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Friday, May 11, 2012

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A Good Place to Rest Dr. James A. Lee

INNER PEACE

My world is at peace because I am at peace.

I accept the responsibility to generate peace on earth by keeping myself in harmony. No matter how confused outer circumstances may become, I do not allow them to disturb my inner serenity. I am the keeper of my thoughts, and my reaction to turmoil is one of calm assuredness.

When my mind is at peace, I am receptive to the inspiration of the Christ within, and I find a way out of every difficulty. My ability to meet conditions with grace comes from my peace of mind. I do not imagine disastrous scenarios; I visualize what I desire and allow my thoughts to dwell on it in peace.

The indwelling Christ shows me the way of peace, and I follow.

Listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom. --Job 33:33

Thursday, May 10, 2012

The Key to Wellness Dr. James A. Lee

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FAITH

In faith, I "touch the cloak" of Spirit.

One day as Jesus walked among the people, healing and teaching, a woman touched his cloak and was healed of a hemorrhage. She thought it was the personal power of Jesus that healed her, but Jesus reminded her that her own faith made it possible.

I know that with God all things are possible. In prayer and meditation, I "touch the cloak" as I align my body, heart and mind with Spirit.

Each time I pray, my faith grows. Each time I see good unfolding in my life and in the lives of others, my faith expands. Each time I turn to God within, I "touch the cloak" once more.

Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well.--Matthew 9:22

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Our Daily Bread

Apologies

May 10, 2012


Our Daily Bread is hosted by Les Lamborn

READ: Matthew 5:21-26

If you . . . remember that your brother has something against you, . . . first be reconciled to your brother. —Matthew 5:23-24

Mark messed up. He arrived an hour late at a restaurant where he was to meet a friend from church. The friend had already left. Feeling sorry about his mistake, Mark purchased a gift certificate from the restaurant and stopped at a local card shop to search for an apology card. Among hundreds of cards, he was surprised to find only a few “sorry for my actions” cards in an obscure part of the store. He purchased one and gave it to his friend who accepted his apology.

Although apology cards may not be popular, apologies are frequently needed in our relationships. Apologizing is a biblical action. Jesus instructed His followers to make things right with those we’ve offended (Matt. 5:23-24; 18:15-20). And the apostle Paul said, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom. 12:18). Living at peace may require apologies.

Apologies can be hard to make because it takes a spirit of humility to admit our mistake, which may not come naturally for us. But taking responsibility for how we were wrong in a situation can bring healing and restoration to a relationship.

Have you messed up? Swallow your pride and make the first move—even if you can’t find a card to help you say it. —Anne Cetas

Whenever you offend a friend,
Apologize and make things right;
For if you will admit your wrong,
You may avoid a needless fight. —Sper

The best way to get the last word is to apologize.

Ephesians 1 - Matthew Henry’s Commentary - Bible Commentary

Christians must be saints; if they come not under that character on earth, they will never be saints in glory. Those are not saints, who are not faithful, believing in Christ, and true to the profession they make of relation to their Lord. By grace, understand the free and undeserved love and favour of God, and those graces of the Spirit which come from it; by peace, all other blessings, spiritual and temporal, the fruits of the former. No peace without grace. No peace, nor grace, but from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ; and the best saints need fresh supplies of the graces of the Spirit, and desire to grow.

Commentary on Ephesians 1:3-8

(Read Ephesians 1:3-8)

Spiritual and heavenly blessings are the best blessings; with which we cannot be miserable, and without which we cannot but be so. This was from the choice of them in Christ, before the foundation of the world, that they should be made holy by separation from sin, being set apart to God, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, in consequence of their election in Christ. All who are chosen to happiness as the end, are chosen to holiness as the means. In love they were predestinated, or fore-ordained, to be adopted as children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, and to be openly admitted to the privileges of that high relation to himself. The reconciled and adopted believer, the pardoned sinner, gives all the praise of his salvation to his gracious Father. His love appointed this method of redemption, spared not his own Son, and brought believers to hear and embrace this salvation. It was rich grace to provide such a surety as his own Son, and freely to deliver him up. This method of grace gives no encouragement to evil, but shows sin in all its hatefulness, and how it deserves vengeance. The believer's actions, as well as his words, declare the praises of Divine mercy.

