Don't be afraid
or discouraged,
for the Lord is the One who goes before you.
He will be with you.
He will neither fail you
or forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT 1st ed.)
Thursday, February 28, 2019
imitate
Luke 19
1 Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. 2 There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. 3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.
5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.
8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
9 Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
And we as followers of this Son of Man are called to do the same - to seek out those who are lost.
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
a goodbye
The is from Paul's second & final letter to Timothy.
Timothy was young adult who worked with Paul in the ministry efforts.
Timothy was the son of a Greek father & a Jewish mother.
Paul considered Timothy to not only be his helper in ministry but his son, too.
This letter was sent to Timothy shortly before Paul was executed.
We don't know if Timothy made it to see Paul before Paul died.
But Timothy probably didn't make it.
Paul probably knew Timothy wouldn't make it.
Read Paul's goodbye to his son...
Timothy was young adult who worked with Paul in the ministry efforts.
Timothy was the son of a Greek father & a Jewish mother.
Paul considered Timothy to not only be his helper in ministry but his son, too.
This letter was sent to Timothy shortly before Paul was executed.
We don't know if Timothy made it to see Paul before Paul died.
But Timothy probably didn't make it.
Paul probably knew Timothy wouldn't make it.
Read Paul's goodbye to his son...
2 Timothy 4
1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom:
2 Preach the word of God.
Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not.
Patiently correct,
rebuke,
and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching.
They will follow their own desires
and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.
4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation.
Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord.
Work at telling others the Good News,
and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God.
The time of my death is near.
7 I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
and I have remained faithful.
8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return.
And the prize is not just for me
but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
9 Timothy, please come as soon as you can.
10 Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica.
Crescens has gone to Galatia,
and Titus has gone to Dalmatia.
11 Only Luke is with me.
Bring Mark with you when you come,
for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.
12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
13 When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas.
Also bring my books, and especially my papers.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm,
but the Lord will judge him for what he has done.
15 Be careful of him,
for he fought against everything we said.
16 The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me.
Everyone abandoned me.
May it not be counted against them.
17 But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength
so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear.
And he rescued me from certain death.
18 Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack
and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom.
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
19 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and those living in the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus stayed at Corinth,
and I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.
21 Do your best to get here before winter.
Eubulus sends you greetings,
and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.
22 May the Lord be with your spirit.
And may his grace be with all of you.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
being a servant
Luke 17
7 “When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say,
‘Come in and eat with me’?
8 No,
he says,
‘Prepare my meal,
put on your apron,
and serve me while I eat.
Then you can eat later.’
9 And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do?
Of course not.
10 In the same way,
when you obey me you should say,
‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”
This is Jesus talking here.
It's kind of a hard saying about being a servant.
We here in white middle class evangelical Christian paradigm have glamorized being "a servant of the Lord"
We think it's supposed to be glamorous.
We're supposed to know why we are being & doing what we're being & doing as "servants of the Lord."
We also think we should & deserve to see the results of that service.
We think that our service will only expand & grow as we climb the ladder of being a servant.
iow, as "servants of the Lord" we are guaranteed success - a success that we will see come to fruit & validate our righteousness & servanthood.
I don't think that is a realistic picture of being "a servant of the Lord."
Being a "servant of the Lord" is more often than not a paradigm that is seldom glamorous.
Much of the time we as servants aren't given explanations as to our acts of service.
We should remember we are servants - servants seldom have explanations for the mandates given them.
It is counterproductive for servants to feel entitled to observing the results of their acts of service.
Being "a servant of the Lord" isn't like climbing the corporate ladder - servants aren't "upwardly mobile" in their lives as servants - often some acts of service will not fulfill anyone's concepts of going to greater & greater things.
Visible success is not always a given when we are serving the Lord.
And many times we will find that as we remain obedient to the Lord, serving Him in the ways He directs, many if not most of the people we know & love will think we're crazy, stupid, in error, or all of the above.
People who say "all I want is to be a servant of the Lord" have never been one.
Abandoning ourselves to the Lord is something to be considered intelligently before committing.
Would I trade the life I've had these 50 years since doing so?
No, I wouldn't trade it for anything, because I have been serving the God of the universes.
