Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 17; Psalm 9; Matthew 2
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:55-58
55 As Saul watched David going out to meet the Philistine, he said to Abner, commander of the army, "Abner, whose son is that young man?"
Abner replied, "As surely as you live, O king, I don't know."
56 The king said, "Find out whose son this young man is."
57 As soon as David returned from killing the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with David still holding the Philistine's head.
58 "Whose son are you, young man?" Saul asked him.
David said, "I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem."
Observation: Whose son are you? That is the question that Saul wanted to know about David. Why? Because he wanted to know who David was. And in those days, they believed that if you knew the father, you understood the son.
I don’t think they were far off. The apple doesn’t far from the tree. But today, TV raises more children than fathers do. But if a person is truly raised and trained by someone, whether it’s a father or mentor or grandparent or coach, understanding the person would be greatly enhanced by knowing the trainer.
Application: We all have had significant people in our lives who have shaped and influenced us. You can’t choose your parents but even those who had an abusive upbringing have the opportunity to find someone to admire and follow. You and I have the power to decide just who it is we will put in that place in our lives. We choose our teachers. Who is it that you admire? Who is it that you have given the right to lead you and speak into your life? Some people think that they don’t have to have a person in that role. But that’s not true. If you have no person in that role then you are the person in that role. You are leading yourself and following yourself. I think this is not a good idea. So choose and choose well. Follow a person whose life demonstrates high character and healthy relationships. Learn to function and grow under the authority of a person who will place an indelible stamp of excellence and integrity on your life.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the excellent models You have given me. Lord, I ask that You would help all of us to find good people to lead us in Your ways. Thank You for faithful men and women who have blazed the trail before us. May we live in such a way as to bring honor to You and to our fathers in the faith.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Friday, April 14, 2006
Title: Tall, Dark & Wrong / Topic: Discernment
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 15; 1 Samuel 16; 1 Chronicles 5; Matthew 1
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:6-7
6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD."
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Observation: Samuel jumps to a conclusion based on Eliab's appearance. He assumes that because Eliab is tall, dark, and handsome, he must the God's choice to succeed Saul as king. But God stops him and corrects him. And in doing so, the Lord tells us some very important things about Himself. Namely, that He has a different way of looking at things. God looks from the inside out. And He is training Samuel to grow in the ability to look at things that same way.
Application: God wants each of us to have His perspective on things -- especially the way we look at people. Studies have shown that more attractive children get better treatment from their teachers than less attractive kids. It's human nature to favor good looking people. We tend to think that people who look good are good. But God says no. Looks can be deceiving. There is a level of spiritual discernment that is available to His children to detect the inner condition of a person. I know that many times I have met people who looked fine on the outside but something didn't seem right. God was letting me know that I needed to pay attention to their inner condition so that I might be wise in my dealings with them. And the converse can also be true. People who look a little rough around the edges can be good as gold on the inside. Ask God to give you His heart and wisdom for people.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You function on a deeper level. You look at the heart. Help us to grow in our ability to see others as You see them and, more importantly, to love others as You do. Give greater discernment to Your people so we will not be taken in by the pretenders and we will not reject those "fixer-uppers" You bring our way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:6-7
6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD."
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Observation: Samuel jumps to a conclusion based on Eliab's appearance. He assumes that because Eliab is tall, dark, and handsome, he must the God's choice to succeed Saul as king. But God stops him and corrects him. And in doing so, the Lord tells us some very important things about Himself. Namely, that He has a different way of looking at things. God looks from the inside out. And He is training Samuel to grow in the ability to look at things that same way.
Application: God wants each of us to have His perspective on things -- especially the way we look at people. Studies have shown that more attractive children get better treatment from their teachers than less attractive kids. It's human nature to favor good looking people. We tend to think that people who look good are good. But God says no. Looks can be deceiving. There is a level of spiritual discernment that is available to His children to detect the inner condition of a person. I know that many times I have met people who looked fine on the outside but something didn't seem right. God was letting me know that I needed to pay attention to their inner condition so that I might be wise in my dealings with them. And the converse can also be true. People who look a little rough around the edges can be good as gold on the inside. Ask God to give you His heart and wisdom for people.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You function on a deeper level. You look at the heart. Help us to grow in our ability to see others as You see them and, more importantly, to love others as You do. Give greater discernment to Your people so we will not be taken in by the pretenders and we will not reject those "fixer-uppers" You bring our way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Title: Faith & Action / Topic: Conviction
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 14; 1 Chronicles 4; 2 Corinthians 13
Scripture: 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few."
