The gift of ourselves

26 May 2014 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , , ,

“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary. ~John 10:11 (MSG)

Part of being a Christian is following Jesus’ example. Even to lay down our life for other people. We are called to be Christ to others and here we see in this passage that Jesus is willing to put his life on the line for those He is in relationship with. When we are willing to share with others our sorrows and joys, our despair and hope, our loneliness and experience of intimacy it makes our lives available to others as a source of new life.

It can be easy to be overwhelmed with all the pain and suffering I see around me. I have to remind myself not to put on blinders of protection. I am not here to solve the problems of the whole world, but I am here to be a helping hand to those God has put me in relationship with.

In his book Bread for the Journey, Henri J.M. Nouwen says, “One of the greatest gifts we can give others is ourselves.  We offer consolation and comfort, especially in moments of crisis, when we say:  ‘Do not be afraid, I know what you are living and I am living it with you.  You are not alone.’  Thus we become Christ-like shepherds.”

Father in heaven,  may I not be so busy in my life to notice the pain and suffering of those I have been called to be in relationship with. Help me to be willing to share out of my life in order that someone else might be able to fine hope in You. Help me to be a light pointing to Your love. Amen.

The Bible tells me so…

23 May 2014 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , ,

We have known and have believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who remain in love remain in God and God remains in them. 1 John 4:16 (CEB)

When my son was little and starting to say his bed time prayers on his own, he naturally began his prayers with no prompting from me, “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so” and then he would move into blessing everyone he could think of, ask for good sleep and for safety through the night. Until I heard the words from my son’s mouth I never really thought about the fact that we know God’s love because the Bible tells us so.

It is so easy to go about our everyday life saying the words that God loves us without ever really knowing just what it is that we are saying.  The knowledge of God’s love should not be just some biblical fact which we adsorbed as a child but it should be a living reality in our lives. Look again at verse 16, God is love. He doesn’t just love me, He is love. The verse goes on to tell us that those who remain in love remain in God and God remains in them.

How do I remain in God’s love?  John 14:21 says, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” What are the commandments to keep? Matthew 22:37-39 says, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself”

It is not enough just to know that God loves me. I must live my life in such a way that I remain in God’s love. To remain in God’s love I should love my neighbor as myself. When I love others, I am in God’s love.

Gracious God, your commands are stated simple enough for a child to grasp but sometimes it slips right by us and we forget what you want of us. You want us to love each other in all we do and say. Lord help me this day to love those around me as the Bible tells me to love. Amen.

God’s confidence

22 May 2014 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , ,

“When you are handed over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes, because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you.” ~Matthew 10:19-20 (CEB)

It is easy to sit at home and contemplate deep Godly thoughts. But if things got rough could I stand up for Jesus or would I turn away. Would I be like Peter and deny Him? God doesn’t want us to worry about these moments of trials. As long as we maintain an intimate relationship with God we have the confidence that the Holy Spirit is with us. When the time comes that we have to stand up for what we believe we can count on the Holy Spirit to give us the words that we need.

God wants us to be confident in all that we do for Him. Ephesians 6:10 says “Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and his powerful strength.” Spending time in His word and in prayer helps to build and maintain an intimate relationship with God. The more I know of the Bible the stronger my words will be when it counts. If I hide His word in my heart it will find its way to my mouth in times of trial.

Despite the fact that I do not like to debate and that I want to avoid confrontations, even I can be confident in Christ. I can rest assured that if a moment comes that I must speak for Him, the Holy Spirit will walk me through the encounter feeding me the words that need to be said.

Gracious Lord, I find comfort knowing that at times of trial the Holy Spirit will stand with me. Help me build and maintain an intimate relationship with You so that I may feel the strength of Your Holy Spirit. Amen

The power of words

21 May 2014 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , , ,

“With lots of words comes wrongdoing, but the wise restrain their lips.” ~Proverbs 10:19 (CEB)

Words are powerful. Because our words carry so much power, it is important that we learn to say only what is essential. Benjamin Franklin said, “He that would live in peace and at ease must not speak all he knows or sees.” Oh that I could learn this lesson… when to keep my mouth shut! Once the words are out there you can’t take it back. You can apologize for things that you have said, but you can never retrieve them.

Something my mother always told us growing up was, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” This is good advice! We should restrain our lips from negative speech, gossip, sarcasm, insincere flattery, coarse jesting, or being funny in a rude way. Instead we should use our mouth to encourage others, looking for and finding the good qualities in people, choosing to speak well of those around us.

