’Mid Toil and Tribulation

Reminder about new blog address

2009-03-25T09:58:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to remind you that my blog has moved to - a new address

http://atstod.blogspot.com

You can also follow me on twitter - www.twitter.com/atstod

New Blog Address

2009-03-23T13:50:00.001-05:00

After almost five years of blogging, I'm moving. Not churches, not really changing the focus and scope of my blog.

Just the name. And address.

I'm one of those twitter addicts. On my twitter profile is www.twitter/atstod

I thought, wouldn't it be cool if that was my blog address as well. So, it is.

My new blog is http://atstod.blogspot.com. I'll continue the same devotional thoughts, and I hope to do more personal and church reflection there.

So, come join me! - http://atstod.blogspot.com

Lent: Monday, March 23, 2009

2009-03-23T06:31:00.001-05:00

Old Testament Lesson

Jeremiah 16:10-21

The problems that Israel faces goes back to the fact the main thing God told them to do was worship Him. Place Him first. Have no other idols. But, they worshiped idols, they turned away. It all started with that.

When God is not first, our entire being is thrown off. We were created to have God first in our lives and when He is not, we are living at our fullest, we will not experience the peace, joy, and love we were created to know. When He is first, we know the fullness of life. When He is not, we are not fully alive.

New Testament Lesson

Romans 7:1-12

We are not saved by keeping the Law or the Commandments. We are saved by faith in Christ. Faith is the key to that life. But, that doesn't mean we should disregard the Law either. We are not saved by it, but we need to live moral and good lives. The law shows us how. The commandments show us how. Life comes through Christ. May we remember that He is our life.

Gospel Lesson

John 6:1-15

Jesus fed the people. He met their needs. He gave them what they needed for life; they found it in Him.

Let Him feed you today. Let Him feed your souls and meet your needs. He will fill your soul and give you life!

Lent: Thursday, March 19, 2009

2009-03-19T08:12:00.000-05:00

Today, just a quick thought and say a prayer for Bill Kuykendall this morning as he recovers from a heart attack and faces a heart cath today.

I think that if God forgives us we must forgive ourselves. Otherwise it is almost like setting up ourselves as a higher tribunal than Him.

CS Lewis

Lent: Wednesday, March 18, 2009

2009-03-18T08:24:00.000-05:00

Today, just a quick thought

Attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what people do or say. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. The remarkable thing is, we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. We can not change the fact that people act in a certain way. We can not change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.

Charles Swindoll

Lent: Tuesday, March 17, 2009

2009-03-17T06:51:00.000-05:00

Old Testament Lesson

Jeremiah 7:21-34

A powerful verse today. God told the people to look forward, not backwards. Look at what He has called you to be, not who you used to be. Look at the new life ahead, not the old life behind. Look at the grace in new day, not the sin was behind. Look forward to what is to come, not what lay behind.

For God is ahead. New life is ahead. Forgiveness is ahead. Don't focus on what you used to be. Focus on who God is calling you to be. Look forward, not backwards.

New Testament Lesson

Romans 4:13-25

One of the reasons reasons why Abraham is our great example of faith was that he kept hoping and having faith, even when things didn't look good. He left behind what was known, to go to what was unknown. Because God had called him. And he had faith in God. He had faith, even when his eyes could not see. For, above all, he trusted God. May we have the same type of faith.

Gospel Lesson

John 7:37-52

Jesus tells everyone that is thirsty, come and drink. If you are thirsty today, if you are lacking today, if you are needful today, if you have that whole in your heart day; come drink. Come drink the life-giving water of Jesus. Drink in life. Drink in rest. Drink in new life.

May all who are needful find what they need in Jesus.

Lent: Monday, March 16, 2009

2009-03-16T08:12:00.002-05:00

Old Testament Lesson

Jeremiah 7:1-15

We see the Lord tell the people, if you will return to me, I will be there. If you return to me, you will find mercy and grace. You will find life. What does it look like to return? Returning to God involves how we treat those in need. How we care for those in our midst that need our help and God's help. The prophet says :

For if you truly amend your ways and your doings, if you truly act justly one with another, if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own hurt, then I will dwell with you in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your ancestors forever and ever.