And there have been blindingly terrific times of wonderful seasons of ministry.
At the same time, it has often been difficult, I've been clueless as to what's going on, & it has cost me everything.
I recommend it - to my way of thinking, it is the only really truly worthy expression in response to the infinite love & mercy God shows toward us.
But we should all consider the realities of "being a servant of the Lord" as we walk into it.
Being aware of what it means will help us appreciate the amazing seasons as well as weather the difficult / hard seasons.
7 “When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say,
‘Come in and eat with me’?
8 No,
he says,
‘Prepare my meal,
put on your apron,
and serve me while I eat.
Then you can eat later.’
9 And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do?
Of course not.
10 In the same way,
when you obey me you should say,
‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”
This is Jesus talking here.
It's kind of a hard saying about being a servant.
We here in white middle class evangelical Christian paradigm have glamorized being "a servant of the Lord"
We think it's supposed to be glamorous.
We're supposed to know why we are being & doing what we're being & doing as "servants of the Lord."
We also think we should & deserve to see the results of that service.
We think that our service will only expand & grow as we climb the ladder of being a servant.
iow, as "servants of the Lord" we are guaranteed success - a success that we will see come to fruit & validate our righteousness & servanthood.
I don't think that is a realistic picture of being "a servant of the Lord."
Being a "servant of the Lord" is more often than not a paradigm that is seldom glamorous.
Much of the time we as servants aren't given explanations as to our acts of service.
We should remember we are servants - servants seldom have explanations for the mandates given them.
It is counterproductive for servants to feel entitled to observing the results of their acts of service.
Being "a servant of the Lord" isn't like climbing the corporate ladder - servants aren't "upwardly mobile" in their lives as servants - often some acts of service will not fulfill anyone's concepts of going to greater & greater things.
Visible success is not always a given when we are serving the Lord.
And many times we will find that as we remain obedient to the Lord, serving Him in the ways He directs, many if not most of the people we know & love will think we're crazy, stupid, in error, or all of the above.
People who say "all I want is to be a servant of the Lord" have never been one.
Abandoning ourselves to the Lord is something to be considered intelligently before committing.
Would I trade the life I've had these 50 years since doing so?
No, I wouldn't trade it for anything, because I have been serving the God of the universes.
And there have been blindingly terrific times of wonderful seasons of ministry.
At the same time, it has often been difficult, I've been clueless as to what's going on, & it has cost me everything.
I recommend it - to my way of thinking, it is the only really truly worthy expression in response to the infinite love & mercy God shows toward us.
But we should all consider the realities of "being a servant of the Lord" as we walk into it.
Being aware of what it means will help us appreciate the amazing seasons as well as weather the difficult / hard seasons.
Monday, February 25, 2019
all I've got
This is Jesus talking here.
This is all I've got today.
Sorry it's not more brilliant.
No one can serve two masters.
For you will hate one
& love the other,
or be devoted to one
& despise the other.
You cannot serve both God & money.
Luke 16:13 (NLT, 1st ed.)
This is all I've got today.
Sorry it's not more brilliant.
No one can serve two masters.
For you will hate one
& love the other,
or be devoted to one
& despise the other.
You cannot serve both God & money.
Luke 16:13 (NLT, 1st ed.)
Sunday, February 24, 2019
caregivers
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Proverbs 17:17
If you have someone who is a primary or sole caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimer's,
here are some suggestions,
gleaned from conversations with caregivers,
or from the writings online,
or from personal experience...
Before you choose to not read this, just remember that Alzheimer's is an unrecognized epidemic in America. More & more people are being diagnosed with it all the time - & it's not just "old people" being diagnosed. Thus, more & more people either are becoming caregivers or know someone who is.
Caregivers have dozens if not hundreds of people who make "cameo appearances" in their lives. Cameo appearances are nothing but irritating. These are people who feign interest & sympathy & then disappear for months or years. Caregivers don't have the time, energy, or inclination to bring people up to speed with their situation only to have that person evaporate. It makes it seem that that person is just curious or nosey & not really interested in the situation.
Connect with a caregiver regularly. Now, this doesn't mean build a house by the sea. Caregivers seldom have that kind of time. But having someone just call, text, or email every few weeks means a great deal.
