Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: Psalm 51:10 (NIV) Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
First, David sees Bathsheeba bathing from his palace, he lusts after her, sends for her, commits adultery with her, she gets pregnant, he has her husband killed in battle to cover up his sin, then Nathan the Prophet confronts David about the scandal. David’s heart has become evil. Nathan confronts him, because David is no longer worthy of leading the Israelites. God has seen everything.
After this confrontation is when Psalm 51 begins. In the beginning of the chapter, we see David pleading for mercy, forgiveness and cleansing. When David realizes that Nathan is talking about him, he falls to his knees and seeks forgiveness from God. David doesn’t try to hide anything, because he realizes he can’t hide anything from God. He can lie to his men, but he knows God has seen every wicked event in his life. David is trapped in a corner, but instead of fighting back or trying to rationalize his deeds away, he falls to his knees. This is the kind of humility God expects of us when we turn from him and sin.
Midway through Chapter 51, David asks that God “create in me a pure heart” and “a steadfast spirit.” David knows that he must start life anew, and the most important thing is that he have a changed heart. David knows that his desires led him astray, and he knows he needs a heart transplant of sorts. Whenever we sin and fall from God, it means our own desires have overcome his desires for us. We have fallen to our fleshly desires. David wants a heart that seeks the desires of God’s heart. This does not wipe out the natural consequences of his sin, though, and David isn’t looking for that.
Sin is fun for a season, but in the end, it is always ugly. It can dominate our lives, especially sexual sin. Today is no different than 3,000 years ago with David and Bathsheeba. Sexual sin is still rampant among us. Adultery is still prevalent, particularly around pornography. Just as David had to rid his heart of sexual sin, we, too, must rid our lives of pornography. We must clean up our hard drives, maybe even shut off our computers for 40 days in order to get away from what makes us fall into Satan’s trap. Rid our house of magazines and smut. Throw every trace of the sin away. We must start over. As long as the temptation is still around, we cannot have a “pure heart.” It takes a “steadfast spirit” to overcome sexual sin. Sex cannot be an idol that separates us from God. Seek God, as David did, and ask him to cleanse our hearts.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, purify our hearts. Help us to turn from sexual sin, as a nation, and to seek you with all our hearts. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 72
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/july.asp?version=51
Monday, July 06, 2009
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Listen for God’s wisdom
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: Psalm 49:1-3, 20 (NIV) Hear this, all you peoples;
listen, all who live in this world,
both low and high,
rich and poor alike:
My mouth will speak words of wisdom;
the utterance from my heart will give understanding. …
A man who has riches without understanding
is like the beasts that perish.
There are many in America today praying that God will use this financial calamity to bring people to their knees to honor God. I am one of those people. I believe that God angry that our country has turned its back on him in favor of other gods – namely, money. Pornography, abortion, gambling, credit cards, big houses, fancy cards, big boy toys, electronic gadgets, et cetera, et cetera, ad nauseum.
It’s all about the Benjamins. Always has been, always will be. Throughout history, people have pursued money with a vengeance and forsaken God. Much of the story of the Israelites is about them turning from God and following the ungodly nations that surrounded them. God was in a constant tug of war over their hearts. The prospect of riches hardened people’s hearts toward God. Nothing new there.
Today is no different in America. People are getting rich over global warming and being green, all in the name of Mother Earth, the newest god. Politicians are lining their pockets with money from abortionists and gay rights groups. All the while, the people believe the messages being spouted and they forget the words that God has given us. We are in our current financial climate because of greed. We are mired in this money mess because people turned from God’s ways and went in search of wealth.
Now, we are a nation facing the consequences of that greed. People over-extended. People took out loans they shouldn’t have. Investments once thought sound went sour. Countless couples divorced under a mound of credit card debt because they bought too many fun things without the up-front capital. Digging out of this disaster will not be easy. If we try to get out the same way we got in, we will be stuck in the muck for a long time. The answer is to seek God’s word, which gives us wisdom. All those who have or had riches without understanding are lost. Without God, life is meaningless. Perhaps a few of those once-wealthy people brought to their knees will realize that they are in this position for a reason. You’re already down on your knees; you ‘bout as well pray and seek God’s ways, not your own.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to listen for your words of wisdom. Help me to tone out the ways of the world, and to follow only your voice. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 70
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/july.asp?version=51
Scripture: Psalm 49:1-3, 20 (NIV) Hear this, all you peoples;
listen, all who live in this world,
both low and high,
rich and poor alike:
My mouth will speak words of wisdom;
the utterance from my heart will give understanding. …
A man who has riches without understanding
is like the beasts that perish.
There are many in America today praying that God will use this financial calamity to bring people to their knees to honor God. I am one of those people. I believe that God angry that our country has turned its back on him in favor of other gods – namely, money. Pornography, abortion, gambling, credit cards, big houses, fancy cards, big boy toys, electronic gadgets, et cetera, et cetera, ad nauseum.
It’s all about the Benjamins. Always has been, always will be. Throughout history, people have pursued money with a vengeance and forsaken God. Much of the story of the Israelites is about them turning from God and following the ungodly nations that surrounded them. God was in a constant tug of war over their hearts. The prospect of riches hardened people’s hearts toward God. Nothing new there.
Today is no different in America. People are getting rich over global warming and being green, all in the name of Mother Earth, the newest god. Politicians are lining their pockets with money from abortionists and gay rights groups. All the while, the people believe the messages being spouted and they forget the words that God has given us. We are in our current financial climate because of greed. We are mired in this money mess because people turned from God’s ways and went in search of wealth.
Now, we are a nation facing the consequences of that greed. People over-extended. People took out loans they shouldn’t have. Investments once thought sound went sour. Countless couples divorced under a mound of credit card debt because they bought too many fun things without the up-front capital. Digging out of this disaster will not be easy. If we try to get out the same way we got in, we will be stuck in the muck for a long time. The answer is to seek God’s word, which gives us wisdom. All those who have or had riches without understanding are lost. Without God, life is meaningless. Perhaps a few of those once-wealthy people brought to their knees will realize that they are in this position for a reason. You’re already down on your knees; you ‘bout as well pray and seek God’s ways, not your own.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to listen for your words of wisdom. Help me to tone out the ways of the world, and to follow only your voice. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 70
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/july.asp?version=51
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Joy comes from an awesome God
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: Psalm 47:1 (NIV) Clap your hands, all you nations;
shout to God with cries of joy.
There is a difference between joy and happiness. Happiness tends to be affected by your surroundings. When life is plentiful, it is easy to be happy. Joy, however, seems to be oblivious to surroundings, at least at its core. Joy can be found amid great trials and tribulations. Joy can be found when you least expect it.
Even though I have been unemployed for a month today, I find intermittent times of joy in my life. Each time it happens, I realize it is because of God’s presence in my life, eternally, and at that very moment. I may clap my hands to the beat of a praise song in church on a Sunday morning, or raise them in exultation. I send up a quick prayer, thanking God for that feeling. I have to say, though, that it has been awhile since I truly shouted out to God in utter joy. Perhaps a whisper now and then. I wonder if that is the same thing.
I have found joy in looking at God’s beautiful design, such as the time a few weeks ago when I was hiking with my wife near Squaw Peak at Lake Tahoe. I smiled a broad smile when I was hired to write a simple story that paid very little; God sustained me for another day. I wake up happy that I slept soundly the night before, knowing I had not slept well the previous six months. I cried Sunday morning in church when I heard God’s voice giving me direction. I was gleeful in getting a 90 on my first test in an online class I am taking. I beamed watching my step-son play a song on the guitar that he had picked up only a year ago. I breathed a sigh of relief when my son told me he was hit by a car on campus and no bones were broken, though he was badly bruised. He is still alive.
Where are you finding joy these days? Can you find joy in the little things in life? Because if you can’t, when the big things in life come along, you won’t appreciate them. I have had to learn how to appreciate life, because I spent so much time wanting more and not enjoying the moment enough. The next line in this Psalm says it all: “How awesome is the Lord Most High.” Look around you today and find joy in the little things that God has given you. Then give thanks to the awesome God who provided your moment for you.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to be thankful for the little things. Help me to find joy in everything you give me. You are an awesome God! Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 69
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/july.asp?version=51
Scripture: Psalm 47:1 (NIV) Clap your hands, all you nations;
shout to God with cries of joy.
There is a difference between joy and happiness. Happiness tends to be affected by your surroundings. When life is plentiful, it is easy to be happy. Joy, however, seems to be oblivious to surroundings, at least at its core. Joy can be found amid great trials and tribulations. Joy can be found when you least expect it.
Even though I have been unemployed for a month today, I find intermittent times of joy in my life. Each time it happens, I realize it is because of God’s presence in my life, eternally, and at that very moment. I may clap my hands to the beat of a praise song in church on a Sunday morning, or raise them in exultation. I send up a quick prayer, thanking God for that feeling. I have to say, though, that it has been awhile since I truly shouted out to God in utter joy. Perhaps a whisper now and then. I wonder if that is the same thing.
I have found joy in looking at God’s beautiful design, such as the time a few weeks ago when I was hiking with my wife near Squaw Peak at Lake Tahoe. I smiled a broad smile when I was hired to write a simple story that paid very little; God sustained me for another day. I wake up happy that I slept soundly the night before, knowing I had not slept well the previous six months. I cried Sunday morning in church when I heard God’s voice giving me direction. I was gleeful in getting a 90 on my first test in an online class I am taking. I beamed watching my step-son play a song on the guitar that he had picked up only a year ago. I breathed a sigh of relief when my son told me he was hit by a car on campus and no bones were broken, though he was badly bruised. He is still alive.
Where are you finding joy these days? Can you find joy in the little things in life? Because if you can’t, when the big things in life come along, you won’t appreciate them. I have had to learn how to appreciate life, because I spent so much time wanting more and not enjoying the moment enough. The next line in this Psalm says it all: “How awesome is the Lord Most High.” Look around you today and find joy in the little things that God has given you. Then give thanks to the awesome God who provided your moment for you.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to be thankful for the little things. Help me to find joy in everything you give me. You are an awesome God! Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 69
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/july.asp?version=51
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sit still!