If we love God, we love neighbor. That's how God wants it to go. Our love for Him is seen in how we treat one another. Today, may we love Him by loving each other.

New Testament Lesson

Romans 4:1-12

We see that Abraham's faith was reckoned to him as righteousness. It wasn't his actions, it was his faith. His faith produced action. But, the faith was the start. The faith was the heart. The faith was where it all starts. Today, and each day, may the faith we have change all our lives.

Gospel Lesson

John 7:14-36

Jesus reminds us that He received His teaching from God. So, when we see Jesus, we see God. When we see the teaching and love of Jesus, we see the heart and compassion of God. When we see the mercy of Jesus, we see the mercy of God. When we see who Jesus is, we see who God is.

Lent: Thursday, March 12, 2009

2009-03-12T07:27:00.000-05:00

Old Testament Lesson

Jeremiah 4:9-10, 19-28

We see the Lord say, my people, even though they have done wrong, even though they have turn away, God still weeps over the hurt that is happening to His people. Because He is a God that loves. And when our hearts are broken, His heart is broken.

New Testament Lesson

Romans 2:12-24

We see Paul tell us that no one can stand in judgement, because all have sinned. We are all equal in need for God. No one is perfect. All need grace and forgiveness. All need to be restored. We are all in need. And God loves each of us and wants us all to know His grace and mercy.

Gospel Lesson

John 5:19-29

Jesus tells us that believe comes and takes away judgment. We are not saved by our actions but by the faith that we have. We can't earn God's love. It's freely given today to all that believe.

2009-03-11T08:23:00.001-05:00

Old Testament Lesson

Jeremiah 3:6-18

See the thing with God is this. Even at our lowest moments, even at the time when we have drifted furthest away, He still longs for us to return. He still longs for His people to return to Him and will do all possible to give us that chance. He won't overrule our free will. But, He will give us moment after moment, chance after chance, all this, to return to Him.

Because He loves us. And He longs to know us and see us free and joyful, in service to HIm and each other.

New Testament Lesson

Romans 1:28-2:11

Romans reminds us that our sins have consequences. And perhaps the greatest consequence of sin is the damage it does to our own souls. The damage it does to us. The hurt it causes to us. The pain it causes to those that we love.

As I said in my sermon Sunday, I think God's response to our sin is not anger. It's heartbreak.

Gospel Lesson

John 5:1-18

Those that were in opposition to Jesus were more worried about that exact letter of the Law that they missed the chance to do good. That is what God desires for us, and for the church. That we do good. That we make the world a better place. That we are a means of grace and mercy to those most in need of grace and mercy. That we do all that we can to help the most amount of people. They missed that chance. May we not.

Lent: Tuesday, March 10. 2009

2009-03-10T06:57:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that Holly's managed to put up with me for 8 years today.

Old Testament Lesson

Jeremiah 2:1-13

The Israelites got in trouble when they chased after the things that were really worthless. Sometimes the things that we think that we want are not what we expected. All the money in the world can't fill an empty heart. Want we all want it love, and joy and peace and hope.

Those things can't be bought. Can't be earned. Can't even be chased. They are given. They are given by God's grace, they are given by those that we love, they are given by relationships that we build. Today, chase that. Don't chance the worthless, chase that which gives live.

New Testament Lesson

Romans 1:16-25

The righteous will live by faith, not by sight. I like to see where I'm going. I like to know how the path will end. I like to be in control, have everything the way I like it. That's what Andy wants.

The Bible teaches us, though, that the righteous live not by sight, but by sight. They live by trust. They live by trusting in what God's doing and in following the leading of His Spirit. They live by walking with Him each day and following His leading. The righteous, they live by faith. May we be righteous today, may we walk by faith.

