tag:www.tenthousandmiles.com,2007:/pottershand/3 2007-10-04T15:36:03Z Movable Type 3.31 tag:www.tenthousandmiles.com,2007:/pottershand//3.1060 2007-06-12T09:40:01Z 2007-10-04T15:36:03Z

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 Jesus started His ministry by teaching, preaching, and healing. Teaching for our minds, preaching...

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 Jesus started His ministry by teaching, preaching, and healing. Teaching for our minds, preaching for our spirits, and healing for our bodies - He came for the whole man. Knowledge, inspiration, and health were His gifts. Lord, tonight I am concerned for a friend whose body needs to be healed. Jesus, You healed every disease and sickness. Nothing is too great for You. The doctors are confounded, but You are not. You know the cause, and You know the cure. Touch my friend. He has served You for so long. Show him Your great and mighty love. Thank You for his continued prayers for me. Help me to not cease in my prayers for him.]]> tag:www.tenthousandmiles.com,2007:/pottershand//3.1059 2007-06-11T12:20:17Z 2007-10-04T15:29:11Z

And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Matthew 3:17 Why do so many fathers miss the mark? Sons don't expect their dads to be perfect. They simply hope...

And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Matthew 3:17 Why do so many fathers miss the mark? Sons don't expect their dads to be perfect. They simply hope to be loved. Many a man wanders aimlessly through life trying to gain his father's approval; many will grab hold of anything that resembles love and acceptance - even to the point of sacrificing all he has. Jesus knew that His Father loved Him. It was His Father's love that kept him going. He knew that the world would reject Him, and for a time His Father would abandon Him. But He never doubted His Father's love. Father, I have sought love and approval my entire life, yet it so often eludes me. Help me to grab hold of You. You are the Source. You are the Approver. You are the Accepting One. Make me a whole man. Forgive me for sacrificing my best in attempts to gain what my father cannot and will not give. Let my son know that my love never ceases. Love him as I long to be loved.]]> tag:www.tenthousandmiles.com,2007:/pottershand//3.1058 2007-06-10T11:05:37Z 2007-10-04T15:22:22Z

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:2 The magi came to town asking about a child who was born king of the Jews. I can understand why Herod was disturbed. A child...

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:2 The magi came to town asking about a child who was born king of the Jews. I can understand why Herod was disturbed. A child born king would threaten his position, for he was a king by appointment rather than birth. But why was all of Jerusalem disturbed along with him? The priests knew a messiah was coming. Wouldn't they be elated at the birth of the true king? I think they were complacent. They had grown content with their rules and ritual. The true king would probably shake things up a bit. They preferred the status quo over the One sent by God Himself. Lord, help me to never worship the status quo. I want to follow Your lead. The magi followed a star; Joseph followed an angel. I choose to follow You.]]> tag:www.tenthousandmiles.com,2007:/pottershand//3.1057 2007-06-09T10:30:00Z 2007-07-12T06:47:37Z

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. Matthew 1:24 Joseph was an honorable man. He had in his mind to divorce Mary because she wasn't...

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. Matthew 1:24 Joseph was an honorable man. He had in his mind to divorce Mary because she wasn't carrying his child, but an angel appeared to him in a dream to reveal the truth. The child was from God alone. What strikes me is the word "when." The verse reads, "When Joseph woke up..." I take this to mean that the first thing Joseph did upon awakening was to get Mary. He didn't go about his day and contemplate what he should do. The Lord had spoken, and he responded. How many times do I hesitate? How many times do I have to think it through to ensure it is really what God had in mind? Lord, I want to be like Joseph, who heard Your command and responded - no questions asked. Help me to be a man who leaves a heritage of quick obedience for generations to come.]]> tag:www.tenthousandmiles.com,2006:/pottershand//3.1056 2006-09-11T10:50:00Z 2007-07-12T05:51:49Z

Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. Acts 3:2 In the name of Jesus, Peter healed a...

Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. Acts 3:2 In the name of Jesus, Peter healed a crippled beggar. This man was the first to be healed after the coming of the Holy Spirit. All the people were amazed, for they recognized him as the man who begged at the Beautiful gate. Wait! How noticeable is a beggar? How many times does it take to see someone on the street before he is easily recognized? Yet the people recognized this man. He had been crippled from birth. He had been sitting at the Beautiful gate for a long time. He must have been; otherwise, he wouldn't have been recognized by them. Not very long before this, it was the custom of another man to visit the temple. Jesus frequented the temple whenever He was in Jerusalem. And it is quite possible that Jesus could have seen this man - this beggar sitting at the Beautiful gate. Why wasn't he healed before now? Jesus healed many, many sick and affirmed. Yet this man was not among them. Could it have been that their paths never crossed? Could it have been that the man was new to Jerusalem? But the people recognized him! The Lord's timing isn't always our timing. In fact, it is rarely our timing! If Jesus had seen this man, He may have decided to wait. This man's healing would stand as proof that the kingdom of God had come. A new age had dawned - an age where common man would be used in uncommon ways. Lord, help me to be patient with Your timing. Help me to understand what I am to do during the wait. Heal me from the affirmities of this world - from the wicked ways that keep me from walking, from jumping, on the path to which You have called me.]]> tag:www.tenthousandmiles.com,2006:/pottershand//3.1055 2006-09-06T10:30:00Z 2007-07-12T05:33:21Z

Some however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine." Acts 2:13 The day had finally come. Those who followed Jesus were gathered together waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. He came! With the sound of...

Some however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine." Acts 2:13 The day had finally come. Those who followed Jesus were gathered together waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. He came! With the sound of a might wind that was heard throughout the city, He came to rest on each believer. Each of them began to speak in languages he didn't know. Those who were visiting Jeruslem for Pentecost were amazed at how these Galileans could be speaking their native tongues. Well... many of them were amazed. Some thought they were drunk. At 9:00 in the morning, a group of Galileans began speaking in your native language, and you think they are drunk?! Oh, that what I would think, I'm sure! My main question is: Who was drinking? How could someone see and hear something like this and not believe that God was in it? Some people are so hardened that all they know is skepticism. All they understand is what the world tell them - that there is only today - that life should be lived with no consequence - that God doesn't even exist. I would hope that if I witnessed a group of believers acting as these were that my reaction wouldn't be one of skepticism. Too often, I question humans - at the expense of the Spirit. I would hope that my response: "I'll have what they are having!" Lord, so what if the world thinks we are drunk! You are more important than what anyone thinks. Give me the courage to stand up and speak the words You place in my mouth. Do not make them my own. Make them what the world needs to hear in order to know You. Fill me anew today. Holy Spirit, rest on me.]]> tag:www.tenthousandmiles.com,2006:/pottershand//3.1036 2006-09-05T11:35:12Z 2006-09-07T22:46:30Z

"Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from...

"Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection." Acts 1:21-22 When the dust had settled, there were about one hundred and twenty who gathered to pray and wait for the Holy Spirit whom Jesus had promised. While they prayed, Peter called upon the group to name a replacement for Judas Iscariot. But who could stand as a witness to all Jesus had done? Weren't there only twelve disciples? The truth is: There were more than twelve who followed Jesus. There were many who were there from the beginning to the end. We don't know all their names, but they were there. Among them was Matthias, the one chosen by lot to replace the one who had been lost. There was also Justis, the one mentioned but not chosen. Lord, there were many who followed without notice. We don't know their names, but they knew You. Would I have been a nameless disciple? Would I be content to stay by Your side without the recognition? Give me the heart of a servant. I want to follow You. ]]> tag:www.tenthousandmiles.com,2006:/pottershand//3.1035 2006-09-04T10:55:21Z 2006-09-07T22:39:02Z

I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. 3 John 9 How do you want to be remembered? I'm sure Diotrephes had no idea that all of Christendom would...