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: Psalm 46:10 (NIV) Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
This is one of the most famous Psalms, and for good reason. It is an important commandment when we are facing strife: Sit back and watch God work. We may see only trouble ahead, but in the end, God promises that He will be exalted, by all people, by all nations. We can't forget His promises during times of trouble.
Whenever we face struggles, this is a verse we should always turn to for comfort. When times are hard, sometimes the best thing we can do is “Be still” and trust in God. It isn't an option; it's a commandment, which means God expects us to just sit there and shut up if we want His best. God does his top work when all seems lost, and we don't know where to turn to. It is the world's way to try and solve our problems on our own; to many, that is the ultimate sign of strength. “I can take care of this” is the world's refrain but not God's. “I did it my way” worked great for Frank Sinatra, but not Christians.
Yet, that isn't what God expects of us. Sometimes, that “full steam ahead” routine is just stubborn pride. We want to prove to others that we are strong and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Whenever we act thusly, we cannot let God shine through. God is infinitely patient and willing for us to wait on him. It's that “Be still” part that seems to get us most often. In this fast-paced world, we don't know how to slow down. In this noisy world of ours, we don't know how to be quiet.
That is exactly what God wants us to do: slow down and listen to him. God is into the process, not the results. If we succeed in life but fail in our relationship with him, we are a failure. God repeatedly reminds us in the Bible to trust him with the outcome. So when you're looking for a job, or trying to keep your house out of foreclosure or trying to mend a vital relationship in your life, first take the time to check in with God. Spend a little quiet time with him, doing nothing more than listening. God seems to give great solutions to us when we sit calmly before him and wait for his word. Then we can get to work on our problems.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to sit quietly before you and listen for you still, quiet voice. Help me to wait on you. Amen.
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 68
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/june.asp?version=51
Scripture: Psalm 46:10 (NIV) Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
This is one of the most famous Psalms, and for good reason. It is an important commandment when we are facing strife: Sit back and watch God work. We may see only trouble ahead, but in the end, God promises that He will be exalted, by all people, by all nations. We can't forget His promises during times of trouble.
Whenever we face struggles, this is a verse we should always turn to for comfort. When times are hard, sometimes the best thing we can do is “Be still” and trust in God. It isn't an option; it's a commandment, which means God expects us to just sit there and shut up if we want His best. God does his top work when all seems lost, and we don't know where to turn to. It is the world's way to try and solve our problems on our own; to many, that is the ultimate sign of strength. “I can take care of this” is the world's refrain but not God's. “I did it my way” worked great for Frank Sinatra, but not Christians.
Yet, that isn't what God expects of us. Sometimes, that “full steam ahead” routine is just stubborn pride. We want to prove to others that we are strong and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Whenever we act thusly, we cannot let God shine through. God is infinitely patient and willing for us to wait on him. It's that “Be still” part that seems to get us most often. In this fast-paced world, we don't know how to slow down. In this noisy world of ours, we don't know how to be quiet.
That is exactly what God wants us to do: slow down and listen to him. God is into the process, not the results. If we succeed in life but fail in our relationship with him, we are a failure. God repeatedly reminds us in the Bible to trust him with the outcome. So when you're looking for a job, or trying to keep your house out of foreclosure or trying to mend a vital relationship in your life, first take the time to check in with God. Spend a little quiet time with him, doing nothing more than listening. God seems to give great solutions to us when we sit calmly before him and wait for his word. Then we can get to work on our problems.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to sit quietly before you and listen for you still, quiet voice. Help me to wait on you. Amen.
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 68
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/june.asp?version=51
Monday, June 29, 2009
I will not fear
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: Psalm Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV) God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
Trouble can come in many forms. Divorce, loss of relationship, unemployment, foreclosure, addiction: The list goes on infinitely. In this Psalm, the trouble comes possibly from the end times, as evidenced by “mountains fall into the … sea.”
No matter what the circumstances, God is there to help us, and to give refuge to the needy. We know we can feel secure and at peace because of God’s presence in our life. That kind of confidence comes only from a relationship with the living God. Even if it isn’t the end times, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods can still have devastating affects for years to come. I saw the damage down by Hurricane Rita three years ago in rural Louisiana, and I saw what it did to the spirit o the community.
When a natural disaster like Rita happens, it’s easy to be scared. “Is it going to happen again? What do I need to do? Should we move or stay?” Those are all worthy sentiments in times of trouble. What the Psalmist tells us is not to worry. He reminds the Israelites that God has always delivered them, and he will do so again. “We will not fear” is a pretty positive statement amid the turmoil. The word “therefore” is an adverb, meaning “consequently.” Another words, because God has been faithful in the past, he will be faithful again in the future. We can bank it.
How do you react in times of strife? Do you panic? Do you worry? Are you fearful? Or are at peace and without fear? Those who walk with the Lord tend to be without fear, because they remind themselves of God’s faithfulness. If you’re going through hard times, God promises it won’t last forever. Just lean on him, and he will keep you upright. God’s provision is not temporary; it’s something we can count on – always.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to walk confidently in knowing you will take care of me. Help me to trust you in trying times. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 67
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/june.asp?version=51
Scripture: Psalm Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV) God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
Trouble can come in many forms. Divorce, loss of relationship, unemployment, foreclosure, addiction: The list goes on infinitely. In this Psalm, the trouble comes possibly from the end times, as evidenced by “mountains fall into the … sea.”
No matter what the circumstances, God is there to help us, and to give refuge to the needy. We know we can feel secure and at peace because of God’s presence in our life. That kind of confidence comes only from a relationship with the living God. Even if it isn’t the end times, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods can still have devastating affects for years to come. I saw the damage down by Hurricane Rita three years ago in rural Louisiana, and I saw what it did to the spirit o the community.
When a natural disaster like Rita happens, it’s easy to be scared. “Is it going to happen again? What do I need to do? Should we move or stay?” Those are all worthy sentiments in times of trouble. What the Psalmist tells us is not to worry. He reminds the Israelites that God has always delivered them, and he will do so again. “We will not fear” is a pretty positive statement amid the turmoil. The word “therefore” is an adverb, meaning “consequently.” Another words, because God has been faithful in the past, he will be faithful again in the future. We can bank it.
How do you react in times of strife? Do you panic? Do you worry? Are you fearful? Or are at peace and without fear? Those who walk with the Lord tend to be without fear, because they remind themselves of God’s faithfulness. If you’re going through hard times, God promises it won’t last forever. Just lean on him, and he will keep you upright. God’s provision is not temporary; it’s something we can count on – always.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to walk confidently in knowing you will take care of me. Help me to trust you in trying times. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 67
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/june.asp?version=51
Thursday, June 25, 2009
When life is discouraging
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: Psalm 43:5 (NIV) Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your home in God,
for I will yet praise him,
My Savior and my God.
Psalm 43 is about discouragement and is probably written by the sons of Korah, who were temple assistants. But this chapter is also about hope, something that is needed when we are discouraged. I spent the past five days in Arizona visiting my mom because she is not well physically, spiritually and emotionally. My mom’s biggest problem is that she is severely depressed because her best friend died in May. Add to that, several physical problems, and one can see where the discouragement comes from.
My mom is 80, and she also lost my dad a little more than three years ago. In the past few years, most of my mom’s friends have died or moved away. She is now the senior citizen of the church she has been attending for 42 years. What my mom most needs is socialization. We talked about getting into a Bible study with other women her age and how much she needed those friendships. Her physical problems keep her from going to church. Spiritually, she’s OK in that she loves the Lord and is in his word every day and watches several televangelists every day, but that is not the same as human contact.
What my mom is going through isn’t all that different from what single parents go through after divorce or separation from a life mate. Many single parents lose friends and support when divorce happens for various reasons. It is at that moment when we feel all alone that we realize we are never really all alone. God is always with us, through storm or calm seas. Like my mom, single parents need that socialization. We are human beings and created to interact with others. When we lose friendships, it is easy to become downcast or depressed. That is part of the grieving cycle and a vital part of our healing.
We move on from depression by going “to the altar of God” (vs. 4). The altar of God isn’t just in some church setting; it’s wherever you call out to God. We can worship God wherever we are, and he is just fine with that. We don’t have to wait until Sunday to experience the living God in our lives. God is a seven-day a week god, not a one day experience. When we realize what God is doing in our lives, our mouths are filled with praise. When we can praise God in the middle of the storm, that’s when we know we are on the downward slope of healing. That’s when hope fills our lives.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, cover my mom with your spirit of gladness. Fill her life with friends her age that can relate to her everyday life. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 65
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/june.asp?version=51
Scripture: Psalm 43:5 (NIV) Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your home in God,
for I will yet praise him,
My Savior and my God.
Psalm 43 is about discouragement and is probably written by the sons of Korah, who were temple assistants. But this chapter is also about hope, something that is needed when we are discouraged. I spent the past five days in Arizona visiting my mom because she is not well physically, spiritually and emotionally. My mom’s biggest problem is that she is severely depressed because her best friend died in May. Add to that, several physical problems, and one can see where the discouragement comes from.
My mom is 80, and she also lost my dad a little more than three years ago. In the past few years, most of my mom’s friends have died or moved away. She is now the senior citizen of the church she has been attending for 42 years. What my mom most needs is socialization. We talked about getting into a Bible study with other women her age and how much she needed those friendships. Her physical problems keep her from going to church. Spiritually, she’s OK in that she loves the Lord and is in his word every day and watches several televangelists every day, but that is not the same as human contact.
What my mom is going through isn’t all that different from what single parents go through after divorce or separation from a life mate. Many single parents lose friends and support when divorce happens for various reasons. It is at that moment when we feel all alone that we realize we are never really all alone. God is always with us, through storm or calm seas. Like my mom, single parents need that socialization. We are human beings and created to interact with others. When we lose friendships, it is easy to become downcast or depressed. That is part of the grieving cycle and a vital part of our healing.
