1 Peter 5:6-7

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Kids are home from college.  My anxiety rises as I wonder if Luke is planning for his next step after he graduates in December.  I want to jump in and take action, tell him what to do.  But I know that won't work.  I've been praying for what feels like forever for him to find his passion, get some work to learn good habits but I don't see progress on my timeline.  Praying to remove anxiety and trust in God's plan for Luke.

knut

James 1:15

 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

I have access to the one who created the universe, yet how often do I go to him to help me with decisions?  I tend to go my own way until it gets really rough then I call on him.  How about I seek him in daily conversation and learn to go to him with all my decisions and also take the model he shows me and use it when asked for insight from others---don't judge just help.

knut

1 Peter 3:15

 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...

I tried to do this with a very good friend of mine who was having suicidal thoughts.  I have no idea how he received my message but we are still best of friends so he didn't apparently take my approach as too preachy so I thank God for showing me how to share.  Far too often today I see people mixing their politics with their faith and the approach to sharing their belief in God is definitely not gentle or respectful.  Pretty sure it doesn't help make His Kingdom better.  He lays out the the blueprint for us right here.

knut

Romans 14:11

 So where does that leave you when you criticize a brother? And where does that leave you when you condescend to a sister? I’d say it leaves you looking pretty silly—or worse. Eventually, we’re all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God. Your critical and condescending ways aren’t going to improve your position there one bit. Read it for yourself in Scripture: “As I live and breathe,” God says, “every knee will bow before me; Every tongue will tell the honest truth that I and only I am God.” So mind your own business. You’ve got your hands full just taking care of your own life before God.

Found this one today......speaks to me.  Our society seems to be built on cutting others down.  In the end, we all wind up in the very same place, being asked the very same questions.

tp

1 Corinthians 15:1

 15 Dear friends,[a] let me give you clearly the heart of the gospel that I’ve preached to you—the good news that you have heartily received and on which you stand.

For all the complexity and noise of life, Paul reminds us of the simple truth that cuts through it all.  Its gospel and the 7 words you highlighted in the last post.  Don't over complicate.  He died for me and you.

knut

Matthew 28:6

  He is not here: for he is risen,....

Most powerful 7 words spoken in human history

nuff said

Proverbs 10:7

The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.

Short and sweet.  I think of my Grandpa and Grandma when I read this and know that I want to do my best to continue their legacy.  They didn't live a life that you might consider to be super memorable or impactful in the small town of Treynor.  Yet all these years later they have a few dozen grandkids and great grandkids not to mention people in their community that still remember how they lived as a blessing.  Simple, friendly and following God.  

be a blessing.

knut

Psalm 36:6-7

36:6-7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Chill out!" we hear heaven say to us. Come into God's presence with dependent, yet confident, patience. But how can we? We know God will do what is right for us over the passage of time. The Bible is God's story (HIS-story); it is the great testimony that he is always faithful to his promises, gracious in his power to redeem, and generous with his love shared with his children. So come into his presence and be willing to be still... and patient... and trusting… and hopeful!

----------------

Kind of funny, I read/responded to your last comments then opened verse of the day and thought this is a good continuation of thought without realizing it was literally a couple verses later in the same book.  Just coincidence I guess ;)   

I think the comments say it well--come into his presence let his face shine on our faces and trust his plan.  So be still and keep listening.  Maybe God will reveal a direction for you with work whether it be to do something different or find a way where you are at to have the impact you want for Him.

knut

Psalm 37:4

 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

The closer I get to God the more fulfilled I will feel because my desires will be aligned with what God desires not what man desires.  

Can be a scary thought because maybe its giving up something like a great paying career which enables lots of other fun stuff I desire--but if that were true it wouldn't feel like a sacrifice because it would be replaced with some new desire that God is promising to fulfill.  So really if being content and fulfilled is a feeling I desire this is the road to travel.

knut

Galatians 5:22-23

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

This entire chapter is great and this simple versus tells the gift of fruits in our lives or our character we get from having the Spirit in us--maybe it also can help identify when we aren't as close to the Spirit.  If my character or behavior is not mirroring these fruits I may  be drifting the wrong way in life.

knut

Romans 8:3-4

 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

If we all found Jesus and let the Spirit into our hearts our world would harmonize.  I always say you can't legislate values, this verse kinda of says that too--our human laws are flawed and/or collectively our sinful nature will prevent the essence of even a good law we write from changing our behavior.

So as Christians we should maybe focus less on changing laws or creating fights about laws and more on loving others and sharing about Jesus and letting God do the work of changing hearts.  Its not to say some of our fights we tend to have with society aren't noble--like protecting babies but maybe a more effective strategy is to reach more people with God's word and promises.

knut

—

John 14:23

 23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.d My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.e

'

Simple stuff but the more I obey God's teaching the more the Trinity comes into my life and gets closer to me---making their home with me.  So to obey his teachings I have to know the teach so I must be in His word more. 

 Other than these daily (or every few week efforts)  and Sunday mornings I'm not in His Word--Gina is good about this she is in it every day and in depth.  This will likely always be a weakness for me that I have to be intentional to overcome.

knut

Numbers 6 24-26

24 “‘“The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”’

As an elder I had to do the sermon one time at our church.  For the benediction my pastor said do this--hold your hands up and say these versus.  I had heard it a million times.  But it will forever be a joke in our family and I can't hear it without smiling or getting a look from my kids in church.

I was nervous.  Not huge on public speaking and even less on preaching.  Made it through my sermon, did a pretty nice job if I do say so.  I don't like to use notes during speaking including the benediction.  Well I blew this up, I held my hands high and said a bunch of mumbo jumbo maybe not even words sometimes.  Something about my face shine upon your face.......Amen go in Peace

So the message of these verses is great---I just often can't even focus on the saftey net he offers in the prayer of blessing---on that day I think he was getting a little chuckle while he watched me obliterate his word.