I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. 3 John 9 How do you want to be remembered? I'm sure Diotrephes had no idea that all of Christendom would remember him as one who loved to be first! His rejection of the Apostle John wasn't a very wise choice. Since all of Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit, I wonder if Jesus had anything to do with the way Diotrephes is remembered. Wouldn't you want the world to know how someone had harmed your best friend? I'm sure Jesus carries no malice, for He is without sin. But it makes me chuckle when I consider how we remember an adversary of the "one Jesus loved." Lord, I know what it is to have a best friend who has been harmed by someone. My human nature wants to tell the world about it. But it is not my place. Give me a heart of compassion and forgiveness. Help me to be remembered as on who is content with being last rather than first.]]> tag:www.tenthousandmiles.com,2006:/pottershand//3.1034 2006-08-23T12:15:54Z 2006-09-07T22:31:58Z

Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work. 2 John 11 Guilt by association... A get-away driver may not have actually robbed a bank, but he is just as guilty. An accomplice to a murder may not have actually...

Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work. 2 John 11 Guilt by association... A get-away driver may not have actually robbed a bank, but he is just as guilty. An accomplice to a murder may not have actually pulled the trigger, but he is just as guilty. There are some who claim to be Christian, but their words associate them with the enemy. In my eyes, they are guilty of sin and will stand before the Father some day to explain why they thought they were right. Some speak words of acceptance - not of people, but of sinful lifestyles. Their words lead many away from the truth. Some speak words of disunity. Members from a Kansas church were recently in town to protest at a soldier's funeral. To protest! To raise banners claiming "God hates fags!" What a witness these people are - witness for hatred. I hope that others only associate me with the truth. I want no part in the enemy's work. He wins far too often, and I long for the day of his final demise. Lord, help me to be a witness to what is right - to love one another - to love ourselves - to love You.]]> tag:www.tenthousandmiles.com,2006:/pottershand//3.1033 2006-08-22T11:55:47Z 2006-08-22T19:15:57Z

There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying he should pray about that. 1 John 5:16b There are some verses in the Bible that, if taken out of context, can really shake things up a bit!...

There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying he should pray about that. 1 John 5:16b There are some verses in the Bible that, if taken out of context, can really shake things up a bit! Out of the blue, John refers to a sin that leads to death. Essentially, he reveals there is one unforgiveable sin. A Christian could easily get stuck right here. He may wonder, "Wait! What if my sin is the ONE sin that cannot be forgiven?" Without the whole of the Bible, we wouldn't know that this sin is to reject the Spirit of God. If we reject Him fully, there is no turning back. Lord, I must admit that there are times I wonder. Could I have misunderstood? Is my sin the ONE?! Help me to understand the depth and breadth of Your grace. In Your grace, we find freedom from sin. In Your grace we find hope. There is nowhere else I would rather be than with You.]]> tag:www.tenthousandmiles.com,2006:/pottershand//3.1032 2006-08-21T15:15:23Z 2006-08-21T20:12:36Z

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9 Living through Christ... Oh, how I wish that choosing Christ made things...

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9 Living through Christ... Oh, how I wish that choosing Christ made things simpler. When we finally say, "Okay. Use me however You choose," our lives are opened to new and exciting opportunities that seem to stretch us further than we ever dreamed. And once we have been stretched, we need Christ all the more! Lord, I feel like I have been climbing up the face of a mighty cliff. I haven't yet reached the top, but I am closer than ever before. Yet now I am frightened. The biggest challenges are still before me - greater responsibility at work, graduate classes, continued commitments that drain my energy. I really need to understand what it is to live through You. There is no responsibility so great that You don't know the answers. Give me insight, clarity, and courage. I am anxious about moving. Will I fall? Will I succeed? I can't stay here - on the side of the cliff. Will You climb with me today?]]> tag:www.tenthousandmiles.com,2006:/pottershand//3.1031 2006-08-18T08:45:59Z 2006-08-18T15:08:12Z

No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. 1 John 3:6 Without an understanding of God's grace, certain verses can sure cause a lot of doubt....

