Tag Archives: God’s provision

September 6
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.  Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.”  (Psalm 84:11-12, NIV)

Imagine life before the advent of electricity: The activities of everyday living revolved around the hours of daylight.  Nighttime activities were severely limited because lamp oil and candles were cumbersome, and expensive alternatives.

Perhaps we grasp the value of a shield a bit easier, if only because our cars have “windshields” that not only shield us from being buffeted by the wind as we zip along the streets and highways; but from bugs, rocks, and rainwater.  A windshield is a “go/no-go item” for most motorists: If it is in place, you go; if not, you choose to ride with a friend.

The psalmist reminds us that the Lord God is both a sun and shield.  Abide in God at all costs, and you will never dwell in darkness.  Trust in Him at all times, and He will be your shield from perils both seen and unseen.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
July 28
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Now that we know what we have — Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God — let’s not let it slip through our fingers.  We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality.  He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all — all but the sin.  So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give.  Take the mercy, accept the help.”  (Hebrews 4:14-16, The Message)

If you believe that asking for help as a sign of weakness, you’re right! It is a sign of weakness.

Knowing our true state, God has provided the example of His Son — tested in every human situation!  Having passed each test with a perfect score; Jesus — the victor — has provided His own spirit to give us the inspiration and the power to succeed.

Trouble and trial stalk us like prey.  “Take the mercy. Accept the help.”  – Luther

Tagged , ,
July 7
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?'”  (John 21:15, NIV)

(This is a complex passage of scripture because its few words carry a number of applications.  Today, we look at a second possible application.)

In the wake of Jesus’ crucifixion; and in the foggy days after the empty tomb, Peter and some of the other disciples had decided to return to their former lives as fishermen.  After all, a man’s got to eat.

Jesus’ question: “Do you love me more than these?”, also challenges our personal desire for security and affirmation.  Peter and his fishing companions had seen more in the three years of Jesus’ public ministry than most people will ever see: The dead raised to life, the incurably ill restored to health, the Lord’s command of nature, and much more.  And there are God’s promises, of course, which they had either forgotten or ignored.

So they went back to fishing, because that was what they were comfortable doing; and, after all, a man’s got to eat.

Do we love Jesus more than all of the other things in this life that give us a sense of security and comfort, particularly when we know that He is calling us to do — and be — something else?  – Luther

Tagged , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →