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