We move on from depression by going “to the altar of God” (vs. 4). The altar of God isn’t just in some church setting; it’s wherever you call out to God. We can worship God wherever we are, and he is just fine with that. We don’t have to wait until Sunday to experience the living God in our lives. God is a seven-day a week god, not a one day experience. When we realize what God is doing in our lives, our mouths are filled with praise. When we can praise God in the middle of the storm, that’s when we know we are on the downward slope of healing. That’s when hope fills our lives.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, cover my mom with your spirit of gladness. Fill her life with friends her age that can relate to her everyday life. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 65
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/june.asp?version=51
Friday, June 19, 2009
Reach out to the weak
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: Psalm 41:1 (NIV) Blessed is he who has regard for the weak;
the Lord delivers him in times of trouble.
As I send out e-mails and resumes in my search for a job, I can’t stop thinking about one thing: How can I serve the needy, or, as David calls them, the “weak.” I am part of the 9 percent unemployment rate right now, but I just started and finances aren’t an issue. During the week, I meet with large groups and small groups of people trying to find a job. I look at all these men and see opportunity to reach the lost. They may be unemployed, but they still need to know that God cares for them and wants a daily relationship with them.
So I pray for opportunities to just talk to people. I think I’m down to two areas of service: cooking for the homeless and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. God has given me certain skills, and I want to use them for his kingdom. I love to cook, but I’ve pretty much decided that I don’t want to cook for a living. My focus in getting work is in the writing and editing area. Cooking one day a week would give me a chance to be around other cooks and hungry people. HFH would give me the chance to get men involved and to use their carpentry skills for the good of others. I have the same desire to go to Mexico and build houses for the poor.
I shared my idea with a pastor friend, and he just nodded at the idea. He asked me if I had carpentry skills, and I laughed. “My gift is visualizing the idea and organizing its conception,” I told him. My hope is to get men to see that they still have value, even though they are unemployed. Maybe we’ll meet on the jobsite once a week, and at day’s end, we’ll open up our Bibles and study God’s word for a little while – right there in the parking lot. Then we’ll pray for each other. “See you next week guys. Good luck getting a job.”
What that does is that it shows people you care. In showing people you care about them, it shows that God cares for them. Jesus essentially said the same thing in Matt. 5:1 in the Beatitudes, that the poor in spirit will be blessed. My spirit is good right now, and I want to share with other men (you, too, gals, if you want to come along) that Christ is filling up my self esteem basket to the brim. No matter what we go through, God can use us to share the Gospel with those around us, but especially “the poor in spirit.” They need Christ.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, fill my spirit with your goodness today. Help me to be loving to the unloved. Help me to reach out to one person today. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 64
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/june.asp?version=51
Scripture: Psalm 41:1 (NIV) Blessed is he who has regard for the weak;
the Lord delivers him in times of trouble.
As I send out e-mails and resumes in my search for a job, I can’t stop thinking about one thing: How can I serve the needy, or, as David calls them, the “weak.” I am part of the 9 percent unemployment rate right now, but I just started and finances aren’t an issue. During the week, I meet with large groups and small groups of people trying to find a job. I look at all these men and see opportunity to reach the lost. They may be unemployed, but they still need to know that God cares for them and wants a daily relationship with them.
So I pray for opportunities to just talk to people. I think I’m down to two areas of service: cooking for the homeless and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. God has given me certain skills, and I want to use them for his kingdom. I love to cook, but I’ve pretty much decided that I don’t want to cook for a living. My focus in getting work is in the writing and editing area. Cooking one day a week would give me a chance to be around other cooks and hungry people. HFH would give me the chance to get men involved and to use their carpentry skills for the good of others. I have the same desire to go to Mexico and build houses for the poor.
I shared my idea with a pastor friend, and he just nodded at the idea. He asked me if I had carpentry skills, and I laughed. “My gift is visualizing the idea and organizing its conception,” I told him. My hope is to get men to see that they still have value, even though they are unemployed. Maybe we’ll meet on the jobsite once a week, and at day’s end, we’ll open up our Bibles and study God’s word for a little while – right there in the parking lot. Then we’ll pray for each other. “See you next week guys. Good luck getting a job.”
What that does is that it shows people you care. In showing people you care about them, it shows that God cares for them. Jesus essentially said the same thing in Matt. 5:1 in the Beatitudes, that the poor in spirit will be blessed. My spirit is good right now, and I want to share with other men (you, too, gals, if you want to come along) that Christ is filling up my self esteem basket to the brim. No matter what we go through, God can use us to share the Gospel with those around us, but especially “the poor in spirit.” They need Christ.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, fill my spirit with your goodness today. Help me to be loving to the unloved. Help me to reach out to one person today. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 64
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/june.asp?version=51
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Are we patient or impatient?
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: Psalm 40:1-2 (NIV) I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
and set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
Waiting patiently for the Lord is not something I’ve been good at. Frankly, I’m better at praying, hearing what I believe God tells me and acting on my beliefs. My prayer is often something like, “Lord, if what I’m doing isn’t your will, just make things happen that make it clear to me.” Of course, if it wasn’t clear the first time, why would it be any clearer the second time. Just wondering.
Both sides have pros and cons. If someone really believes he is in God’s will, he works fervently to make things happen. Their prayers are often, “Make things happen for me, Lord. Open doors, if it’s your will.” That’s how I feel right now, as I send out resumes and make contacts for potential work. I keep networking, as I am being trained to do at various job search groups I attend, and throughout the day, I just lift up quick prayers. “Lord, lead me in your way.” My unemployed friends and I talk about wanting to being in God’s will and seeing the right job opportunity for what it is, and not just exerting our will on God.
People that are truly patient amaze me. Sometimes, I think God has knocked me off my well-meaning path just to get me to slow down and listen to him. Maybe what I’m missing isn’t some change of life plan, it’s simply, “Doug, I want to tell you how much I love you and how much I care about you, but you’re going to fast, and I’m not going to yell at you as you run away from me.” In the past few months, I’ve made it a point to tell God I love him regularly and to thank you for loving me. I need to understand that, even though I’m unemployed, it doesn’t mean I’m out of God’s will today. It just means the right job isn’t coming my way today.
What I need to do when I feel impatient is take note of David’s words. Because he waited “patiently,” God heard his cries. We can count on that. When things are really bad, God will lift us out of whatever muck and mire we’re stuck in. And, finally, God promises to place our feet on a “firm piece of ground.” (Some translations say “on solid ground” or on “a firm foundation.”) David knew a thing or two about waiting, because he seemed to have an awful lot of time on his hands as hid from Saul and his enemies. Patience is something learned, which is what David accomplished through his hardships.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, hear my cries. Lift me out of my situation, and help me to see the path you’re going to place me on, the one that is on solid ground. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 63
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/june.asp?version=51
Scripture: Psalm 40:1-2 (NIV) I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
and set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
Waiting patiently for the Lord is not something I’ve been good at. Frankly, I’m better at praying, hearing what I believe God tells me and acting on my beliefs. My prayer is often something like, “Lord, if what I’m doing isn’t your will, just make things happen that make it clear to me.” Of course, if it wasn’t clear the first time, why would it be any clearer the second time. Just wondering.
Both sides have pros and cons. If someone really believes he is in God’s will, he works fervently to make things happen. Their prayers are often, “Make things happen for me, Lord. Open doors, if it’s your will.” That’s how I feel right now, as I send out resumes and make contacts for potential work. I keep networking, as I am being trained to do at various job search groups I attend, and throughout the day, I just lift up quick prayers. “Lord, lead me in your way.” My unemployed friends and I talk about wanting to being in God’s will and seeing the right job opportunity for what it is, and not just exerting our will on God.
People that are truly patient amaze me. Sometimes, I think God has knocked me off my well-meaning path just to get me to slow down and listen to him. Maybe what I’m missing isn’t some change of life plan, it’s simply, “Doug, I want to tell you how much I love you and how much I care about you, but you’re going to fast, and I’m not going to yell at you as you run away from me.” In the past few months, I’ve made it a point to tell God I love him regularly and to thank you for loving me. I need to understand that, even though I’m unemployed, it doesn’t mean I’m out of God’s will today. It just means the right job isn’t coming my way today.
What I need to do when I feel impatient is take note of David’s words. Because he waited “patiently,” God heard his cries. We can count on that. When things are really bad, God will lift us out of whatever muck and mire we’re stuck in. And, finally, God promises to place our feet on a “firm piece of ground.” (Some translations say “on solid ground” or on “a firm foundation.”) David knew a thing or two about waiting, because he seemed to have an awful lot of time on his hands as hid from Saul and his enemies. Patience is something learned, which is what David accomplished through his hardships.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, hear my cries. Lift me out of my situation, and help me to see the path you’re going to place me on, the one that is on solid ground. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 63
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/june.asp?version=51
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Put a muzzle on your tongue
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: Psalm 39:1 (NIV) I said, “I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
as long as the wicked are in my presence.”
If I were to look at my life in self-analysis, I would say the two biggest areas of struggle are my mind and my tongue. My head thinks up sin, and my tongue releases vial things on occasion. I can go months on end without yelling or screaming, then suddenly just lose it. David, too, knew he was susceptible to whining about God’s treatment of him. He did not want others hearing him complain because that would put a poor reflection on his relationship with God.
Where is your weakness when it comes to the tongue? Maybe you’re like me, and you tend to swear on occasion. Maybe you are a complainer like David. Maybe you are prone to gossip. Remember your mother’s adage, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Mom knew her stuff. How often in life would we be better of if we kept our mouths shut and said nothing? How many times does our pride prod us to get in the last word in an argument? Just zip it.
How do we stop our mouths from mouthing off? David said he would “put a muzzle on my mouth.” What a great idea! But does it work? What we need is accountability and prayer sometimes. We need to share with a fellow believer that we’re struggling with our tongue, and we need to pray for strength. I once paid my son a dollar every time he heard me swear. It broke my propensity to cuss really quickly. Still, my mouth always seems to get me in trouble, and it may always be a thorn in my side.
So what is the big deal with speaking like the heathens? What does it matter if we swear, or gossip or whine? After all, when in Rome … The pagans around you, at work, in your neighborhood, out in public, need to see you act differently then they do. They may be struggling with that same weakness, and if they hear it coming out of your mouth, what does that say about our faith? If God can’t help us control our tongues, what good is he? When you share with a non-believer how you broke your habit, it opens the door to sharing how Christ impacted your life.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to control my tongue and my temper. Every hour, every minute, every second. Don’t let my neighbors hear me swear or take your name in vain. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 62
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/june.asp?version=51
Scripture: Psalm 39:1 (NIV) I said, “I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
as long as the wicked are in my presence.”
