In step

[RiverOL]

Whole lyfe
Morning Encounter:
Read:
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
(Romans 12.1-2, The Message)

Reflect:
Do you think that all of your life is important to God, or just the churchy bit? Here in this passage, Paul does away with any sacred / secular divide and invites us to place all of our life before God as an offering. God is interested in our work, our home and family life, when we exercise and socialise. It’s important for us to invite God into it all and be with him wherever we are and whatever we are doing.

Respond:
Imitate Brother Lawrence, the monk who tried to be as close to God whilst working in the kitchens as he was in the Chapel. Invite God to be with you in the ordinary and mundane moments of this day.

Midday Meditation:
‘He does not ask much of us, merely a thought of Him from time to time, a little act of adoration, sometimes to ask for His grace, sometimes to offer Him your sufferings, at other times to thank Him for the graces, past and present, He has bestowed on you, in the midst of your troubles to take solace in Him as often as you can. Lift up your heart to Him during your meals and in company; the least little remembrance will always be the most pleasing to Him. One need not cry out very loudly; He is nearer to us than we think.’
(Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God)

Evening Reflection:
Through the dark hours of this night protect and surround us. Father, Son and Spirit, Three. Forgive the ill that we have done. Forgive the pride that we have shown. Forgive the words that have caused harm that we might sleep peaceably and rise refreshed to do your will. Through the dark hours of this night protect and surround us Father, Son and Spirit, Three.

 

[RiverOL]

Enrich Your Personal Life - Part III

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."1

Another way for enriching your personal life is by investing your life in a worthwhile cause. Everybody needs something to live for that is bigger than him or herself—a noble or worthwhile cause into which he/she can put his/her best efforts.

A few years ago I was going through a particularly difficult time. Had it not been for both my work and an outside project, I'm sure I would have cracked under the strain. My work is helping people discover more meaningful personal and spiritual values and my outside project at that time was building my own home with my own hands—both worthwhile causes.

A creative use of one's talents is also essential for giving meaning to life. God gave us all talents to use. When we aren't using them, we feel unfulfilled.

One man I know was very successful in his work but he was feeling very unfulfilled in it. He felt his job was too small and that he wasn't using his best talents. So he took the risk, quit his job and went back to college to train for the work he really wanted to do. He struggled for several years but today he has built a work that is helping many people, and this has greatly enhanced his purpose for living.

This is why I believe it is important to discover what your best talent is (or talents are), get the training you need to sharpen that talent, and find a place where you can use it—either in your job, in a hobby, in your church, or with a volunteer organization. God's purpose for your life will definitely involve the use of your gifts and talents in ways to help others.

Faith, hope, and charity. The poet Goethe lists nine requisites for meaningful living. They are as follows: "Health enough to make work a pleasure. Wealth enough to support your needs. Strength enough to battle with difficulties and overcome them. Grace enough to confess your sins and forsake them. Patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished. Charity enough to see some good in your neighbor. Love enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others. Faith enough to make real the things of God. Hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future."

There is, I am sure, no greater way to increase your hope for the future and enrich your personal life than by learning to love others more fully, by developing a vital faith in God, and discovering and fulfilling your God-given life purpose. Why not tell God right now that you want to do that and confirm your decision by becoming more involved as a volunteer in community service, a mission organization, and/or in your church or chapel. If you are not involved in a local church, ask God to help you find the church that is right for you.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to increase my hope and trust in you and thereby renew my strength and, as I serve you with meaningful purpose, help me to soar on wings as eagles, run and not be weary, and walk and not faint. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

 

[RiverOL]

Six Streams
Morning Encounter:
Read:
On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized. They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together. Everyone was amazed by the many miracles and wonders that the apostles worked. All the Lord’s followers often met together, and they shared everything they had. They would sell their property and possessions and give the money to whoever needed it. Day after day they met together in the temple. They broke bread together in different homes and shared their food happily and freely, while praising God. Everyone liked them, and each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved.
(Acts 2.41-47)

Reflect:
As we get a glimpse of life in the early church from Luke (the author of Acts), we get to see in this short section of Scripture each of the six streams in action. We see prayer, community and hospitality, social justice, devotion, teaching of the word and lives being changed through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we see all six streams in action, we are reminded that we too need all the streams operating in our own lives.

