing, men and women alike..." (35:21,22) Hearts were moved and that prompting was acted upon by giving. And it wasn't only with material things. God gave special abilities and skills so all the materials could be fashioned into items of beauty and use. But having money or skill wasn't enough. Being prompted to do something wasn't and isn't enough. We having to be willing, as well. "Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work." (36:2) Having something isn't enough. Being prompted isn't enough. There also has to be a willingness to act, give, share, do. We all have something we can give. God doesn't rank the gift, He looks at the heart. He looks at the willingness. He looks at the obedience to the prompting. Money, a gift card, shovelling a path, sewing, a loaf of bread, time, an e-mail, a smile, a word of encouragement, a song...we all have something we can give. Today is Monday. But are we willing?
I like the word prompting. It is like an internal tap or a little nudge. It is felt on the inside just as much as a pat can be felt on the outside. On the radio Chuck Swindoll spoke on giving generously. While in the desert after being led out of Egypt, God spoke to Moses. God instructed him to make a portable tabernacle so that God would have a place to dwell among them. The Israelites were to bring an offering to kick-start the project. "You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give." (Exodus 25:2) There was a prompting in the heart and then a giving. And even though they had been slaves, they had plenty of gold, silver and other items to give. After the 10 plagues in Egypt, the Egyptians were so glad to see the Hebrews leave, they gave them all kinds of plunder. Various times throughout the making of this Tent of Meeting offerings were taken. Everything from jewellery, gold, silver, hides, wool, and yarn were given. "and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord...All who were willing, men and women alike..." (35:21,22) Hearts were moved and that prompting was acted upon by giving. And it wasn't only with material things. God gave special abilities and skills so all the materials could be fashioned into items of beauty and use. But having money or skill wasn't enough. Being prompted to do something wasn't and isn't enough. We having to be willing, as well. "Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work." (36:2) Having something isn't enough. Being prompted isn't enough. There also has to be a willingness to act, give, share, do. We all have something we can give. God doesn't rank the gift, He looks at the heart. He looks at the willingness. He looks at the obedience to the prompting. Money, a gift card, shovelling a path, sewing, a loaf of bread, time, an e-mail, a smile, a word of encouragement, a song...we all have something we can give. Today is Monday. But are we willing?
Year 5; Day 31 It is I
In our "Breaking Free" Bible study by Beth Moore, we had to read the story of Jesus walking on the water. (Matthew 14:25-32) Jesus had sent His disciples ahead to cross the Sea of Galilee by boat. He went up on a mountainside to pray alone. The boat with the disciples had a rough time. The wind came up and they were buffeted by the waves. Scary stuff in the middle of a big lake, in the dark, and no Jesus. Sometime between 3 and 6 a.m. Jesus made His way to join them. The water was still rough but Jesus walked right over or through it. The disciples thought they were seeing a ghost and were terrified and cried out in fear. "But Jesus immediately said to them: Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." (Matthew 14:27) Then Peter asked to walk on the water to Christ, if it was really him. Peter took a few steps but when he looked at the wind and waves instead of Jesus, he started to sink. Jesus reached out to save Peter and they both climbed into the boat. Then the wind died down. After. When Jesus saw the disciples' terror, he didn't change their circumstances right away. He didn't say, "Take courage! It is I. Wind be still." The disciples weren't to take courage because Jesus was there and he was going to stop the wind storm. They were to take courage and not be afraid just because Jesus was there with them. Jesus was saying, "Don't be afraid. I am here." Whatever the circumstances, it is the assurance of Jesus' presence that is most important...not the immediate changing of the surroundings or situation. Jesus can calm a storm. But He can also walk over, on, and through one. So can we as long as we stay focused on Christ. His words of comfort and encouragement are not, "Don't be afraid. I am here. I will make everything go away." But rather they are, "Don't be afraid. I am here. And that is all you need." Peter needed his water walking experience during the storm. The other disciples needed to witness it. They all needed to know that the One who can calm a storm can also take you through one. As I read the Scriptures and Beth's comments, I literally felt my faith grow. Stormy or fair, rough or smooth, turbulent or calm...He is here with us and we can take courage in that! Today is Tuesday. It is His presence that makes the difference.
