Daily Faith Builder
Tuesday 7 June 2023
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well. – Luke 7:9-10
Jesus is amazed at the loving faith of a Roman centurion, whose servant is deathly sick. Exhausting every possibility, the centurion sends his friends to Jesus with the request, “Lord, please heal my servant.” So as not to bother Jesus, the centurion tells the friends to explain to the Lord that all Jesus needs to do is say the word and his servant will be healed. Jesus is amazed at this Roman centurion’s faith. People with a strong faith in Jesus can be found in the unlikeliest of places. In traffic, checkout lines, at stores and sporting events. These people strengthen our faith in Jesus. In what unusual places have you met people whose deep love for Jesus surprises you?
Affectionately,
Ric
Saturday 3 June 2023
12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. – Luke 5:12-13
“Lord if you are willing,” the diseased man says to Jesus. With a warm tone and a compassionate smile Jesus lovingly says, “I am willing.” Jesus is always willing to hear us; Jesus is always willing to walk with us; Jesus is always willing to forgive us; Jesus is always willing to heal us, because Jesus dearly loves us.
Affectionately,
Ric
Friday 2 June 2023
1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things – Psalm 98:1
Think of the marvelous things has Jesus done for us. Jesus has blessed us with beautiful spring days, delicious foods, acts of kindness from friends and family members, a wonderful New Room Church Family. Remembering God’s good gifts keeps joy in our hearts. No matter the challenges we face, Jesus is with us, doing marvelous things for us. The marvelous things Jesus does for us in all situations enables us to daily sing new songs of praise to God, who loves us.
Affectionately,
Ric
Thursday 1 June 2023
5 Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. – Psalm 16:5
Through nature, friends, family, and circumstances God is our portion who supplies our needs. God is our cup, quenching our thirst for forgiveness, belonging and a meaningful life. Though sickness, hatred, and the aging process can harm our bodies, God is our security assuring us that we are forever safe in the arms of Jesus, who has power over all that exists. Whatever happens in life, we can be at peace and hopeful because Jesus is our portion, our cup and our security forever.
Affectionately,
Ric
Wednesday 31 May 2023
35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
– Mark 1:35
I’m a morning person. I love mornings! Bounding out of bed for my 4:10 a.m. workout is wonderful! I know, I’m not normal! After working out, I feed the cats and then the birds (and squirrels). I love standing in my back yard with a cup of coffee, listening to birdsong and watching the sunrise. Then I pray and read. While I have a prayer time, my entire early morning is a form of prayer.
My son Jonathan isn’t a morning person, he’s a person who has to get up in the morning. There’s a huge difference! Whether it’s early in the morning, or late at night, please take time to be in a solitary place with Jesus, and whatever you do in that solitary place, let it be a prayer.
Affectionately,
Ric
Tuesday 30 May 2023
3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” – Luke 4:3
Jesus is alone in the desert, without food or companionship when the devil comes to Him, saying “If you are the Son of God…” By saying “if” the devil ties to shake Jesus’ security in God by pushing Jesus to prove he is God’s Son. But Jesus is secure in himself. Jesus’ security is rooted in God’s unconditional love and constant presence. Whenever our identity or abilities are questioned, Jesus shields us from the devil’s “ifs” that seek to erode our security. Our security and confidence is rooted in Jesus’ love for us, and Jesus’ presence with us.
Affectionately,
Ric
Monday 29 May 2023 – Memorial Day
12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far has the LORD helped us.” 13 So the Philistines were subdued and did not invade Israelite territory again. – I Samuel 7:12-13
By God’s grace and through God’s strength the Israelite army defeats the mighty Philistine army. To commemorate God’s protecting care, Samuel sets a stone as a monument and calls it Ebenezer. Ebenezer means “stone of help”. On this Memorial Day we give thanks to God for the women and men who gave their lives in service to the United States. Through these courageous servants God has blessed us with protecting care. Memorial Day is the day on which we raise our Ebenezers by remembering and giving thanks for their sacrifice. Through parades, ceremonies, and decorated gravestones that mark of this sacred day, God calls us to remember those who gave their lives for us, and to renew our love for Jesus, the Solid Rock upon whom we all stand.