If I were to look at my life in self-analysis, I would say the two biggest areas of struggle are my mind and my tongue. My head thinks up sin, and my tongue releases vial things on occasion. I can go months on end without yelling or screaming, then suddenly just lose it. David, too, knew he was susceptible to whining about God’s treatment of him. He did not want others hearing him complain because that would put a poor reflection on his relationship with God.
Where is your weakness when it comes to the tongue? Maybe you’re like me, and you tend to swear on occasion. Maybe you are a complainer like David. Maybe you are prone to gossip. Remember your mother’s adage, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Mom knew her stuff. How often in life would we be better of if we kept our mouths shut and said nothing? How many times does our pride prod us to get in the last word in an argument? Just zip it.
How do we stop our mouths from mouthing off? David said he would “put a muzzle on my mouth.” What a great idea! But does it work? What we need is accountability and prayer sometimes. We need to share with a fellow believer that we’re struggling with our tongue, and we need to pray for strength. I once paid my son a dollar every time he heard me swear. It broke my propensity to cuss really quickly. Still, my mouth always seems to get me in trouble, and it may always be a thorn in my side.
So what is the big deal with speaking like the heathens? What does it matter if we swear, or gossip or whine? After all, when in Rome … The pagans around you, at work, in your neighborhood, out in public, need to see you act differently then they do. They may be struggling with that same weakness, and if they hear it coming out of your mouth, what does that say about our faith? If God can’t help us control our tongues, what good is he? When you share with a non-believer how you broke your habit, it opens the door to sharing how Christ impacted your life.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to control my tongue and my temper. Every hour, every minute, every second. Don’t let my neighbors hear me swear or take your name in vain. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 62
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/june.asp?version=51
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
A delighted God
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV) If the Lord delights in a man’s way,
he makes his steps firm;
though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
Psalm 37 is about patience and faith. Both are virtues we should all be seeking. Yet, we are human, and we tend to stumble and fall from the path that God has chosen for us. This message is a reminder that God does, indeed, direct our steps. In order for God to delight in our steps, we must be walking with him. When a person comes alongside an elderly or infirm person who has difficulty walking, the helper not only directs the steps, he keeps the person upright. We don’t look at it as a chore to help the person.
That is what God does with us every day – if we let him. Therein lies the challenge. Because we are human, we want to direct our own path sometimes. A battle of wills always seems to be going on. Occasionally, God lets us choose our own path, just to let us know what that really feels like. He lets us stumble and face the consequences of our actions. When we turn back to him for a helping hand, he makes us upright again.
Note that our steps are firm when the Lord delights in our ways. God clearly does not delight in our sinful ways. That is the key, to be in God’s will. One day, we honor him, the next, we stumble. Maybe God is working on our pride or our humility, or some such thing. Sometimes, the path seems to clear for days on end. Life is good. Then, perhaps overconfidence overwhelms us. We think we are stronger than we really are. That’s when we stumble. It’s a day-to-day challenge. We must accept the challenge and make the most of it.
We mustn’t think that God doesn’t have the time for our little old lives. He is omnipotent and omniscient – he is all powerful and knows everything that is ahead of us. God cares about each one of our lives, equally. You might say that we gain privilege or more time with God, but only because we are being obedient, which makes God delight in our ways. God wants a relationship with us every day, every hour, every minute, every second. When we call upon the Lord, he is delighted in us.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to walk in your ways. I want you to delight in my ways, so help me to be obedient. Help me to follow your path today. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 61
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/june.asp?version=51
Scripture: Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV) If the Lord delights in a man’s way,
he makes his steps firm;
though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
Psalm 37 is about patience and faith. Both are virtues we should all be seeking. Yet, we are human, and we tend to stumble and fall from the path that God has chosen for us. This message is a reminder that God does, indeed, direct our steps. In order for God to delight in our steps, we must be walking with him. When a person comes alongside an elderly or infirm person who has difficulty walking, the helper not only directs the steps, he keeps the person upright. We don’t look at it as a chore to help the person.
That is what God does with us every day – if we let him. Therein lies the challenge. Because we are human, we want to direct our own path sometimes. A battle of wills always seems to be going on. Occasionally, God lets us choose our own path, just to let us know what that really feels like. He lets us stumble and face the consequences of our actions. When we turn back to him for a helping hand, he makes us upright again.
Note that our steps are firm when the Lord delights in our ways. God clearly does not delight in our sinful ways. That is the key, to be in God’s will. One day, we honor him, the next, we stumble. Maybe God is working on our pride or our humility, or some such thing. Sometimes, the path seems to clear for days on end. Life is good. Then, perhaps overconfidence overwhelms us. We think we are stronger than we really are. That’s when we stumble. It’s a day-to-day challenge. We must accept the challenge and make the most of it.
We mustn’t think that God doesn’t have the time for our little old lives. He is omnipotent and omniscient – he is all powerful and knows everything that is ahead of us. God cares about each one of our lives, equally. You might say that we gain privilege or more time with God, but only because we are being obedient, which makes God delight in our ways. God wants a relationship with us every day, every hour, every minute, every second. When we call upon the Lord, he is delighted in us.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to walk in your ways. I want you to delight in my ways, so help me to be obedient. Help me to follow your path today. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 61
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/june.asp?version=51
Monday, June 15, 2009
Extolling the Lord at all times
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: Psalm 34:1-5 (NIV) I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
Ed Aullie grew up in Mexico, the son of missionaries. When he grew up, he got married, had children and returned to northern Mexico as a missionary. He went from town to town, sharing the gospel with peasant Mexicans. He helped start churches in small villages. He worked among the prostitutes, drug addicts and alcoholics. He loved them all the same.
One day, the federales came and arrested him. The charges of forged documents were drummed up. They put him in federal prison, the worst by far in the country’s penal system. This was not something he could bribe his way out. He had an attorney working to get him out. He shared a small cell with seven other inmates, one of whom was a well-known pimp who ran brothels along the border towns. The pimp told Aullie to steer clear of him or else.
Aullie somehow sneaked in a New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs. Inside the prison, Aullie continued to “extol the Lord at all times,” and without fear. His praise was always on Aullie’s lips. He read his Bible every day, and soon inmates were asking about what he was reading, so he shared the good news of Jesus Christ. Inmates became believers. Lives were changed. Aullie planted a prison church with 65 new believers. One day, Aullie’s attorney got him released and whisked him out of the country on a plane.
What if Aullie had just kept his mouth shut and kept his nose clean while in prison? What if he hadn’t sneaked a New Testament into prison, against orders? What if he hadn’t shared the gospel with other inmates? My bet is that those who looked at Aullie in prison found a radiant face. They knew something different about him because of his countenance. As I look at my new world of unemployment, I realize that I must be radiant as I go about looking for a job. I must also remember to extol the Lord at all times. People around me need to hear about him, because they’re afraid, and they need to know that Jesus makes a difference in their lives. They must see that difference in my life.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to be bold today when meeting new people. Help me to share my faith in ways only you know how it touches the other person. Amen
Scripture: Psalm 34:1-5 (NIV) I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
Ed Aullie grew up in Mexico, the son of missionaries. When he grew up, he got married, had children and returned to northern Mexico as a missionary. He went from town to town, sharing the gospel with peasant Mexicans. He helped start churches in small villages. He worked among the prostitutes, drug addicts and alcoholics. He loved them all the same.
One day, the federales came and arrested him. The charges of forged documents were drummed up. They put him in federal prison, the worst by far in the country’s penal system. This was not something he could bribe his way out. He had an attorney working to get him out. He shared a small cell with seven other inmates, one of whom was a well-known pimp who ran brothels along the border towns. The pimp told Aullie to steer clear of him or else.
Aullie somehow sneaked in a New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs. Inside the prison, Aullie continued to “extol the Lord at all times,” and without fear. His praise was always on Aullie’s lips. He read his Bible every day, and soon inmates were asking about what he was reading, so he shared the good news of Jesus Christ. Inmates became believers. Lives were changed. Aullie planted a prison church with 65 new believers. One day, Aullie’s attorney got him released and whisked him out of the country on a plane.
What if Aullie had just kept his mouth shut and kept his nose clean while in prison? What if he hadn’t sneaked a New Testament into prison, against orders? What if he hadn’t shared the gospel with other inmates? My bet is that those who looked at Aullie in prison found a radiant face. They knew something different about him because of his countenance. As I look at my new world of unemployment, I realize that I must be radiant as I go about looking for a job. I must also remember to extol the Lord at all times. People around me need to hear about him, because they’re afraid, and they need to know that Jesus makes a difference in their lives. They must see that difference in my life.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to be bold today when meeting new people. Help me to share my faith in ways only you know how it touches the other person. Amen
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Answering a skeptic’s questions
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Note to readers: I have pulled the plug on the Parenting Solo Web site (I kept the domain name, though), so the e-mails I send out daily will now come from my personal e-mail, dk_mead@yahoo.com, and not doug@parentingsolo.com. Please note the change. Also, toward the bottom notice that the volume has hit No. 4, which means I am in my fourth year of writing these devotionals for single parents and single adults who may become step parents on eday. Praise God. God willing, we’ll reach 5 next year. Thank you, my devoted readers. Doug Mead
Scripture: John 14:15-17 (The Message) “If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, and doesn’t know what to look for.”
Last week, before my son returned to his large, secular university, he stopped in for dinner. I don’t remember how we got into the conversation, but suddenly we were discussing evolution vs. creationism. Matt is an architecture design major and has taken geology and physics classes in college and has come to firmly believe that the world has evolved after millions and billions of years. I believe wholeheartedly in creationism or creative design, so the short debate ensued.
I love those kinds of discussions with him, because it puts him on the defensive. “Why do you believe in evolution?” I asked him. “I’ve studied it in school, and it just makes more sense. I believe in God and that a man named Jesus once lived on earth, but I don’t believe in his miracles. I believe in science and what I can touch and see, so I don’t believe he died and rose from the grave.” “So how do we know the Civil War took place?” I asked. “There are stories, photographs.” “True enough,” I said, “but we have stories from hundreds of people who saw Jesus after he died.” “Yeah, but there’s no photographs. “True,” I said, “but there are no photographs of Alexander the Great, either.”
