by George | May 6, 2021 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
I Will Always Pray For You
“Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.”
I Samuel 12:23
A former coworker called me this morning. In a few days, she and her husband were going to be traveling out west to visit her daughter who is in the military. She said she couldn’t shake the feeling that she should call me and ask me to pray for their journey. It wasn’t a matter of being scared, she said, but for some reason she felt led to call and ask for prayer.
Samuel was old. The Israelites had made it abundantly clear that they
wanted a king, not his sons ruling over them. Instead of pouting, Samuel stayed on the job.
No retirement for him!
He felt it would be a sin for him to not pray for his people, and to instruct them in “the good and right way.”
It’s a privilege to pray for each other. James tells us:
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
James 5:16
I remember a prayer warrior friend of mine, who was getting more feeble, not able to do the things he used to do. He told me: “There’s one thing that I can do better than I have before and that is to pray!”
Let’s keep lifting each other up in prayer!
by George | May 4, 2021 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
Possession Obsession
“Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.”
Luke 12:15
One of the most annoying things for someone who is addressing an audience is to have someone interupt them right in the middle of their speech. Even the most brilliant speaker could lose their train of thought.
This happened to Jesus, but it didn’t interupt His train of thought. Instead, He used it as a teaching opportunity.
Two men in the crowd were arguing over their inheritance. I can imagine one of them saying, “Oh yeah? Let’s see what the Teacher says about this! He’ll tell you to give me my fair share!”
So he yells out
“…Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.”
Luke 12:13
Jesus answers:
“… Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.”
Luke 12:14-15
Then Jesus elaborates further by using a parable.
“The land of a rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.” ’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
Luke 12:16-21
Next, Jesus reminds the disciples not to worry because God is taking care of them.
Jesus then gives them the proper perspective about possessions:
“Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Luke 12:33-34
So, my question for you is not “What’s in your wallet?” My question is:
“Do you have possessions or do they have you?”
by George | Apr 26, 2021 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
Rise and Shine
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”
Isaiah 60: 1
Have you ever been awakened by mom or dad saying “Wake up! Rise and shine!”?
What does”rise and shine” mean?
Idioms.com defines it several ways:
- To ask someone to wake up and become active in the daily chores
- Wake up with smile
- Getting out of the bed and starting the day
- Leave the bed and start the routine with energy
- To wake up positively
- To get up and do something nicely
- To ask someone to get out of bed
- To get someone to wake up
The origins of the phrase possibly go back to the 1800’s. Idioms.com explains:
“The phrase is said to have originated in the military operations where soldiers would be asked to wake up early and start their activities in an enthusiastic manner. It was almost a compulsion to be active since the day would be a long one every day and to start positively meant that it went on better.”
“The phrase originates from the rising and shining of the sun. When the sun is out, it is morning and everyone is expected to rise and shine with it to get along with their daily routines.”
Long before the 1800’s, God inspired Isaiah to tell the people “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”
Isaiah 60: 1
David Guzik explains:
“Arise, shine; for your light has come: After the thick and desperate darkness described in Isaiah 59:9-10, this is the glorious rescue from the Redeemer. Light has come – so God tells His people to respond to it, and to arise and shine.”
Israel had been through the ravages of war, and things looked hopeless.
But, just like the bright rays of the sun breaking through the clouds, God shines the light of His grace and hope.
Do things seem hopeless and impossible right now?
Keep praying, believing that God will answer your prayers.
“Rise and shine!” The light of God’s love, mercy and grace is shining down upon you!