Affectionately,
Ric
Saturday 20 May 2023
21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” – Luke 3:21-22
At the very beginning of His ministry Jesus hears His Father say, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” What a wonderfully close relationship Jesus and his Father enjoy. One of the best ways we can live out our faith in Jesus is by offering words of love and encouragement to the people in our lives. “You are my wife…You are my husband…You are my daughter…You are my son…You are my friend…You are my colleague…You are my partner…whom I love. I am so proud of you, and I am always here for you.” Who needs to hear words of life from us today?
Affectionately,
Ric
Thursday 18 May 2023
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. – Psalm 91:4
While Gram and I enjoyed lunch at the Bergen Point Inlet on Monday, we saw seven goslings walking in front of the watchful eyes of their parents. Just as chicks find refuge from danger and exposure under the shelter of their mother’s wings, we find refuge from the dangers of the world under the shelter of our Great God’s wings of protecting care. Whenever world events, personal temptations, stresses, betrayals, or sorrows come upon us, God gathers us under the wings of Christ’s protecting love. As Joachim Neander wrote in 1680, “Then to thy need, God as a mother doth speed, spreading the wings of grace o’er thee.”
Affectionately,
Ric
Wednesday 17 May 2023
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. – Psalm 91:1
On a hot summer day, the shadow of a cloud provides welcome relief from the sun’s scorching heat. After a long and tiring day, the shadow cast by our homes offers a welcome invitation to enter a time of rest. Throughout the joys and sorrows of our lives, the shadow of our Almighty, Loving God covers us. God’s shadow assures us that we are always living under the care of Jesus. And Jesus is our shelter forever. As the song declares, “Under the shadow of thy throne, still may we dwell secure; sufficient is thine arm alone, and our defense is sure.”
Affectionately,
Ric
Tuesday 16 May 2023
18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” – Luke 1:18
While Zechariah the priest is in the Most Holy Place of the Jerusalem temple burning incense as an offering to the Lord, Gabriel the angel appears before him bringing good news that his wife Elizabeth will at last have a child – something the couple had long given up hope of enjoying now that she was beyond child bearing years. Zechariah’s reply to the great news, “How can I be sure of this?” He was filled with doubt. Have you ever doubted God’s ability? Have you ever dismissed God’s plan for your life? Are there times when God’s vision for you makes little sense? You are in good company! Please offer your doubt’s dismissals and questions to Jesus, who bring us to places of understanding, wisdom and acceptance.
Affectionately,
Ric
Saturday 14 May 2023
5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. – Genesis 45:5
Forgiveness brings freedom. Forgiveness frees us from the control the wrongdoer has over us. Forgiveness releases us from the grip of bitterness. Forgiveness liberates us from the pain we suffer. Forgiveness emancipates us from the need to get even. Forgiveness is not pretending the wrong never happened. Joseph never pretends his brothers did not wrong him. Most importantly, forgiveness enables us to see how God works all things together for good.
Affectionately,
Ric
Friday 12 May 2023
3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. – Genesis 45:3
The sight of his ten half-brothers and his beloved younger brother Benjamin overwhelms Joseph with emotion. Joseph’s deep love for God leads him to embark on the unpleasant journey of working through his deep pain and strong anger so that he can forgive them. Joseph does not reveal himself to his brothers until he is ready to forgive them. But his half-brothers are terrified when they learn that the leader of Egypt is Joseph! After all, they sold into slavery. Joseph’s forgiveness frees his brothers from paying the penalty they deserve to pay. More importantly, Joseph’s forgiveness frees Joseph from pain, anger, bitterness, and hatred. Forgiveness always brings freedom.
Affectionately,
Ric
Thursday 11 May 2023
18 Then Judah went up to him and said: “Pardon your servant, my lord, let me speak a word to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, though you are equal to Pharaoh himself. – Genesis 44:18
With their supplies replenished the eleven sons of Jacob begin traveling home to Canaan. Unbeknownst to them Joseph had his silver cup slipped into Benjamin’s sack as a setup which forces the detention of all eleven and the arrest of Benjamin. Desperate to rescue his half-brother, Judah begs Joseph to keep him in exchange for Benjamin’s freedom. Years earlier, Judah was the one who sold Joseph into Midianite slavery (Gen. 37:27). What an extraordinary turn of events. The slave is now the master, and the bullying big brother is begging for mercy. When we are victims of wrongdoing, God works through the pain we suffer, bringing blessings in ways we cannot imagine. Never lose hope!
