October, like September, is filled with deeper colors, shorter days, glorious sunsets and crisp mornings. Mums
burst forth in the gardens and pumpkins appear on
porches, fence posts and walls.
Summer flowers wilt as fall foliage provides brilliance to our ever shortening days.
Orange, gold, and red mixed with beige, brown and gray, provide a pallet that perks up the Fall days.
Enjoy the quotes I will now add to each section of daily scripture.
Wise words are a great way to glean wisdom from other’s experience with Christ.
“When we are linked by the power of prayer, we hold each other’s hand, as it were, while we walk along the slippery path.” St. Gregory the Great [Great leader who initiated Gregorian Chant]
"The most deadly poison of our times is indifference. And this happens, although the praise of God should know no limits. Let us strive, therefore, to praise Him to the greatest extent of our powers.” Maximilian Kolbe [Army chaplain who died in WWII while saving the lives of many soldiers]
October 1 2 Chronicles 29:1-3, 30:1, 10-27; Psalm 94,97,99; 1 Corinthiens 7:32-40; Matthew 7:1-12
Psalm 94:19 “When my anxious thoughts multiply within
me your consolations delight my soul.”
I often browse the daily scriptures for deep spiritual nuggets. Yet, my heart fluttered when I read this phrase in today’s psalm.
I love it.
This is one for the memory bank.
It’s so simple. “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me . . . “
Isn’t that what lists do?
I’m making mental lists of all the things I must do within the next few weeks and suddenly I feel overwhelmed. My soul feels heavy. In fact, most of my lists are far longer than the time I have to complete the tasks but that’s OK. It keeps me focused on concrete projects between our calendar of events.
However, completing tasks is not the most important part of my life.
Anxiety only fills my brain when I’ve put off chores that, if not completed in the next few weeks, will have to wait until next year.
So, what’s wrong with that?
The greatest ‘chore’, if one can call it such, is making sure my love of the Lord never ceases, never gets watered down . . . that my JOY in Christ remains full.
Hubby is the best at reminding me of this.
He reads scripture, we pray together and then I read a lovely meditation that someone else wrote. It’s a great beginning to each day.
Anxious?
I’ve no excuse.
Life is so fleeting and there are so many souls for whom I pray and ask the Lord to lead, guide, protect, love.
I have no reason to be anxious for anything. I feel so blessed.
What more could I ask?
I’m glad this phrase in the Psalm reminds me to relax, move forward at whatever pace the day dictates and breathe deep while doing so.
God is good, Life is good, I am good.
Think about it: Do you have a special phrase that reminds you to take a breath, not be anxious? Can you think of the Lord’s ‘consolations’ . . . blessings, special moments that remind you that the Lord is with you every moment of the day?
This is a good phrase to memorize so that when those anxious moments sprout from nowhere, we are reminded of the Lord’s consolations, blessings.
10-2 2 Kings 18:9-25; Psalm 101, 109, 119:121-144; 1 Corinthiens 8:1-13;
Matthew 7:13-21
1 Corinthiens 8:1 Knowledge makes arrogant but Love edifies. :3 If anyone loves God he is known by God.
4:Therefore, concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world and that there is no God but ONE :6 Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things and we exist through Him. :7 However, not all have this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. :8 Food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat. :13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble I will never eat meat again so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.
In Paul’s world, those who come to Christ must come to the knowledge that an idol has no personal reality. Some had difficulty resolving this. They thought that eating meat sacrificed on pagan altars involved them in pagan worship and thus they had sinned against Christ. Paul says, there is no such thing as idols and that there is only
one God, the Father, the ultimate source of creation, and God the Son, the dynamic one through whom with the Father, all things came into existence. Ridding oneself of old understanding and habits is not easy.
To love God alone, remain focused on God alone, give our all to God alone, is one of the most difficult principles of discipleship any Christian must learn. This takes a life time. The more one loves God the more that ‘knowing’, that intimate coming together as one, as in marriage, happens.
As we grow in our own Christian walk, we must be an example to others whether old habits affect us or not. In this case, Paul encouraged the Corinthiens to abstain from eating meat only if they are trying to encourage another new who has difficulty letting go of the old habit of not eating meat offered to pagan gods.
Think about it: As we walk alongside another who is beginning to grow in Christ, we must be sensitive to their
weaknesses, misunderstanding, fears, roadblocks that might inhibit their growth in Christ. Think of one person who might choose to accept Jesus as Lord but something, some ‘idol’, is impeding them.
Ask the Lord to help you find ways to walk along side that person and show you what their ‘idols’ might be. Find ways to assure that person that their ‘idols’ are what impede them from knowing God in Christ. We each have ‘idols’ that may keep us from having a deeper relationship with God.
Can you list any of your own?
10-3 2 Kings 18:28-37; Psalm 105; 1 Cor.9:1015; Matt. 7:22-29
Matthew 7:24 “He who hears and acts on God’s word
has built their house on a strong foundation even through rain and flood and wind. The foolish one builds on the sand and the house is washed away. :29 Jesus was teaching as one with authority and not as the scribes.”
Jesus is completing the Sermon on the Mount [Matthew 5,6,7] and it’s important for Him to give the Jews who are present, tools to restore their foundation with God. This is a perfect analogy for Jesus, a carpenter’s son and builder of souls. A structure that we live in is our body and our soul is its foundation.
Jesus mesmerized the crowd. He is like a magnet,
tugging the attention of every soul into His presence.
He seems more sure about His words than the scribes who have spent years studying scripture. Jesus speaks with full intent to refocus Jewish souls, to return them to covenant relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Jesus speaks with authority because He IS the authority sent to us by the Father.
He seems more sure about His words than the scribes who have spent years studying scripture. Jesus speaks with full intent to refocus Jewish souls, to return them to covenant relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Jesus speaks with authority because He IS the authority sent to us by the Father.
Jesus is our “strong foundation.” The people understand what it means to build their homes on a firm foundation, away from areas that seem dry for a time but will swell to overflowing with flash floods during rainy season. Those present begin to understand the need for a strong foundation built on obedience to their One God, the main component to their soul's structure.
Think about it: Is your soul in need of repair? Do you
Are there ‘worm holes’ of ambivalence or digression in your building process?
List three ‘building tools’ that you use to maintain your firm foundation in Christ. [Daily prayer, scripture reading, sharing your journey with those who can encourage you, or a minimum of weekly worship with others at your church?
Consider your balance of communication with God while maintaining strong Christian fellowship.
Consider your balance of communication with God while maintaining strong Christian fellowship.
Keep a list of daily tools in your bible to remind you how to maintain the foundation of your faith, a personal relationship with God in Christ Jesus.
10-4 2 Kings 19:1-20; Psalm 102,107; 1 Cor. 9:16-27; Matt. 8:1-17
2 Kings 19 Rabshakeh returned to Assyria and sent a
threat back to Hezekiah. Hezekiah took the letter and presented it in the Temple to the Lord and said,
:19 "Deliver us from his hand that All the kingdoms of earth know that You alone, O Lord, are GOD.
:20 Isaiah [a prophet of God] sent word from the Lord to Hezekiah, 'Because you have prayed to Me [God] regarding Sennacharib, King of Assyria, I have heard you.'”
The stories in the Old Testament are complex. To understand the crux of this passage, make sure you read the whole story in 2 Kings. Hezekiah knows and loves God and has been called upon to restore temple worship. Yet, Assyrians are the constant nemesis of those who seek to remain focused on the Lord, thy God.
Hezekiah knows exactly what to do: present the Assyrian threat to God in the Holy Place, the Temple.
Less eloquently I may have said, “Come on God, I really need your help to keep us from being overwhelmed by our enemy. Show Yourself to these pagans. Show them that there is no other deity but you, O Lord, our One God. Show them your power and might and wisdom and love and protection and so much more.”
It’s reassuring to know that God hears the words of a fervent prayer, especially when presented in the holy place, the presence of God.
Do you ever feel that God cannot hear your prayers?
Do you call upon another to send your heart-felt requests to God?
It’s always good to ask others to pray for a particular
concern but that prayer begins with us. Too often we feel unworthy to ask the Lord to help with a request that weighs heavy on our heart. Yet, we have the same Holy Spirit within us that any other Christian has. We have access to the same power, the same intimacy with God, the same love, care, mercy, grace and all the treasure of the Kingdom of God.