This positive speaking of others also helps to adjust our attitude towards those we come in contact with frequently. What our mouth speaks our heart soon believes. If I can speak positively about someone I deal with daily, my attitude towards that person can improve even if they are not my favorite person to deal with!

Guard my words O Lord, may they reflect your love to the world around me. Help me to remember that sometimes silence is wiser than anything I might choose to say. Amen.

Singleness of heart

18 May 2014 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , , , ,

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. ~Luke 10:27 (CEB)

Lord, may neither time nor circumstance alter your call to me. Lead me through storm and trial, times of ease and times of diffiuclty, and grant grace that I may always be faithful to you and to your call. May I go gladly where you send me, even to that task so difficult and unappealing that no one else will go. All I ask is that you do with me and remind ethat I am where you have asked me to be. And one more thing, if it is possible, may some good some of my call, not to me, but to your people, your kingdom, and the world you love. Amen. ~Norman Shawchuck, A Guide to Prayer for all Who Walk with God.

Offspring of the Creative One

10 May 2014 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , , , ,

When I look up at your skies,

at what your fingers made—

the moon and the stars

that you set firmly in place—

what are human beings

that you think about them;

what are human beings

that you pay attention to them?

You’ve made them only slightly less than divine,

crowning them with glory and grandeur. ~Psalm 6:3-5 (CEB)

One of the things that I love about running first thing in the morning is that it gives me time and space to see the beauty around me. Running is about as “still” as I can get sometimes. What I mean is that there are so many noises around me. So many things that pull at my attention. Most of it seems to stem from technology. Technology is a wonderful,but it is hard to get away from it. Sometimes I even feel enslaved to it. When I run,it is a time that I can truly get away from all screens and distractions and my mind begins to wander. I think my best talks with God and observations about the world around me happen when I run. When I run, I can find that still quiet voice that lives inside of me.

Because technology seems to crowd into more and more of our “still” time, I can’t help but be aware of the dangers of losing touch with God. Time is given less and less in creative endeavors. Writing, drawing, painting, and gardening all tap into that part of me that reminds me that I am the offspring of a Divine Creator. When I create, my soul converses with God. When I create, wisdom often emerges out of my soul’s conversation with The Creator; the truth is smaller and less universal.

Karla M. Kincannon, in her book Creativity and Divine Surprise says, “While we exile creativity to distant corners of our existence, our ability to perceive the things of God in our life and in the life of the world radically diminishes. Without creativity we are deaf to God’s call; what we are to be and do remains a conundrum. The truth of our existence lies in the heart of God, and if we cannot perceive the Divine Presence, we cannot make meaning of our days.”

Lord, help me find meaning in this day. Help me search for Your voice in all I do. May I take time to look around me at all Your creation so that I may remember that You have formed us to join you in the work of shaping the world. A world that reflects Your design for unity in diversity among all your creations. Inspire in me today a holy creativity greater than I could ask for or imagine. Amen.

Play we must

29 Apr 2014 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , , , , ,

“Happy are people who are hopeless, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

“Happy are people who grieve, because they will be made glad.

“Happy are people who are humble, because they will inherit the earth.

“Happy are people who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, because they will be fed until they are full.

“Happy are people who show mercy, because they will receive mercy.

“Happy are people who have pure hearts, because they will see God.

“Happy are people who make peace, because they will be called God’s children.

“Happy are people whose lives are harassed because they are righteous, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

“Happy are you when people insult you and harass you and speak all kinds of bad and false things about you, all because of me. Be full of joy and be glad, because you have a great reward in heaven. In the same way, people harassed the prophets who came before you. ~Matthe5 5:3-12 (CEB)

“Nothing surpasses the holiness of those who have learned perfect acceptance of everything that is.

In the game of cards called life one plays the hand one is dealt to the best of one’s ability.

Those who insist on playing, not the hand they were give, but the one they insist they should have been dealt- these are life’s failures.

We are not asked if we will play. That is not an option. Play we must. The option is how.” ~From Taking Flight by Anthony de Mello

Lord God, Creator and Redeemer, claim my life and ministry for Your high and holy purpose. Help me to remain faithful and steadfast all day long, and when evening comes grant a peaceful rest in Your presence. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

To follow

28 Apr 2014 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , , , ,

“I assure you that when you were younger you tied your own belt and walked around wherever you wanted. When you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and another will tie your belt and lead you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to show the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. After saying this, Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me.” ~John 21:18-19 (CEB)

“To follow Jesus Christ, who was betrayed, wept, bled, and died before he rose again, is to be at high risk of being taken where we had not intended to go. Eugene Peterson pinpoints the trouble with praying: We are often asked to respond in ways that we never intended when we first began to pray.