Then I shifted the conversation about who Jesus is. Despite the fact that photography wasn’t invented for another 18,000 years or so, there are facts and reliable testimony we can rely on. As Christians, we can always rely on the truth. I asked my son why there has never been a transitional phase between monkey or ape bones and human bones, and he said there was, despite the fact that there isn’t. The truth isn’t on his side. Much of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution has been debunked by most “honest” and “credible” scientists, even though it is still taught in public schools, including the schools my son has attended.
The scientific community holds on by a scintilia of hope that evolution is fact because they don’t want to believe that a loving God created earth and humans so that he could relate to us personally and also to hold us accountable for our sins. As my wife and I looked out over the Grand Canyon on our vacation two weeks ago, we marveled at the beauty that God has bestowed upon us. I could see the layers of sediment that many scientists believe could have occurred from the Great Flood of Noah’s time, caused by billions and billions of gallons of water per square foot rapidly working its way through mostly soft sandstone, not bedrock. I shared that with my son, and he suddenly wanted to change the subject. I want to give him answers to his questions, so I plan to purchase “A Case for Christ,” by Lee Strobel. I will let the truth speak for itself when it comes to the life of Jesus. I trust God to weigh on his heart to one day read it.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, keep working in my son’s life. I know you won’t let go of him. I told him that, even though he is now skeptical of who you are. I believe in your truths. I cling to them, and they bring me peace Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 6
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/january.asp?version=51
Note to readers: I have pulled the plug on the Parenting Solo Web site (I kept the domain name, though), so the e-mails I send out daily will now come from my personal e-mail, dk_mead@yahoo.com, and not doug@parentingsolo.com. Please note the change. Also, toward the bottom notice that the volume has hit No. 4, which means I am in my fourth year of writing these devotionals for single parents and single adults who may become step parents on eday. Praise God. God willing, we’ll reach 5 next year. Thank you, my devoted readers. Doug Mead
Scripture: John 14:15-17 (The Message) “If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, and doesn’t know what to look for.”
Last week, before my son returned to his large, secular university, he stopped in for dinner. I don’t remember how we got into the conversation, but suddenly we were discussing evolution vs. creationism. Matt is an architecture design major and has taken geology and physics classes in college and has come to firmly believe that the world has evolved after millions and billions of years. I believe wholeheartedly in creationism or creative design, so the short debate ensued.
I love those kinds of discussions with him, because it puts him on the defensive. “Why do you believe in evolution?” I asked him. “I’ve studied it in school, and it just makes more sense. I believe in God and that a man named Jesus once lived on earth, but I don’t believe in his miracles. I believe in science and what I can touch and see, so I don’t believe he died and rose from the grave.” “So how do we know the Civil War took place?” I asked. “There are stories, photographs.” “True enough,” I said, “but we have stories from hundreds of people who saw Jesus after he died.” “Yeah, but there’s no photographs. “True,” I said, “but there are no photographs of Alexander the Great, either.”
Then I shifted the conversation about who Jesus is. Despite the fact that photography wasn’t invented for another 18,000 years or so, there are facts and reliable testimony we can rely on. As Christians, we can always rely on the truth. I asked my son why there has never been a transitional phase between monkey or ape bones and human bones, and he said there was, despite the fact that there isn’t. The truth isn’t on his side. Much of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution has been debunked by most “honest” and “credible” scientists, even though it is still taught in public schools, including the schools my son has attended.
The scientific community holds on by a scintilia of hope that evolution is fact because they don’t want to believe that a loving God created earth and humans so that he could relate to us personally and also to hold us accountable for our sins. As my wife and I looked out over the Grand Canyon on our vacation two weeks ago, we marveled at the beauty that God has bestowed upon us. I could see the layers of sediment that many scientists believe could have occurred from the Great Flood of Noah’s time, caused by billions and billions of gallons of water per square foot rapidly working its way through mostly soft sandstone, not bedrock. I shared that with my son, and he suddenly wanted to change the subject. I want to give him answers to his questions, so I plan to purchase “A Case for Christ,” by Lee Strobel. I will let the truth speak for itself when it comes to the life of Jesus. I trust God to weigh on his heart to one day read it.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, keep working in my son’s life. I know you won’t let go of him. I told him that, even though he is now skeptical of who you are. I believe in your truths. I cling to them, and they bring me peace Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 6
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/january.asp?version=51
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Dying first in order to grow
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: John 12:24-26a (The Message) (Jesus speaking:) “Listen Carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal.”If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me.”
Seeds must be planted in the ground in order for them to germinate and grow into a plant. In the ground, the seed receives the water and nutrients necessary to sprout out of a state of dormancy. Merriam Webster’s Dictionary s definition of germination is to “cause to sprout or develop.” Until that seed is planted, it cannot grow into something beautiful or edible. Otherwise, it just sits there, useless.
How do we apply this to our faith life? Remember, Jesus used parables to tell stories that were easily understood and discerned by the common people. Jesus was creating a new faith that was to be life-changing and not just rule-following and looking good on the outside. Jesus cares most about heart-change. That seed looks fine and dandy from the outside, but on the inside, it was made to sprout. If it isn’t planted and, essentially buried and dead, it can’t grow and develop into the plant it was designed to be.
We as people are the same way. If we followed the world’s ways or perhaps another religion that didn’t focus on love and grace (only Christianity), we have to first die to our old ways (buried in the ground) before we can receive God’s love and grace (water and nutrients from the soil). For many of us, that death was divorce. For me, it certainly was a wake-up call at age 35. I was at the height of my professional career, I was married, a home-owner and an active dad. I went to church on Sundays with my son, because that’s what good Baptists do. My life was miserable.
My faith life, however, was dormant. My divorce caused me to die to my old ways and look to God for new meaning and purpose for my life. My divorce was a wake-up call to who I could become through Christ Jesus. When I hit bottom, I chose to follow and serve Jesus. There I was, six feet under, lying in dark, cold, musty dirt. Things couldn’t have been worse. Suddenly, something started to happen. I started to grow! I found new meaning in my faith life, and it took leaving my old church to find a new church that would help me grow. My new church fed me in the ways of Jesus, and in time my branches reached out above the ground and started feeding others through my gifts of teaching and shepherding single parents. That new way of life could not have started had I not let go of my fears and let myself die to my old ways.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, thank you for new growth. Thank you for the new life you have given me. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 171
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/december.asp?version=51
Scripture: John 12:24-26a (The Message) (Jesus speaking:) “Listen Carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal.”If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me.”
Seeds must be planted in the ground in order for them to germinate and grow into a plant. In the ground, the seed receives the water and nutrients necessary to sprout out of a state of dormancy. Merriam Webster’s Dictionary s definition of germination is to “cause to sprout or develop.” Until that seed is planted, it cannot grow into something beautiful or edible. Otherwise, it just sits there, useless.
How do we apply this to our faith life? Remember, Jesus used parables to tell stories that were easily understood and discerned by the common people. Jesus was creating a new faith that was to be life-changing and not just rule-following and looking good on the outside. Jesus cares most about heart-change. That seed looks fine and dandy from the outside, but on the inside, it was made to sprout. If it isn’t planted and, essentially buried and dead, it can’t grow and develop into the plant it was designed to be.
We as people are the same way. If we followed the world’s ways or perhaps another religion that didn’t focus on love and grace (only Christianity), we have to first die to our old ways (buried in the ground) before we can receive God’s love and grace (water and nutrients from the soil). For many of us, that death was divorce. For me, it certainly was a wake-up call at age 35. I was at the height of my professional career, I was married, a home-owner and an active dad. I went to church on Sundays with my son, because that’s what good Baptists do. My life was miserable.
My faith life, however, was dormant. My divorce caused me to die to my old ways and look to God for new meaning and purpose for my life. My divorce was a wake-up call to who I could become through Christ Jesus. When I hit bottom, I chose to follow and serve Jesus. There I was, six feet under, lying in dark, cold, musty dirt. Things couldn’t have been worse. Suddenly, something started to happen. I started to grow! I found new meaning in my faith life, and it took leaving my old church to find a new church that would help me grow. My new church fed me in the ways of Jesus, and in time my branches reached out above the ground and started feeding others through my gifts of teaching and shepherding single parents. That new way of life could not have started had I not let go of my fears and let myself die to my old ways.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, thank you for new growth. Thank you for the new life you have given me. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 171
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/december.asp?version=51
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
A triumphant entry
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: John 12:12-15 (The Message) The next day the huge crowd that had arrived for the Feast heard that Jesus was entering Jerusalem. They broke off palm branches and went out to meet him. And they cheered: Hosanna!/Blessed is he who comes in God’s name!/Yes!/The King of Israel!/Jesus got a young donkey and rode it, just as the Scripture has it.
Jesus didn’t ride into Jerusalem on a strong, handsome steed, prancing about for all the people. He rode in on a simple donkey, which is used only for packing or riding. No self-respecting warrior would ever be caught dead riding a donkey into battle. When we think of a donkey, one word comes to mind: humility. That describes Jesus, and that is the way he wants it. He doesn’t want to be seen as the conquering hero, which is what the Jews were hoping and praying for.
Today, we use “hosanna” as an exclamation of praise, but in roughly 33 AD, it had meaning in both the Greek and Hebrew, meaning “save or deliver (us), we pray.” So when the people were shouting “Hosanna!” to Jesus, they weren’t praising him, they were pleading for deliverance. And Jesus delivered – in a mighty way. Just not the way the people were expecting. Jesus came to set hearts free, even if they were still shackled as slaves. Even the palm branches had meaning: triumph and victory.
Jesus’ final days were at hand, and he rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, just a few days before Passover. He had just left Bethany and the home of Lazarus, where his sister Mary had anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. There, Judas Iscariot was already plotting against Jesus. He made a big scene about using the money from the perfume to help the poor, but it was all a hoax, because he probably would have embezzled the funds. Mary’s use of the nard also was part of Jesus’ preparation for burial a week later.
Word had quickly spread. Jesus had healed Lazarus from the dead. Eyewitness accounts were growing. Even as the people were cheering for Jesus to save them, Judas was en route to sell his soul to the Pharisees for 30 pieces of silver. The people were clamoring for Jesus, and all the Pharisees saw was an out-of-control mob. This Jesus had to be stopped! The Pharisees must have looked on in contempt as Jesus rode in on a dirty pack donkey, for crying out loud. Triumph and victory would come a few days later in his death. The people just didn’t know that. We do.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, thank you for your triumph over death, so that I could live eternally. Help me to be more humble like you. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 170
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/december.asp?version=51
Scripture: John 12:12-15 (The Message) The next day the huge crowd that had arrived for the Feast heard that Jesus was entering Jerusalem. They broke off palm branches and went out to meet him. And they cheered: Hosanna!/Blessed is he who comes in God’s name!/Yes!/The King of Israel!/Jesus got a young donkey and rode it, just as the Scripture has it.
Jesus didn’t ride into Jerusalem on a strong, handsome steed, prancing about for all the people. He rode in on a simple donkey, which is used only for packing or riding. No self-respecting warrior would ever be caught dead riding a donkey into battle. When we think of a donkey, one word comes to mind: humility. That describes Jesus, and that is the way he wants it. He doesn’t want to be seen as the conquering hero, which is what the Jews were hoping and praying for.
Today, we use “hosanna” as an exclamation of praise, but in roughly 33 AD, it had meaning in both the Greek and Hebrew, meaning “save or deliver (us), we pray.” So when the people were shouting “Hosanna!” to Jesus, they weren’t praising him, they were pleading for deliverance. And Jesus delivered – in a mighty way. Just not the way the people were expecting. Jesus came to set hearts free, even if they were still shackled as slaves. Even the palm branches had meaning: triumph and victory.
Jesus’ final days were at hand, and he rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, just a few days before Passover. He had just left Bethany and the home of Lazarus, where his sister Mary had anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. There, Judas Iscariot was already plotting against Jesus. He made a big scene about using the money from the perfume to help the poor, but it was all a hoax, because he probably would have embezzled the funds. Mary’s use of the nard also was part of Jesus’ preparation for burial a week later.
Word had quickly spread. Jesus had healed Lazarus from the dead. Eyewitness accounts were growing. Even as the people were cheering for Jesus to save them, Judas was en route to sell his soul to the Pharisees for 30 pieces of silver. The people were clamoring for Jesus, and all the Pharisees saw was an out-of-control mob. This Jesus had to be stopped! The Pharisees must have looked on in contempt as Jesus rode in on a dirty pack donkey, for crying out loud. Triumph and victory would come a few days later in his death. The people just didn’t know that. We do.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, thank you for your triumph over death, so that I could live eternally. Help me to be more humble like you. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 170
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/december.asp?version=51
Monday, December 08, 2008
Be a part of God’s plan
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: John 11:45-48 (The Message) Then one of them – it was Caiaphas, the designated Chief Priest that year – spoke up, “Don’t you know anything? Can’t you see that it’s to our advantage that one man dies for the people rather than the whole nation be destroyed?” He didn’t say this of his own accord, but as Chief Priest that year he unwittingly prophesied that Jesus was about to die sacrificially for the nation, and not only for the nation but so that all God’s exile-scattered children might be gathered together into one people.
God can and will use anyone for his purposes. In this case, he uses the High Priest to prophesy that one man would die for the people. Jesus kept providing miracles and healings, and that upset the Pharisees. They plotted to kill him because of his claims of being God – blasphemy in their eyes. Consequently, Jesus had to hide out rather than go out in public in and around Jerusalem because it wasn’t quite his time.
Caiaphas become an unwitting bit actor in God’s plan. The Pharisees couldn’t catch Jesus giving any false teachings, so they had to concoct another story in order to kill him. Jesus was pulling believers away from the Jewish sect because of his powerful teaching about his Father. It wasn’t faith that led the Pharisees to want to kill Jesus; it was simple greed. The Pharisees had a good thing going financially, and their power base would be destroyed if Jesus continued to teach in the countryside and in the Temple. One man had to die for all as a sacrifice for the people. Even Caiaphas said so.
Though Jesus’ time on earth was drawing short, he didn’t stop teaching his disciples. The next thing we know, he has withdrawn from public eye to neighboring Ephraim, where he could be alone with his disciples (vs. 54). Passover was coming, which would be his time to die, so he used those last few days for last-minute preparation with the disciples. Their jobs would begin soon, and he knew they needed more development. God’s plan for them was to change the world.
Jesus never seems to take a break from teaching the disciples. Throughout his 3-3 ½ year ministry, we constantly see him go off and seclude himself from the disciples to pray and seek God’s guidance. At other times when he isn’t teaching the masses, he secludes himself with the disciples, giving them all the God-wisdom he has. Though Jesus spent many evenings just eating and hanging out with his buddies, he didn’t waste any time. He was always building relationships. That is one of the central themes of Christianity, then, now and always. God wants to use us for his purposes in one way, every day – to build up the faith of our family, friends and neighbors. That’s our purpose.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to be there for people you put in my path. Help me to see those who need ministering to. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 169
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/december.asp?version=51
Scripture: John 11:45-48 (The Message) Then one of them – it was Caiaphas, the designated Chief Priest that year – spoke up, “Don’t you know anything? Can’t you see that it’s to our advantage that one man dies for the people rather than the whole nation be destroyed?” He didn’t say this of his own accord, but as Chief Priest that year he unwittingly prophesied that Jesus was about to die sacrificially for the nation, and not only for the nation but so that all God’s exile-scattered children might be gathered together into one people.
God can and will use anyone for his purposes. In this case, he uses the High Priest to prophesy that one man would die for the people. Jesus kept providing miracles and healings, and that upset the Pharisees. They plotted to kill him because of his claims of being God – blasphemy in their eyes. Consequently, Jesus had to hide out rather than go out in public in and around Jerusalem because it wasn’t quite his time.
Caiaphas become an unwitting bit actor in God’s plan. The Pharisees couldn’t catch Jesus giving any false teachings, so they had to concoct another story in order to kill him. Jesus was pulling believers away from the Jewish sect because of his powerful teaching about his Father. It wasn’t faith that led the Pharisees to want to kill Jesus; it was simple greed. The Pharisees had a good thing going financially, and their power base would be destroyed if Jesus continued to teach in the countryside and in the Temple. One man had to die for all as a sacrifice for the people. Even Caiaphas said so.
Though Jesus’ time on earth was drawing short, he didn’t stop teaching his disciples. The next thing we know, he has withdrawn from public eye to neighboring Ephraim, where he could be alone with his disciples (vs. 54). Passover was coming, which would be his time to die, so he used those last few days for last-minute preparation with the disciples. Their jobs would begin soon, and he knew they needed more development. God’s plan for them was to change the world.
Jesus never seems to take a break from teaching the disciples. Throughout his 3-3 ½ year ministry, we constantly see him go off and seclude himself from the disciples to pray and seek God’s guidance. At other times when he isn’t teaching the masses, he secludes himself with the disciples, giving them all the God-wisdom he has. Though Jesus spent many evenings just eating and hanging out with his buddies, he didn’t waste any time. He was always building relationships. That is one of the central themes of Christianity, then, now and always. God wants to use us for his purposes in one way, every day – to build up the faith of our family, friends and neighbors. That’s our purpose.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to be there for people you put in my path. Help me to see those who need ministering to. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 169
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/december.asp?version=51
Friday, December 05, 2008
A credible message
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: John 10:31-33 (The Message) Again the Jews picked up rocks to throw at him. Jesus said, “I have made a present to you from the Father of the great many good actions. For which of these acts do you stone me?” The Jews said, “We’re not stoning you for anything good you did, but for what you said – blasphemy of calling yourself God.”
Abraham didn’t call himself God. Mohammad did not call himself God. Siddharta Gautama (the “Buddha”) did not call himself God. Joseph Smith believed he would become a god and that he was a prophet of God. Others, such as Nation of Islam founder Wallace D. Fard, were deified as God, but there was no credibility to their claims. Jesus’ life backed up his claims of being God. His life was without sin. He healed people of sicknesses, he brought people back from death, he rose from the dead, and his teachings are renowned in other religions.
Though his teachings are used in Islam, Mormonism, Hindu and other religions, those factions believed him only to be a wise man and prophet. Mormonism founder Joseph Smith claimed to be the equal of Jesus. What is the difference between other would-be gods and Jesus himself? Jesus’ claims had validity, and the others cannot hold up to any kind of academic study. Archaeology disclaims the foundation of Mormonism. The Quran, Islam’s holy scriptures, are filled with discrepancies, as are the Book of Mormon and other Mormon texts. Yet, the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life are remarkably accurate and consistent, as are other New Testament texts. Nearly a thousand people witnessed his life after death experience after dying on Calvary.
Jesus’ claims can hold up through scientific, archaeological and academic scrutiny. We can believe Jesus when he says he is the Son of God because there are nearly 50 Old Testament prophecies pointing to him being the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament. The odds of him not being the Messiah of the Old Testament is astronomical, something like 1 in 17 trillion. Just write down 17 and zeroes for about 10 seconds, and you have it the odds. If you don’t believe it, study the Bible with an open heart and put Jesus to the test. He will pass – with flying colors.
Another words, he’s God. The question is, are you going to believe it, or are you going to be like the Jews and question his claim. After all, they wanted a messiah who would come and conquer Rome with a sword and set them free. Jesus came to set our hearts free instead. Unlike other holy scriptures, Jesus’ teachings give us peace and fulfillment in life, not shame and guilt. They teach us how to love the unlovable in horrific circumstances. He gave people the choice to follow him, and he doesn’t pull out his sword and kill anyone who doesn’t follow him. Jesus was all about love, and forcing someone to follow him is not love. We can bank on Jesus being God because he is credible. He lived the perfect life as a sacrifice for our poor, miserable lives and rose from the dead to prove it. He lives today.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, thank you for being credible. You make believing easy. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 168
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/december.asp?version=51
Scripture: John 10:31-33 (The Message) Again the Jews picked up rocks to throw at him. Jesus said, “I have made a present to you from the Father of the great many good actions. For which of these acts do you stone me?” The Jews said, “We’re not stoning you for anything good you did, but for what you said – blasphemy of calling yourself God.”
Abraham didn’t call himself God. Mohammad did not call himself God. Siddharta Gautama (the “Buddha”) did not call himself God. Joseph Smith believed he would become a god and that he was a prophet of God. Others, such as Nation of Islam founder Wallace D. Fard, were deified as God, but there was no credibility to their claims. Jesus’ life backed up his claims of being God. His life was without sin. He healed people of sicknesses, he brought people back from death, he rose from the dead, and his teachings are renowned in other religions.
Though his teachings are used in Islam, Mormonism, Hindu and other religions, those factions believed him only to be a wise man and prophet. Mormonism founder Joseph Smith claimed to be the equal of Jesus. What is the difference between other would-be gods and Jesus himself? Jesus’ claims had validity, and the others cannot hold up to any kind of academic study. Archaeology disclaims the foundation of Mormonism. The Quran, Islam’s holy scriptures, are filled with discrepancies, as are the Book of Mormon and other Mormon texts. Yet, the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life are remarkably accurate and consistent, as are other New Testament texts. Nearly a thousand people witnessed his life after death experience after dying on Calvary.
Jesus’ claims can hold up through scientific, archaeological and academic scrutiny. We can believe Jesus when he says he is the Son of God because there are nearly 50 Old Testament prophecies pointing to him being the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament. The odds of him not being the Messiah of the Old Testament is astronomical, something like 1 in 17 trillion. Just write down 17 and zeroes for about 10 seconds, and you have it the odds. If you don’t believe it, study the Bible with an open heart and put Jesus to the test. He will pass – with flying colors.
Another words, he’s God. The question is, are you going to believe it, or are you going to be like the Jews and question his claim. After all, they wanted a messiah who would come and conquer Rome with a sword and set them free. Jesus came to set our hearts free instead. Unlike other holy scriptures, Jesus’ teachings give us peace and fulfillment in life, not shame and guilt. They teach us how to love the unlovable in horrific circumstances. He gave people the choice to follow him, and he doesn’t pull out his sword and kill anyone who doesn’t follow him. Jesus was all about love, and forcing someone to follow him is not love. We can bank on Jesus being God because he is credible. He lived the perfect life as a sacrifice for our poor, miserable lives and rose from the dead to prove it. He lives today.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, thank you for being credible. You make believing easy. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 168
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/december.asp?version=51
Thursday, December 04, 2008
The master gatekeeper
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: John 10:3-4 (The Message) The gatekeeper opens the gate to (the shepherd) and the sheep recognize his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice.
As children, the first voices we recognize are our parents. We hear their voices from inside our mothers’ tummies, we hear the joy of their voices the minute we pop out of the womb. When we couldn’t sleep as infants, they rocked us to sleep by singing a soft lullaby. “Hush, little baby, don’t you cry …” Virtually every day of our young lives, we hear their voices. Even when we are away from them, we can picture their voices in our minds’ eyes. Our parents’ voices are soothing and comforting in times of troubles.
God’s voice should be soothing and comforting to us, as well. Some of us hear God’s voice every day, and we know it. It also is soothing and comforting. In the boisterous, hustle and bustle of this world, we can hear God’s soft voice whispering in our ears. Some people may not hear God’s voice because they don’t seek it out. We hear his voice most often in our prayers and in the reading of his word. If we aren’t praying and reading daily, how can we know his voice?
The gatekeeper is us, either opening our hearts to Jesus or closing it down tight. The choice is ours. We may choose to keep our gates closed at various times of our lives. Still, Jesus comes to the gate daily to see if we are ready to open our gate to him. He is patient and persistent. He waits at the gate for us all day. If we are followers of Jesus, we allow him to be the gatekeeper, which allows Jesus to protect our hearts from the outside. It is a wonderful feeling to know that he is protecting us 24/7.
I love that Jesus calls each one of his sheep by name. He knows all of our names. That shows how important each one of us are to him. As a teacher, I have 120 students, and it took me three weeks to memorize everyone’s names. Imagining knowing billions of names! Jesus voice is there for us to follow – if we choose to obey. Some of us will listen to a stranger’s voice and follow it, straight to trouble. Indeed, there are many sheep rustlers out there, seeking to sway our hearts. Every day, we need to call upon our shepherd for protection and direction. He is waiting to hear our voices call him.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, protect me today. Keep my heart pure for you. Help me to hear your voice and follow it. Help me to discern when rustlers call out. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 167
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/november.asp?version=51
Scripture: John 10:3-4 (The Message) The gatekeeper opens the gate to (the shepherd) and the sheep recognize his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice.
As children, the first voices we recognize are our parents. We hear their voices from inside our mothers’ tummies, we hear the joy of their voices the minute we pop out of the womb. When we couldn’t sleep as infants, they rocked us to sleep by singing a soft lullaby. “Hush, little baby, don’t you cry …” Virtually every day of our young lives, we hear their voices. Even when we are away from them, we can picture their voices in our minds’ eyes. Our parents’ voices are soothing and comforting in times of troubles.
God’s voice should be soothing and comforting to us, as well. Some of us hear God’s voice every day, and we know it. It also is soothing and comforting. In the boisterous, hustle and bustle of this world, we can hear God’s soft voice whispering in our ears. Some people may not hear God’s voice because they don’t seek it out. We hear his voice most often in our prayers and in the reading of his word. If we aren’t praying and reading daily, how can we know his voice?
The gatekeeper is us, either opening our hearts to Jesus or closing it down tight. The choice is ours. We may choose to keep our gates closed at various times of our lives. Still, Jesus comes to the gate daily to see if we are ready to open our gate to him. He is patient and persistent. He waits at the gate for us all day. If we are followers of Jesus, we allow him to be the gatekeeper, which allows Jesus to protect our hearts from the outside. It is a wonderful feeling to know that he is protecting us 24/7.
I love that Jesus calls each one of his sheep by name. He knows all of our names. That shows how important each one of us are to him. As a teacher, I have 120 students, and it took me three weeks to memorize everyone’s names. Imagining knowing billions of names! Jesus voice is there for us to follow – if we choose to obey. Some of us will listen to a stranger’s voice and follow it, straight to trouble. Indeed, there are many sheep rustlers out there, seeking to sway our hearts. Every day, we need to call upon our shepherd for protection and direction. He is waiting to hear our voices call him.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, protect me today. Keep my heart pure for you. Help me to hear your voice and follow it. Help me to discern when rustlers call out. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 167
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/november.asp?version=51
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Seeing through Jesus’ eyes
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: John 9:30-33 (The Message) The man replied, “This is amazing! You claim to know nothing about him, but the fact is, he opened my eyes. It’s well known that God isn’t at the beck and call of sinners, but listens carefully to anyone who lives in reverence and does his will. That someone opened the eyes of a man born blind has never been heard of – ever. If this man didn’t come from God, he wouldn’t be able to do anything.”
I can’t imagine being blind from birth and never knowing the beauty of this earth. I would never see the crashing of the waves on the ocean, the crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe, the splendor of Yosemite National Park, the majesty of fishing on the Taylor River in Colorado, the exhilaration of hitting a golf ball on Spyglass Hill in Pebble Beach, the pretty face of my wife. If I were blind from birth, I would have to guess what all those things look like, because I wouldn’t know. By the grace of God, I have witnessed all those things and found joy in them.
This man wouldn’t have known what Jerusalem looked like, or the Judean Hills, or the shores of Galilee. Who knows what visuals God gives the blind from birth in their minds’ eyes. Many in the Jewish culture believed the man was blind because of his or his parents’ sins. Coming from the perspective of the blind man, that was a harsh reality. He couldn’t see people shunning him, but surely he felt it. People stayed away from him because of his perceived sins. He would have led a lonely life. He was forced to beg for his life.
Then one day, the Nazarene Jesus mixed clay and water to form a paste and rubbed it on the man’s eyes. Jesus told him to go and rinse his face with water. Suddenly, the blind man could see. Yet, instead of celebrating joyously at the miracle, the Pharisees condemned the man and Jesus because the healing took place on the Sabbath. Isn’t that how some people are? They witness a major healing before their very eyes, and all they can do is find fault in the way the person found peace. You know, the kind of healing that a single mom goes through after a painful divorce. She loses her home, her way of life and is forced to go back to work to support her family. One day she is mired in a deep depression with no friends or life. A few years later, she has her life back on track and is smiling joyfully and her kids are happy and respectful of others.
Only Jesus can open the eyes of the blind and make them see the reality of life. Just as that man suddenly was able to see the world, so can you. But only if you open your eyes to the glory of what Christ can do in your life. You have to want to see every nook and cranny of your sins and be willing to expose them to the world. That kind of humbling makes us realize that we can’t live life without the Father and the Son. Without them, we are blind as bats trying to see through the muck and the mire of this filthy world. Come, see the world through the eyes of Jesus. It’s the only way to really see the real world.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to see the world through your eyes. Help me to see my students through your eyes, so that I can know what their lives are like away from me. Help me to see their needs, so that I can minister to them through you. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 166
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/december.asp?version=51
Scripture: John 9:30-33 (The Message) The man replied, “This is amazing! You claim to know nothing about him, but the fact is, he opened my eyes. It’s well known that God isn’t at the beck and call of sinners, but listens carefully to anyone who lives in reverence and does his will. That someone opened the eyes of a man born blind has never been heard of – ever. If this man didn’t come from God, he wouldn’t be able to do anything.”
I can’t imagine being blind from birth and never knowing the beauty of this earth. I would never see the crashing of the waves on the ocean, the crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe, the splendor of Yosemite National Park, the majesty of fishing on the Taylor River in Colorado, the exhilaration of hitting a golf ball on Spyglass Hill in Pebble Beach, the pretty face of my wife. If I were blind from birth, I would have to guess what all those things look like, because I wouldn’t know. By the grace of God, I have witnessed all those things and found joy in them.
This man wouldn’t have known what Jerusalem looked like, or the Judean Hills, or the shores of Galilee. Who knows what visuals God gives the blind from birth in their minds’ eyes. Many in the Jewish culture believed the man was blind because of his or his parents’ sins. Coming from the perspective of the blind man, that was a harsh reality. He couldn’t see people shunning him, but surely he felt it. People stayed away from him because of his perceived sins. He would have led a lonely life. He was forced to beg for his life.
Then one day, the Nazarene Jesus mixed clay and water to form a paste and rubbed it on the man’s eyes. Jesus told him to go and rinse his face with water. Suddenly, the blind man could see. Yet, instead of celebrating joyously at the miracle, the Pharisees condemned the man and Jesus because the healing took place on the Sabbath. Isn’t that how some people are? They witness a major healing before their very eyes, and all they can do is find fault in the way the person found peace. You know, the kind of healing that a single mom goes through after a painful divorce. She loses her home, her way of life and is forced to go back to work to support her family. One day she is mired in a deep depression with no friends or life. A few years later, she has her life back on track and is smiling joyfully and her kids are happy and respectful of others.
Only Jesus can open the eyes of the blind and make them see the reality of life. Just as that man suddenly was able to see the world, so can you. But only if you open your eyes to the glory of what Christ can do in your life. You have to want to see every nook and cranny of your sins and be willing to expose them to the world. That kind of humbling makes us realize that we can’t live life without the Father and the Son. Without them, we are blind as bats trying to see through the muck and the mire of this filthy world. Come, see the world through the eyes of Jesus. It’s the only way to really see the real world.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to see the world through your eyes. Help me to see my students through your eyes, so that I can know what their lives are like away from me. Help me to see their needs, so that I can minister to them through you. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 166
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/december.asp?version=51
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Helping the blind and crippled
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: John 9:1-4 (The Message) Walking down the street Jesus saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned: this man or his parents, causing him to be born blind?” Jesus said, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines.”
We have become a society of blame and not one of taking responsibility. When we play the blame game, we are abdicating the consequences for our actions. The blame game is an escapist attitude. “If my ex weren’t such a jerk, I wouldn’t be in this mess.” What God wants us to do is look ourselves squarely in the mirror and be truthful with ourselves. “What is my part in this scene?” That attitude forces us to learn from our mistakes, which is what God wants us to do. That is what freedom means as a Christian.
Now, the disciples were simply asking a question that they had been taught while growing up in the Jewish culture. The Jews believed that one’s sins caused physical and mental handicaps. That means that being blind or crippled was because of one’s sins – or one’s parents. So looking at this man, the disciples naturally wanted to know whose fault it was. Jesus quickly turned the tables on them, telling them there is “no cause-effect here.” Jesus tells them to stop looking to lay the blame on someone.
Instead, Jesus wants them to see how God can be at work in the blind man’s life. Jesus wants the disciples to know that there is still work to be done with this man and not to give up on him. Jesus was telling them that there are things they could do for this man to bring salvation to his life. He wants his disciples to “energetically” be at work for the Father, showing the blind man who God is. In the next verse, Jesus reminds the disciples that his light needs to be shined on this man’s life.
What is our part in shining Jesus’ light on the world? It may be to shine his light on the spiritually blind and cripples of this world, or it may be helping the physically blind and cripples that are around us. If our gift is teaching or discipling, maybe it is studying the Bible and sharing God’s love with someone who needs it? If our gift is hospitality or service, perhaps we can drive a blind person to the supermarket once a week or maybe take them to church on Sundays. Look around you. There may be someone God wants to shine his light on this week.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to see those you want me to share your love with today. Help me not to be blinded by my own blindness. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 165
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/december.asp?version=51
Scripture: John 9:1-4 (The Message) Walking down the street Jesus saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned: this man or his parents, causing him to be born blind?” Jesus said, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines.”
We have become a society of blame and not one of taking responsibility. When we play the blame game, we are abdicating the consequences for our actions. The blame game is an escapist attitude. “If my ex weren’t such a jerk, I wouldn’t be in this mess.” What God wants us to do is look ourselves squarely in the mirror and be truthful with ourselves. “What is my part in this scene?” That attitude forces us to learn from our mistakes, which is what God wants us to do. That is what freedom means as a Christian.
Now, the disciples were simply asking a question that they had been taught while growing up in the Jewish culture. The Jews believed that one’s sins caused physical and mental handicaps. That means that being blind or crippled was because of one’s sins – or one’s parents. So looking at this man, the disciples naturally wanted to know whose fault it was. Jesus quickly turned the tables on them, telling them there is “no cause-effect here.” Jesus tells them to stop looking to lay the blame on someone.
Instead, Jesus wants them to see how God can be at work in the blind man’s life. Jesus wants the disciples to know that there is still work to be done with this man and not to give up on him. Jesus was telling them that there are things they could do for this man to bring salvation to his life. He wants his disciples to “energetically” be at work for the Father, showing the blind man who God is. In the next verse, Jesus reminds the disciples that his light needs to be shined on this man’s life.
What is our part in shining Jesus’ light on the world? It may be to shine his light on the spiritually blind and cripples of this world, or it may be helping the physically blind and cripples that are around us. If our gift is teaching or discipling, maybe it is studying the Bible and sharing God’s love with someone who needs it? If our gift is hospitality or service, perhaps we can drive a blind person to the supermarket once a week or maybe take them to church on Sundays. Look around you. There may be someone God wants to shine his light on this week.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to see those you want me to share your love with today. Help me not to be blinded by my own blindness. Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 165
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/december.asp?version=51
Monday, December 01, 2008
We can depend on God’s word
Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.
Scripture: John 8:14-17 (The Message) Jesus replied, “You’re right that you only have my word. But you can depend on it being true. I know where I’ve come from and where I go next. You don’t know where I’m from or where I’m headed. You decide according to what you can see and touch. I don’t make judgments like that. But even if I did, my judgment would be true because I wouldn’t make it out of the narrowness of my experience but in the largeness of the One who sent me, the Father.”
It is easy to get caught up in the “I feel game.” The trouble is, our feelings let us down. Ever put your trust in someone of the opposite sex and been wrong? We all have. It is human nature. So where do we go for answers? To the lips of Jesus Christ. As the scripture says, we can depend on his word being true. His word will guide us down the straight and narrow path that guides us through life. If we base our choices on our experiences, our choices have dwindled.
We all want to be strong and make our own decisions, from rebellious teenagers to middle-aged single adults on their own again for the first time, after perhaps 10-20 years of marriage. Decisions are easier when two are discussing the potential pitfalls. Two heads think better than one. The Bible is meant to be more than just good reading of history, poetry, prophecy and parables. God’s word is meant to direct us through the winding roads of life. The Bible’s myriad of stories show us the consequences of poor choices.
Bad judgment can lead to serious consequences. We teachers tell our teenage students that all the time. “Think before you speak.” That alone will get us through many difficulties. Who we listen to for wise counsel matters, too. If all teenagers do is listen to other teenagers, where are they getting their wisdom? If a single mom listens only to those in her divorce recovery group, where does the knowledge come from? We must spread our wings and build relationships, so that we have options when we need advice.
Rehoboam, Solomon’s son and heir to the throne of Israel and Judah, got an earful after he returned from asylum in Egypt to lead the people. His father’s advisers told him to lighten up on the people’s workload (2 Chronicles 10:3-4), but Rehoboam, instead, followed the advice of his young turk buddies, who told him to work the people even harder (vs. 10). The people rebelled, and the king was forced to flee to safety in Jerusalem. He wouldn’t listen and lost half his kingdom. Note, also, that Rehoboam failed to seek God’s wisdom when faced with a tough decision. God wants to hear from us when we need wisdom. We must first ask for his advice. God speaks to us through his Word more than any other medium. First, we must open it to gain its wisdom.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 164
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/december.asp?version=51
Scripture: John 8:14-17 (The Message) Jesus replied, “You’re right that you only have my word. But you can depend on it being true. I know where I’ve come from and where I go next. You don’t know where I’m from or where I’m headed. You decide according to what you can see and touch. I don’t make judgments like that. But even if I did, my judgment would be true because I wouldn’t make it out of the narrowness of my experience but in the largeness of the One who sent me, the Father.”
It is easy to get caught up in the “I feel game.” The trouble is, our feelings let us down. Ever put your trust in someone of the opposite sex and been wrong? We all have. It is human nature. So where do we go for answers? To the lips of Jesus Christ. As the scripture says, we can depend on his word being true. His word will guide us down the straight and narrow path that guides us through life. If we base our choices on our experiences, our choices have dwindled.
We all want to be strong and make our own decisions, from rebellious teenagers to middle-aged single adults on their own again for the first time, after perhaps 10-20 years of marriage. Decisions are easier when two are discussing the potential pitfalls. Two heads think better than one. The Bible is meant to be more than just good reading of history, poetry, prophecy and parables. God’s word is meant to direct us through the winding roads of life. The Bible’s myriad of stories show us the consequences of poor choices.
Bad judgment can lead to serious consequences. We teachers tell our teenage students that all the time. “Think before you speak.” That alone will get us through many difficulties. Who we listen to for wise counsel matters, too. If all teenagers do is listen to other teenagers, where are they getting their wisdom? If a single mom listens only to those in her divorce recovery group, where does the knowledge come from? We must spread our wings and build relationships, so that we have options when we need advice.
Rehoboam, Solomon’s son and heir to the throne of Israel and Judah, got an earful after he returned from asylum in Egypt to lead the people. His father’s advisers told him to lighten up on the people’s workload (2 Chronicles 10:3-4), but Rehoboam, instead, followed the advice of his young turk buddies, who told him to work the people even harder (vs. 10). The people rebelled, and the king was forced to flee to safety in Jerusalem. He wouldn’t listen and lost half his kingdom. Note, also, that Rehoboam failed to seek God’s wisdom when faced with a tough decision. God wants to hear from us when we need wisdom. We must first ask for his advice. God speaks to us through his Word more than any other medium. First, we must open it to gain its wisdom.
How does this apply to my life?
Today’s prayer: Amen
Doug Mead
Parenting Solo
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Vol. 3, No. 164
This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/december.asp?version=51
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