Observation: I just love Jonathan. He is a goodhearted and brave young man who has a firm grip on faith. His statement here that “Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether my many or by few” shows such a great understanding of how God works on a practical level. I mean, Jonathan is not just talking theory here. He is contemplating an attack by himself and his armor bearer on an enemy outpost at the top of a cliff. In other words, he is willing to lay his life on the line based on his belief in God. That is conviction.
Application: It is easy to talk about God and to spout off statements of belief. “God is in control.” “I’m in God’s hands.” “With God’s help, anything is possible.” But it’s actually acting on my beliefs that really counts. The truth is, we only really believe the stuff we do. If we’re not willing to act on a belief, we should reevaluate whether we really believe it or not. I suggest that we should make sure it is consistent with God word and God’s ways, and then if it is, follow it with conviction.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be a man of action like Jonathan was. I want to stand up to my enemy and take him on in Your strength. Help me to lay hold of You and move boldly forward with strength, courage and conviction. May I walk in faith, not listening to fear.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few."
Observation: I just love Jonathan. He is a goodhearted and brave young man who has a firm grip on faith. His statement here that “Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether my many or by few” shows such a great understanding of how God works on a practical level. I mean, Jonathan is not just talking theory here. He is contemplating an attack by himself and his armor bearer on an enemy outpost at the top of a cliff. In other words, he is willing to lay his life on the line based on his belief in God. That is conviction.
Application: It is easy to talk about God and to spout off statements of belief. “God is in control.” “I’m in God’s hands.” “With God’s help, anything is possible.” But it’s actually acting on my beliefs that really counts. The truth is, we only really believe the stuff we do. If we’re not willing to act on a belief, we should reevaluate whether we really believe it or not. I suggest that we should make sure it is consistent with God word and God’s ways, and then if it is, follow it with conviction.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be a man of action like Jonathan was. I want to stand up to my enemy and take him on in Your strength. Help me to lay hold of You and move boldly forward with strength, courage and conviction. May I walk in faith, not listening to fear.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Title: Excuses For Sin / Topic: Rationalizing
Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 13; 1 Chronicles 2; 1 Chronicles 3; 2 Corinthians 12
[1 Chronicles chapters 2 & 3 are pretty boring. There may be a few interesting details, but by and large, it's tough reading. Just get through it.]
Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:7-13
7 ...Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. 8 He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul's men began to scatter. 9 So he said, "Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings." And Saul offered up the burnt offering. 10 Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. 11 "What have you done?" asked Samuel. Saul replied, "When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Micmash, 12 I thought, 'Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the LORD's favor.' So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering." 13 "You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you..."
Observation: This is a tough situation for Saul. He is badly outnumbered and forced to wait for Samuel who is late in coming. Of course, waiting around with nothing to do with an overwhelming adversary in your face is not good for morale! So Saul's undisciplined and unarmed troops start to melt away. (Actually, they did have rakes, shovels, hoes, pitchforks, and axes to fight with! Not good!) Like I said, this is a tough situation. So Saul impulsively decides to do something (since doing nothing isn't panning out so well) and he offers a burnt offering (which is not an item on the King of Israel Job Description). In fact, this is clearly a job only for the priest. Samuel shows up as soon as Saul finishes the offering. Saul tries to rationalize his actions and even blames Samuel (see verse 11) and insists he "felt compelled to offer the burnt offering." The result is his rejection as king. It's sad.
Application: Rationalizing: it's something most of us are pretty good at. But when we rationalize, we are trying to create reasons to make something that's not quite right sound like it's OK. Most of the time, rationalizing is a form of verbal gymnastics to justify sin. That's what it was for Saul. Saul did not stop and pray. He didn't ask God for wisdom. He didn't try to rally the troops with a stirring speech. He needed something exciting that would get the troops' attention. So he used a sacrifice to God as a tactic, or gimmick to mitigate his military losses. And that is not acceptable for a leader. God is not something that we can use for our ends, even if those ends are good. God can use me but I must never think that I can use Him. If I ever slip into thinking that, I am in danger. Saul neutralized his future and ultimately lost his kingdom and his life because of it.