In our "Breaking Free" Bible study by Beth Moore, we had to read the story of Jesus walking on the water. (Matthew 14:25-32) Jesus had sent His disciples ahead to cross the Sea of Galilee by boat. He went up on a mountainside to pray alone. The boat with the disciples had a rough time. The wind came up and they were buffeted by the waves. Scary stuff in the middle of a big lake, in the dark, and no Jesus. Sometime between 3 and 6 a.m. Jesus made His way to join them. The water was still rough but Jesus walked right over or through it. The disciples thought they were seeing a ghost and were terrified and cried out in fear. "But Jesus immediately said to them: Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." (Matthew 14:27) Then Peter asked to walk on the water to Christ, if it was really him. Peter took a few steps but when he looked at the wind and waves instead of Jesus, he started to sink. Jesus reached out to save Peter and they both climbed into the boat. Then the wind died down. After. When Jesus saw the disciples' terror, he didn't change their circumstances right away. He didn't say, "Take courage! It is I. Wind be still." The disciples weren't to take courage because Jesus was there and he was going to stop the wind storm. They were to take courage and not be afraid just because Jesus was there with them. Jesus was saying, "Don't be afraid. I am here." Whatever the circumstances, it is the assurance of Jesus' presence that is most important...not the immediate changing of the surroundings or situation. Jesus can calm a storm. But He can also walk over, on, and through one. So can we as long as we stay focused on Christ. His words of comfort and encouragement are not, "Don't be afraid. I am here. I will make everything go away." But rather they are, "Don't be afraid. I am here. And that is all you need." Peter needed his water walking experience during the storm. The other disciples needed to witness it. They all needed to know that the One who can calm a storm can also take you through one. As I read the Scriptures and Beth's comments, I literally felt my faith grow. Stormy or fair, rough or smooth, turbulent or calm...He is here with us and we can take courage in that! Today is Tuesday. It is His presence that makes the difference.
Year 5; Day 32 His Presence
I have been thinking about God's presence. It is a pillar belief to living a victorious life. The problem is getting it from the head to the heart. I have been thinking that a lot of things are my responsibility in this faith walk. But the Holy Spirit has a responsibility too. As I read the Word, He can drill it into my heart. And that is what He has done this past week. We like evidence of God's presence. When I was in university 45+ years ago, a guy sang a song in chapel about God's grace. I don't remember his name or the song but I do remember what happened. The presence of God settled over that whole chapel room like an invisible blanket from above. There was an actual physical sensation that couldn't be seen but could be felt. Another time I went to an Andre Crouch concert on campus. When my friend and I walked through the doors we both turned and looked at each other. We could feel God's presence instantly and we weren't expecting anything. Many times I have felt an inner nudge that I know is from God. Thoughts have been put in my head for posts. It is great when God responds in ways we can see or sense. But what if He is silent? What if I don't "feel" anything? What if I don't hear a word or feel a nudge? How do I know He is still there? I take Him at His word. Hebrews 13:5 says, "...God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Never. Two nevers. And His Word says God not only will not lie but it is impossible for Him to lie. As I read God's Word, the Holy Spirit can and will apply it to my heart. When I read the story of Jesus walking on the stormy water in Matthew 14, I felt the truth of it settle in my heart and soul. Whether He chooses to still the waters first or last, what is important is He is there through it all. Christ was not phased by the wind and the waves and His words of "Here am I. Don't be afraid," are a reminder that we needn't fear either. Regardless of what my senses say, He is here. Today is Wednesday. Let us be strengthened and encouraged.
I have been thinking about God's presence. It is a pillar belief to living a victorious life. The problem is getting it from the head to the heart. I have been thinking that a lot of things are my responsibility in this faith walk. But the Holy Spirit has a responsibility too. As I read the Word, He can drill it into my heart. And that is what He has done this past week. We like evidence of God's presence. When I was in university 45+ years ago, a guy sang a song in chapel about God's grace. I don't remember his name or the song but I do remember what happened. The presence of God settled over that whole chapel room like an invisible blanket from above. There was an actual physical sensation that couldn't be seen but could be felt. Another time I went to an Andre Crouch concert on campus. When my friend and I walked through the doors we both turned and looked at each other. We could feel God's presence instantly and we weren't expecting anything. Many times I have felt an inner nudge that I know is from God. Thoughts have been put in my head for posts. It is great when God responds in ways we can see or sense. But what if He is silent? What if I don't "feel" anything? What if I don't hear a word or feel a nudge? How do I know He is still there? I take Him at His word. Hebrews 13:5 says, "...God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Never. Two nevers. And His Word says God not only will not lie but it is impossible for Him to lie. As I read God's Word, the Holy Spirit can and will apply it to my heart. When I read the story of Jesus walking on the stormy water in Matthew 14, I felt the truth of it settle in my heart and soul. Whether He chooses to still the waters first or last, what is important is He is there through it all. Christ was not phased by the wind and the waves and His words of "Here am I. Don't be afraid," are a reminder that we needn't fear either. Regardless of what my senses say, He is here. Today is Wednesday. Let us be strengthened and encouraged.