Respond:
As you reflect on the six streams (Prayer / Holiness / Spirit / Compassion / Word / Everyday life with God), how do you sense the balance of these in your own life? Which ones do you naturally connect with most, which are less evident in your life? Consider how God may be inviting you to respond.

Midday Meditation:
‘In reality these different traditions (streams) describe various dimensions of the spiritual life. We find their emphasis throughout the teaching of Scripture – from the Pentateuch to the prophets, from the wisdom literature to the Gospels, from the Epistles to the Apocalypse…But no one models these dimensions of the spiritual life more fully than Jesus Christ. If we want to see this river of life in its most complete form, it is to Jesus that we must turn.’
(Richard J. Foster, Streams of Living Water)

Evening Reflection:
‘Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen.’

 

[RiverOL]

Who Are Your Fellow Conspirators?

For where two or three are gathered in my name,
there am I among them—Matthew 18:20

For many of us men, our default is go-it-alone. We prefer to work alone, make decisions alone, muscle through struggles alone, get credit for our accomplishments alone. Go-it-alone gives us control and allows us to avoid vulnerability. The problem is, our King, Jesus Christ, doesn’t think much of the go-it-alone approach, especially in the service of others. He didn’t go-it-alone during his time of ministry; he doesn’t go-it-alone now (John 10:22-39; 14:7-14). And when he sent followers to preach and do miracles, he sent them in pairs, so they wouldn’t go-it-alone either (Mark 6:7-13; Luke 10:1-12). Clearly this is important. But, why are pairs or groups such better units for service than is one man, on his own?

Well, the reasons are a few—and each is as compelling as the ask-for-helpapproach is counter to our nature. First, and most importantly, Jesus is uniquely present when two or more people join together in his name (Matthew 18:20). Moreover, two or more people, joined together, working together, in friendship and trust, are often more confident and more impactful, than is just one man (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). And, two or more people, joined together, who know one another, who pray together and pray for one another, are more supported and more protected (from sin and from opposition), than is that same man, on his own (Ecclesiastes 4:10-12; Hebrews 3:13).



Do you go-it-alone, brother? Take a moment. Wherever you’re serving now, serving God and serving others—in ways large or small—consider whether it might be advantageous to pair-up with another follower of God. Pray and listen too. If the answer is yes, betray your instincts and your pride and ask God to send the right person. Then, begin to look around.

 

[RiverOL]

Utter Joy
Morning Encounter:
Introduction
As the school summer holidays begin, it seems like a good time to focus on the spiritual practice of celebration. The Bible is filled with celebrations, festivals and prayers of thanksgiving and praise – yet celebration is often overlooked as a spiritual practice because we are concerned about it being too hedonistic. Perhaps Dallas Willard gets the balance right here: ‘We engage in celebration when we enjoy ourselves, our life, our world, in conjunction with our faith and confidence in God’s greatness, beauty and goodness.’ In doing so, we see celebration as a completion of worship because it centres us in the goodness of God. So stick with David, Jesus, Paul and others this week as they encourage us to celebrate.

Read:
Right away, David went to Obed Edom’s house to get the chest and bring it to David’s City. Everyone was celebrating. The people carrying the chest walked six steps, then David sacrificed an ox and a choice cow. He was dancing for the Lord with all his might, but he wore only a linen cloth. He and everyone else were celebrating by shouting and blowing horns while the chest was being carried along. Saul’s daughter Michal looked out her window and watched the chest being brought into David’s City. But when she saw David jumping and dancing for the Lord, she was disgusted. They put the chest inside a tent that David had set up for it. David worshiped the Lord by sacrificing animals and burning them on an altar, then he blessed the people in the name of the Lord All-Powerful. He gave all the men and women in the crowd a small loaf of bread, some meat, and a handful of raisins, and everyone went home.