Affectionately,
Ric
Wednesday 10 May 2023
13 “Take your brother also and go back to the man at once. 14 And may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.” – Genesis 43:13-14
The famine forces Jacob to send his sons once again to “the man” who distributes food in Egypt. With great distress, he allows his youngest son Benjamin to make the trip to full fulfill the man’s requirement. Better to lose another son and live in misery than to be responsible for the starving deaths of everyone under his care. Meanwhile Joseph is holding Simeon captive in Egypt. The deep hurt and strong anger in Joseph, caused by the wrongs inflicted upon him are leading Joseph to use his power to punish his brothers. Forgiveness hasn’t happened yet. When we let hurt and anger inform our decisions, the pain we suffer intensifies, the bars to our prison of bitterness grow stronger, and often others who have not wronged us suffer. Forgiveness is the only path to healing, freedom and peace.
Affectionately,
Ric
Tuesday 9 May 2023
7 As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. “Where do you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied, “to buy food.” 8 Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. – Genesis 42:7-8
Many years had passed since Joseph’s nine older brothers sold him into slavery. The last thing they ever imagine is that Joseph will be Egypt’s second most powerful leader. The famine ravaging the land brings the estranged brothers together. Seeing his brothers for the first time since he was a teenager – feelings of anger, bitterness, maybe even hatred flood Joseph’s spirit. In this moment, Joseph must choose to despise his brothers who wronged him so terribly, or to begin doing the difficult work of forgiveness. Forgiving those who wrong us is tough work that takes time. Forgiveness does not happen overnight. But forgiveness is work worth doing because forgiveness leads to our freedom.
Affectionately,
Ric
Saturday 6 May 2023
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Psalm 84:11
Is your walk through life blameless? Mine is not. But Jesus’ life is. And Jesus lovingly shares all of God’s good gifts with everyone. God’s gifts are cleansing forgiveness; unconditional love; joyous strength; and abundant life that goes on even when life in this world ends. God gifts us with people who faithfully stay with us through all life’s circumstances. God gives us courage to serve those in need. We receive from God courage to listen to, learn from be grateful for all people. Praise be to God for the abundance of gifts we receive through Jesus!
Affectionately,
Ric
Friday 5 May 2023
10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. – Psalm 84:10
Enjoying the presence, love, forgiveness, and blessings of God for a single day is infinitely better than spending a thousand days outside of God’s care. Our strong bodies, comfortable bank accounts, and jobs will eventually break down. God will never fail us. Jesus loves us enough to give up His life for us. God who loves us, knows us well enough to give us what we really need: true happiness, unconditional love, forgiveness, a friendship that never fails, and life that lasts forever. I would much rather live only a single day enjoying God’s love than a thousand without the Lord. How about you?
Affectionately,
Ric
Thursday 4 May 2023
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. – Psalm 84:4
One of the blessings of pastoring the New Room is that I get to spend time in five of God’s houses. Two or three days each week I find myself in one of the New Room sanctuaries soaking in the beauty of Jesus. There is something special about God’s house. It is the peace, beauty, and presence of Jesus filling the space at East Berlin, Kensington, Meriden, Middletown and South Meriden. For the thirty-one years I have served as a pastor, entering God’s house has always been special moment for me. Did you know that blessed can also mean happy? When we are in God’s house experiencing fellowship with God’s people and with Jesus, we experience true happiness.
Affectionately,
Ric
Daily Faith Builder
Wednesday 3 May 2023
1 How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! 3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. – Psalm 84:1,3
We usually call God’s dwelling place a sanctuary. A sanctuary is a place of protection and restoration. Because God is with us everywhere, any place can be a sanctuary. Any place can be a place of protection and restoration. Whenever we come into God’s presence, we experience protecting care that restores us. God’s protecting and restoring care is for all people and all creation. Whenever we feel frightened, we can be assured that our God, Jesus Christ, is our protection and restoration.
Affectionately,
Ric
Tuesday 2 May 2023
2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. – Psalm 84:2
On the days I don’t have lunch until 2:00 p.m. I feel like my body is crying out for food. Our souls are like our bodies – they need a steady diet of God’s presence and love. When we deny ourselves time with Jesus through prayer, solitude, worship Bible reading our spirits grow weary, and we feel pangs of hunger for God’s presence. Please be sure Make to feed your soul by spending time with Jesus.