Gospel Lesson

John 4:43-54

Jesus did these signs so that people would believe. Lives were healed, children were raised, hope was restored. Because of Jesus. That is what He does. Look in your own life and see the hope and restoration He has given. Look in the lives of others. See the hope and restoration He has given.

And believe. And find life.

Lent: Thursday, March 5, 2009

2009-03-05T06:19:00.000-06:00

Old Testament Lesson

Deuteronomy 9:23-10:5

This is entire book is a retelling of the Law. The first generation had passed away. The generation that left Egypt was Moses was no more, they had died away. This left the children. It was the children who would inherit the promised land. But, before they did, the Law had to be regiven. It had to become their own. They had to accept it.

Faith is something that must be ours. Our parents faith, our grandparents faith, our churches faith, that's not what God wants for you. He wants you to have your faith. To make it your own. For it not to just be what your parents lived by, but what you lived by.

Today, may we be people of faith. And may we make our faith our own.

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 4:1-10

Are you tired? Are you weary? Are you worn out? Are you burned out?

Where is your rest? Do your rest in God? Do you rest in His mercy, His grace, His peace?

When was the last time you just rested in God? When did you last feel His arms of love wrapped around you?

Today, in all that we have to do, may we rest in God.

Gospel Lesson

John 3:16-21

God gave His son for love. He loves you now. In this moment. He gave us Son to simply show us this. We are loved. He sent His son not to judge the world. But to save it. Right now, at this point, God simply wants you to know this. He loves you. He loves you more than you'll ever know. He loves you.

Today, live as a loved child of God. Because that's what you are.

Satan and Money

2009-03-04T09:17:00.001-06:00

HT to Gavin, great, great, video. Think about all things that control us. And where life comes from.

Lent: Wednesday, March 4, 2009

2009-03-04T06:29:00.000-06:00

Old Testament Lesson

Deuteronomy 9:13-21

We see in this passage that there was a time when the Lord was just ready to start over. The people would never act right. They would never behave. They would never do the things that the Lord had commanded them. And the Lord had had enough. He was ready to start over with Moses.

But, Moses would not give up on the people. Moses went to the Lord and prayed for the people. Moses would give up on them.

Who was that person for you? Who is that person, that end in the darkest hour, even at your lowest ebb would not give up on you?

And, today, who do we not need to give up on? Who do we need to give a second chance?

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 3:12-19

The most dangerous thing about sin is that it hardens our heart. It makes our hearts hard, and make it easier for us to turn from God. One thing leads to the next leads to the next leads to next. And, before we know it, our hearts are hard.

Not to equate church attendance and sin, but think about this way. ,You miss one Sunday, and guess what? It's easier to miss the second, and the third, and the fourth. And then you look up, 6 months later, and you haven't been to worship.

Sin is much the same. It slowly, over time, hardens our hearts to the point we don't know who we are. That is why God hates sin. Because of what it does to His children.

Gospel Lesson

John 2:23-3:15

God sends salvation. God loves you enough that He will do whatever He has to do to bring you home. He will do whatever He has to to make things right. He will go to any length to show His love to you.

Today, you are loved! Live like it!

Lent: Tuesday, March 3, 2009

2009-03-03T06:11:00.000-06:00

Old Testament Lesson

Deuteronomy 9:4-12

Today, the people are warned, you are not getting the land because you were righteous. The sin of those that you will drive out, there sin also caused this to happen.

And then they are warned, remember, you to, you provoked you God. You are not blameless. You are not more righteous. We are all sinful.

And I guess that's one of the reasons I'm not big not judging others. Just like Israel, I know the blessings in my life aren't because of me, but because of God. And just like them, I also understand that I'm in no position to player "holier-than-thou" because I to have provoked God, done wrong, turned away.

We all have. And God still loves. Let us rejoice in grace, rejoice in mercy. And leave the judging up to God.

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 3:1-11

We are reminded that Jesus is greater than all. Greater than all the saints of the Bible. Greater than Moses. Greater than all the Old Testament saints. Greater than all that have come, greater than all that will come. He is the rock of our salvation. Not our own works, but Jesus. He is our rock.

Gospel Lesson

John 2:13-22

We see in Jesus righteous anger. He was angry at injustice, at those being taken advantage of, of the temple being made into a Wal Mart. There are things in life that are wrong that should make us angry. That should upset us.

But, make sure they are not the trivial things. Make sure that we are upset by the things that upset God. Make sure our heart breaks at the things that cause God's heart to break. Make sure that our passion for righteousness is God's.

Lent: Monday, March 2, 2009

2009-03-02T05:29:00.000-06:00

Old Testament Lesson

Deuteronomy 8:11-18

Deuteronomy is filled with the constant reminder to remember. To remember that it was God that us to this point. It is God that gives us the good things. It is God that gave you the life to wake up, God that gives you the grace for this moment, God that gives you the power to survive what may come your way, God that gives you the strength to recover from whatever punch that knocks you to your knees.

It is God. He is your strength. Your shield. Your defender. Even in the valleys and the trials. And the challenges. It is God.

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 2:11-18

Jesus came to free us. Free us from whatever it is that has your heart in a cage today.

Maybe he came to free you from sin.

Hatred.

Unforgiveness.

Doubt.

Apathy.

He came to set your heart free from whatever cage it's locked in. Won't you experience that freedom today?

Gospel Lesson

John 2:1-12

Jesus' first miracle — water to wine — saved a bride and her father from embarrassment. His first miracle, allowed a party to continue. His first miracle, affected only those in the wedding party and their guests. No one was healed, saved, or restored.

And, in Israel, there were greater needs than this. Yet, this was His first.

He knew this was important to the bride and her family. He knew this would be the only moment of joy for the villagers for a long time. He knew the shame it would bring to the family of the bride.

And, He cared about them.

No matter how insignificant you may feel, your prayers may feel, your hurts may feel, God knows. And He cares. And He will help.

Because He loves you.

Lent: Thursday, February 26, 2009

2009-02-26T06:09:00.001-06:00

Old Testament Lesson

Deuteronomy 7:6-11

The people are reminded that they are God's people. But, they are not God's people because of their great strength or might. They are not God's people because of their great numbers. They are not God's people because they have earned it or deserve it.

They are God's people because He has chosen them. Because He loves them. Because He has reached out to them. Because of Him.

Today, you are loved. Today, you are prized by God. Today, you are the apple of His eye. But, it's not because you have earned that love. It's not because you have done so much to make that love possible.

God loves you because that's who He is. He loves. Whether you are good or bad, saint or sinner. God is love. Today, and everyday, live with the assurance that you don't have to earn that love, it's freely given. And, live a life worthy of that love.

New Testament Lesson

Titus 1:1-16

Paul says that there are requirements for those that are leaders in the church. They aren't perfect, for Paul himself would tell you that he's not perfect. But, if you are going to recognized as a leader in the church, then you need to be living a life worthy of that position. Not a life of perfection, because no one, save Jesus, is perfect. But, a life dedicated to the Gospel. A life that shows Christian virtues. A life that shows the grace of love of Christ and His Church.

Today, to those that lead His church, may we live a life of devotion to Him. May we grow in grace and love of God and our neighbor. May we live by the power of the Spirit and in the assurance of Grace.

May we live for God.

Gospel Lesson

John 1:29-34

Jesus is the Lamb that comes to take away the sins of the world. Today, you can be forgiven.

Think about that.

Whatever it is that you can't forgive yourself of, today, you can be forgiven. Through Jesus, God is offering you forgiveness.

Today.

From whatever it is that is plaguing. Robbing your sleep. Killing your soul.

You can be forgiven.

If you will turn it over to Him.

Today.

Ash Wednesday: February 25, 2009

2009-02-25T06:12:00.003-06:00

Today is Ash Wednesday. This is the first day of the season of Lent. Throughout this season, and particularly today, we stop.

And remember. Remember our need. Remember our sin. Remember that we are fallen, that we are bent. That we crooked. Remember that we are not we were created to be.