(2 Samuel 6.12-19)
Reflect:
The ark is being brought into David’s new capital city and the occasion is marked by exuberant Jewish worship. David the King dances with utter delight, abandonment and not much clothing before the Lord (much to the disapproval of his wife Michal who is unmoved by the whole experience). Sometimes our consciousness of others’ thoughts or judgements can restrain our worship. We hold back, self -conscious and embarrassed. But there is a time for us to let go of all of that and worship the Lord with utter joy and gratefulness.

Respond:
Enjoy being with God today. Find joy and delight in being loved unconditionally by a joyful and loving Father. Allow yourself some time to simply worship and celebrate today.

Midday Meditation:
I need to worship because without it I can forget that I have a big God beside me and live in fear. I need to worship because without it I can forget his calling and begin to live in a spirit of self-preoccupation. I need to worship because without it I lose a sense of wonder and gratitude and plod through life with blinders on. I need worship because my natural tendency is toward self-reliance and stubborn independence.
(John Ortberg)

Evening Reflection:
Shout praises to the Lord, everyone on this earth.
Be joyful and sing as you come in to worship the Lord!
You know the Lord is God!

He created us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep in his pasture.
Be thankful and praise the Lord as you enter his temple.
The Lord is good! His love and faithfulness will last forever.
(Psalm 100)

 

[RiverOL]

Enrich Your Personal Life - Part III

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."1

Another way for enriching your personal life is by investing your life in a worthwhile cause. Everybody needs something to live for that is bigger than him or herself—a noble or worthwhile cause into which he/she can put his/her best efforts.

A few years ago I was going through a particularly difficult time. Had it not been for both my work and an outside project, I'm sure I would have cracked under the strain. My work is helping people discover more meaningful personal and spiritual values and my outside project at that time was building my own home with my own hands—both worthwhile causes.

A creative use of one's talents is also essential for giving meaning to life. God gave us all talents to use. When we aren't using them, we feel unfulfilled.

One man I know was very successful in his work but he was feeling very unfulfilled in it. He felt his job was too small and that he wasn't using his best talents. So he took the risk, quit his job and went back to college to train for the work he really wanted to do. He struggled for several years but today he has built a work that is helping many people, and this has greatly enhanced his purpose for living.

This is why I believe it is important to discover what your best talent is (or talents are), get the training you need to sharpen that talent, and find a place where you can use it—either in your job, in a hobby, in your church, or with a volunteer organization. God's purpose for your life will definitely involve the use of your gifts and talents in ways to help others.

Faith, hope, and charity. The poet Goethe lists nine requisites for meaningful living. They are as follows: "Health enough to make work a pleasure. Wealth enough to support your needs. Strength enough to battle with difficulties and overcome them. Grace enough to confess your sins and forsake them. Patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished. Charity enough to see some good in your neighbor. Love enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others. Faith enough to make real the things of God. Hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future."

There is, I am sure, no greater way to increase your hope for the future and enrich your personal life than by learning to love others more fully, by developing a vital faith in God, and discovering and fulfilling your God-given life purpose. Why not tell God right now that you want to do that and confirm your decision by becoming more involved as a volunteer in community service, a mission organization, and/or in your church or chapel. If you are not involved in a local church, ask God to help you find the church that is right for you.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to increase my hope and trust in you and thereby renew my strength and, as I serve you with meaningful purpose, help me to soar on wings as eagles, run and not be weary, and walk and not faint. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

 

[RiverOL]

Celebrate!
Morning Encounter:
Read:
The Lord covered the royal Egyptian cavalry and chariots with the sea, after the Israelites had walked safely through on dry ground. Miriam the sister of Aaron was a prophet. So she took her tambourine and led the other women out to play their tambourines and to dance. Then she sang to them: “Sing praises to the Lord for his great victory! He has thrown the horses and their riders into the sea.”
(Exodus 15.19-21)

Reflect:
The Lord has rescued his people from oppression and slavery in Egypt. Moses has led them across the Red Sea in a miraculous escape – they are free and they celebrate. Many times in Scripture we see formal and informal celebrations as God’s people remember how good God has been to them. These celebrations often involve food, singing, thanks-giving and dancing.

Respond:
Listen to some songs of worship today. Sing along, dance if you want to. Keep a song with you throughout this day and sing it as often as you can.

Midday Meditation:
‘Lord, as you awaken us to delight in your praise, grant that we might know you, call on you, and praise you; for you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you. Amen’
(St. Augustine)

Evening Reflection:
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

 

[RiverOL]

Being Vs. Doing - Witnessing

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."1

Some time ago when I was in counselor training, a very interesting thing happened. There were twelve students in the class and at one point our teacher paired us to practice by counseling each other. My trainee counselor was Sue. An amazing thing happened as I looked into Sue's face. Suddenly her appearance seemed to change and in her face I saw the face of my sister, Margaret, who died at 19 months of age when I was only five. I still recall that day how, when people asked me how I felt, I just grinned and told them I was okay.

Sadly, I had been taught by the time I was five that big men don't cry, so I learned at a very early age to stuff and deny my true feelings. I paid a high price for that later in life. But seeing Margaret in Sue's face triggered all those deep emotions that I had long since buried and I began sobbing uncontrollably.

"Why am I crying?" I asked Sue. Mercifully she didn't tell me not to feel that way or give me some meaningless super-spiritual platitudes. She gave me the permission to cry and made me feel safe in so doing. It seemed like a bottomless pit of grief had been unplugged. I sobbed intensely over the next three days.

On the third day Sue was counseling me once again. We were sitting on cushions on the floor. Sue had no words of advice. She just sat on the floor and wept with me. Again, something amazing happened. Sue's face changed but this time instead of seeing the face of my sister, I saw the face of Jesus.

I don't know what you call that kind of an experience and it has never happened again. All I can say was that there was something about Sue that reminded me of my sister and when she wept with me, it reminded me of Jesus. In her loving act and compassion I saw Jesus.

I've never forgotten that experience and it made me wonder do people ever see Jesus in me?

Immediately prior to Christ's return to Heaven following his resurrection, he didn't say to his disciples and followers: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will do witnessing…." He said, "You will BE my witnesses!"

And therein lays one of the major keys for all effective witnessing for Christ and communicating the gospel. Instead of being taught to DO witnessing, we need first of all to learn how to BE his witnesses. As I read on a poster at college:

"The living truth is what I long to see,
I cannot live on what used to be.
So close your Bible and show me how
The Christ you talk about is living now."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, I want to be an effective witness for you. Please help me to BE one. Help me to so live that people will see Jesus in me; that is, your love and light shining through me, and grant that their seeing you in me, will cause them to want the same for themselves. Help me in some way to BE 'as Christ' to every life I touch today and every day for the rest of my life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

 

[RiverOL]

Party Time
Morning Encounter:
Read:
People of Israel, every year you must set aside ten percent of your grain harvest. Also set aside ten percent of your wine and olive oil, and the first-born of every cow, sheep, and goat. Take these to the place where the Lord chooses to be worshiped, and eat them there. This will teach you to always respect the Lord your God. But suppose you can’t carry that ten percent of your harvest to the place where the Lord chooses to be worshiped. If you live too far away, or if the Lord gives you a big harvest, then sell this part and take the money there instead. When you and your family arrive, spend the money on food for a big celebration. Buy cattle, sheep, goats, wine, beer, and if there are any other kinds of food that you want, buy those too. And since people of the Levi tribe won’t own any land for growing crops, remember to ask the Levites to celebrate with you.
(Deuteronomy 14.22-26)

Reflect:
A tithe (or a tenth) of the produce of the land was to be used in worship in recognition that God was the real landowner and provider and to reaffirm the relationship between God and his people. Every third year the tithe was to be used to support others who couldn’t work (widows, orphans and others). This is a celebration meal to be shared with others – good food, good wine and an opportunity to be generous to others. God invites us to party in gratitude for all he provides for us.

Respond:
Plan a party or just a simple meal of thanksgiving and celebration. Invite friends or family round, cook food and play music that you enjoy. Rejoice in the blessings that God has given to you. Enjoy!

