by Whitey | Jan 25, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (v. 8)
Real repentence isn’t just feeling sorry for our sins, but turning from it and choosing to live differently. It means to follow Jesus and live in a way that produces “fruit” — brings positive results to our lives and the lives of those around us.
It’s interesting to note here that when his audience asks him what they should do, the kind of fruit John tells them to produce is all related to money and possessions. He says, for example, “The man who has two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.” (v. 11) And throughout the gospels, Jesus too comes back to this idea again and again.
I guess Jesus and John both knew that how we use our money and possessions shows our priorities, our hearts. Their example and teaching point us toward living as simply as possible so that we can more freely give and serve.
This is a pretty big challenge to our modern, materialistic ways of living. Are we letting society influence us into confusing our needs with selfish desires? Or are we willing to follow the way of Christ and live more simply, with less stuff, so that we can give more to help those in need?
Father God, I have everything I need, and then some. Thank You for providing for my needs. Teach me to use what I have in a way that honors You and furthers Your Kingdom.
(Sent from my iPad)
by Whitey | Jan 23, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
I love now eager the shepherds in this story are. After they heard about Jesus, they quickly went to see Him for themselves. And after seeing Him, they quickly spread the word to others. And they returned home praising God for the things they’d seen and heard.
I want to be more like these shepherds, seeking to experience more of Jesus, eagerly sharing the good news with others, and praising God enthusiastically as I go about my daily life.
Lord, my prayer today is that You will deepen my desire to know You, to share You and to worship You.
by Whitey | Jan 21, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
Here Zechariah reminds us that God fulfills His promises. Today I’m thankful for our faithful and trustworthy God. May I be found faithful to Him.
神様が約束を果たしてくださるのは思い出されました。今日、頼もしきて信頼できる神様を感謝しています。私も頼もしい人になりますように。
by Whitey | Jan 20, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
「すると、立ちどころにザカリヤの口が開けて舌がゆるみ、話り出して神ほめたたえた。」(64)
私も早く神様をほめたたえたい。祝福をいただいたら、感謝で応えますように。朝、起きたときの最初の考え方と言葉は賛美になりますように。
“Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God.” (vs. 64)
Zechariah’s first words after the birth of his son John and the receiving of his voice back were words of praise. He obviously recognized God’s blessings when he saw them. I want to be quick to praise God as well. When I receive a blessing, may my response be to thank Him, and when I wake up in the morning, may my first thought, my first words, be to praise Him. He is worthy!
by Whitey | Jan 19, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“Blessed us she who has said that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” (Luke 1:45)
Mary was blessed. And as she reflected in the poem recorded here, it’s not because she was a great person, but because of God’s grace. And in believing God’s promises, she was able to receive those blessings.
Believing = blessed.
Lord, help me to believe Your promises today… and to live like I do, too.
by Whitey | Jan 18, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
As the angel appears to Mary to give her the good news about Jesus, we're reminded that "his kingdom will never end" (vs. 33) and that "nothing is impossible with God." (vs. 37) These are big promises, and a reminder that as Believers we're a part of something much bigger than ourselves. We serve Someone much bigger than ourselves. Someone whose promises are true, who is faithful, who loves us.
My prayer today is that my response to this big, good God will be like Mary's: "I am the Lord's servant." (vs. 38)