Commentary on Ephesians 1:9-14

(Read Ephesians 1:9-14)

Blessings were made known to believers, by the Lord's showing to them the mystery of his sovereign will, and the method of redemption and salvation. But these must have been for ever hidden from us, if God had not made them known by his written word, preached gospel, and Spirit of truth. Christ united the two differing parties, God and man, in his own person, and satisfied for that wrong which caused the separation. He wrought, by his Spirit, those graces of faith and love, whereby we are made one with God, and among ourselves. He dispenses all his blessings, according to his good pleasure. His Divine teaching led whom he pleased to see the glory of those truths, which others were left to blaspheme. What a gracious promise that is, which secures the gift of the Holy Ghost to those who ask him! The sanctifying and comforting influences of the Holy Spirit seal believers as the children of God, and heirs of heaven. These are the first-fruits of holy happiness. For this we were made, and for this we were redeemed; this is the great design of God in all that he has done for us; let all be ascribed unto the praise of his glory.

Commentary on Ephesians 1:15-23

(Read Ephesians 1:15-23)

God has laid up spiritual blessings for us in his Son the Lord Jesus; but requires us to draw them out and fetch them in by prayer. Even the best Christians need to be prayed for: and while we hear of the welfare of Christian friends, we should pray for them. Even true believers greatly want heavenly wisdom. Are not the best of us unwilling to come under God's yoke, though there is no other way to find rest for the soul? Do we not for a little pleasure often part with our peace? And if we dispute less, and prayed more with and for each other, we should daily see more and more what is the hope of our calling, and the riches of the Divine glory in this inheritance. It is desirable to feel the mighty power of Divine grace, beginning and carrying on the work of faith in our souls. But it is difficult to bring a soul to believe fully in Christ, and to venture its all, and the hope of eternal life, upon his righteousness. Nothing less than Almighty power will work this in us. Here is signified that it is Christ the Saviour, who supplies all the necessities of those who trust in him, and gives them all blessings in the richest abundance. And by being partakers of Christ himself, we come to be filled with the fulness of grace and glory in him. How then do those forget themselves who seek for righteousness out of him! This teaches us to come to Christ. And did we know what we are called to, and what we might find in him, surely we should come and be suitors to him. When feeling our weakness and the power of our enemies, we most perceive the greatness of that mighty power which effects the conversion of the believer, and is engaged to perfect his salvation. Surely this will constrain us by love to live to our Redeemer's glory

A Good Choice Dr. James A. Lee

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FORGIVE

I choose forgiveness.

When someone I love hurts my feelings or betrays my trust, I can consciously choose how to react. I can choose to harbor a grudge, lash out in anger, or retaliate. Or I can choose to forgive.

Holding on to resentment is like holding onto a burning ember: the longer I hold it, the greater the pain. But if I let it go, healing begins.

When I forgive, I open the door to both physical and spiritual healing. My mind and heart become peaceful. My body relaxes and releases stress. When I choose forgiveness, the path to peace, happiness and freedom is revealed. I choose to forgive myself and others. I choose to be happy.

Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive?"--Matthew 18:21

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

The Great Gift Dr. James A. Lee

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GRACE

Through grace I am made whole.

I begin this day acknowledging that God's grace is my help in every need. I need not fear what the day may bring; rather, I bless whatever is ahead and give thanks. The spirit of God--the Spirit of Infinite Grace--is within me. All I need for a rich and satisfying day is available to me now.

Through God's loving grace, I find strength, wisdom and imagination. These divine gifts dwell within me; the choice to use them or not is mine.

Giving thanks for God's grace, I joyously accept and use each of God's gifts in me, knowing my life is becoming richer and more complete. I let my light shine with the love and grace of God, and all good things are made possible.

From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.--John 1:16