Affectionately,
Ric
Saturday 28 April 2023
25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. – John 21:25
John closes his account of Jesus’ life with the wonderful declaration that if every one of Jesus’ works were written down, the whole world could not contain the books that would be written. Jesus’ ministry doesn’t end when He ascends to heaven. Jesus is working for good in our lives this very moment. And Jesus has been working for good in our lives since the moment we came into existence. The world would be unable to contain books describing all Jesus does because Jesus I still very busy doing good and saving the world. What has Jesus done for you this week? How is Jesus living through you to bring God’s love to others? What story is Jesus writing through our lives?
Affectionately,
Ric
Friday 28 April 2023
20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” – John 21:20-21
It is tough for Peter to keep his focus on his own relationship with Jesus. “What about him?” Peter asks Jesus about John. When we focus on our own relationship with Jesus, we become more gracious, more loving, more joyous, and more faithful. When we worry about the spiritual state of others, we become cranky, rules-oriented, and close-minded. The best way to ensure that others experience the love of Jesus through us is by focusing on our relationship with Jesus.
Affectionately,
Ric
Thursday 27 April 2023
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” – John 21:15
Shortly before denying he ever knew Jesus, Peter assures the Lord that even if the others fall away, he will remain faithful. When the risen Lord comes to Peter, asking if Peter loves Jesus more than the others, Peter simply says, “You know that I love you.” Peter is learning not to get caught in the comparison trap. Comparing ourselves to others always leads to discontent and disappointment. There will always be someone stronger, smarter, wealthier than we are. When we stop comparison living, we enjoy being the people God created us to be, and we experience the peaceful contentment of Jesus.
Affectionately,
Ric
Wednesday 26 April 2023
30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. – John 20:30-31
The risen Jesus enjoys time with His disciples: eating with them (showing that His resurrected body is not a ghost); giving them the gift of a miraculous catch of fish (which reminds Peter of the day Jesus first called him to be a fisher of people); offering Peter forgiveness and a call to follow once again. God gives us the stories of Jesus so that we may believe Jesus is the Messiah. What is your favorite story of Jesus? How does this story strengthen your faith and bring joy to your life?
Affectionately,
Ric
Tuesday 25 April 2023
29 Then Jesus told [Thomas], “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:29
After missing Jesus’ visit, Thomas is present the following week when Jesus returns. The Lord invites Thomas to put his fingers into the nail holes, and his hand in Jesus’ spear punctured side. Immediately Thomas believes. Jesus responds with a blessing for all who believe but have not physically seen Him. This blessing is for us. Think of the things and people who nurture your faith in Jesus, and please take some time to thank God for them. Throughout the day, please remember that Jesus has a special blessing for you, because even though you have not seen Jesus with your eyes, you do believe!
Affectionately,
Ric
Monday 24 April 2023
24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” – John 20:24-25
Thomas is not present when the risen Jesus appears. Thomas needs more than stories from his friends if he is to believe Jesus rose from the dead. Thomas needs proof. While I cannot call up the risen Jesus to stand before you, here are some signs that prove to me Jesus is alive: The Church still exists; People freely offering forgiveness; Unconditional love offered with no agendas; The resilience of creation despite the ways we mistreat it; People possessing peace, joy, and hope during terrible trials. These are signs that Jesus is alive and working all things together for good. What signs prove to you that Jesus is alive? Please let me know.
Affectionately,
Ric
Saturday 22 April 2023
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” – John 20:19
Fear leads the disciples to lock their doors. Fear often leads us not only to lock the doors in our homes, but to lock the doors of our hearts, minds and lives. Fear causes us to close ourselves off to opportunities, relationships, experiences and blessings that Jesus has for us. What do we fear? When we offer our fears to Jesus, God’s peace enters our hearts, leaving no room for fearful anxiety.
Affectionately,
Ric
Friday 21 April 2023
18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. – John 20:18
“I have seen the Lord!” When and where have we experienced the presence of Jesus? Was it while singing a song or listening to music? Did we experience Jesus while enjoying a sunrise or sunset? Have we seen Jesus during a time of prayer or while reading the Bible? Maybe we encountered Jesus while enjoying Holy Communion, or a delicious meal. Jesus is alive and He is showing Himself to us in wonderful and creative ways. Lke Mary Magdalene, we encounter Jesus in the most surprising places and at the most unexpected times.