We have the assurance that the Holy spirit, present within those who are baptized into Christ Jesus, will intercede for us and take the message of our heartfelt prayers to the One who was and is and is to come.
We no longer need the assurance of a prophet or one who is intimate with God, to make sure our prayers are heard. By faith, the Holy Spirit within us assures us that the softest whisper from our heart is heard by God.
If you have trouble praying or feel the Lord does not hear you, ask yourself what might be blocking your intimate communication with the Lord. Could it be Unforgiveness, feelings of inadequacy, fear that you may actually hear an answer that you do not like?
Ask the Lord for Holy boldness. Be totally honest with the One who loves you, Jesus Christ.
October 4 St. Francis Day
"Saint Francis Day" moves over several days due to the blessing of the animals. Today is the official celebration date but many churches set aside a Saturday or Sunday
near this date to Bless the Animals, a tradition that began soon after Francis' death [1181-1226]. It is not out of the ordinary where we live to bless horses, cows, sheep, ducks, turtles and birds along with the traditional animals that most people bring. Many 'unchurched' may only appear at church with their animal for this blessing.
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being.” Job 12:7-10
10-5 2 Kings 19:21-36; Psalm 107,108,33; 1 Cor. 10:1-3; Matthew 8:18-27
2 Kings 19:30 “The surviving remnant of Judah will
take root downward and bear fruit upward. :31 The zeal of the Lord will perform this … :35 That night the Angel of the Lord struck 185,000 Assyrians and Sennacharib went home and lived in Nineveh and was killed by a sword as he worshipped idols. Esarhadden, his son, became king.”
Thus ends the story. Hezekiah’s request to God not only is heard, but God takes action. God affirms to the remnant of Judah who remain obedient to the One God, that their roots [or foundation like that of a large structure] will sink deep in order to bearing fruit. God’s people have to trust that the zeal of God’s presence will do the impossible. The Jewish people are once again reminded of their salvation history at the time of the Exodus, when the “Angel of the Lord” struck those in Egypt who did not place the blood of the sacrificed lamb on their doorposts. God is present and powerful and will do what must be done to protect the remnant who belong to Him.
Think about it: Has anything changed in the centuries
before or since this story unfolded? History . . . His Story . . . God’s story . . . is forever repeated. God never changes but we tend to take our eyes off the One who gives us His power, wisdom, assurance, protector . . . Our Lord.
We humans continue to doubt no matter how often we are reminded of the promises of God’s active presence in our lives. Have you ever compared His Story with your story? Has God been as faithful to you as you are to God? Read this story from the beginning of chapter 19. How is this story much like your story regarding your firm foundation in Christ?
Few have been able to do so because our own faith journey may have been challenging. Yet, it is never too late. Pray that you can ‘adopt’ a teen or young adult by getting involved in one of the groups at church. Invite a friend or relative’s child to some ‘cool’ events offered at church. It takes just one person to influence a young person to make a positive life change, like a commitment to Christ. Who knows but you might be just the person to raise a “Timothy” or "Tammy" into a Christian leader.
2 Kings 22 Josiah was eight when he became King and reigned 31 years in Jerusalem. :2 “He did right in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of his forefather, David, nor did he turn to the right or to the left. :3 In Josiah’s 18th year, Temple repairs began. :8 Then Hilkiah, the high priest, found the lost scroll of the Law in the house of the Lord and asked the scribe, Shaphan, to read it in the presence of the King. :13 Josiah tore his clothes for the sin of his ancestors who did not follow the Lord.”
10-6 17th Sunday after Pentecost
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4; Psalm 37:1-10; 2 Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17:5-10
2 Timothy 1:5 Paul tells Timothy of his great faith
instilled in him by his grandmother Lois and mother, Eunice. :6 "Kindle afresh the gift of God by the laying on of hands.:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline. :9 God called us not by works but for His purpose through grace. :14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit the treasure entrusted to you."
Timothy is young compared to the other disciples with the same zeal. Paul was impressed because this young man was ‘raised in the faith.’ He was not just taken to church with hopes that some Sunday School teacher would teach him. Most likely he attended a home church daily as many devout Christians did before they began their long days at work. Those who understood salvation in Christ not only were eager to learn all they could but their families, and servants, were also drawn into all the practices of the faith.
