26 Sep 2024
May we continue being beneficiaries of God’s love and mercy over and over again so that our lives would always reflect His goodness and love. May testimonies of what He has done abound. John 21:25.
Daily Prayer for September 26
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20, RSV Lord our God, we are your children, who come before you and stand in your presence. Be with us and be our light in all situations of life, in all hardships and grief. Be our light, as you have always been. Reveal your power so that the world may know you as we have come to know you. Give us joyful readiness to persevere until your day comes, for the brightness of your day will shine through all darkness and will end all evil, to the glory of your name. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Become Slaves to One Another John M. G. Barclay Paul’s letters probe the paradox of freedom through love. Read now Militant Peacemaking Stanley Hauerwas Pacifism is unrealistic – unless it’s conformed to Christ. Read now We Are All Fiddlers on the Roof Joy Marie Clarkson Sixty years on, what can a classic musical teach us about tradition? Read now Caught in the Crossfire Tommy Greenan These excerpts from a priest’s diary vividly recount his encounters with villagers during the war in El Salvador. Read now The Stay-at-Home Intellectual Mom Beatrice Scudeler Can a stay-at-home parent still pursue the intellectual life? Read now
Today’s Verse – Luke 9:25
“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” —Luke 9:25 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Jesus’ question is a piercing challenge for us to evaluate our goals and look at what we pursue. It reminds me of a picture I once had in my office of a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer with the caption, “Who says you can’t take it with you?” While it was humorous, the caption was also wrong: DEAD wrong. And that was the point of the picture! Jesus wants us to ask ourselves what we have really gained if we lose our souls in pursuing things we can’t take with us after we die. Is more stuff, fame, wealth, and power worth losing the only part of us that matters eternally? No, it is not! My Prayer… Loving Father, please help me focus on what is truly valuable and eternally enduring. Awaken my heart to use my blessings and influence to bring you glory and lead others closer to Jesus. I want to carry these things into the next life. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Powerful Testimony
Note from Jesus Dear Disciple, I gave My life to bring God’s grace to you. As My disciple, I ask you to share My story of grace in your life with others. In the first verses you will read today, Peter tells early disciples who were facing challenging circumstances to be ready always to offer their “defense” for their hope in Me. The same admonition is true for you. You might call your “defense” your testimony. It is your reason for having hope in Me. Here are some questions to help prompt you as you think through your own “defense” or personal testimony: How does My story intersect your life to bring you hope? How does My grace change the way you feel about your future? How does My victory over sin, death, and hell give you the confidence to face your challenges? How does the Father’s love demonstrated by My incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection grab your heart? Where have you seen My blessings in your life? Certainly, there are more questions than these, but these should get you started as you prepare yourself to share! The longer reading in today’s verses comes from Paul’s trial before King Agrippa. Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem and was caught in a tangle of murder plots, legal delays, changes in leadership, and pressures to bribe his way to freedom. The grinding processes of the Roman legal system, Satan’s direct attacks, and unscrupulous people slowed down Paul’s appeal for freedom. Just as I had promised, Paul’s suffering for Me had a specific purpose. He addressed influential leaders he otherwise would have never been allowed to address (Acts 9:15-16; Acts 22:14-16). The Holy Spirit empowered Paul to say what needed to be said (Luke 12:11-12) so that the good news was preached to these influential leaders. Keeping your faith brimming with hope is hard when you are under fire. Persecution can drain faith of its steadfastness and rob hope of its vibrancy. I want you to know that I see, hear, and know of your challenges, your sufferings, and your trials. These adversities can come in all sorts of forms. Some of My disciples are facing torture and death this very day because of their faith. Others face ridicule while others are being ostracized or marginalized. All of these situations, along with your specific circumstances, are important to Me. I will not forget what you endure for My sake (Luke 12:6-7; Hebrews 6:10; Revelation 14:13). You are not forgotten! I will remember your faithfulness. Hard times do not come upon you because you are unimportant. You do not face them because you have been forgotten. Throughout history, I have used the testimony of My faithful disciples under persecution to soften the hearts of hostile leaders. I have used their examples of courage to strengthen other disciples. I have used their character while suffering to change public opinion about My people and their faith. In the midst of your trials, even in the most painful moments of your persecutions, remain true to Me. In the most belittling moments of ostracism and ridicule, remain faithful. Hang on to your hope in Me. Hold fast to My message of grace and ultimate victory. Remain true to the character and compassion you have as one of My followers. As you persevere, look for an opportunity to share the reason for your hope in Me. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of those around you who are desperately yearning to know the Father’s grace. Be ready to share your hope through both your words and your actions. As you do, please know that the Holy Spirit’s power and direction will work through you. You may not see immediate results, but know that your efforts will not be in vain! Verses to Live Folks in your day tell others in hard times to “hang in there.” For those facing trials, this phrase of encouragement can feel hollow and perfunctory. However, the two witnesses who speak to you through these verses that follow put their lives on the line to share these messages with you. These are words from the front lines of faith in the face of danger. Life is on the line. Both Peter and Paul will ultimately give their lives because of their faith. So take their words to heart. As you do, be encouraged to do two things. First, commit to being faithful under trial as you look for an opportunity to share the reason for your hope in Me. Second, pray for your brothers and sisters who are in hostile places and whose lives are on the line because of their faith. Why would anyone harm you if you eagerly do good? Even if you should suffer for doing what is right, you will receive a blessing. Don’t let them frighten you. Don’t be intimidated, but exalt Him [Jesus Christ] as Lord in your heart. Always be ready to offer a defense, humbly and respectfully, when someone asks why you live in hope. Keep your conscience clear so that those who ridicule your good conduct in the Anointed [in Christ] and say bad things about you will be put to shame. For if it is the will of God that you suffer, then it is better to suffer for doing what is right than for doing what is wrong. (1 Peter 3:13-17) Agrippa (to Paul): Go ahead. You may speak for yourself. Paul (extending his hand): I am indeed fortunate to be standing before you, King Agrippa, to humbly defend myself against accusations from my Jewish opponents. You are extraordinarily familiar with Jewish customs and controversies, so I beg your patience as I begin. My way of life is well known to the whole Jewish community, how I have lived in the Jewish community abroad and in Jerusalem. If they are willing to speak, they themselves will tell you something they have long known — that I was a member of the strictest
25 Sep 2024
What is your divine purpose? What is it that the Lord wants you to do for Him? May He reveal it to you, and may you discern it and be used of Him to accomplish it. John 21:15-24.
Daily Prayer for September 25
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more…And he who sat upon the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:1, 5, RSV Lord our God, our Father, we look deep into your mighty Word and see the glory of the new world you will create according to your justice and truth. We thank you for giving us this joy on earth in the midst of all our toil and striving. We look deep into your Word. You make all things new. To this hope our lives are directed, to this hope you have called us, and we want to be faithful forever. Praise to your name, for you have already done great things for us! Keep us in your Word. Let many find the light, for in this light they may look to you in simple faith and constancy until the end, when throughout the world we may see your glory and your grace. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Caught in the Crossfire Tommy Greenan These excerpts from a priest’s diary vividly recount his encounters with villagers during the war in El Salvador. Read now The Stay-at-Home Intellectual Mom Beatrice Scudeler Can a stay-at-home parent still pursue the intellectual life? Read now The Bible’s Story of Freedom Heinrich Arnold Scripture tells an unfinished history of liberation. Read now Form and Freedom Hannah Rose Thomas, C. M. Howell and Malcolm Guite A visual artist, an architect, and a poet celebrate the freedom of coloring within the lines. Read now A Lion in Phnom Penh J. Daniel Sims An insider reckons with complicity and compromise in Cambodia’s aid industry. Read now
Today’s Verse – Jeremiah 9:24
“Let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD. —Jeremiah 9:24 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… This passage from Jeremiah reminded God’s people of two truths about the LORD’s character — truths we should display in our lives, as well: God exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness. God delights when he sees these aspects of his character alive in us. Let’s be more like our heavenly Father as we commit to a lifestyle of kindness, justice, and righteousness. Why? Because we should have no greater joy than to bring delight to the Father by becoming more like him in how we live and treat others around us each day! My Prayer… Almighty and Holy God, may my life delight you and bring you joy. However, I know my character falls short of your standards of kindness, justice, and righteousness — these qualities you have demonstrated over the ages. So, please help me as I seek to please you and bless others by living more consistently aligned with your values displayed in Jesus. Thank you for giving me the Holy Spirit, who is transforming me increasingly to be more like my LORD, in whose name I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Navigating Political Minefields
Note from Jesus Dear Precious One, Each of My disciples is precious to Me. I hate for any of them to have to go through unfair trials and difficulties. Unfortunately, the world in which My disciples live is filled with all sorts of twisted people. These people abuse politics and laws to suit themselves. They try to extort money from the innocent. They make decisions to curry favor rather than to deliver justice. I remind you that My trial was an awful miscarriage of justice. My execution was government-sponsored murder. The whole situation was politically motivated and not based on truth. My few believers in influential Jewish circles feared reprisal for their faith, so they remained silent in the face of all the abuses of the law and justice. Notice this fear of rejection among the Jews during the last week before My crucifixion: Despite all the signs He [Jesus the Anointed] performed, they [the people in the crowd] still did not believe in Him. … Yet many leaders secretly believed in Him but would not declare their faith because the Pharisees continued their threats to expel all His followers from the synagogue; here’s why: they loved to please men more than they desired to glorify God. (John 12:37; John 12:42-43) Without anyone to insist on a fair trial, the Jewish leaders tried me illegally. They seized Me at night having paid Judas to betray Me. The trial was held at night away from the people. The testimony used against Me was untrue and provided by false witnesses. When the Sanhedrin pronounced Me guilty, they sent Me to Pilate (Matthew 26:47-67; Matthew 27:1-2). Pilate recognized almost immediately that I was innocent, yet tried to gain political leverage by having Me go before Herod. I was pronounced innocent by Pilate, but he appeased the crowd by releasing a hardened criminal named Barabbas rather than releasing Me. Pilate then had Me scourged trying to calm the crowd. When this appeasement didn’t work, Pilate handed Me over to be crucified (Matthew 27:11-26). So yes, precious disciple, I experienced injustice — a total miscarriage of justice. When under trial, I do want you to remain a person of holy character. I also want you to look for an opportunity to share My good news with influential people even when being treated unjustly. However, I don’t want you to suffer unjustly if you can legally prevent this unfairness from happening. One of the many reasons that Paul was effective as My apostle to the Gentiles was that he was a Roman citizen. This citizenship gave Paul specific rights that protected him many times during his life of ministry. I want you to notice in the verses below that Paul exercised his legal rights as a Roman citizen to protect himself and his ministry. Another example was Paul using his citizenship to obtain an acknowledgement that he and his associates had been treated unlawfully in Philippi (Acts 16:35-40). Verses to Live Today’s verses share some of the intrigue, political maneuvering, and treachery that led Paul to use his legal rights to protect himself and his ministry. Please know that I want you to do the same. Be a person of holy character and faith. Trust in the Holy Spirit to give you words to say but use every legal right to protect yourself and your ministry. I will be at work to redeem your situation (Romans 8:28). Felix was quite knowledgeable about the Way. He adjourned the preliminary hearing. Felix: When Lysias the commandant comes to Caesarea, I will decide your case. He then ordered the officer to keep Paul in custody, but to permit him some freedom and to allow any of his friends to take care of his needs. A few days later, Felix sent for Paul and gave him an opportunity to speak about faith in the Anointed One. Felix was accompanied by his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. As Paul spoke of justice, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became fearful. Felix: That’s enough for now. When I have time, I will send for you again. They had a number of conversations of this sort; but Felix actually was hoping that, by having frequent contact with him, Paul might offer him a bribe. As a favor to the Jews, he did nothing to resolve the case and left Paul in prison for two years. Then Felix completed his assignment as governor, and Porcius Festus succeeded him. Three days after arriving in the province, Festus traveled south from Caesarea to Jerusalem. The chief priests and Jewish leaders still had a plan to kill Paul and gave a report to Festus about their unresolved grievances against Paul. They suggested that as a favor to them, Festus should move Paul to Jerusalem. Of course, this was part of the plan to set an ambush for Paul and kill him en route. Festus instead offered to reopen the case. He would be going back to Caesarea soon. Festus: So let your leaders accompany me, and bring your accusations against the man. Eight or ten days later, Festus returned to Caesarea, and the next day he took his seat in court. He ordered Paul to be brought before him. The Jewish opponents from Jerusalem immediately surrounded Paul and from all directions bombarded him with all sorts of serious charges, none of which could be proven. Paul (quietly and simply): In no way have I committed any offense against Jewish law, against the Jewish temple and all it represents, or against the emperor. Here Festus saw an opportunity to do just the favor Paul’s Jewish opponents had requested. Festus: Would you like to have your trial in Jerusalem? I’d be willing to try your case there. Paul: If I had committed a capital offense, I would accept my punishment. But I’m sure it’s clear to you that I have done no wrong to the Jews. Since their charges against me are completely empty, it would be wrong
24 Sep 2024
May the Lord surprise us with His love time and time again. May being speechless due to His goodness be a common reaction for us and those around us. John 21:10-14.
Today’s Verse – Mark 9:23
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” —Mark 9:23 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… A desperate father came to Jesus with a request for help and said, IF you can, Jesus, please help! IF? IF! Jesus told the desperate father everything is possible for the person who believes. We say we believe that our Father in heaven will act for our best eternal good and the eternal best good of our loved ones in need as we love him and follow his purposes in our lives (Romans 8:28). We say that we believe, so let’s ask in faith with a commitment like that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These three friends believed that God could spare them from the fiery furnace and confidently told King Nebuchadnezzar, “We serve a God who is able to deliver us, but even if he does not, we will not worship other gods who are false!” (Daniel 3:16-18) Let’s be committed to the enormity of what’s possible for us in Jesus when we believe! My Prayer… Now to our God, who we believe can do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask or imagine, to that God be glory, both now as well as forever and ever. In the glorious name of Jesus, we praise you. Amen. (Prayer adapted from Ephesians 3:20-21) All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.