Thursday, January 26, 2017

Generous

The amount you measure out is the amount you will be given – and more besides; for the man who has will be given more; from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
Mk.4:24,25

Jesus is teaching beside the lake to a great crowd using parables and straight out instruction. Here he encourages generosity.

I'm married to a generous wife. She is able to stuff $20.00 notes into letterboxes in a carefree way that that I'm unable to do. If I had to characterise her whole family it would be with the word 'generous'.

Generosity is such an attractive attribute. Generous people are fun to be around. They exemplify a true Christian spirit. Today I want to be perceived as a man with an open hand...

Lord Jesus, you gave away everything so that I may have everything. Help me gain a natural spirit of generosity so I may be an authentic witness for you.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Friday, January 20, 2017

Family Restored

Mercy and faithfulness have met; justice and peace have embraced. Faithfulness shall spring from the earth and justice look down from heaven.
Ps.84,11

In Psalm 84 the psalmist pleads for restoration of relationship with God. Then in the final verses, like a consummation, love and faithfulness meet and kiss.  The family is restored.

This psalm is a picture of my relationship with God. I keen to be restored to him. There is a yearning in my heart to be leaning into my Father's breast, to be intimate. I stretch up to heaven, but not in vain as my Father is leaning down to earth with outstretched hand. He is keening just as badly for me.

My feeble efforts, such as this morning prayer time, are rewarded beyond measure. Not for what I have done but for God's pent up love pouring down into me. Oh happy day!

Thank you Father that you ache for me as I for you. Send me your spirit today that we may be one.
Little Flower, please pray for me. 


Thursday, January 19, 2017

Power to Save

The power of Jesus to save is utterly certain, since he is living for ever to intercede for all who come to God through him.
Heb.7:25

The writer of Hebrews is outlining the supremacy of Jesus' role as High Priest. His sacrifice has obtained everything for all people throughout all of time.

There are times I need reminding of this, times when bad things happen to good people, times when the wicked seem to prosper and the good suffer injustice. I need to be reminded my High Priest, my advocate, is in the highest courtroom there is, the assembly of heaven. And he is rooting for me.

The power of Jesus to save is utterly certain. What wonderful words I can take into my day today.

Thank you Jesus that you are my cheer leader before God the Father. My case for clemency is utterly certain through you. My salvation is assured. Alleluia!
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Water into Wine

The steward tasted the water, and it had turned into wine.
Jn.2:9

At Mary his mother's bidding, Jesus performs his first public miracle and so launches his mission, letting his glory be seen, and his disciples believed in him.

I love that Jesus chose a wedding to let his glory first be reveled. I have three daughters and a son who are married. I have watched as the water of ordinary lives are transformed into a sacramental couple, a sign of Christ among us, the very best of wine.  Jesus is in the business of transforming the ordinary into extraordinary.

Oh,, again this is good news for ordinary me. My ordinariness is no limitation to Jesus' transforming power. My water can become the very best of wine.

Jesus, you turned the water into wine. Transform me so that your glory may be revealed and the world may believe in you.
Little Flower, please pray for me.