Day 10: A scripture that makes you smile

Luke 15:17-24

17  And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!   18  I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19  And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

20  And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

21  And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

22  But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:  23  And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:   24  For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

As I contemplated which scriptures make me smile, I realized that I don't smile at too many passages!! 

But I have chosen this section of the story of the prodigal son.  And the smile comes in the sentence written in bold, in verse 20.  This wonderful picture of reunion and thanksgiving, of love and forgiveness -- who of us cannot smile at it? 

Those of us who are parents of teenagers and/or adults know what it is like to be watching and waiting for our children to make right choices.  I believe this is true for the lucky parents whose kids don't make any or many bad choices as well as the parents who have had greater struggles with their kids.  We get to a place in our lives when we do not have control of what they do.  We hope that we have taught the lessons that they needed and that they have learned them and incorporated them into their own lives.  And we have to figuratively stand back in what feels like "a great way off."   And we are ready, open-armed, to forgive any and all wrongs done.

And which of us has not been the prodigal son?  Only those of us who have been prodigal daughters!  When we have "come to ourselves,"  and see our sin, when we repent and obey, we can know that our loving Father has seen us from afar and has prepared a banquet for us.  The angels rejoice.  And we can "be merry."  And that makes me smile.

Day 9: A scriptural promise

Matthew 28:20b  ...and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

There is a joy and comfort in this verse that is almost indescribable.  These are Jesus' words to
the eleven apostles following His death and resurrection.  The apostles have gathered on a mountain as Jesus had directed them.  When they see Him, the risen Lord, they worship.  Even though some doubted, Jesus instructs them to teach others and then gives this promise.   

"Lo, I am with you."  His Spirit, His providence, His guidance will be theirs.  He will give strength, assistance, and direction. 

And, He is with me always, too.  The Holy Spirit reveals Him to me through His Word.  As I "hide" His words in my heart through reading, studying, memorizing, I can feel His presence.  In times of trouble, I know that I am not alone.  When I pray, I know that He hears.  When I do well, I know that He is rejoicing.
He is with me always. 

Day 8: A scripture about strength

Joshua 1:9  (KJV)  Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
 
Joshua is a man to be admired.  He was one of the twelve spies sent into Canaan, one of the two who returned full of faith, knowing that God would bring victory to the children of Israel.  As we know, his report was rejected by the people and they ended up on the 40-year wilderness wandering. 

Joshua and Caleb were the only adults to survive that trek, and Joshua was chosen to be the successor to Moses.

Now it is time to lead the people into the promised land.  And God commands Joshua to be strong and of good courage.  And this verse is the third of four in Joshua chapter one in which God makes this command.  It's a command.

I think many of us think of strength and courage as being characteristics that we have to be born with.  Some of us have it, and some of us don't.  I don't think that I am the only one who makes the excuse that I am too scared to do something for God.

This verse lets me know and challenges me to accept that I can be strong and courageous, for God is with me wherever I go, in all that I do for Him.  His presence is promised.
Joshua gave heed to God's words and was a phenomenal success.  What a lesson for me!

Coming Up:
Day 9: A scriptural promise

Day 10: A scripture that makes you smile
Day 11: A scripture about family/friends
Day 12: A scripture about peace
Day 13: Something Jesus said
Day 14: A scripture on fear

Day 7: A scripture about praise/worship

Daniel 6:10 (KJV)  Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

This passage has always been inspiring to me.  The king has been persuaded to decree that petitions and prayers be only made to him for a thirty-day period.  He has established the decree -- it is sealed and irrevocable.  It doesn't matter that he was sort of tricked into doing this.

What is wonderful is what Daniel does.  No hesitation.  He just goes home and prays as he always had before.  He didn't close the window either.

We know the rest of the story.  And it's a wonderful story of God's protection and providence.  But at the time noted in this verse, Daniel did not know the rest of the story.  And he worshiped anyway.

I sometimes think of the Christians who are in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, India, various places in Africa.  May they, too, be inspired by the story of Daniel.

Day 5:  A scripture that changed your view on life

Ok, so here's the deal.  I am struggling with this one.  So I'm skipping it for now and, hopefully, will come back to it.  Guess I have to figure out what my "view on life" is!   : )

Day 6:  Your favorite verse on salvation

The people in the crowd on the day of Pentecost had been listening to Peter and recognized that his words were true.  Jesus was truly the Son of God.  He had been nailed to the cross.  He had died.  God had raised Him up again.  The people knew they were guilty of sin.  And so they called out, "What shall we do?" 


Acts 2:38 (KJV)  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.


(New ASV)  Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The verses following tell us that Peter continued to testify to them and exhort them.  And about 3000 received his word and were baptized.

Just last night at Bible study, we looked at what it means to "call upon the name of the Lord."  Not just calling out to the Lord or calling the Lord's name.  God spoke through Joel the prophet of a time when His Spirit would be poured out, "and it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be delivered."  (Joel 2:28-32)  On the day of Pentecost, Peter directly quotes this passage.  (Acts 2:17-21)  Verse 21:  And it shall be that every one who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.  So when the people in the crowd ask, "What shall we do?", he tells them to repent and be baptized.  This is how they call on the name of the Lord.

And when Paul the apostle tells of his salvation, he quotes Ananias, the man who was sent by God to him.  Ananias says, "And now why do you delay?  Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name."

I remember the time when I was baptized, calling on the name of the Lord.  And I treasure the verses which so simply told me what to do.

Day Four: Your Favorite Psalm

Truth be told, Psalm 23 is probably my "favorite" psalm.  It is the one I can recite to myself silently when I am in the chair at the dentist.  Yes, that is what I do to calm myself.  It is a comfort to me.  But it is a predictable favorite, one that is probably the favorite of many -- and probably the only psalm that many people are familiar with.

So, for this blog, I have chosen to take note of another one of my favorites.  The one right after the twenty-third:  Psalm 24.  And I have copied it in the King James Version, the version I memorized from in my younger days when memorizing was easier.  There is such a beauty about psalms in the language of the 1600s.

1The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

2For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
3Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
7Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
8Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
10Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Verse one establishes God's ownership of the earth, all of it, the world, and all its inhabitants.  Who owns me?  God.  Who owns you?  God.

Verse two tells why He has ownership.  He is the Creator.

Verses three through six calls me to obedience, humility, purity.  With these characteristics I may be  forever with Him, blessed by Him.

When I read verses seven and eight, I picture myself in a medieval-type castle.  The trumpet sounds.  Everyone is at attention, awaiting the grand entrance of the ruler.  The drawbridge is lowered, the gates lifted, the doors opened wide.  And I see the king enter -- the Lord of hosts, the King of glory.  I love that those verses are repeated.  Just the poetry, I guess.  In my head, I see this like it's like a movie.  Just think what it will be like in reality!

Day 3: A Scripture that you love

Philippians 4:6-7  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


Our lives are so full of anxiety-producing pressures.  Look at the front page of a newspaper or watch the news on TV.  The economy of our nation -- and many, maybe most of the rest of the world's nations as well -- is in a terrible state.  So many people are out of work.  There are fires in Texas.  There was an earthquake recently along the east coast, followed by a hurricane.  There is a heightened alert concerning possible terrorist attacks this weekend.  And I'm sure each of us has a loved one who is suffering from illness or loss.  The list of troubles could go on and on.

What is my response to be to all of the bad news and tragic occurrences?  Worry, worry, worry.  No.

Turn to God in prayer.  Ask for help.  Give thanks.

The result:  peace.  The "peace that passes understanding down in my heart," as we sing in VBS or Family Bible Week.

Our God is so great.  And I am so grateful.

And this passage is one that I love.

Day 2:  A scripture that brings you hope

I Corinthians 6:11  (ASV) And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.

This verse follows a blistering list of the types of folks who will not inherit the kingdom of God.  Imagine some of the members of the church in Corinth as they first heard this part of the letter (verses 9-10) read to them -- or read it for the first time themselves.  One realizes that just a year before she had had a shrine with idols in her bedroom.  One remembers the fling that he had had with a harlot.  Another shudders at the memory of the times friends had dragged him home intoxicated, almost unconscious.  And Paul says idolaters, fornicators, and drunkards will be forever separated from God.  They feel crushed by the weight of their sins.

Then comes verse eleven!  An acknowledgement of their past, yes, but, oh! the joy of redemption!  What they did and were in the past and what they are now do not match.  Now they are washed, having been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Now they have been sanctified, set apart for good works.  Now they are justified, made right with God. 

The past is the past, over and done with.  The price for their sins has been paid in full.  And the doors to the kingdom of heaven are open to them. 

And so my past is also in the past, over and done with.  The price for my sins has been paid in full.  And the doors to the kingdom of heaven are open to me.  Why?  God's plan called for my being washed free of sin in baptism, and I answered that call.  I strive to walk in His ways.  When I remember my sins, I also remember this verse.  And I have hope.

I got this from my daughter Kathleen, who has just started a blog.  Thought I would challenge myself with it as well:

30-Day Scripture Challenge!

Day 1: A scripture that makes you think of yourself

Day 2: A scripture that brings you hope

Day 3: A scripture that you love

Day 4: Your favorite Psalm

Day 5: A scripture that changed your view on life

Day 6: Your favorite scripture on salvation

Day 7: A scripture about praise/worship

Okay, okay -- I know that I have just listed seven days -- just thought it would be easier to keep up if I listed them in short doses instead of all thirty at once.

Day 1:  A scripture that makes you think of yourself

Psalm 19:14 (ASV)  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

This verse sustained me through one of the most difficult years of my career.  The kids, to put it nicely, were awful.  Not all of them, of course.  Not even the majority of them, to be honest.  But, wow, there were too many problems.  And we know the old saying, "One bad apple ....."  And in a classroom of up to 30 kids, only one rabble-rouser can stir up the whole group, making it tough for even the most patient of teachers.  And she wasn't me.  And there were more than one.

Each morning in homeroom following the announcements over the intercom, we had a minute of silence.  That's where the verse comes in.  Each morning I silently recited/prayed this verse.  It got me through.  I believe the Lord truly helped me each one of those 175 instructional days of that tough year.  With the desire to be more acceptable to Him, I could remain silent or speak softly when I felt like yelling -- at least the majority of the time.  While I was not able to prevent all of the bad behavior, I did not add to its impact by losing control myself and making things worse.

I do keep expecting to see the name of one of those students on Crimestoppers!!

And I continue to pray this verse!