Something happened. The fall. We were created, and God said it was good. But then temptation entered. Temptation gave way to sin. Sin gave way to death. And the human race was left with a giant hole in our heart.

We try to fill it with success. Power. Money. Sex. All the trappings of this world. But, yet, we remain empty.

Because,while we are all bent, we are each all created with that need deep within us for relationship. With God, and with others.

Even when we are at our best, there is a part of us that knows we are not what we ought to be. There is a part that knows that we are needful and that we need God.

Even our worst, we know that the hole in our hearts desperately needs God's grace.

Today, we stop. We pause. We remember our great need. We are sinful. We are broken. We are like sheep without a shepherd.

And, we also remember that it not just me that is that way, or you, but each of us. It's not that I am sinful, of you are sinful, but we are each sinful. It's not that we are better than or worse than anyone. We are all equal.

We remember that we each need God. Today.

And we remember that each day, God turns His ear to our cry. And He hears.

Today, this Ash Wednesday, and all through Lent. Stop. Turn to God. And He will hear. And He will come.

Stop. Remember. Repent. Turn. And God will be there.

Thoughts on Mardi Gras

2009-02-24T07:28:00.002-06:00

Today, just a thought on what today is. Today is Fat Tuesday, or as its known more commonly, Mardi Gras. Today is the last day of celebration before the beginning of Lent, which starts tomorrow on Ash Wednesday. We'll talk more about Lent tomorrow. But, I will encourage you to be thinking today about what you might like to "give up" during Lent. Its tradition to sacrifice something during lent to remember the sacrifice that Jesus endured for our sake on the cross. Some give up sweets. Others, Coke. Some that are really dedicated/crazy give up coffee.

I'm not that strong.

But, today is the last day of celebration before the fasting starts. That's where Mardi Gras comes from. It actually has religious overtones.

Part of life is enjoying life. Living a joyous life. A life full of grace. I really think the world has enough stern, judgmental Christians. It has enough Christians ready to look down noses upon the frailty and mistakes of others.

What the world needs today is more grace. More mercy. More compassion. More hope. More life. More love.

So, today, celebrate. Live with abandon. Grad this day by the horns and drag every ounce of life out of it. Today, live. Live fully. Live in abundance.

No matter if you stuck behind a desk, on the road, digging a ditch.

LIVE.

You have been given this day by God. Make the most of it.

Epiphany: Monday, February 23, 2009

2009-02-23T07:45:00.000-06:00

Old Testament Lesson

Deuteronomy 6:10-15

We see the Lord reminding the people. Some good stuff is going to happen to you. God is going to bless you. You are going to get land, houses, vineyards. All these good things.

When they come, though, don't forget who gave them to you. It was not because of your own strength, but it was because of God. God is the one that made this success possible. God is the one that brought the victory. God is the one that makes all the good things in our lives possible.

So should we be. When we encounter success. Victory. Achievement. A blessing of any type. Let us not be too quick to grab the credit. But, let us remember that it is God that makes all these good things possible.

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 1:1-14

Of all the ways that God has spoken, the Loudest was through His Son. Through Jesus, we see the ultimate revelation of God, the Word of God. Thought Jesus, we see who God is.

Well, then, who is God? He is love, mercy, dan compassion. He forgives. He heals. He comforts. He brings life to the dead. He's not much on the self righteous or the holier than thou. In fact, He spends most of His time with those that would not always have been acceptable to the holier than thou crowd.

In short, He is Love. And, today, this day. He loves each of us.

Gospel Lesson

John 1:1-18

We see once again in this passage that Jesus is the Word. He is with the Father, and all things were created through Him. He is at the very right hand of God. He is King of King, and LOrd of Lords.

And yet, He gave all that up, to come to Earth to show us God's love, God's grace, God's comfort. Today, may we realize just how beloved we are, and may we live out that same love with each other.

Epiphany: Thursday, February 19, 2009

2009-02-19T11:12:00.000-06:00

Today just a quick thought. I drove over for a conference in Alabama this morning. As I drove through the foothills of the App. Mountains I thought about the greatness of God. How He formed all that is and all that ever has been.