These words from Paul to Timothy affirmed what Timothy was taught by his grandmother and mother. Paul encouraged Timothy to be bold in his faith, to lay hands on those for whom he prayed, to speak the salvation message wherever he went.
Timothy grew into a gifted leader but it took time. He felt the stress of leadership until he grew into the role the Lord set before him. Timothy kept moving forward knowing that God’s grace would direct his path. He trusted in the Holy Spirit as he spent his entire life leading others to Christ and helping them to become solid in their faith.
Think about it: Have you had the opportunity to raise a child or a grandchild into the loving arms of Christ Jesus? Have you then been able to help them remained focused on the love and grace available to all who are willing to receive what the Lord has in store for us daily?
10-7 2 Kings 21:1-18; Psalm 106; 1 Cor. 10:14—1:1; Matthew 8:28-34
Matthew 8 Jesus casts out demons in the country of the
Gadarenes. “The demons spoke to Jesus saying,
:31 ‘If you are gong to cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.’ Jesus said, ‘Go’ and the swine ran into the sea. Herdsmen ran into town and told the people and the whole city came out and implored Jesus to leave their region.”
This region is South and East of the Sea of Galilee. Most likely, it is on the other side of the Jordan river where gentiles settled. Jesus and His disciples often wandered ‘outside’ the area where they healed and preached to the Jews in order to have time alone without crowds pressing in. However, Jesus’ reputation preceded him and He was often directed to whomever needed healing.
The demons knew they would be overpowered by the divine presence of Jesus. “Demons know and shudder.” Instead of being disbursed all over the place, they requested to be sent to the herd of swine grazing nearby. Jesus did so. Yet, the demons did not know the swine would run into the sea and drown.
One can only imagine the impact of Jesus’ action. The person (or in this story 2 people) is healed and comes to know the divine power of Jesus Christ.
He is given new life! Yet, the entire livelihood of the herdsmen is gone, wiped out.
It’s as if Jesus saved life and lost livelihood.
Think about it: What a miracle that the demons quickly
fled and the person’s sanity was restored. Yet, at what
cost? Would the herdsmen ever be reconciled to Christ even though their friend was healed and was able to show himself as a miracle to others?
It’s like any of us who lead another into the loving arms of Christ? We most likely do not consider how that person’s ‘new life in Christ’ might impact their family. Our mission is to help one who seeks to know Christ, His Love and grace, and say ‘yes’ to a life with Christ. Do we trust God to take care of the rest?
Pray about it. What do you sense the Lord is telling you about leading another to Christ?
10-8 2 Kings 22:1-13; Psalm 121,122, 123,124,125,126; 1 Cor. 11:2, :17-:22; Matthew 9:1-8
Josia was the last godly king of the Davidic line prior to the exile. This was the people’s last chance to return to worshipping their One God instead of the pagan gods that had turned them, to the left and to the right, away from YHWH.
Josia must have been taught well as he began temple repair at a young age. Hilkiah, a good priest, repented for his people and led the people according to Josia’s re-direction as they celebrated finding the Torah in a hidden corner of the temple.
Think about it: Were you one to ‘know God’ when you
were young in spite of how how your family worshipped? Did you have that ‘sense’ that you needed to do what was right and seek more understanding in your walk with Christ?
Even if you came to know Christ as an adult, did you immediately try to share your new story with family so they could ‘turn around’ and seek Christ? For many this is very difficult. Yet, because we have come into a personal relationship with Christ, we have all that is needed to ‘pray others into the kingdom of God.’ We have the power to change our lives drastically . . . to live for Christ and not seek satisfaction from the idols that surround us.
That does not mean we have to change our jobs or step outside our family obligations. Far from it. We are to lean into the situation we are currently in and ask for the Lord’s direction as we ‘lead by example.’ Finding the JOY in living a Christian life may be difficult if we are surrounded by those who do not want to join us. Yet, it’s the perfect mission field. Pray for ‘holy boldness’ as you take time each day for devotions and set aside Sundays to go to church even if no one in the family wants to join you. Even with work and family obligations, seek God’s blessings daily.
Write three blessings a day for one month.
Write three blessings a day for one month.
See what happens.
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