Year 5; Day 33 Take Off the Grave Clothes
Years ago I went to a play in Branson, Missouri called "The Promise". It was an enactment of the life of Christ. I went half-heartedly expecting an amateur show and instead watched a professional, heart moving production. One of the scenes that is still vivid in my mind is the raising of Lazarus from the dead. When the character playing Jesus stood at the mouth of the tomb and, "...called in a loud voice, Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43), it was a dramatic moment. All eyes were riveted on the grave opening. Mist coming from the dark hole enhanced the effect. There was a thumping and out hopped Lazarus, alive but still wrapped and bound in grave cloths. "The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." (11:44) Lazarus was alive...alive but not free. His hands and feet were bound. His face was covered. He couldn't walk, couldn't use his hands, couldn't see, and his mouth and ears were muffled. But he was alive. Do you think that was satisfactory to Lazarus? Just being alive but still bound? I wouldn't think so. Being alive wasn't enough. He wanted and needed the freedom to live the life he had been given. When the linen was taken off his feet that was better. Now he could walk. Was that enough? His hands and head were still bound. Christ said to take off the grave clothes...not some but all. As believers we can be like Lazarus. Salvation gives us life but we stop at real freedom. Maybe we allow fear to bind us and keep us from going where Christ would have us go. Maybe our hands are bound with feelings of inadequacies and so we don't do what Father has planned. Perhaps our head or maybe just our ears or eyes are still wrapped with a cloth. We don't see or hear or speak to what God has put before us. We can be in bondage just as surely as if we were wrapped in linen strips like Lazarus. But Christ wants us to be free to be all that we are meant to be in Him. He wants the grave clothes that hinder us removed. Today is Thursday. Is there an area in our lives...a part of us that is bound up, in bondage, lacking true freedom? Christ came to set the captive free!
Years ago I went to a play in Branson, Missouri called "The Promise". It was an enactment of the life of Christ. I went half-heartedly expecting an amateur show and instead watched a professional, heart moving production. One of the scenes that is still vivid in my mind is the raising of Lazarus from the dead. When the character playing Jesus stood at the mouth of the tomb and, "...called in a loud voice, Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43), it was a dramatic moment. All eyes were riveted on the grave opening. Mist coming from the dark hole enhanced the effect. There was a thumping and out hopped Lazarus, alive but still wrapped and bound in grave cloths. "The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." (11:44) Lazarus was alive...alive but not free. His hands and feet were bound. His face was covered. He couldn't walk, couldn't use his hands, couldn't see, and his mouth and ears were muffled. But he was alive. Do you think that was satisfactory to Lazarus? Just being alive but still bound? I wouldn't think so. Being alive wasn't enough. He wanted and needed the freedom to live the life he had been given. When the linen was taken off his feet that was better. Now he could walk. Was that enough? His hands and head were still bound. Christ said to take off the grave clothes...not some but all. As believers we can be like Lazarus. Salvation gives us life but we stop at real freedom. Maybe we allow fear to bind us and keep us from going where Christ would have us go. Maybe our hands are bound with feelings of inadequacies and so we don't do what Father has planned. Perhaps our head or maybe just our ears or eyes are still wrapped with a cloth. We don't see or hear or speak to what God has put before us. We can be in bondage just as surely as if we were wrapped in linen strips like Lazarus. But Christ wants us to be free to be all that we are meant to be in Him. He wants the grave clothes that hinder us removed. Today is Thursday. Is there an area in our lives...a part of us that is bound up, in bondage, lacking true freedom? Christ came to set the captive free!
Year 5; Day 34 Do You Believe?
Matthew tells the story of two blind men who follow Jesus calling out for mercy. They follow him into a house where Jesus asks them, "...Do you believe that I am able to do this?..." (Matthew 9:28) In our Beth Moore Bible study "Breaking Free" we are looking at five basic benefits that are part of the covenant relationship with God. The first benefit is to know and believe God. Obstacles that hinder us from fully embracing that freedom put us in bondage. Unbelief is one such obstacle. The blind men asked for mercy. I guess their physical need was obvious. Jesus could have just healed them. He had the power. He could do miracles without the receiver even knowing what was going to happen. But He asked these men if they thought He was "able". Did they really think Jesus could heal them or were they just hoping? Did they really believe or did they figure they had nothing to lose by asking? They were persistent because they followed Jesus while He walked and even followed Him into a house. So they had some belief. They answered Jesus with a "Yes". They believed He was able. Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "...According to your faith will it be done to you;" (9:29) According to your faith. Does that mean if they didn't have enough faith maybe only one eyed would have been healed? They might have only been healed to blurry vision? They had the faith because their vision was restored. Unbelief was no obstacle for those two men. I have tried to answer that question for myself honestly...do I believe God is able to do what I ask? I honestly think I do. But...and there is a but...but my question(s) come with the willing part. I believe He is able, but does He want to? Maybe my request isn't in my best interest. Maybe the timing is off. Maybe...I just don't know. Today is Friday. But God knows and so I will ponder some more and wait to see what He teaches me.