Ask about the loved one with Alzheimer's. Most caregivers will give you basic information but that's all because caregivers have learned most people don't want to hear the gory details. But if you really want to know, say so.
More importantly, ask the caregiver how they are doing. Most people seldom if ever ask. And even fewer listen to the caregiver's answer. Most caregiver's will give a short answer to this question because most people don't want to hear how bad it is. If you really care about the caregiver, & really want to know, say so when you ask.
Don't try & fix them or their situation. 9 times out of 10, unless you've been a primary caregiver yourself, you don't know what you're talking about. Caregivers don't need you to fix them. They need you to listen to them.
Listen to caregivers when they talk to you. Few people do. Just listen. Connect with what they're saying. Give them a moment of connection. Most caregivers seldom if ever get that from people.
When talking to a caregiver, try to remember that there is a good chance that 95% of the people in that caregiver's life have disappeared or disconnected. That includes family, friends, neighbors, people at church, & sometimes (lots of the time) even health care providers. People are weirded out by Alzheimer's. They just slip away.
Caregivers live in 2 different worlds. They live in the real world. And they live in Alzheimer's world. These 2 worlds have wildly different norms, rules, & realities. Connecting with a caregiver gives them an opportunity to live in the real world, something they do less & less of as time passes & their loved one's condition deteriorates.
5 words an Alzheimer's caregiver does not want to hear: "have you ever thought of...". Whatever it is that is suggested, that caregiver probably has thought about it - dozens & dozens of times.
So what can people be or do with the Alzheimer's caregiver that is meaningful for the caregiver?
Connect with them often - once a month or 2 months.
Listen to them.
Talk to them about your life. Most caregivers really want to know.
Communicate that you love them & care about them & haven't forgotten them.
This missive really & truly just scratches the surface of a caregiver's life - it's just the tip of a very big iceberg. Be aware of the caregivers all around you - in your church, civic group, hobby group, or where you work, grocery shop, or gym. They are everywhere & they are the forgotten people in the struggle with this dreaded disease.
Proverbs 17:17
If you have someone who is a primary or sole caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimer's,
here are some suggestions,
gleaned from conversations with caregivers,
or from the writings online,
or from personal experience...
Before you choose to not read this, just remember that Alzheimer's is an unrecognized epidemic in America. More & more people are being diagnosed with it all the time - & it's not just "old people" being diagnosed. Thus, more & more people either are becoming caregivers or know someone who is.
Caregivers have dozens if not hundreds of people who make "cameo appearances" in their lives. Cameo appearances are nothing but irritating. These are people who feign interest & sympathy & then disappear for months or years. Caregivers don't have the time, energy, or inclination to bring people up to speed with their situation only to have that person evaporate. It makes it seem that that person is just curious or nosey & not really interested in the situation.
Connect with a caregiver regularly. Now, this doesn't mean build a house by the sea. Caregivers seldom have that kind of time. But having someone just call, text, or email every few weeks means a great deal.
Ask about the loved one with Alzheimer's. Most caregivers will give you basic information but that's all because caregivers have learned most people don't want to hear the gory details. But if you really want to know, say so.
More importantly, ask the caregiver how they are doing. Most people seldom if ever ask. And even fewer listen to the caregiver's answer. Most caregiver's will give a short answer to this question because most people don't want to hear how bad it is. If you really care about the caregiver, & really want to know, say so when you ask.
Don't try & fix them or their situation. 9 times out of 10, unless you've been a primary caregiver yourself, you don't know what you're talking about. Caregivers don't need you to fix them. They need you to listen to them.
Listen to caregivers when they talk to you. Few people do. Just listen. Connect with what they're saying. Give them a moment of connection. Most caregivers seldom if ever get that from people.
When talking to a caregiver, try to remember that there is a good chance that 95% of the people in that caregiver's life have disappeared or disconnected. That includes family, friends, neighbors, people at church, & sometimes (lots of the time) even health care providers. People are weirded out by Alzheimer's. They just slip away.
Caregivers live in 2 different worlds. They live in the real world. And they live in Alzheimer's world. These 2 worlds have wildly different norms, rules, & realities. Connecting with a caregiver gives them an opportunity to live in the real world, something they do less & less of as time passes & their loved one's condition deteriorates.