Prayer: Lord, help me to pay attention to what You tell me to do and to do it carefully and diligently. May I not deviate from Your instruction into my own designs and schemes. I want to be a man after Your heart, that is pursuing You and Your ways with everything that is in me. Strengthen me for this pursuit.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
[1 Chronicles chapters 2 & 3 are pretty boring. There may be a few interesting details, but by and large, it's tough reading. Just get through it.]
Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:7-13
7 ...Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. 8 He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul's men began to scatter. 9 So he said, "Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings." And Saul offered up the burnt offering. 10 Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. 11 "What have you done?" asked Samuel. Saul replied, "When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Micmash, 12 I thought, 'Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the LORD's favor.' So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering." 13 "You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you..."
Observation: This is a tough situation for Saul. He is badly outnumbered and forced to wait for Samuel who is late in coming. Of course, waiting around with nothing to do with an overwhelming adversary in your face is not good for morale! So Saul's undisciplined and unarmed troops start to melt away. (Actually, they did have rakes, shovels, hoes, pitchforks, and axes to fight with! Not good!) Like I said, this is a tough situation. So Saul impulsively decides to do something (since doing nothing isn't panning out so well) and he offers a burnt offering (which is not an item on the King of Israel Job Description). In fact, this is clearly a job only for the priest. Samuel shows up as soon as Saul finishes the offering. Saul tries to rationalize his actions and even blames Samuel (see verse 11) and insists he "felt compelled to offer the burnt offering." The result is his rejection as king. It's sad.
Application: Rationalizing: it's something most of us are pretty good at. But when we rationalize, we are trying to create reasons to make something that's not quite right sound like it's OK. Most of the time, rationalizing is a form of verbal gymnastics to justify sin. That's what it was for Saul. Saul did not stop and pray. He didn't ask God for wisdom. He didn't try to rally the troops with a stirring speech. He needed something exciting that would get the troops' attention. So he used a sacrifice to God as a tactic, or gimmick to mitigate his military losses. And that is not acceptable for a leader. God is not something that we can use for our ends, even if those ends are good. God can use me but I must never think that I can use Him. If I ever slip into thinking that, I am in danger. Saul neutralized his future and ultimately lost his kingdom and his life because of it.
Prayer: Lord, help me to pay attention to what You tell me to do and to do it carefully and diligently. May I not deviate from Your instruction into my own designs and schemes. I want to be a man after Your heart, that is pursuing You and Your ways with everything that is in me. Strengthen me for this pursuit.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Title: The Things We Trust / Topic: Focus
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 11; 1 Samuel 12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11
Scripture: 1 Samuel 12:21 "Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless."
Observation: These words of Samuel bring me back. Other than God, there is nothing that can do me any good. I can seek after many things: money, stuff, toys, pleasures, experiences, friends. And none of these is bad in and of itself. But they are not going to carry me through the tough times of life. They are not going to rescue me. Only God can do that. Turning away from God is something that is easy to do. Something or someone catches our eye and our attention is drawn to seek after that. We lose our concentration and the things of the Lord get left behind. But the truth of the matter is that anything that draws my attention from God becomes a useless idol to me. And as simplistic as it sounds, it can’t do me any good because it’s useless.
Application: Trust in the Lord. Keep your focus sharp and your purpose clear. Don’t lose your concentration -- only God is worthy of your worship. Only God is worthy of your life’s pursuit. There is no shortage of stuff clamoring for your attention. But there is a still, small Voice that is the only one really worth listening to.
Prayer: Lord, help me to hear Your voice through the noisy clutter. I want to set aside time for You each day and allow my heart to settle into that place that centers and grounds my soul on the greater purpose for my life. I want to be rich in You and so connected to You that I clearly hear Your voice, know Your will, and feel Your heartbeat.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 12:21 "Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless."
Observation: These words of Samuel bring me back. Other than God, there is nothing that can do me any good. I can seek after many things: money, stuff, toys, pleasures, experiences, friends. And none of these is bad in and of itself. But they are not going to carry me through the tough times of life. They are not going to rescue me. Only God can do that. Turning away from God is something that is easy to do. Something or someone catches our eye and our attention is drawn to seek after that. We lose our concentration and the things of the Lord get left behind. But the truth of the matter is that anything that draws my attention from God becomes a useless idol to me. And as simplistic as it sounds, it can’t do me any good because it’s useless.