Midday Meditation:
‘Love is the foundation of the spiritual life and joy is a key component in the Christ life. Joy is not pleasure, a mere sensation, but a pervasive and constant sense of well-being. Hope in the goodness of God is joy's indispensable support.’
(Dallas Willard)

Evening Reflection:
You rule forever, Lord, and you are on your throne, ready for judgement.
You judge the world fairly and treat all nations with justice.
The poor can run to you because you are a fortress in times of trouble.
Everyone who honours your name can trust you, because you are faithful to all who depend on you.
(From Psalm 9)

 

[RiverOL]

The Enemy Surrounds Us—Don't Let One Escape

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."1

It was Vance Havner who said in his own inimitable way, "The enemy surrounds us—don't let one escape."

Neither was he, nor am I, referring to any man-made wars. Havner was referring to the spiritual warfare that every Christian is involved in either actively or sitting idly by on the sidelines oblivious to what is happening in the world around them.

Having said that, I have always been impressed with the resolve of Winston Churchill when Hitler's army and the might of the German military power were threatening to bomb England almost out of existence. At the height of World War II in one of England's darkest yet finest hours Mr. Churchill valiantly declared: "We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old."

May we who claim to be Christ-followers have the same resolve in today's sin-sick-broken-world in the spiritual warfare where the forces of evil are running rampant in every corner of the world.

Again, I am not referring to man-made wars, I'm referring to spiritual warfare against the prince of darkness, Satan, and his forces of evil. The only effective resolution of which—and victory over—is the transforming power of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

To battle effectively in this urgent hour of world conflict, we Christians need first of all to LIVE the gospel and demonstrate its transforming power in our own lives, and then PROCLAIM the gospel—as Jesus commanded us to do. We are to preach / proclaim / communicate it to everyone everywhere.

Remember, too, if we don't live the gospel, our words are worthless and may do more to drive people away from Christ rather than draw them to him.

As committed followers of Jesus Christ, let us join forces, and as Vance Havner said, "The enemy surrounds us. Don't let one escape!"

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please grant that the tragic man-made conflicts our world is facing today trigger a great spiritual awakening as never before seen—one that will sweep the earth from north to south and east to west. Grant that it will cause people everywhere to turn to you and be saved. And please start this spiritual awakening in me so that my life will be a living witness to your saving power, and by your grace help me to have a small but vital part in your plan to reach everyone in the world with the gospel while there is time. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

 

[RiverOL]

In The Midnight Hour
Morning Encounter:
Read:
The crowd joined in the attack on Paul and Silas. Then the officials tore the clothes off the two men and ordered them to be beaten with a whip. After they had been badly beaten, they were put in jail, and the jailer was told to guard them carefully. The jailer did as he was told. He put them deep inside the jail and chained their feet to heavy blocks of wood. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises to God, while the other prisoners listened. Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the jail to its foundations. The doors opened, and the chains fell from all the prisoners.
(Acts 16.22-26)

Reflect:
Celebration and worship does not depend on perfect circumstances and good feelings. Paul and Silas are badly beaten and jailed; they are not in a good place physically or geographically – but they continue to offer worship to God. Even in prison, Paul and Silas don’t abandon hope or faith in God. We don’t have to thank God for bad circumstances, but we can thank God that he is with us in difficult places.

Respond:
Do you need God to be close to you today? Are you facing difficulties that require God’s power and presence? Can you begin to worship him today and pray for his help?

Midday Meditation:
‘May the Son of God who is already formed in you grow in you – so that for you he will become immeasurable, and that in you he will become laughter, exultation, the fullness of joy which no one can take from you.’
(Isaac of Stella)

Evening Reflection:
The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you.
He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.
(Zephaniah 3.17)

 

[RiverOL]

Nothing But Smoke

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy—Matthew 6:19

This world, and everything in it, is characterized by defect and decay (Genesis 3:17; 1 John 2:17). Everything. Nothing is perfect—as much as we’d like to believe some things will be perfectly satisfying. Nothing lasts forever—as much as we’d like to believe some things can be with us always. Whenever we trust a created thing too much it lets us down, eventually. Whenever we put too much stock into a created thing it breaks our hearts, inevitably. We’ve all experienced this. Maybe we’ve trusted too much the ability of work to give us security. Maybe we’ve trusted too much the ability of achievement to give us meaning. Maybe we’ve trusted too much the ability of sex to give us comfort or adventure. Maybe we’ve trusted too much the abilities of houses or vacations or cars or tools or gear or gadgets to give us joy.