It matters little where or in what century we are called to live out our Christian life. The witness of those who have gone before informs my own experience, telling me that we are often taken to places where we receive unwarranted accolades and to other places where we receive unwarranted suffering and pain. A disciple, one who chooses to be student and follower of Jesus, is not a ‘self-made person’ and is not on a personally designed journey.

The key word in this theme is taken. Just as Jesus was taken into the wilderness after his baptism, so we are taken into the experiences  of discipleship that we do not necessarily choose for ourselves. We choose to follow Jesus and then Jesus chooses where we will go. It is that simple.

The saving truth here is not that we are taken where we do not want to go; rather the saving truth is that we are not alone. There is One who leads us and foes with us. Jesus arose from baptism and ;the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness’ (Mark 1:12). But even there the angels (messengers of God) were with him and tended to his needs. While we may not choose the place to go, we can choose to remain with the One who sends us and there find comfort, companionship, grace, peace, and joy.” ~Ruben P. Job

Almighty God, help me this day to present my body as a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to you. By the power of Your holy spirit make us strong to fulfill my ministry this day. In the name of Christ. Amen.

Poured out

27 Apr 2014 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , , , ,

Therefore, my loved ones, just as you always obey me, not just when I am present but now even more while I am away, carry out your own salvation with fear and trembling. God is the one who enables you both to want and to actually live out his good purposes. Do everything without grumbling and arguing so that you may be blameless and pure, innocent children of God surrounded by people who are crooked and corrupt. Among these people you shine like stars in the world because you hold on to the word of life. This will allow me to say on the day of Christ that I haven’t run for nothing or worked for nothing. But even if I am poured out like a drink offering upon the altar of service for your faith, I am glad. I’m glad with all of you. You should be glad about this in the same way. Be glad with me! ~Philippians 2:12-18(CEB)

At a baptismal service recently, I was deeply impressed when the pastor did not dip his hand into a baptismal font already filled with water. Instead he took a pitcher, lifted his arm above his head, and poured the water into the font, creating a small waterfall. As he poured, he gave us scriptural verses on the water of life as a direct, loving energy from God that blesses and heals and flows from within us, through us, beyond us.

We begin to see our daily acts of love as flowing like a river from our center, and poured out on the dry and needy lands around us. Our actions become not willpower but released gestures of pouring, flowing.

When the woman of Bethany came to Jesus and poured precious ointment on his head, it was a released gesture of generous love. ‘She has done a beautiful thing to me,’ said Jesus to those who were scandalized at such an act.

To do a ‘beautiful thing’ to God in released, responsive love is intended to be the only source for the Christian’s words and actions. As one of my students once said to me, ‘The Christian is release from perfectionism to being a love of life.’” ~From Release by Flora Slosson Wuellner

Lord of life and love, help me to worship You in the holiness of beauty, that some beauty of holiness may appear to me. Quiet my soul in Your presence with the stillness of a wise trust. Lift me above dark moods, and the shadow of sin, that I may find Your will for my life; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen

To know Him

26 Apr 2014 Leave a comment

by jennifermcintyreblog in Devotions Tags: , , , , , , , ,

My little children, I’m writing these things to you so that you don’t sin. But if you do sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. He is God’s way of dealing with our sins, not only ours but the sins of the whole world. This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments. The one who claims, “I know him,” while not keeping his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in this person. But the love of God is truly perfected in whoever keeps his word. This is how we know we are in him. The one who claims to remain in him ought to live in the same way as he lived. ~1John 2:1-6 (CEB)

“We may see that to live as Jesus did is to experience what it means to be beloved sons and daughters of God. The more we know our belovedness, the more freely we may live by the measure of Jesus’ own example in the power of loving humility and transforming mercy. Here lie the spiritual roots of forgiveness and reconciliation. But the possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation can be as difficult to embrace as the notion of our belovedness.” ~From The Way of Forgiveness, Participant’s Book by Marjorie J. Thompson

Lord Jesus Christ, You have shown me what it means to be a servant. I ask now for Your grace and strength to faithfully follow in the footsteps of servanthood. I pray in Your name and spirit. Amen.

Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries