Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Praying for God’s Blessing from His Word
Lord Jesus, you are the Lord of all of our journeys. Lead us every day, keeping us close to You, for our God is the Lord of all journeys. You have given us an eternal treasure, life everlasting. Help us to read Your Word, hear Your blessing, and value our lives as treasures from You, for you have claimed us for Your own. Holy God, bless us this day that we may be a blessing to others, let Holy awe fill our hearts. Father, You have blessed every detail of our lives. Help us entrust all of our days and all of our ways to You, for we know that nothing shall ever separate us from Your love. Almighty God and Saviour, You have freely bestowed your blessings on this world. Bless us with divine generosity that we might share Your mercy without measure, knowing that we are blessed. There are those that have blessed us and others that we desire to bless, grant us Your guidance to faithful service. You are the Father of all mercies, every morning You bring blessings known and unknown into our lives. Teach us to listen that we may know your bountiful, merciful work as You continue to bless. Humble Lord, in bending your knee you blessed the lowly. Help us bring the low points of our lives to You to find Your blessing there. Lord, You enter the lowly places and fill them. Risen Lord, You ascended into Heaven with Your hands raised in blessing. Bless us now in our journeys. Take our worldly wanderings and make them a faithful following of You, for we know that Your blessings cover all of our journeys. Our great protecting Saviour, You keep us from all evil. Help us to entrust our lives and loved ones to Your sheltering care, Make us know that Jesus is the One who promises to keep us. Blessed Saviour, when others curse, You bless. You turn even their curses into blessings. Strengthen us when faced with enemies, so that we may trust Your blessing and share Your life-giving love. Help us to learn how to take up our crosses and be used for good? Let us bring past and future before You and grant us Your blessing, as we bring both thanksgiving and concerns before You in prayer. Heavenly Father, You hid Your face from Jesus on the cross so that You might always look on us with love. Give us confidence in that love and forgiveness, so that we may be patient and strong even when we face those who are unloving. You promised in Your Word never to hide Your face from us. Gracious Lord Jesus, when we are under pressure, teach us to love that which is good, to fight that which is evil, and to work for that which is godly, drawing our strength from You, for You used Your strength in love to die for us. Let Your grace inspire us to radical, holy , heartfelt prayer. Your Word has changed our lives. Teach us now to live for You, for Your blessing spans eternity. We bring before You all our work. Bless it as You bless us with Your amazing love letting Your face shine on us. We bring You our needs, because you have turned Your face toward us, and we know our God’s love is personal. Dear Lord, when faith in You brings conflict in our lives, teach us to trust Your peace that saves the world, knowing to You, some things are still worth fighting for. Give us courage to speak Your Word, so in the midst of trouble You might bring peace and we might know Your Son better, who brings that peace. Your loving presence brings us peace. Eternal God of eternal blessing, teach us to trust wherever we go, whatever we do, You have put Your name on us. We are Yours for Your heart beats with eternal love. In Your wounds, Lord Jesus, we see the marks of your strong love. Give us strength to share Your love with the world, let the mark of Your love be upon us. Our Father, You have planned for our blessings. When so much of our lives are out of our control, teach us to live in the certainty of Your love, knowing You leave nothing to chance. Teach us to see You now, Your hands upraised and blessing still. Please, Lord, live with us, and we will be strong. Lead us, and we will follow. Bless us, and we will share Your boundless blessing with the world. Amen!
Praying for God’s Blessing from His Word
Lord Jesus, you are the Lord of all of our journeys. Lead us every day, keeping us close to You, for our God is the Lord of all journeys. You have given us an eternal treasure, life everlasting. Help us to read Your Word, hear Your blessing, and value our lives as treasures from You, for you have claimed us for Your own. Holy God, bless us this day that we may be a blessing to others, let Holy awe fill our hearts. Father, You have blessed every detail of our lives. Help us entrust all of our days and all of our ways to You, for we know that nothing shall ever separate us from Your love. Almighty God and Saviour, You have freely bestowed your blessings on this world. Bless us with divine generosity that we might share Your mercy without measure, knowing that we are blessed. There are those that have blessed us and others that we desire to bless, grant us Your guidance to faithful service. You are the Father of all mercies, every morning You bring blessings known and unknown into our lives. Teach us to listen that we may know your bountiful, merciful work as You continue to bless. Humble Lord, in bending your knee you blessed the lowly. Help us bring the low points of our lives to You to find Your blessing there. Lord, You enter the lowly places and fill them. Risen Lord, You ascended into Heaven with Your hands raised in blessing. Bless us now in our journeys. Take our worldly wanderings and make them a faithful following of You, for we know that Your blessings cover all of our journeys. Our great protecting Saviour, You keep us from all evil. Help us to entrust our lives and loved ones to Your sheltering care, Make us know that Jesus is the One who promises to keep us. Blessed Saviour, when others curse, You bless. You turn even their curses into blessings. Strengthen us when faced with enemies, so that we may trust Your blessing and share Your life-giving love. Help us to learn how to take up our crosses and be used for good? Let us bring past and future before You and grant us Your blessing, as we bring both thanksgiving and concerns before You in prayer. Heavenly Father, You hid Your face from Jesus on the cross so that You might always look on us with love. Give us confidence in that love and forgiveness, so that we may be patient and strong even when we face those who are unloving. You promised in Your Word never to hide Your face from us. Gracious Lord Jesus, when we are under pressure, teach us to love that which is good, to fight that which is evil, and to work for that which is godly, drawing our strength from You, for You used Your strength in love to die for us. Let Your grace inspire us to radical, holy , heartfelt prayer. Your Word has changed our lives. Teach us now to live for You, for Your blessing spans eternity. We bring before You all our work. Bless it as You bless us with Your amazing love letting Your face shine on us. We bring You our needs, because you have turned Your face toward us, and we know our God’s love is personal. Dear Lord, when faith in You brings conflict in our lives, teach us to trust Your peace that saves the world, knowing to You, some things are still worth fighting for. Give us courage to speak Your Word, so in the midst of trouble You might bring peace and we might know Your Son better, who brings that peace. Your loving presence brings us peace. Eternal God of eternal blessing, teach us to trust wherever we go, whatever we do, You have put Your name on us. We are Yours for Your heart beats with eternal love. In Your wounds, Lord Jesus, we see the marks of your strong love. Give us strength to share Your love with the world, let the mark of Your love be upon us. Our Father, You have planned for our blessings. When so much of our lives are out of our control, teach us to live in the certainty of Your love, knowing You leave nothing to chance. Teach us to see You now, Your hands upraised and blessing still. Please, Lord, live with us, and we will be strong. Lead us, and we will follow. Bless us, and we will share Your boundless blessing with the world. Amen!
Friday, October 9, 2009
God’s Cure for Anxiety
The section builds to a climax in verse 31 when the disciples were instructed to seek God’s kingdom. In building to that climax Jesus said three things about anxiety.
Luke 12:22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. 24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? 25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neitherb be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
12:22-24. Jesus first noted that anxiety is foolish because life consists of far more than what one eats or wears (cf. v. 15). Jesus again referred to birds (cf. vv. 6-7) to point out that since His disciples were more valuable than ravens, which God feeds, He cares for them. (Unlike sparrows, ravens were not sold for they are scavengers.)
12:25-28. Jesus next pointed out that worry is foolish because it cannot change the situation. Not one hour can be added to one’s life so it is ridiculous to worry. Again Jesus went to the natural realm (lilies and grass) to point out that God takes care of what belongs to Him.
12:29-31. Finally Jesus pointed out that worry is foolish because worry is the attitude of pagans. The pagan world is concerned with the material things of life and not with life’s ultimately important spiritual realities. On the other hand one who pursues spiritual matters (seeking God’s kingdom) will also receive from God material provisions.
12:32-34. Jesus then told His disciples not to fear (cf. vv. 4, 7). He compared them to a little flock, a seemingly defenseless group which could be preyed on. To make them even more defenseless Christ instructed, Sell your possessions and give to the poor. (Luke later came back to this subject in chaps. 16 and 19.) This is also what the early church did (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37). Jesus’ point was that if His followers had a treasure on earth they would think about it. But if they instead had a treasure in heaven, which is safe from theft and decay by moths, and were “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21), they would be concerned with matters pertaining to the kingdom and therefore would not be in a state of anxiety.
[1]
b neither...: or, live not in careful suspense
cf. confer, compare
v. verse
vv. verses
chaps. chapters
[1]Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (2:238). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
Luke 12:22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. 24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? 25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neitherb be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
12:22-24. Jesus first noted that anxiety is foolish because life consists of far more than what one eats or wears (cf. v. 15). Jesus again referred to birds (cf. vv. 6-7) to point out that since His disciples were more valuable than ravens, which God feeds, He cares for them. (Unlike sparrows, ravens were not sold for they are scavengers.)
12:25-28. Jesus next pointed out that worry is foolish because it cannot change the situation. Not one hour can be added to one’s life so it is ridiculous to worry. Again Jesus went to the natural realm (lilies and grass) to point out that God takes care of what belongs to Him.
12:29-31. Finally Jesus pointed out that worry is foolish because worry is the attitude of pagans. The pagan world is concerned with the material things of life and not with life’s ultimately important spiritual realities. On the other hand one who pursues spiritual matters (seeking God’s kingdom) will also receive from God material provisions.
12:32-34. Jesus then told His disciples not to fear (cf. vv. 4, 7). He compared them to a little flock, a seemingly defenseless group which could be preyed on. To make them even more defenseless Christ instructed, Sell your possessions and give to the poor. (Luke later came back to this subject in chaps. 16 and 19.) This is also what the early church did (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37). Jesus’ point was that if His followers had a treasure on earth they would think about it. But if they instead had a treasure in heaven, which is safe from theft and decay by moths, and were “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21), they would be concerned with matters pertaining to the kingdom and therefore would not be in a state of anxiety.
[1]
b neither...: or, live not in careful suspense
cf. confer, compare
v. verse
vv. verses
chaps. chapters
[1]Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (2:238). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
God’s Blessing from His Word
Num.6:22 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, 24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. 27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.
In pronouncing God’s favor on the people, the priest was to use a formula for blessing. This beautiful blessing may be only a model, as the so-called ”Lord’s Prayer“ is a model for prayer, but its purpose is clear: it communicates the desire of the Lord to invest His people with His name. The name of the Lord is tantamount to the Lord Himself so that this blessing becomes a petition that God might live among His people and meet all their needs. He alone can bless His people, keep them, look on them with favor (make His face shine and turn His face toward them), be gracious to them, and give them peace.
Lord Jesus, you are the Lord of all of my journeys. Lead me every day, keeping me close to You, for My God is the Lord of all journeys. You have given me an eternal treasure, life everlasting. Help me to read Your Word, hear Your blessing, and value my life as a treasure from You, for you have claimed me for Your own. Holy God, bless me this day that I may be a blessing to others, let Holy awe fill my heart. Father You have blessed every detail of my life. Help me entrust all my days and all my ways to you, for I know that nothing shall ever separate me from Your love. Almighty God and Saviour, You have freely bestowed your blessings on this world. Bless me with divine generosity that I might share Your mercy without measure, knowing that I am blessed. There are those that have blessed me and others that I desire to bless, grant me Your guidance to faithful service. You are the Father of all mercies, every morning you bring blessings known and unknown into our lives. Teach me to listen that I may know your bountiful, merciful work as You continue to bless. Humble Lord, in bending your knee you blessed the lowly. Help me bring the low points of my life to You to find Your blessing there. Lord, You enter the lowly places of my life and fill them. Risen Lord, You ascended into Heaven with Your hands raised in blessing. Bless me now in my journeys. Take my worldly wanderings and make them a faithful following of You, for I know that Your blessings cover all my journeys. My great protecting Saviour, You keep me from all evil. Help me to entrust my life and my loved ones to Your sheltering care, Make us know that Jesus is the One who promises to keep us. Blessed Saviour, when others curse, You bless. You turn even their curses into blessings. Strengthen me when faced with enemies, so that I trust Your blessing and share Your life-giving love. Help me to learn how to take up my cross and use it for good? Let me bring past and future before You and grant me Your blessing, as I bring both thanksgiving and concerns before You in prayer. Heavenly Father, You hid Your face from Jesus on the cross so that You might always look on us with love. Give us confidence in that love and forgiveness, so we may be patient and strong even when we face those who are unloving. You promised in Your Word never to hide Your face from us. Gracious Lord Jesus, when I am under pressure, teach me to love that which is good, to fight that which is evil, and to work for that which is godly, drawing my strength from You, for You used Your strength in love to die for me. Let Your grace inspire me to radical, holy , heartfelt prayer. Your Word has changed my life. Teach me now to live for You, for Your blessing spans eternity. I bring before You all my work. Bless it as You bless me with Your amazing love letting Your face shine on me. I bring You my needs, because you have turned Your face toward me, and I know my God’s love is personal. Dear Lord, when faith in You brings conflict in my life, teach me to trust Your peace that saves the world, knowing that to You, some things are still worth fighting for. Give me courage to speak Your Word, so that in the midst of trouble you might bring peace and I might know Your Son better, who brings that peace. Your loving presence brings me peace. Eternal God of eternal blessing, teach me to trust that wherever I go, whatever I do, You have put Your name on me. I am Yours for Your heart beats with eternal love. In Your wounds, Lord Jesus, I see the marks of your strong love. Give me strength to share Your love with the world, let the mark of Your love be upon me. Our Father, You have planned for my blessings. When so much of my life is out of my control, teach me to live in the certainty of Your love, knowing You leave nothing to chance. Teach me to see You now, Your hands upraised and blessing still. Please, Lord, live with me, and I will be strong. Lead me, and I will follow. Bless me, and I will share Your boundless blessing with the world. Amen!
In pronouncing God’s favor on the people, the priest was to use a formula for blessing. This beautiful blessing may be only a model, as the so-called ”Lord’s Prayer“ is a model for prayer, but its purpose is clear: it communicates the desire of the Lord to invest His people with His name. The name of the Lord is tantamount to the Lord Himself so that this blessing becomes a petition that God might live among His people and meet all their needs. He alone can bless His people, keep them, look on them with favor (make His face shine and turn His face toward them), be gracious to them, and give them peace.