Matthew tells the story of two blind men who follow Jesus calling out for mercy. They follow him into a house where Jesus asks them, "...Do you believe that I am able to do this?..." (Matthew 9:28) In our Beth Moore Bible study "Breaking Free" we are looking at five basic benefits that are part of the covenant relationship with God. The first benefit is to know and believe God. Obstacles that hinder us from fully embracing that freedom put us in bondage. Unbelief is one such obstacle. The blind men asked for mercy. I guess their physical need was obvious. Jesus could have just healed them. He had the power. He could do miracles without the receiver even knowing what was going to happen. But He asked these men if they thought He was "able". Did they really think Jesus could heal them or were they just hoping? Did they really believe or did they figure they had nothing to lose by asking? They were persistent because they followed Jesus while He walked and even followed Him into a house. So they had some belief. They answered Jesus with a "Yes". They believed He was able. Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "...According to your faith will it be done to you;" (9:29) According to your faith. Does that mean if they didn't have enough faith maybe only one eyed would have been healed? They might have only been healed to blurry vision? They had the faith because their vision was restored. Unbelief was no obstacle for those two men. I have tried to answer that question for myself honestly...do I believe God is able to do what I ask? I honestly think I do. But...and there is a but...but my question(s) come with the willing part. I believe He is able, but does He want to? Maybe my request isn't in my best interest. Maybe the timing is off. Maybe...I just don't know. Today is Friday. But God knows and so I will ponder some more and wait to see what He teaches me.
Year 5; Day 35 I Believe...Help Me
One of the things I have been challenged to think about are any obstacles that prevent me from fully believing God and what He says. Sometimes, because He is God, I think we might try to complicate things. In the story of the two blind men, Christ asked if they believed He was able to heal them. They did and He did. All they were asked was if they believed Christ was able. No big background check or theological debate. Just, "Do you believe?" In the Gospel of Mark there is another miracle that illustrates the same point. A father had brought his demon possessed son to Christ. The disciples could not drive out the evil spirit. The father was desperate as the son's life was constantly put in danger by this controlling spirit. After explaining the situation to Christ, the father asked, "...But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." (Mark 9:22) In other words, "If you are able to do anything, take pity on us and help us." Christ's willingness to help was not brought into question but His ability to help was. Could He do anything? Christ's response still stirs my heart even though I have read it many times. I picture Christ looking straight into that father's eyes and saying with absolute authority right from the Father, "If you can?...Everything is possible for him who believes." Possible. But not guaranteed because not everything is in our best interest. I think I have confused God's willingness with His will. He wants only the best for us and only He knows all the ramifications of answering a request. So I guess the question (and maybe obstacle) for me is, am I willing to submit to His will knowing and believing God is able to do any and everything but in my best interests and His timing. I treasure the father's answer to Christ's question because it is mine, as well. "...I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (9:24) I am better. As I know and experience God, my faith has grown. I know that. But there are still times I question His timing, His willingness, maybe even His will. And in questioning that, I indirectly question His love. And so my cry echoes that of the father's, "I do believe...but I need help in making it every time and in every situation." Today is Saturday. And I believe He is able and willing to answer that cry of mine...and yours.
One of the things I have been challenged to think about are any obstacles that prevent me from fully believing God and what He says. Sometimes, because He is God, I think we might try to complicate things. In the story of the two blind men, Christ asked if they believed He was able to heal them. They did and He did. All they were asked was if they believed Christ was able. No big background check or theological debate. Just, "Do you believe?" In the Gospel of Mark there is another miracle that illustrates the same point. A father had brought his demon possessed son to Christ. The disciples could not drive out the evil spirit. The father was desperate as the son's life was constantly put in danger by this controlling spirit. After explaining the situation to Christ, the father asked, "...But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." (Mark 9:22) In other words, "If you are able to do anything, take pity on us and help us." Christ's willingness to help was not brought into question but His ability to help was. Could He do anything? Christ's response still stirs my heart even though I have read it many times. I picture Christ looking straight into that father's eyes and saying with absolute authority right from the Father, "If you can?...Everything is possible for him who believes." Possible. But not guaranteed because not everything is in our best interest. I think I have confused God's willingness with His will. He wants only the best for us and only He knows all the ramifications of answering a request. So I guess the question (and maybe obstacle) for me is, am I willing to submit to His will knowing and believing God is able to do any and everything but in my best interests and His timing. I treasure the father's answer to Christ's question because it is mine, as well. "...I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (9:24) I am better. As I know and experience God, my faith has grown. I know that. But there are still times I question His timing, His willingness, maybe even His will. And in questioning that, I indirectly question His love. And so my cry echoes that of the father's, "I do believe...but I need help in making it every time and in every situation." Today is Saturday. And I believe He is able and willing to answer that cry of mine...and yours.