Affectionately,
Ric
Thursday 20 April 2023
17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” – John 20:17
Upon experiencing the most wonderful surprise of her life, Mary Magdalene hugs Jesus with all her strength. Jesus’ response is, “Do not hold on to me…” Hmm. Mary is hoping things will be as they were before Jesus’ death. But Easter changes everything. Jesus is alive, and things are different. There are times in our lives when we cling to the past. Remembering the past is essential. Clinging to what was prevents us from experiencing the rich blessings Jesus has for us in the present, and the bright plans Jesus has for our future.
Affectionately,
Ric
Wednesday 19 April 2023
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). – John 20:16
Believing the stranger outside Jesus’ burial cave is a cemetery groundskeeper who may know the whereabouts of the Lord’s body fills Mary’s heart with hope. Through her tears, Mary asks the man to bring her to the body. The stranger replies with one word, “Mary”. Instantly Mary recognizes Jesus. He is alive! The risen Jesus speaks Mary’s name and hope is reborn. From the very worst comes the very best. Good Friday gives birth to Easter Sunday. At this very moment, Jesus is speaking your name and assuring you that from your very worst will come the very best.
Affectionately,
Ric
Holy Saturday 8 April 2023
62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.” – Matthew 27:62-64
The planners of Jesus’ execution are afraid that Jesus’ followers will break into the tomb, steal His body and tell everyone He rose from the dead. They cannot imagine Jesus breaking out of the tomb. No one can. Not even Jesus’ closest friends. But Jesus works in ways we cannot imagine, doing things we don’t expect and bringing life to places of darkness and death. Today there is terrible bad in the world. And Jesus is working in ways we cannot imagine, doing things we don’t expect, bringing God’s abundant, joyous, resurrection life.
Affectionately,
Ric
Good Friday 7 April 2023
32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. – Matthew 27:32
Simon of Cyrene is in Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. Curious about Jesus’ death march, Simon presses to the street’s edge where a Roman soldier grabs Simon, pulling him towards a battered man, slumped on the ground. The solider orders Simon to carry Jesus’ cross. Silently, Simon picks up the heavy cross, positions it on his shoulder and carries Jesus’ burden to the execution site. Simon carries the cross for Jesus. Jesus goes to the cross for Simon and for all humanity. Compared with Jesus’ burden, Simon’s burden is small. But taking up the cross changes Simon’s life forever, just as taking up the cross and following Jesus changes us.
Affectionately,
Ric
Holy Thursday 6 April 2023
14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. – Luke 22:14-15
Jesus eagerly gathers his closest friends around Him to celebrate one last Passover, celebrating God freeing the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery by sending an angel of death to Egypt who visits every house whose doorframe is not brushed with the blood of a lamb, and passing over each home whose door frame is red with lamb’s blood. Only the Hebrew homes were brushed with lamb’s blood.
When Jesus creates Holy Communion during his last Passover supper, he becomes the new Passover Lamb, whose blood is shed to free us from slavery to fear, wrongdoing, insecurity, isolation, anxiety and death. What do you need to be freed from on this Holy Thursday? Offer it to Jesus, our Passover Lamb who sets us free.
Affectionately,
Ric
Holy Tuesday 4 April 2023
17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” 18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” 21 “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” – Matthew 22:17-21
Hoping to use Jesus’ words against him, the religious leaders send professors and lawyers to trap Jesus with the “perfect question.” It’s a perfect trap in their minds because they assume Jesus is an “either/or” thinker. But Jesus gives a “both/and” answer to their “either/or” question. Jesus says, “Give to the government and give to God. There’s room for both. “Either/or” answers usually take little thought or faith. “Both/And” thinking requires thoughtful faith, humility, and a deep love for Jesus. There’s always a “both/and” answer if we search with hearts and minds of Faith to find it.
Affectionately,
Ric
Friday 31 March 2023
51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. – Mark 10:51-52
“Rabbi, I want to see,” blind Bartimaeus says to Jesus. What do you want Jesus to do for you? Today please be sure to share your desires and needs with Jesus. As the wonderful song says, “Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” Bring your needs to Jesus, trusting that Jesus will care for you.
Affectionately,
Ric
Thursday 30 March 2023
1 We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. – Psalm 75:1
God comes near to us in so many wonderful ways. The Holy Spirit makes Jesus come alive in our hearts. The Bible fills our minds with God’s living words. The joy of the Lord fills us with strength. Support we receive from our church family assures us that Jesus is near to us. How does God draw near to you? Whatever is happening in our lives, God always draws near to us to love, forgive, encourage and strengthen us.