5 words an Alzheimer's caregiver does not want to hear: "have you ever thought of...". Whatever it is that is suggested, that caregiver probably has thought about it - dozens & dozens of times.
So what can people be or do with the Alzheimer's caregiver that is meaningful for the caregiver?
Connect with them often - once a month or 2 months.
Listen to them.
Talk to them about your life. Most caregivers really want to know.
Communicate that you love them & care about them & haven't forgotten them.
This missive really & truly just scratches the surface of a caregiver's life - it's just the tip of a very big iceberg. Be aware of the caregivers all around you - in your church, civic group, hobby group, or where you work, grocery shop, or gym. They are everywhere & they are the forgotten people in the struggle with this dreaded disease.
Saturday, February 23, 2019
if only...
This is Paul, writing in his first letter to Timothy, a young adult Paul called his son.
If only the people Paul talks about here would be & do this...
1 Timothy 6
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud
and not to trust in their money,
which is so unreliable.
Their trust should be in God,
who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.
18 Tell them to use their money to do good.
They should be rich in good works
and generous to those in need,
always being ready to share with others.
19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future
so that they may experience true life.
If only the people Paul talks about here would be & do this...
1 Timothy 6
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud
and not to trust in their money,
which is so unreliable.
Their trust should be in God,
who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.
18 Tell them to use their money to do good.
They should be rich in good works
and generous to those in need,
always being ready to share with others.
19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future
so that they may experience true life.
Friday, February 22, 2019
thread?
My verses for 2019.
What's the thread through all these verses?
I will never leave you nor
forsake you.
Hebrews 13:5
(this is my life verse)
Don't be afraid or discouraged,
for the Lord is the One who
goes before you.
He will be with you.
He will neither fail you or
forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:8
(this is the verse that the
author of Hebrews built on for Hebrews 13:5)
So don't get tired of doing
what is good.
Don't get discouraged &
give up,
for we will reap a harvest of
blessing
at the appropriate time.
Galatians 6:9
Don't throw away this confident
trust in the Lord,
no matter what happens.
Remember the great reward it
brings you.
Patient endurance is what you
need now,
so you will continue to do
God's will.
Then you will receive all that
He has promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36
So take a new grip with your
tired hands
& stand firm on your shakey
legs.
Mark out a straight path for
your feet
so that those who are weak
& lame will not fall
but become strong.
Hebrews 12:12-13
Thursday, February 21, 2019
what if...
This is Jesus speaking here in this passage.
What would our world & our individual lives look like if we really believe Jesus' words here & lived accordingly?
What would our world & our individual lives look like if we really believe Jesus' words here & lived accordingly?
Luke 12
22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
33 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. 34 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
word
Keep on asking,
& you will be given what you ask for.
Keep on looking,
& you will find.
Keep on knocking,
& the door will be opened.
For everyone who asks,
receives.
Everyone who seeks,
finds.
And the door is opened
to everyone who knocks.
Luke 11:9-10 (NLT, 1st ed.)
This is Jesus speaking here.
I think the 2 most important words in these 2 verses are "keep on".
Someone (besides me) who is reading this needs to know those 2 words apply to you.
I don't know why you need to hear it.
Just know that the word for you today is "keep on..."
Don't give up.
Don't give in.
Don't quit.
Keep on...
& you will be given what you ask for.
Keep on looking,
& you will find.
Keep on knocking,
& the door will be opened.
For everyone who asks,
receives.
Everyone who seeks,
finds.
And the door is opened
to everyone who knocks.
Luke 11:9-10 (NLT, 1st ed.)
This is Jesus speaking here.
I think the 2 most important words in these 2 verses are "keep on".
Someone (besides me) who is reading this needs to know those 2 words apply to you.
I don't know why you need to hear it.
Just know that the word for you today is "keep on..."
Don't give up.
Don't give in.
Don't quit.
Keep on...
Monday, February 18, 2019
LGLO
Luke 10
25 One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”
26 Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”
27 The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”[c]
28 “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”
Boil all that down?
Love God, love others.
LGLO
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