Miracles

“I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.  ….

Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people."

(Psalm 77:11, 14 KJV)

What sorts of images, thoughts, or words come to mind when you hear the word miracle?  How open are you to believing without knowing the how or why something extraordinary has happened? 

The dictionary defines miracle like this:  “an extraordinary or unusual event that is considered to be a manifestation of divine or supernatural power.” 

I wonder what it would have been like to be present at one of Jesus’ miracles.  Would I have understood the significance of the event?  Would I have believed?  What about you—would you have believed what you saw Jesus do, such as restoring to life an only son of a widow (see Luke 7:11-17)?

Many people saw Jesus’ miracles with their own eyes yet couldn’t believe or wouldn’t believe.  The religious leaders demanded signs and wonders from Jesus to be delivered on their terms and their timing, when He refused to comply; they reviled Him all the more.  Perhaps we don’t see miracles today because we’re demanding a sign, want to see a show (be entertained), or simply don’t believe what we see when we see it.  How many times have true miracles been explained away?  How many times has our lack of belief hindered others (or ourselves) from receiving all our Heavenly Father desires to provide us? 

Imagine for a few moments what it would have been like to see one of Jesus’ miracles.  There are many to choose from:  healing, power over nature, and raising the dead.  What would you be thinking?  How would you process what you saw?  Which of Jesus’ miracles fascinates you the most?

Jesus’ miracles that most fascinate me are those where He healed people with physical disabilities.  Even as a little girl, I was captivated by those amazing, wonderful stories.  At that point, I readily believed that Jesus healed (healing will be a topic of a future post), just as easily as He turned water into wine, fed the 5,000, walked on water, or calmed a storm.  For a time, my belief in the supernatural waned—I no longer believed—due to personal experiences and incorrect teaching.  However, for the last several years my belief in the supernatural has grown and continues to grow today.    

What miracles are you currently praying for and longing to receive?

What miracles have you observed?    

What miracles have you prayed for and did you experience what your heart longed for? 

What about those miracles you didn’t see (John 4:48 see here)? 

Do you believe without seeing?   

Spend some time reflecting on the miracles that Jesus performed while on earth.  Reflect on the miracles you’ve experienced, as well as those you are longing to experience.    

Dear Amazing God, thank You for all the miracles You have performed around us and continue to perform.  Open our spiritual eyes to the miracles You perform around us each day.  We joyfully remember the miracles You have performed throughout history.  There are so many needs for the miraculous that we hold in our hearts—You know each one so well—prepare us to receive those miracles.  Thank you for being the God who performs mighty miracles.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. 

From my heart to yours,

Kim

Firsts

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

 (John 1:1-5 KJV)

The beginning of a new year seems to be an appropriate time to consider some firsts, some beginnings in the Bible and in the life of Jesus. 

Our lives are full of beginnings—first tooth, first steps, the first day of school, or the first day on a new job.  The list is endless.  What are some firsts you’ve experienced throughout your life?  What are some firsts for this year?    

Likewise, in the Bible there are many firsts.  For example, there is the creation story in the first two chapters of Genesis; Israel’s first king—Saul (1 Samuel).  In addition, there is the beginning of Jesus’ life on earth (see Matt. 1:18-2:23 see here; Luke 2:1-52 see here) and the beginnings of His earthly ministry (see Matt. 3:1-4:25 see here; Mark 1:1-13 see here; John 1:15-5:15 http://www.biblestudytools.com/kjv/john/passage.aspx?q=john+1:15-51;john+2:1-25;john+3:1-36;john+4:1-54;john+5:1-15). 

What is it that makes beginnings so special?  Could it be the potential of things to come?  There seems to be a freshness to beginnings as well.  What can you begin this year that will have a lasting impact on you and those around you?  What about reading the Bible from cover to cover (a variety of plans exist)?  You’ll discover Jesus revealed from Genesis to Revelation.  It’s an experience you won’t regret; it gets better every time you read it. 

Dear Lord, we lift up holy hands to You in prayer and praise.  Guide us in our daily lives throughout this year.  Help us to reflect Your light in this dark world—we pray for strength.  Guide us to fresh new revelations of You.  Grant us ministry opportunities that will allow us to share our gifts with Your people and a watching and waiting world.   Thank You for Jesus who is the Light and the Word, who has been since the beginning.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

From my heart to yours,

Kim

Rejoice!

“Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:18 KJV link to Scripture) 

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”  (Philippians 4:4 KJV link to Scripture) 

To those who do not have a growing and abiding relationship with Jesus, seeing joyful Christians is confusing.  It is difficult for people to understand joy in the midst of the most difficult times of life.  Amazingly, those enduring persecution because of their faith in Jesus are joyful.  It’s clear that persecution causes growth of the Christian faith, rather than death.   

Being rightly related to Jesus gives us the strength to keep on keeping on, when we’d rather curl up and hide.  It keeps our attitude positive and our hearts soft.  Paul had this type of presence in his letter to the Philippians, which he wrote from prison. 

There are many examples in the persecuted church of individuals finding strength and joy in the Lord no matter what the circumstances.  Likewise, there are scores of examples throughout history of men, women, boys, and girls who have rejoiced in the most ominous of circumstances. 

It’s because of my relationship with the Lord that I was able to assist with Confirmation class the evening of my mom’s Celebration of Life service.  My relationship with the Lord, in addition, to the caring presence of many brothers and sisters in the Lord gave me the strength to walk through many difficult days and long nights of my mom’s illness.  It’s also what helped me to keep moving and to get all the things done that need to be done following her home-going. 

Moreover, I continue to live my daily life in that relationship.  There are times—more than I’d like to admit that I fail miserably, yet each day I discover the Lord’s mercies are new.  Great is His faithfulness (link to text)!

Like Paul, we can find reason to rejoice even in the most traumatic circumstances.  If we can keep our eyes focused on Jesus we won’t get off course attitudinally, and if we do, we’ll realize it and make the necessary corrections.         

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of Yourself that brought us back into a right relationship with our Heavenly Father.  Empower us to rejoice in all things because of You—both in the good and in the bad.  Grant us the courage and strength to be joyful even in the most difficult of times.  In Your precious name, we pray, Amen.

From my heart to yours,

Kim

Enjoy this link to the worship/praise chorus Rejoice in the Lord Always click here for worship video

Growing with the Flow

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  To him be glory both now and for ever.  Amen.” (2Peter 3:18)see here

During the spring and summer of 2006, I worked my way through a book, The Ministry Inquiry Process (one of many components of the candidacy process in the United Methodist Church for those interested in exploring their call to professional ministry). 

One session had a question about handling the (joys and) surprises of ministry.  “Growing with the flow” was one of my responses—it was an error—originally I meant “go with the flow”.  However, my mentor liked my response.    

What does “growing with the flow,” mean?  Isn’t that the whole point of being a Christian?  Many times, it’s the most difficult and/or the most heart-breaking of incidents that produce the most growth.  “Growing with the flow,” is so empowering—keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus—will allow us to handle all that comes our way, both positive and negative, in what we’ve been called to do.  This isn’t always easy, in fact, it can be quite difficult; however, the results are worth it. 

In what area(s) of your life do you need to learn to “grow with the flow”? 

  

Please join me in prayer:

God of grace, help us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus.  It is only through keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus that we’ll be able to “grow with the flow.”  Remind us, Lord, of the growth we can experience in and through You.  In Jesus’ precious, Name.  Amen.

From my heart to yours,

Kim

Christian Persecution

This coming Sunday, November 10, 2013, is International Day for the Persecuted Church.  Will you remember in prayer those who worship the Lord in the face of great loss, great persecution?  For more information on this day and general information on the persecuted church see: http://www.idop.org/; http://www.persecution.com/idop; http://www.persecution.com/

“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory…”  (1 Peter 1:8 KJV)

Peter’s words must have brought some comfort and encouragement to the early Gentile Christians.  These Christians were facing extreme persecution under the Roman government led by Emperor Nero.  This persecution hasn’t ended, it continues on today.

The following passages from Hebrews should be encouraging to every Christian, but especially encouraging to those enduring unimaginable hardship due to the name of Jesus.  

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out , they might have had opportunity to have returned . 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.  (Hebrews 11: 13-16 KJV)

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  (Hebrews 12:1-4 KJV)

Currently throughout the world there are many countries where to be a Christian is a death sentence or a guarantee to lose home, employment, family, and so much more.  In the face of all this—men, women, and children demonstrate great faith in their Savior—Jesus Christ.    

At this point, in America we have it fairly easy—we can worship freely and without fear.  How has that affected our faith?  Do we have the faith that would sustain us, even if that freedom was taken away?  Some day, we may find ourselves in a very similar situation to our brothers and sisters in Christ in places like North Korea and China to name two.

I believe we can learn much from our Christian brothers and sisters in the persecuted church.  They know what it means to rejoice in the face of things that are not joyful.  Learn about them and from them.  Remember to pray for those who are suffering all because they refuse to turn from Jesus.    

What about us…  What would Peter say to us, to encourage us in our Christian walk?  Do we love and believe in Jesus?  Do we rejoice with joy unspeakable?  May we be found faithful!   

Dear Father, we love You and believe in You, even though we don’t see You.  Open our eyes and hearts to Your presence among us.  It is because of You that we can rejoice—rejoice in all things and glory in Your name.  We lift up to You our brothers and sisters in Christ, who can’t worship freely but worship knowing that it may cost them their lives; grant them Your peace and love and protection.  Lord, prepare us who currently worship in safety and freedom to one day lose that freedom—strengthen us to stand strong in our faith, counting the cost worth it.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

50 Spiritual Adventure Scripture: Week of October 20, 2013

October 20, 2013:

Galatians 4-6; Psalms 98 & 103

Today ends the 50 Day Adventure Scripture readings.  I hope you enjoyed reading from God’s Word each day; if you got behind—don’t give up keep reading from where you are currently.  I encourage you to keep reading God’s Word each day.  The Bible is God’s love letter to you!

From my heart to yours, Kim

The Power of Story

“At that time Jesus full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘I praise you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.  Yes Father, for this was your good pleasure.’”  (Luke 10:21 KJV)

What do you most strongly remember from your childhood?   What stories did you find particularly fascinating and wanted read over and over?  For me, I’ve been told that I loved Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.  We learn so much from stories—those written, as well as the stories of lives of others told to us orally.  Even our personal stories can instruct.  Learning to listen—with rapt attention (like small children listening to a book being read)—to the stories of faithful believers can aid our own walk.  It’s humbling to realize that our own testimony can inspire others.

Growing up in the church I listened to many Bible stories.  Through those stories I learned about Bible heroes and the faith that I’d return to in a more complete and powerful way as an adult. 

For those who grew up in church, what stories were the most fascinating to you?  My favorite was when Jesus healed the man who was paralyzed (Matt. 9:2-7 see here; Mark 2:3-12 [a different type of healing] see here; Luke 5:18-25 see here).  Today, as an adult, I still find the stories where Jesus (and His apostles) healed others to be fascinating.  There is such amazing power in God’s Word!      

Romans 10:17 (KJV) states: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Listening seems to imply that a response of some sort is needed.  The response is up to each individual listening.  In this case, it’s responding to Jesus and His desire to be our Savior and Lord.  The question is:  Will we say “yes” to Jesus and eternal life that is truly worth living or will we say “no” and spend an eternity separated from the One who loves more deeply than we can begin to understand?  This is one question that can only be answered by each person for himself/herself.  What will your answer be? 

Heart-warming is a good way to describe what many of us feel when children or adults make the decision to invite Jesus into their heart—becoming born again.  Their lives are completely different.  Salvation changes us from inside out.    

The effect of stories on our lives is powerful—it is through stories that learning takes place on a more personal level.  Stories bring life and color to issues that could otherwise remain dull and lifeless.  Who can you share the stories of Jesus with in the coming days?   

Dear Father, I lift up to You each person who reads this blog—reveal Yourself to them in the way they need to experience You.  Draw them to You.  Lift any condemnation they may be under that is hindering them from hearing You, may they surrender their life to You.  Thank you for the openness and receptiveness of little children—may we be more childlike in how we respond to You and Your Word.  .  Help us to teach them the Truth about Jesus and His love.  Instill in us a childlike faith and openness to You.  Open our hearts to truly hear what children say to us about You.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

From my heart to yours,

Kim