Monday Meditations Archives

Little Words

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36 (NKJV)

Of – used as a function to indicate origin, component materials, or possession

Through – used as a function to indicate means, or agency, completion, or acceptance or approval

To – used as a function to indicate purpose, intention, tendency, result or end, attachment, connection, belonging, possession accompaniment or response, agreement or conformity

All – the whole amount, quantity or extent of, every member or individual component, any and every.

Don’t just read over the little words…

King David’s Anger

By Paula Leave a Comment

So David’s anger was greatly aroused against the man, and he said to Nathan, As the LORD lives, the man who has done this shall surely die! 2 Samuel 12:5

How quickly the king’s sense of justice was violated!
Judgment was pronounced swiftly and unwaveringly.
Deservedly so.
The sins were many.

Lack of pity
Immorality
Abuse of position
Lies
Greed
Deceit
and more.

David saw them all …
as long as Nathan was talking about someone else.

What about us?

When is our clarity greatest? When is our call for justice loudest? When is anger hottest?

At the failings of others? Or our own?

Isn’t there someone I can show the kindness of God to?

By Paula Leave a Comment

And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” 2 Samuel 9:3

This was a risky, even ill-advised move on David’s part.
He had replaced Saul’s dynasty and it wasn’t a completely smooth transition.
In fact, it took seven years for David’s rule to be solidified.

But kindness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
It is the mark of a follower of Christ. (Colossians 3:12)
It is an act of grace.
It is an imitation of God Himself.
And it is extremely rare these days.

Which makes it all the more remarkable
When we follow David’s lead.
So today, every day, ask yourself

Isn’t there someone I can show the kindness of God to?

Facing Monday Renewed

By Paula Leave a Comment

Therefore You are great, O Lord GOD. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 2 Samuel 7:22

Therefore
Recall all that God has said and done in the past.

You are great
Reaffirm the meaning of great. Disconnect it from its watered-down common usage.

O Lord GOD
Reestablish that He is your Lord and your GOD by the covenant relationship established in Christ.

For there is none like You
Recommit to the One who is uniquely, singularly God.

Nor is there any God besides You
Renounce anything that competes for your loyalty

According to all that we have heard with our ears
Rehearse the times you have witnessed God’s greatness.

Amen

Now, go face your day, your week… renewed.

That Time the Demon Came to Church

By Paula

Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out … Mark 1:23

In between calling His first disciples and healing a bunch of people
Jesus goes to the synagogue.

He teaches with power and authority,
and the crowd pays rapt attention, blown away by the things He says.

And oh, by the way, there was also a demon-possessed guy there.

Think about that for a minute.

What would you think, how would you feel knowing that evil was right there in the midst?
Would you avoid eye contact and hope he just went away?
Would you draw your children closer?
Would you duck out the back door?

A possessed man not only came to the church service, he interrupted the sermon.
I suppose the demon thought that would ruin everything for Jesus.
Instead, the demon led his host right to the very one who could set him free.
And the people were even more amazed.

Wonder what would happen if a demon showed up at my church? Or yours?

Start Your Week Like Jesus

By Paula

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. Mark 1:35

It was the morning after the Sabbath.
The rituals of worship were finished.
But the worship had not.

Before the work week began,
Before the work day began,
Jesus, the man, the model servant, didn’t make lists.
He didn’t get in a workout.
He sacrificed his sleep.
He worshiped.

Away from distractions, good and bad.
Alone.
He worshiped.

Maybe this Monday morning has passed.
But Tuesday is a good day to worship, too.

Little Words

King David’s Anger

Isn’t there someone I can show the kindness of God to?

Facing Monday Renewed

That Time the Demon Came to Church

Start Your Week Like Jesus

Encounters Series

Covenant of Trust Series

Foundations Series