Application: Trust in the Lord. Keep your focus sharp and your purpose clear. Don’t lose your concentration -- only God is worthy of your worship. Only God is worthy of your life’s pursuit. There is no shortage of stuff clamoring for your attention. But there is a still, small Voice that is the only one really worth listening to.
Prayer: Lord, help me to hear Your voice through the noisy clutter. I want to set aside time for You each day and allow my heart to settle into that place that centers and grounds my soul on the greater purpose for my life. I want to be rich in You and so connected to You that I clearly hear Your voice, know Your will, and feel Your heartbeat.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Title: Fake Humility / Topic: Leadership
Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 9; 1 Samuel 10; 2 Corinthians 10
Scripture: 1 Samuel 9:21 Saul answered, "But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?"
Observation: When we first meet Saul, we are told he is the son of a respected "man of standing" and that there is no equal to him because he is "a head taller" than everybody else. Apparently that is the only real distinction that stands out (literally!) about Saul. But what really caught my attention is his response to Samuel here. Samuel has just told Saul that he is the choice for the new king. And look at Saul's response above. Re-read it now. Look carefully. It seems like humility at first glance. But there is nothing in there about how he personally is not up to the task. Read it again. It's all just a show if you ask me. It's the obligatory, "gee whiz, I can't believe you want li'l ole me to be king!?!" And, apparently, nobody picked up on it (and I wouldn't have either except that I'm looking for bad stuff in Saul since I know that he turns out so bad).
Application: True personal humility is a prerequisite for successful spiritual leadership. If a person starts by thinking that they would make a pretty good leader, they have a long way to go. People who feel ready aren't. But people who have had some tough experience and who have gotten in touch enough with themselves to know the bad stuff inside themselves are likely to say, "I don't think that I am ready to be a leader." That's a person that God can use because they don't fully trust in themselves and would likely turn to God. Saul did trust in himself as the story will show. He did what he thought best rather than waiting and obeying and trusting. I wonder, do I trust too much in myself? Do you?
Prayer: Lord, I am amazed that You have called me to lead. But sometimes I can get caught up in it all and just go on autopilot. I can forget to ask You what You want me to do. Help me, Lord, to be Your servant and to do Your will. And keep me aware of my complete inadequacy to do anything of eternal value without Your help. May I always walk humbly with You guiding and empowering me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 9:21 Saul answered, "But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?"
Observation: When we first meet Saul, we are told he is the son of a respected "man of standing" and that there is no equal to him because he is "a head taller" than everybody else. Apparently that is the only real distinction that stands out (literally!) about Saul. But what really caught my attention is his response to Samuel here. Samuel has just told Saul that he is the choice for the new king. And look at Saul's response above. Re-read it now. Look carefully. It seems like humility at first glance. But there is nothing in there about how he personally is not up to the task. Read it again. It's all just a show if you ask me. It's the obligatory, "gee whiz, I can't believe you want li'l ole me to be king!?!" And, apparently, nobody picked up on it (and I wouldn't have either except that I'm looking for bad stuff in Saul since I know that he turns out so bad).
Application: True personal humility is a prerequisite for successful spiritual leadership. If a person starts by thinking that they would make a pretty good leader, they have a long way to go. People who feel ready aren't. But people who have had some tough experience and who have gotten in touch enough with themselves to know the bad stuff inside themselves are likely to say, "I don't think that I am ready to be a leader." That's a person that God can use because they don't fully trust in themselves and would likely turn to God. Saul did trust in himself as the story will show. He did what he thought best rather than waiting and obeying and trusting. I wonder, do I trust too much in myself? Do you?
Prayer: Lord, I am amazed that You have called me to lead. But sometimes I can get caught up in it all and just go on autopilot. I can forget to ask You what You want me to do. Help me, Lord, to be Your servant and to do Your will. And keep me aware of my complete inadequacy to do anything of eternal value without Your help. May I always walk humbly with You guiding and empowering me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Title: The Right Kind Of Fear / Topic: Respecting God
Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 6; 1 Samuel 7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians 9
Scripture: 1 Samuel 6:19-21
…God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they had looked unto the ark of the LORD. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the LORD had dealt them, and the men of Beth Shemesh asked, "Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom will the ark go up from here?" Then they sent messengers to the people of Kiriath Jearim, saying, "The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to your place."