Affectionately,
Ric
Wednesday 29 March 2023
21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” – Mark 9:21-24
Desperate to see his son healed, but losing confidence, the man says to Jesus, “If you can…” The dad’s response is wonderfully honest. The dad’s honesty opens him to a transforming conversation with Jesus that leads him to declare, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” There are times when disbelief creeps into our relationship with Jesus. We experience disappointments that make it feel like God is far away and disinterested. When this is how we feel we need to be honest with Jesus, so that we can be open to receiving God’s healing grace.
Affectionately,
Ric
Monday 27 March 2023
5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. – Psalm 71:5
When we are young, we place our confidence in our appearance, our energy, and the many years we have ahead of us. When we are older our confidence rests in our experience, our wisdom, and our network of connections. And no matter our age, money is a source of confidence. But these sources of confidence are fleeting and fickle. There is however, a constant source of confidence – Jesus. When we place our trust in Jesus, we more fully enjoy these gifts because they are no longer the source of our confidence. Rather they are blessings to enjoy for as long as we possess them. But when they depart, we will still have Jesus, who fills us wit hope and confidence.
Affectionately,
Ric
Saturday 25 March 2023
14 Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. 15 Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.” – Mark 7:14-15
Our thoughts and feelings shape our actions. Honest conversations with God about what we are feeling and thinking keeps Christ at the center of what we feel and how we think. Jesus has the power to heal our hurting feelings and transform our unclean thoughts. With Christ at the center of our feelings and thoughts, the things we do will be loving and faithful.
Affectionately,
Ric
Friday 24 March 2023
5 But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay. – Psalm 70:5
Each of us lacks something in life. It might be health, financial security, friendship, a life-partner, job security, happiness, contentment? Do we need forgiveness, freedom, healing, peace, release, renewal, a new perspective? All of us, in one way or another, are poor and needy. Every day, Jesus invites us to open our hearts so we may receive his gracious, saving, providing care. Jesus is with us delivering us, providing for us, and holding us.
Affectionately,
Ric
Thursday 23 March 2023
37 People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” – Mark 7:37
“He has done everything well,” is the people’s reaction after Jesus heals a man who is deaf and cannot speak. I love this declaration. Jesus does everything well. What has Jesus done well for us? The gifts Jesus gives us are rooted in his love for us. Jesus’ saving love leads him to do everything well. When it comes to Jesus there is no mediocrity. When we invite Jesus to live his life through us, we receive the ability to show the grace, love, forgiveness, joy, and kindness of Jesus very well.
Affectionately,
Ric
Wednesday 22 March 2023
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. – Mark 5:1
Crossing to the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee is a big event for Jesus and His disciples. Across the lake are the gentiles. Across the lake are people who are different – with different beliefs, a different way of living and a different perspective on life. Jesus crosses the lake because no matter how different these people are – they are created in God’s image. They are people who need to experience Jesus’ saving grace. Who are the different people in our lives? It’s time to “cross the lake” and discover the beauty of these people whom Jesus loves.
Affectionately,
Ric
Tuesday 21 March 2023
9 Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, Lord, you who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ 10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps. – Genesis 32:9
Throughout his life, Jacob had been a shrewd conniver. After spending his adult in self-imposed exile for fear of his brother Esau’s vengeful anger, God calls Jacob to come home to Canaan. Realizing his obedience could mean death, Jacob celebrates the undeserved blessings he enjoys from God. Like Jacob, we do not deserve the blessings of God’s kindness and faithfulness. Since we don’t deserve God’s love, we cannot earn God’s love. If we cannot earn God’s love, we cannot lose God’s love. There is nothing we can do that will make God love us less. Living Faith is all about receiving and enjoying God’s love by loving Jesus, who loves pouring His blessings upon us, and invitees us to bless others.
Affectionately,
Ric
Monday 20 March 2023
31 [The Kingdom of God] is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” – Mark 4:31-32
The Kingdom of God is everywhere we find the presence, power, love and life of Jesus. Like a Mustard seed the Kingdom of God starts out small with every act of kindness done in Jesus’ name. God’s kingdom grows large enough to offer the life-giving presence, power and love of Jesus to everyone in ways that transform the world. When we love Jesus, we become the ones through whom God’s kingdom comes to others. Each time we pray, “Thy kingdom come…” we allow Jesus to work through us to bring God’s presence, power, love and life to others. Who in our lives needs to experience the Kingdom of God today??
Affectionately,
Ric