Good day brother---go in peace!

Knut

Matthew 4:23-25

 23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. 25Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.

Just reflecting on how amazing Jesus must have been.  It wasn't like there was a Tweet that went out or some 24hr news reporting, Instagram pics yet somehow news of Jesus spread like wild fire.  He was different and people noticed it.

Spin it forward and even though our world is often a mess it is still amazing to me that the book written 2000 years ago is still relevant today and now from mega churches to my little church its message can and is shared globally in the blink of an eye.

Amazing.

knut

Matthew 6 25:34

  27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?...34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I know I just did a verse on worry and though I'm better than I use to be it is still a weakness for me.  These verses are ones I have tried to lean on in the past. They are true.

So God please help me with this struggle.  Let me trust you to take care of my family and keep each of them safe and for my kids specifically help them find you/be close to you.  For my work why wouldn't I trust you?--you've been covering for me for over 20yrs

knut

Deuteronomy 7:19, 21

19 You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the Lord your God brought you out. The Lord your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear.... 21 Do not be terrified by them, for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God. 

We read about the great miracles he did back in the day, but I'm not sure we (or at least I) believe he is or will do miracles today.  But he is the same God today, 2000 years is a snap of finger for him.  Why would he not be doing the same works in this moment that he did in that moment?   He can do what feels impossible in my life, he can protect my family from evil in society that tries to infect our hearts and minds.

i need to believe and to rely on him.  this is my prayer

knut

Genesis 3

 12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”

Well that didn't take long to muck it up.  3 Chapters in and mankind is off an running wild.  Simple instructions and we can't follow them.  Also note, not taking responsibility for our own actions--its someone else fault I'm in the situation I'm in...good work Adam.

So not much has changed in 2000 years.  Generally speaking we struggle to follow God's direction for us and we often don't want to accept responsibility for our own actions.  Its not going to change for all of humanity.  On a micro level though I can work to do better myself in understanding God's directions and doing my best to live into them.  Fortunately we are working with a net--thank you Jesus.

knut

Genesis 1

 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

I just felt like reading Genesis 1 today, not sure why.  I'm not sure I have any really learning or take away.  Maybe it just gave me a little peace today.   There is a nice cadence to the book as God describes how he designed our world.  The nice clear and simple order feels good especially as life feels chaotic sometimes.  

I am thankful for the gifts and blessings he has given me and my family.  I pray for protection of my kids and yours as the struggle to live into the next adult phases of their lives.  Be with them always.

knut

1 John 4

 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

I was mulling around all throughout the Johns this morning since they are all short.  Lots of talk of Love.  Love others. If you have Love at all its because of God because he is love.

In these uncertain times I need God's love.  Especially as I fear for the future of my kids, hoping they find there ways as then begin to leave our nest.  Its scary.  I don't know how things will work out for them and I just want them to be safe and happy.  I need God's love selfishly for me to drive out my fears.  I want my kids to feel and know God's love and protection.   So today I'm just praying for my entire family and yours to know and feel His Love.

knut

Philippians 4

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

A familiar chapter came up in my bible randomizer today.  Hit on not being anxious and also being content no matter the situation of being in need or having plenty.

As I mentioned before I am a worrier, so v6-7 is one I have leaned on in the past and will need to lean on the rest of my life.  I am thankful for moments like this to reflect and read and actually try to listen to what he is telling me.  This one I use to take my worries away about the future, especially of my kids.

an of course all things are possible through him is in this chapter as well.

knut

James 4:10

 I opened up the Bible Gateway today, and this verse was on the front page.  

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

very short, and filled with a massive message.  I need to remind myself everyday to humble myself before God.  I try to apologize for my own selfish viewpoints and actions....and try to look at things through the perspective I imagine would be his.  It really flavors how I see things.  Its a viewpoint of love, understanding, and forgiveness.  I find if I'm really operating in this mindset my life is so much more peaceful and happy.  Its when I slip into my own world that things go pear-shaped.

tp

1 Peter 5

7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.....

10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

I am a worrier.  Over the years I have lost probably thousands of hours of sleep worrying about every little detail of life.  I am much better than I use to be but now much of my anxiety comes from thinking about my kids not my own circumstances.  These verses are a little pressure reliever, a reminder that God cares about me and my family and that life is short here on earth but we have eternity with him.

knut

Colossians 3

 12Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

No deep thoughts needed this is a good paragraph to try to live by--if we all did this seems like there would be few problems in this world today.  On the outside I bet there are many people that would say I do live like this---that isn't a bad thing.  But on the inside my thoughts are not always aligned with patience and forgiving nature in particular.  So I am a work in progress for sure.

Knut

James 1

 19My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 

This is one of my favorite verses that I use to use a lot at work--especially the quick to listen because my nature is to talk and try to convince someone of my perspective.  I think I needed a refresher course this morning in remembering to listen to others at work, my kids and my wife rather than reacting.  My reactions aren't outward with anger but I do know sometimes inside I am stewing a bit.  I may be taking this verse a little out of context but I think as a leader being quick to listen is a valuable but difficult skill.

knut

Isaiah 40:30-31, Jeremiah 29:11

 Isaiah 40:30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but 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.

Jerimiah  29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Its a blessing working for Deere and getting a long break around Christmas.  It is also tough to get back at it.  So I found a couple versus of encouragement to kick off the year.  God will refresh when we are tired and he has plans for us and each member of our family.  That is especially hopeful for me as I think about our kids, I pray God shows them his plans for them and that it does give them hope for their futures.

Happy New Year!

Knut