Observation: As a child I never understood the phrase "the fear of the Lord." To me, "fear" was a bad thing. So how could "the fear of the Lord" be anything other than bad? Well, this story demonstrates the truth that the right kind of "the fear of the Lord" is a very important thing and the lack of it is deadly. Here, the men of Beth Shemesh have received the ark of the Lord back from the Philistines with rejoicing and even the offering of sacrifices. But they do something that reveals that something is missing inside of them. They lift the cover and peek into the ark. Seventy of them are dead as a result. Why did they die? Because they lacked "the fear of the Lord." They thought that the ark could be treated as a toy or a trinket. (Just like a person who doesn't fear the power of electricity could be killed by opening a transformer box and looking inside.) They forgot about God's awesome power. But the reaction of the rest of the people is what really gets me. They are now fearful of God -- but not in the right way. Rather than repenting of their careless attitude toward God, they just get spooked and want to get rid of Him. "Send the ark away!" is their answer. It would be like a person who sees someone get electrocuted deciding that they want nothing to do with electricity so they have all the wiring removed from their house.
Application: We need a healthy fear of God. He holds the power of life and death in His mighty hands. He is not our buddy or pal or the man upstairs. He is God Almighty and is not to be trifled with. (I think that sometimes our emphasis on having a personal relationship with God can foster a too-casual idea about relating to God.) Now it also seems that too many people walk in fear -- afraid of God. This is also not right. Absense of fear is wrong and the wrong kind of fear is also wrong. We can have a high degree of reverence and respect for God, and a love and appreciation for Him based on an understanding of His character of love. This is not unlike how a highly qualified electrician thinks about electricity. He knows it can kill if not handled with respect, but he is trained on all the good it can do when its potential is properly released. Let's work to get that balance into our lives and to help others to get it as well.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your awesome power which created the universe and holds it together. And I thank You for Your amazing love that reaches out to sinful human beings with mercy and forgiveness. Thank You for calling people to a love relationship with You. And help us, Lord, to hold You in high regard and reverence. May we have the fear of the Lord in our lives as You would have us to. Thank You for Your patience with us as we learn to walk in Your ways.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
Scripture: 1 Samuel 6:19-21
…God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they had looked unto the ark of the LORD. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the LORD had dealt them, and the men of Beth Shemesh asked, "Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom will the ark go up from here?" Then they sent messengers to the people of Kiriath Jearim, saying, "The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to your place."
Observation: As a child I never understood the phrase "the fear of the Lord." To me, "fear" was a bad thing. So how could "the fear of the Lord" be anything other than bad? Well, this story demonstrates the truth that the right kind of "the fear of the Lord" is a very important thing and the lack of it is deadly. Here, the men of Beth Shemesh have received the ark of the Lord back from the Philistines with rejoicing and even the offering of sacrifices. But they do something that reveals that something is missing inside of them. They lift the cover and peek into the ark. Seventy of them are dead as a result. Why did they die? Because they lacked "the fear of the Lord." They thought that the ark could be treated as a toy or a trinket. (Just like a person who doesn't fear the power of electricity could be killed by opening a transformer box and looking inside.) They forgot about God's awesome power. But the reaction of the rest of the people is what really gets me. They are now fearful of God -- but not in the right way. Rather than repenting of their careless attitude toward God, they just get spooked and want to get rid of Him. "Send the ark away!" is their answer. It would be like a person who sees someone get electrocuted deciding that they want nothing to do with electricity so they have all the wiring removed from their house.
Application: We need a healthy fear of God. He holds the power of life and death in His mighty hands. He is not our buddy or pal or the man upstairs. He is God Almighty and is not to be trifled with. (I think that sometimes our emphasis on having a personal relationship with God can foster a too-casual idea about relating to God.) Now it also seems that too many people walk in fear -- afraid of God. This is also not right. Absense of fear is wrong and the wrong kind of fear is also wrong. We can have a high degree of reverence and respect for God, and a love and appreciation for Him based on an understanding of His character of love. This is not unlike how a highly qualified electrician thinks about electricity. He knows it can kill if not handled with respect, but he is trained on all the good it can do when its potential is properly released. Let's work to get that balance into our lives and to help others to get it as well.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your awesome power which created the universe and holds it together. And I thank You for Your amazing love that reaches out to sinful human beings with mercy and forgiveness. Thank You for calling people to a love relationship with You. And help us, Lord, to hold You in high regard and reverence. May we have the fear of the Lord in our lives as You would have us to. Thank You for Your patience with us as we learn to walk in Your ways.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen
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