“Smoke, nothing but smoke” (Ecclesiastes 1:2 MSG).

Created things can be gifts from our Father God, of course (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19). Even those, though, cannot deliver everything we need. We’re to enjoy them during their moments, but our enjoyment is meant to be fleeting. If we begin to think the gifts themselves will fill us up, complete our lives, we invite grief. We’re meant to focus our lives, not on the gifts, but on the Giver. We’re meant to focus our lives, not on created things, but on the Creator. Only he is perfect and eternal.



If you’ve allowed yourself to trust any created thing too much—money, status, material things, sex, another person—it’s time to confess to God and to others. It’s time to repent. Declare that you want to be reliant on God alone . . . the Giver behind all gifts, the Creator behind all created things.

 

[RiverOL]

Sacrifice of Praise
Morning Encounter:
Read:
After the high priest offers the blood of animals as a sin offering, the bodies of those animals are burned outside the camp. Jesus himself suffered outside the city gate, so that his blood would make people holy. That’s why we should go outside the camp to Jesus and share in his disgrace. On this earth we don’t have a city that lasts forever, but we are waiting for such a city. Our sacrifice is to keep offering praise to God in the name of Jesus. But don’t forget to help others and to share your possessions with them. This too is like offering a sacrifice that pleases God.
(Hebrews 13.11-16)

Reflect:
Old Testament sacrifices were offered in anticipation of a better, ultimate, future sacrifice. Jesus is that prefect, complete and unrepeatable sacrifice for the whole world, for all of time. Our work today is to continually offer sacrifice – not of animals or other offerings – but of constant praise and thanks.

Respond:
In the Old Testament there was a morning and an evening sacrifice. Start this morning with a sacrifice of praise and conclude the day with an evening sacrifice of thanks-giving. Perhaps you could make this a habit from now on.

Midday Meditation:
‘For the essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be; God sacrifices himself for man and puts himself where only man deserves to be.’
(John Stott The Cross of Christ)

Evening Reflection:
Sit quietly in the presence of God, reflect on your day and spend a few moments in worship and thanksgiving.
"Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen."

 

[RiverOL]

The Right Word

"Speaking the truth in love."1

Mark Twain said, "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug."

When English poet Keats was writing a poem he asked his friend Leigh Hunt what he thought of the line, "A beautiful thing is an unending joy."

"Good, but not quite perfect," said Hunt.

"How about this?" said Keats, "A thing of beauty is an unending joy."

Finally Keats put it this way, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever."

"That," said his friend, "will live as long as the English language is spoken.'

When God speaks he always has the right word. Sometimes his words are difficult to understand. Other times they are incredibly simple but extremely profound. The following are some examples: "Love one another," "God is love," "I am the bread of life," "I am the vine, you are the branches," "I am the door," and so on. His first word in the Bible is about as straightforward as anyone could make it. It simply says, "In the beginning God." His last word or message as the Bible closes is just as simple and just as profound: "I am coming soon!"

May God help us to always speak the right word? It doesn't have to be eloquent but it needs to be straightforward, genuine, and spoken in truth from the heart! God put it just right: "Speak the truth in love."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to say the right thing at the right time and always speak the truth in love—and keep my mouth shut when I need to. Always. Even when I'm ticked off. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

 

[RiverOL]

Rejoice Always
Morning Encounter:
Read:
Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad. Always be gentle with others. The Lord will soon be here. Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.
(Philippians 4.4-9)

Reflect:
The Apostle Paul knew plenty about hardship (beatings, imprisonment, riots, shipwrecks) yet he calls us to be people who rejoice and celebrate ‘always’. How? By not worrying and by not being anxious. How? By bringing all our circumstances to God in prayer. Jesus also gives similar advice in Matthew 6.25. Paul doesn’t stop with prayer and trust in God, but goes on to encourage us to set our mind on good things. This is the way to joy – a pervasive sense of well-being.