No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. 1 John 3:6 Without an understanding of God's grace, certain verses can sure cause a lot of doubt. John's words seem to suggest that if we sin, we are not in Him - that maybe we aren't really saved. Even as Christians, sin will continue to be a struggle. What are we to do? In truth, when we sin, we are not in Him. We have chosen to step outside of Him - outside of His protection - even for just a moment. Yet there is hope. By His grace, He is ALWAYS in us. That's the key! That is how we know we are saved. He will never leave us or forsake us - even for just a moment. Lord, thank You for choosing me. There are times that I don't choose You, but my choice can never change You. I am made clean and holy by Your action alone - not mine. Help me to see You in all things, for when I see You, sin isn't even a choice.]]> tag:www.tenthousandmiles.com,2006:/pottershand//3.1030 2006-08-17T11:00:34Z 2006-08-18T15:11:13Z

But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:5-6 How many times...

But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:5-6 How many times have I heard people say, "God will never be finished with us in this lifetime?" It is encouraging to hear a man in his eighties speak these words, for while we are in the body, we will always be imperfect. My imperfections and failures remind me that I am part of the human condition. I am not alone in my frailty. But sometimes - I want it now. I want to be past the point of no return - past the point where evil desires cross into righteousness. Am I saying that I want to be done with this life? That I am ready for heaven? Well... yes. Am I saying that I want my life to be over? No. John tells us how we can be made complete, how we can be made perfect, how we can be finished: to obey God's word - to live in Christ. Yet how do we know we live in Christ? Because we act like Him. We walk as He did. We conduct our lives as He did. Does this mean we should start hanging around with a group of outcasts - fishermen, tax collectors, sinners? Well... maybe. It means we start living with real people - people who are unafraid to show their frailties. It means we start living a life that is so real that others are attracted to the light that shines within us. It means that when others see us, they see Jesus. What did Jesus say? If one had seen Him, meaning Himself, he had seen the Father. Jesus lived in the Father, just as John challenges us to live in Christ. And despite his deity, Jesus was a man. If He could do it, so can we. Lord, I truly want to abide in You. Soon the world is going to encroach - it already is, and I need You in order to survive it. Help me today to obey the Word. Help me today to walk as You did. Tomorrow can worry about itself.]]> tag:www.tenthousandmiles.com,2006:/pottershand//3.1029 2006-08-16T11:35:35Z 2006-08-17T23:11:48Z

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched - this we proclaim concerning the word of life. 1 John 1:1 The...

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched - this we proclaim concerning the word of life. 1 John 1:1 The account of an eyewitness is generally considered to be the best evidence. But over two thousand years have passed since Jesus walked the earth - since He died and rose again. There are many eyewitness accounts to His life and ministry, yet it seems too many people today are quick to discount what they themselves cannot see, hear, and touch. Documents can be fabricated. Evidence can be manipulated. And entire generations can be deceived. That's why the church is so important. How else will people believe if they don't see it for themselves? Christians need to live examined lives - lives that can be seen and studied - lives that prove Christ still walks the earth in us. Lord, help me to live an authentic life that is evidence to Your existence. Help me to walk in the truth today.]]> tag:www.tenthousandmiles.com,2006:/pottershand//3.1028 2006-08-01T09:40:34Z 2006-08-17T22:48:08Z

Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked withy them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. mark 16:20 "Lord, show me a sign..." How many times have I asked that? The truth...

Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked withy them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. mark 16:20 "Lord, show me a sign..." How many times have I asked that? The truth is when we step out in faith, He will always confirm Himself with signs. We simply don't know how to see them. An instantaneous answer to prayer - like feeling lonely and receiving a phone call moments later - like feeling overwhelmed at work and having a co-worker ask how she can help - these are signs of His work in our lives. But sometimes these are overlooked. They are discounted as coincidence or merely misunderstood altogether. Father, how many signs do I miss every day? Too often I feel like a lone ship on the ocean. Open my eyes to see through the fog. Open my ears to hears the sounds of those I cannot see. Open my heart to recognize Your confirming work. Reign in my life today.]]>