Christian Reflection and Prayer

This week's promise: God blesses humble people

Content to stay at the back of the line

"God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
Matthew 5:3 NLT
"

The poor in spirit

"There is probably no living man through whom God has worked more mightily than Billy Graham. Dr. Graham has reached more people with the gospel of Jesus than perhaps any person in history. Yet those who know him best don't usually talk about his accomplishments or the number of people he's led to Christ. They talk of his unbelievable humility.

Several years ago Dr. Graham was interviewed on PrimeTime Live. He was sitting somberly in a chair when the last question came his way: "What do you want people to say about you when you're gone?" His response took many by surprise. "I don't want people to say anything about me. I want them to talk about my Savior. The only thing I want to hear is Jesus saying, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.'" Then he bowed his head and said softly, "But I'm not sure I'm going to hear that." It was a rare but honest look into the true nature of Billy Graham's heart. In spite of all he's done for the work of the Kingdom, he still sees himself unworthy of God's commendation.

The highest honor in heaven is reserved for those who least expect it. The first in line to receive his blessing will likely be the ones who were content to stay at the back of the line on earth. If you want to know the true strength and power of Billy Graham's life, look at his heart, not his crusade attendances. God doesn't save us because of who we are or what we've done, but because of our faith in accepting his gift of salvation.

from Embracing Eternity by Tim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins and Frank M. Martin (Tyndale) p 51"

Scripture:

"It may be that the Lord will look at my affliction, and that
the Lord will repay me with good for His cursing.  (II Samuel
16:12)

Reflection:

One of the nice things about growing older, is that I have become
very aware of my God's protective love.  You know what is neat is
that I'm no longer concerned what others think or say about me, like
I was in my youth.  In my age I have become much more willing to
give myself to Jesus. I have really learned humble submission
to His will, and this is the answer for my life.  I have placed myself in God's
hands, no matter what others may say about me.  I have learned to
trust Him and to abide in His love.   Have you learned to trust in Jesus,
I hope so, it makes all the difference in the world.

Prayer:

Lord thankyou that each day I grow in your love and care.  Thankyou for
being there, to help me bear my burdens. I trust in you Jesus, and it does
make all the difference in the world.  THANK YOU GOD FOR BEING GOD!

Scripture:

"The Son can do nothing of Himself.:

Reflection:

The Son can do nothing of Himself.  You got to be kidding me, is this
really talking about Jesus, I don't think so.  Boy this verse has always puzzled me.  I can't really believe that Jesus can't do anything for Himself.  I mean that implies that Jesus is imperfect.  Well I took another look at the verse and with the Spirit's help I think I understand what it's saying here.  Jesus was not only fully God He was fully human also.  This tells me that as a man Jesus power flowed not from His divine nature but from His utter dependence on God.  The verse states of Himself not for Himself. Since part of His nature is God, He thus is dependent upon God for His power.  Jesus was always dependent on His Father, just like we are. Learn to have utter dependence on the Father, just as Jesus did. Leave it up to God to make you useful in whatever way He sees fit.

Prayer:

O Jesus I pray that my life may be useful as I serve you faithfully. May the world see Christ in me. Let me recognize that the measure of my usefulness is the measure of my faithfulness. THANK YOU GOD FOR BEING GOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scripture: 
 
"The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way." 
(Exodus 13:21) 
 
Reflection: 
 
Have you ever watched the movie "The Ten Commandments"? Even 
better have you ever read the Biblical account of the Exodus. One of the most 
graphic images is the children of Israel being led through the barren wilderness 
by a cloud. With this cloud before them these children of God never loose their 
way. God has given us all a cloud in our lives, this cloud is the Holy Spirit. As 
the cloud of Moses, the Holy Spirit is a gift from God to His trusting children. 
It is there to guide us through life. As the cloud remained with the Israelites  
in the wilderness, so the Holy Spirit remains with us forever. Think of it! With 
the power of the Holy Spirit God Himself dwells within our hearts. When we are 
led by the Spirit, our lives will be characterized by love, joy, peace, and self- 
control (Galatians 5:16,22-23). We will be effective witnesses for Jesus Christ 
as we travel through the wilderness of this world. 
 
Prayer 
 
Jesus thank you for the Holy Spirit from above with all you power. Come cover 
me with your love, knowing that your love will kindle mine. THANK YOU GOD 
FOR BEING GOD 

Scripture:

"While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world." (John 9:5)

Reflection:

Boy can I identify with this verse.  When I was a kid, I had a terrible
fear of the dark.  When I was in darkness I saw and heard things
that weren't there.  I had a very difficult time with all of this growing
up.  Darkness began to fill my night and days.  Darkness became an
overwhelming fear of mine and a real worry for my parents.  There was
fear around every corner.  This became such a problem there was
absolutely no light in my life.  Then I opened my heart to Jesus Christ,
Jesus gave me light.  Christ became the light of my world.  No more
fear, no more seeing or hearing things that weren't there.  Christ is there
now giving me light, showing me the way.  Christ is in your world
why don't you let Him light your way.

Prayer:

Thank you Lord, because of you I know no fear, for now I have eternal
life.  You have set me free.  THANK YOU GOD FOR BEING GOD!