Respond:
Are you worried and anxious today? Can you release these things to God in prayer and then ask him to help you set your mind on him and give you peace?

Midday Meditation:
‘The decision to set the mind on the higher things of life is an act of the will. That is why celebration is a discipline….It is the result of a consciously chosen way of thinking and living. When we choose this way, the healing and redemption in Christ will break into the inner recesses of our lives and relationships, and the inevitable result will be joy.’
(Richard Foster Celebration of Discipline)

Evening Reflection:
Jesus, I desire to come into harmony with you more fully and more often. I desire a fellowship that is constant and sustaining. Please nurture this desire of mine, which seems so small and tentative right now. May I someday become like the trees, which are 'planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper'. Amen

 

[RiverOL]

Approval Vs. Affirmation

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness."1

As a youth I never felt fully loved. For many years I substituted approval for love. I got lots of approval for the many good things I did and, yes, it felt good at the time, but it never satisfied or lasted. Why?

Approval is based on what we do. Affirmation is based on who we are. Approval is a good thing when given and received for the right reasons, but when substituted for love, it can become another addiction to avoid facing the pain of not feeling loved.

Many of us codependents suffer from this affliction. We only feel good when we feel needed. But deep down what we really need is to feel loved and affirmed at the core of our being—for who we are and not for what we do. Most of all, we need to experience love and affirmation from God the heavenly Father. Only when we feel so affirmed, can we get off the merry-go-round of doing things to get approval.

And how do we experience God the Father's love and affirmation at the core of our being? First, by believing that God loves us because his Word says so. And second, by sharing my total self (including my dark side) with one or two safe and trusted friends who will love and accept me just as I am—warts and all. As they love and accept me in this way, little by little, I come to love and accept myself, and in so doing, I open myself to accepting God the Father's love and acceptance through them.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to believe, know, and experience your love for me in the core of my being. Help me to find a trusted friend who reflects your unconditional love and with whom I can share my total self, 'warts and all,' and experience your love through them. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

 

[RiverOL]

Sabbath Celebration
Morning Encounter:
Read:
Shout praises to the Lord! Praise God in his temple. Praise him in heaven, his mighty fortress. Praise our God! His deeds are wonderful, too marvellous to describe. Praise God with trumpets and all kinds of harps. Praise him with tambourines and dancing, with stringed instruments and woodwinds. Praise God with cymbals, with clashing cymbals. Let every living creature praise the Lord. Shout praises to the Lord!
(Psalm 150)

Reflect:
This is the grand climax and finale to the book of Psalms – one which calls us to praise and celebration with shouts and all kinds of instruments. This is heart- bursting, foot-stomping, hand-clapping, and unrestrained, exuberant worship. Praise him with everything you have!

Respond:
Enjoy worshipping God on the Sabbath day today. Complete this day of rest and thanksgiving with good food, good friends, play, exercise, sing, laugh (watch some old comedies?) and celebrate!

Midday Meditation:
‘People who want to pursue joy especially need to practice the discipline of celebration. This is a primary reason we see much emphasis placed on feast days in the Old Testament. Times of feasting were to be transforming experiences – just as times of meditating and fasting were. Celebration generally involves activities that bring pleasure – gathering with people we love, eating and drinking, singing and dancing. Spiritual celebration means doing them while reflecting on the wonderful God who has given us such wonderful gifts.’
(John Ortberg The Life You’ve Always Wanted)

Evening Reflection:
And He shall reign for ever and ever, for ever and ever,
King of Kings,
and Lord of Lords,
King of Kings,
and Lord of Lords,
and He shall reign for ever and ever,

King of Kings,
and Lord of Lords.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

 

[RiverOL]

Wake-up Call

. . . faith apart from works is dead—James 2:26

Imagine yourself, for a moment, standing before our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. Imagine feeling, at first, a bit apprehensive. Imagine lifting your eyes to his. Imagine his face, when you meet his gaze. Imagine his strength, his goodness. Imagine the sound of his voice as he, like the master in his Parable of the Talents, speaks these words: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:14-30). How would that feel—from the one who sacrificed his life for yours—that he’s pleased with the life you’ve lived?