Lord Jesus, you are the Lord of all of my journeys. Lead me every day, keeping me close to You, for My God is the Lord of all journeys. You have given me an eternal treasure, life everlasting. Help me to read Your Word, hear Your blessing, and value my life as a treasure from You, for you have claimed me for Your own. Holy God, bless me this day that I may be a blessing to others, let Holy awe fill my heart. Father You have blessed every detail of my life. Help me entrust all my days and all my ways to you, for I know that nothing shall ever separate me from Your love. Almighty God and Saviour, You have freely bestowed your blessings on this world. Bless me with divine generosity that I might share Your mercy without measure, knowing that I am blessed. There are those that have blessed me and others that I desire to bless, grant me Your guidance to faithful service. You are the Father of all mercies, every morning you bring blessings known and unknown into our lives. Teach me to listen that I may know your bountiful, merciful work as You continue to bless. Humble Lord, in bending your knee you blessed the lowly. Help me bring the low points of my life to You to find Your blessing there. Lord, You enter the lowly places of my life and fill them. Risen Lord, You ascended into Heaven with Your hands raised in blessing. Bless me now in my journeys. Take my worldly wanderings and make them a faithful following of You, for I know that Your blessings cover all my journeys. My great protecting Saviour, You keep me from all evil. Help me to entrust my life and my loved ones to Your sheltering care, Make us know that Jesus is the One who promises to keep us. Blessed Saviour, when others curse, You bless. You turn even their curses into blessings. Strengthen me when faced with enemies, so that I trust Your blessing and share Your life-giving love. Help me to learn how to take up my cross and use it for good? Let me bring past and future before You and grant me Your blessing, as I bring both thanksgiving and concerns before You in prayer. Heavenly Father, You hid Your face from Jesus on the cross so that You might always look on us with love. Give us confidence in that love and forgiveness, so we may be patient and strong even when we face those who are unloving. You promised in Your Word never to hide Your face from us. Gracious Lord Jesus, when I am under pressure, teach me to love that which is good, to fight that which is evil, and to work for that which is godly, drawing my strength from You, for You used Your strength in love to die for me. Let Your grace inspire me to radical, holy , heartfelt prayer. Your Word has changed my life. Teach me now to live for You, for Your blessing spans eternity. I bring before You all my work. Bless it as You bless me with Your amazing love letting Your face shine on me. I bring You my needs, because you have turned Your face toward me, and I know my God’s love is personal. Dear Lord, when faith in You brings conflict in my life, teach me to trust Your peace that saves the world, knowing that to You, some things are still worth fighting for. Give me courage to speak Your Word, so that in the midst of trouble you might bring peace and I might know Your Son better, who brings that peace. Your loving presence brings me peace. Eternal God of eternal blessing, teach me to trust that wherever I go, whatever I do, You have put Your name on me. I am Yours for Your heart beats with eternal love. In Your wounds, Lord Jesus, I see the marks of your strong love. Give me strength to share Your love with the world, let the mark of Your love be upon me. Our Father, You have planned for my blessings. When so much of my life is out of my control, teach me to live in the certainty of Your love, knowing You leave nothing to chance. Teach me to see You now, Your hands upraised and blessing still. Please, Lord, live with me, and I will be strong. Lead me, and I will follow. Bless me, and I will share Your boundless blessing with the world. Amen!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Thanks to the Lord
God’s riches are free, unearned or deserved.
Man’s path in sin is crooked and swerved.
A conflict arises to boggle man’s mind,
Though God being Holy, Righteous, Divine,
He is also Merciful, Loving, and Kind.
This problem is of men by rebellion indeed,
Christ is the answer meeting man’s need,
Paying the penalty of debt that we owe,
Purchasing Heaven for men here below.
This gift is received by faith we are shown,
By trusting in Christ’s work and not our own.
This gift, eternal, is given to beggar from King,
The payment for which was not a light thing!
To finish this deal, to make of it done,
The Blood that was shed was that of God’s Son.
If this that I’ve said makes sense to do,
This day transfer your trust to God from you.
Let us tell God what you’ve just told me,
Giving Him thanks for setting you free.
Man’s path in sin is crooked and swerved.
A conflict arises to boggle man’s mind,
Though God being Holy, Righteous, Divine,
He is also Merciful, Loving, and Kind.
This problem is of men by rebellion indeed,
Christ is the answer meeting man’s need,
Paying the penalty of debt that we owe,
Purchasing Heaven for men here below.
This gift is received by faith we are shown,
By trusting in Christ’s work and not our own.
This gift, eternal, is given to beggar from King,
The payment for which was not a light thing!
To finish this deal, to make of it done,
The Blood that was shed was that of God’s Son.
If this that I’ve said makes sense to do,
This day transfer your trust to God from you.
Let us tell God what you’ve just told me,
Giving Him thanks for setting you free.
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