He has held the entire world in His hand, as the old kids song goes.

And He holds you in His right now. Whatever you are going through right now, God knows. God loves. God cares.

Whatever it is.

God is with us today.

He promised to be. May we trust Him now and always.

Epiphany: Wednesday, February 18, 2009

2009-02-18T08:17:00.000-06:00

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 65:1-12

We see God tell the people that because they did not seek Him, they did not turn to Him, and so He sought out another. That's something that is worth remembering. God is not lucky to have us, we are lucky to have Him. It's not love that we love God, but that God loves us!

He always calls, always wants to people to come into relationship with us. He wants to know you today.

New Testament Lesson

1 Timothy 4:1-16

Paul tells us today to train ourselves. We need to work on the things that help our faith to grow, help us to be the people that God's calls us to be. It's hard work. It's not always easy. It can be hard to pray and read and study. But, just as athlete trains to be the athlete, we train ourselves to be the people that God wants us to be.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 12:13-27

These people were trying to trip Jesus, focused on the things that didn't matter. He was teaching them to love and serve and forgive. They were worried about the trivial things.

Today, may we focus on God's grace, love and mercy. Let's focus on the things that we know, and let's leave the trivial things to God and to His mercy.

Epiphany: Tuesday, February 17, 2009

2009-02-17T08:12:00.001-06:00

Today, just a quick thought:

I would rather walk with God in the dark than go alone in the light.

Mary Gardiner Brainard

Epiphany: Monday, February 16, 2009

2009-02-16T07:40:00.000-06:00

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 63:1-6

One of the lessons we see in Isaiah is that the Lord implores His people, turn to me in your time of trouble. Don't turn to other people, don't turn to your own strength, don't turn to that which is wrong. Turn to me, and I'll give you strength for the trial.

That's a lesson we can learn today, as well. In our times of trial, where do we turn for strength? Is it the Lord our God? All else will fail compared to His great strength.

New Testament Lesson

1 Timothy 1:1-17

We see Paul express thanks to God for the fact that God redeemed even him. For Paul had done things that were beyond the pale, that has actually hindered God's work and the church. And, yet, God forgive him. God's grace knows no limits. God will forgiven anyone that desires to be forgiven. All one must do it turn to Him.

Today, may we know that power of God's forgiveness.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 11:1-11

We see in this passage the people welcome and worship Jesus. They give Him the praise He is due. They would later turn on Him, but in this moment, they worshipped. Let us never loose the power of a moment. Let us take time, at this time, at this moment, to worship. To praise God. To thank God. To come before Him saying, “Hosanna!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Epiphany: Thursday, February 12, 2009

2009-02-12T07:46:00.000-06:00

Today, just a quick thought:

I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess.

Martin Luther

Epiphany: Wednesday, February 11, 2009

2009-02-11T07:22:00.001-06:00

Old Testament Lesson

Isaiah 59:15b-21

We see that the Lord is the one that comes to save. He is the one that saves His people. Be reassured today that He is on your side. He is working for you. He is for you! Think about that. The God of Heaven, the God of all that is, both seen and unseen, is on your side. Is pulling for you. Will stand with you! Rejoice, the Lord today stands with His people.

New Testament Lesson

2 Timothy 1:15-2:13

Paul reminds us today that no one receives the reward without first working for it. No athlete wins with prize without the prior training and completion. It is the work put for that makes the achievement possible.

In faith, we must put feet to our faith. We must work for what we believe. We must be about God's work. We will have hard times. We will have struggles. We have time when nothing goes right.

But, don't give up! Keep trying and pushing! Keep working! Keep doing! The Lord is one your side, and it is the effort put forth that makes the reward that much sweeter.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 10:1-16

We see today that Children have a special place in the heart of God. Thank you to all of you that work with our children. Thank you for taking the time, and effort to work with these precious ones.

And, may we have that childlike faith. Just a child trusts in their parents, so, today, may we trust in our God.