Each of us has work to do before we actually stand face-to-face with Jesus. “He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing” (Ephesians 2:10 MSG). Like the servants in the parable, we’re too given resources for the Master’s work. They were given money; we’re given money too, but also time, energy, natural talents, spiritual gifts, and help from the Holy Spirit. We must waste these resources no more. We must spend them for his work—not just for ourselves.

We must also, though, check our hearts. Doing “good work” isn’t about earning our way into Heaven (Ephesians 2:8-9). Rather, it’s about trusting our Master and following him into a better kind of life.



Take a few minutes to list the extra resources you’ve been given. Write down everything you possibly have to give, just as you are, right where you are, right now. Next, pray and see if you can connect a person (or group of people), and a need, to each resource you’ve listed. What you’ll end up with is the beginnings of a roadmap toward Jesus’ kind of life.

 

[RiverOL]

Psalm 23
Morning Encounter:
Introduction
This week we are going to focus on Psalm 23 by breaking it down into sections for each day. This is perhaps one of the most famous of Psalms and has inspired countless works of art and music. It is often read at funerals, yet it isn’t about death but is an invitation to a way of life lived in the presence of an attentive and gracious God.
Psalm 23: The Good Shepherd
You, Lord, are my shepherd.
I will never be in need.

You let me rest in fields
of green grass.
You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
and you refresh my life.

You are true to your name,
and you lead me
along the right paths.

I may walk through valleys
as dark as death,
but I won’t be afraid.
You are with me,
and your shepherd’s rod
makes me feel safe.

You treat me to a feast,
while my enemies watch.
You honour me as your guest,
and you fill my cup
until it overflows.

Your kindness and love
will always be with me
each day of my life,
and I will live forever
in your house, Lord.

Read:
You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.

Reflect:
The Psalms often refer to God as king or deliverer. Shepherd is a more intimate metaphor. As David knew first hand, a shepherd was the flock’s protector, provider and physician. When the Psalm says ‘I will never be in need’ it doesn’t mean we will never require anything, but rather that we can settle in the knowledge that God knows what we need and will provide.

Respond: Think of God as your shepherd today. If shepherd doesn’t work for you – consider what would be a good alternative metaphor.

Midday Meditation:
“Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.”
(Oswald Chambers)

Evening Reflection:
There are some who ask,
“Who will be good to us?”
Let your kindness, Lord, shine brightly on us.
You brought me more happiness than a rich harvest of grain and grapes.
I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord, will keep me safe
(From Psalm 4)

 

[RiverOL]

Things That Bug Us

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."1

As the ditty goes, "It's the little things that bother us and put us on the rack, you can sit upon a mountain but you can't sit on a tack."

And isn't that the truth? It's the little annoyances in life that get us tied in a knot. A slight criticism, a driver who cuts us off on the freeway, a green light that turns red before we get to it, a friend running late, and so on.

Let us realize, however, that somebody's negative reaction may have more to do with them than us. A criticism may be somebody projecting their unresolved issues onto us. Somebody failing to thank us may indicate that they are having a "bad hair" day, and somebody cutting us off on the freeway may be an indication of their impatience—as well as a reflection of ours!

What somebody else does to me may or may not be a problem. How I react, though, is always my issue, and when I overreact, that is always my problem. What the other person does is their issue. How I act, react, or overreact is always my issue and my responsibility.

If we'd remember that "whatever others think of me is none of my business," I would at least learn to cope much better with many of life's little annoyances. I know it's easier said than done, but it is a goal to work towards. Furthermore, the more mature and whole I become, the less life's little annoyances will bother me. I'm still working on this issue.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, as it is your purpose for me, please help me to grow through the circumstances of life that 'push my hot buttons' and so become more and more like Jesus in every way. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."