Isaiah 6:8

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” – Isaiah 6:8

I feel like the Lord has sent us many places.  We've lived in 13 states and been to all but 2.  We've lived in Italy and been to 8 European countries. Tom has been to every continent except Australia.  We've always prayed, wherever you want us to go Lord, we will go.  

We've always looked at things as to how we should serve the Lord wherever we go.  The answers have been different every time, but every time it has been something.  The best thing you can ever say, to have the greatest adventures of your life, is "here am I, send me."

Revelation 1:5-6

Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. – Revelation 1:5-6

This seems to be a recurring theme for me.  Free in Christ.  Free to choose to be a faithful witness for Christ, to talk about his rebirth, to acknowledge him as ruler of the earth and ruler of my life.  My choice to serve him in the talents that He as blessed me with.  I am so glad that God sent Jesus to give me that choice.  I am not bound except for how I choose to be.

1 Samuel 3:8-9

The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. – 1 Samuel 3:8-9

I think I would believe it was my mentor Eli calling me also.  I mean, hearing God speak to me in a dream, or even a waking state, would seem odd.  How wonderful for Eli to realize after the third time that God was calling Samuel.  I want to be a mentor like that.  Someone who would realize that they are mentors, but they are not God.  They are mentors, but teaches the person they are mentoring to go on further by hearing God's call for themselves.  It is a great flattery to have someone want to follow in your steps, but the thing they really need to do is follow in God's steps.  Like Paul said, "follow me as I follow Christ." I Cor 11:1. 

God, may I be an example that shines you and then allows you to shine the path of those who have followed me so they may take their path to your glory.  Amen.

Acts 2:40-41

Acts 2:40-41 – Save yourselves from this corrupt generation

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. – Acts 2:40-41

You decide to save yourself. Sounds funny since you know you cannot be saved without Jesus.  Jesus saves.  But your freewill is to CHOOSE Jesus to save you.  Save yourself from this corrupt generation.  Once you have chosen Jesus you see the world through new eyes.  Your community is now your mission, your old friends may choose to leave you, your new friends will bolster you, your life is now new, Satan will come after you, but if you choose, you will be saved from continuing as a part of the corrupt generation and become part of a new generation.  How exciting! 

Acts 1:7-8

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:7-8

Since the movie 2012 many people have gotten caught up with thoughts on the end times. Yet Jesus was clear; we won’t know the time or dates. Instead, God gives us power to become a witness to our neighborhood (Jerusalem), our nation (Judea), our enemies (Samaria) and ultimately the world. It is important to remind those around us that Jesus is coming again, but to become anxious over a calendar date is a distraction that is neither fruitful nor satisfying.

Today’s commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

That was the commentary that went with today's scripture and he is right about worrying over the day he will come.  I do think about it and I haven't seen that movie.  I look at the signs that the Bible said would occur, that it would become like the days of Noah where it was so bad that only one family could be found?  So bad that the majority of the people were godless in nature?  I see that occurring now and I do catch myself worrying.  My  special talent is that of encourager.  I am able to encourage good.  I don't talk or witness to my neighbors much (can't speak the language). 

John 21:20-22

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” – John 21:20-22

I do have a difficult time not comparing myself to others.  Am I doing better than so & so?  At least I'm not like so&so.  And yet there are many many examples besides this one that tells us that no one can see into the heart of another man than God.  I wouldn't want other people to compare over me.  Yet, human nature is to compare.  I should compare, but compare myself to Jesus, who walked and loved and lived.  I must confess that it is difficult to do so because he is perfect and I am not and never will be.  How can I live up to perfection when I am so flawed?  This is a basic question, because philosophically, God sees me through the lens of his perfect son which makes my flaws obliterated, but my mind does not always comply.  My physical mental capabilities are not as transcendent as I would like them to be!

Dear God, help me to look openly at myself and then openly through your eyes at others.  That the path that I walk not be compared to others paths but only to what you would have me to do. 

Be with Brooke today and her examination.  May they praise her for her good work and exhalt her because of you. 

Be with my parents and the sale of their business.  Bring them a good buyer who will allow for them some rest.  Open the doors of a buyer who can afford the offer.  Prevent John from messing it up for them.  Bless them as you have always but in a final way.  I ask this in your will, so I know that it might be fulfilled in other ways that you see fit.  If Judy is that answer, please let the door slam shut on the promotion for her work and let her move to do that job.  Whatever is your will. 

Thank you God for the opportunity to pray to you, through your son, who died for me.  Please forgive me for the wrong doings that I commit, especially for the lies that I think or say.  Continue to teach me oh Lord.
I love you,

John 20:26-29

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:26-29

"Of all of the disciples, Thomas was the most skeptical. Throughout the gospel accounts Thomas made cynical remarks and was the pessimist of the group. He would not believe that Christ had risen unless he could touch the wounds of the cross. But instead of rebuking Thomas, Jesus appeared to him with the evidence that Thomas needed. God’s humility brought Thomas to a place of surrender. God will meet the skeptics if they are willing to look at the evidence that He gives them. Jesus can turn doubt into belief."

It's a funny coincidence that Thomas is also my husband's name and he is always a skeptic first.  I have frequently gotten mad at him for questioning EVERYTHING.  But the thing is, by questioning things frequently, he also punches holes in false teachings and I'm so glad about that!  He is a good leader for me because of his willingness to look before leaping.  Jesus picked a wide variety of men to be a part of his disciples and he loved Thomas too.  Thomas probably helped the other disciples see past some falsehoods, ask questions they otherwise might not have asked..... and needed answers to.  I like Thomas.  Who doesn't need a little extra proof now and then, and like the commentator said here, God who loves us, provides simple proof to those who need it, if they are willing to look at it.  Really look at it.  Sometimes, looking into the Bible is the proof we need and He can show us.  But we have to be willing to look at it.  Look into the hole in the hand and put your hands in the side.  Are you willing to look there?