Time is Short! Hell is Hot!
Revelation 10; Revelation 11; Revelation 12; Revelation 13; Revelation 14
Scripture
Revelation 14:6-7
“Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."
Observation
Fear God and give Him Glory! Time is short! How much time do we have on this earth? Soon the year 2007 will be here and none of know if we will see the year 2008! Now is the time to Fear Him and bring Him Glory! Now is the time!
Application
Beginning a New Year is a great time to start learning some new good habits and getting rid of some bad ones! It is a great time to repent and live differently! Repent means turning from sin and self and turning to God! It means turning our lives around and living for God. Time is short! The hour of judgment is coming!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to help others turn back to you! Help me to share the Good News with the folks around me! Help me live for you in 2007!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Prayers of His Saints are Precious!
Revelation 5; Revelation 6; Revelation 7; Revelation 8; Revelation 9
Scripture
Rev. 5
8 "And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth."
11Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12In a loud voice they sang:
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!"
Observation
To think that God is saving my prayers as sweet smelling incense!
Application
Yes, my prayers are being heard and even saved in Heaven!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, may my prayers be according to your Will! Help me not to be so selfish and help me pray prayers more for other people than myself!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Revelation 5; Revelation 6; Revelation 7; Revelation 8; Revelation 9
Scripture
Rev. 5
8 "And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth."
11Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12In a loud voice they sang:
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!"
Observation
To think that God is saving my prayers as sweet smelling incense!
Application
Yes, my prayers are being heard and even saved in Heaven!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, may my prayers be according to your Will! Help me not to be so selfish and help me pray prayers more for other people than myself!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
You Are Worthy!
Revelation 1; Revelation 2; Revelation 3; Revelation 4
Scripture
Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things,
and by your will they were created and have their being."
Observation
He is worthy to receive glory, and honor and power! He is the Creator God that made us and has made everything else.
Application
The book of Revelation gives us a glimpse of what it is going to be like in Heaven. I don’t know everything we will do in Heaven but one thing I know for sure is that we will surround His throne and worship Him. All of heaven will bow down and worship Him. We get to practice while we are here on earth. I need to constantly give Him glory and praise!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are worthy of honor and praise. I love you and recognize that no one compares with you. Help me to keep you as my first love.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Revelation 1; Revelation 2; Revelation 3; Revelation 4
Scripture
Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things,
and by your will they were created and have their being."
Observation
He is worthy to receive glory, and honor and power! He is the Creator God that made us and has made everything else.
Application
The book of Revelation gives us a glimpse of what it is going to be like in Heaven. I don’t know everything we will do in Heaven but one thing I know for sure is that we will surround His throne and worship Him. All of heaven will bow down and worship Him. We get to practice while we are here on earth. I need to constantly give Him glory and praise!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are worthy of honor and praise. I love you and recognize that no one compares with you. Help me to keep you as my first love.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
You are My Hiding Place!
Psalm 117; Psalm 119:81-176; 2 John 1; 3 John 1
Scripture
Psalm 119:114 "You are my hiding place and my shield.
My hope is based on your word."
Observation
In the Psalms, we find word pictures describing how God protects us. In Psalm 119:14, we find that God is our hiding place and our shield. Is God your hiding place? Have you learned to go to Him for protection and for security? This world is out of control and we desperately need a hiding place.
Application
May I take time to retreat daily to my hiding place. Your Word is full of promises of your protection. I plan to search His Word everyday for strength and guidance.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for being my hiding place. Thank you for providing me a safe place that I can always retreat to during life’s storms. You are my Rock, my Shield, my Fortress, and a very secure hiding place.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Psalm 117; Psalm 119:81-176; 2 John 1; 3 John 1
Scripture
Psalm 119:114 "You are my hiding place and my shield.
My hope is based on your word."
Observation
In the Psalms, we find word pictures describing how God protects us. In Psalm 119:14, we find that God is our hiding place and our shield. Is God your hiding place? Have you learned to go to Him for protection and for security? This world is out of control and we desperately need a hiding place.
Application
May I take time to retreat daily to my hiding place. Your Word is full of promises of your protection. I plan to search His Word everyday for strength and guidance.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for being my hiding place. Thank you for providing me a safe place that I can always retreat to during life’s storms. You are my Rock, my Shield, my Fortress, and a very secure hiding place.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, December 22, 2006
The Light of Christmas!
John 12; John 13; John 14
Scripture
John 12:46 “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”
Observation
The world today is so full of darkness! It desperately needs the light of Jesus! I love Matthew 5:16 that says, “let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify the Father which is in Heaven.” It is my life verse! Christ-followers are the light in this dark world!
Application
One way that the world can see the light in our lives is by their witnessing our love for one another!
Prayer
Father, thank you for the Light of Christmas! Thank you for sending your Son as a gift for me and for the entire world. I pray that this Christmas lives will be changed forever because of the witness of our church family. Help me to be a light to those around me this Christmas.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
John 12; John 13; John 14
Scripture
John 12:46 “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”
Observation
The world today is so full of darkness! It desperately needs the light of Jesus! I love Matthew 5:16 that says, “let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify the Father which is in Heaven.” It is my life verse! Christ-followers are the light in this dark world!
Application
One way that the world can see the light in our lives is by their witnessing our love for one another!
Prayer
Father, thank you for the Light of Christmas! Thank you for sending your Son as a gift for me and for the entire world. I pray that this Christmas lives will be changed forever because of the witness of our church family. Help me to be a light to those around me this Christmas.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Is God’s Hand Big Enough?
John 9; John 10; John 11
Scripture
John 10:28-30 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one."
Observation
I know someone that believes that a person can lose their salvation. It is amazing that these verses don’t help them change their belief. I believe that if I am safe in my Heavenly Father’s Hand and since Jesus says that no one can snatch me out then in His Hand is a very secure place to be. I have had someone say that “yes, no one can snatch you out but you can get out of His hand on your own!” God saves us and God keeps us. We should be depending completely on Him for our security. When Jesus says, “and they shall never perish” I believe Him completely. How about you?
Application
Christmas is all about His Gift to us. Eternal Life is something that we can’t earn and once we have it we can’t lose it no matter what we do or don’t do!
Prayer
Father, help me explain better to our people that it is all by your grace that we are saved and not our works. Help those that are confused, and correct those that are causing the confusion by their dogmatic teaching that “works” are a means of gaining salvation or that “works” are necessary to keep one’s salvation.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
John 9; John 10; John 11
Scripture
John 10:28-30 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one."
Observation
I know someone that believes that a person can lose their salvation. It is amazing that these verses don’t help them change their belief. I believe that if I am safe in my Heavenly Father’s Hand and since Jesus says that no one can snatch me out then in His Hand is a very secure place to be. I have had someone say that “yes, no one can snatch you out but you can get out of His hand on your own!” God saves us and God keeps us. We should be depending completely on Him for our security. When Jesus says, “and they shall never perish” I believe Him completely. How about you?
Application
Christmas is all about His Gift to us. Eternal Life is something that we can’t earn and once we have it we can’t lose it no matter what we do or don’t do!
Prayer
Father, help me explain better to our people that it is all by your grace that we are saved and not our works. Help those that are confused, and correct those that are causing the confusion by their dogmatic teaching that “works” are a means of gaining salvation or that “works” are necessary to keep one’s salvation.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Christmas was God’s Idea!
John 2; John 3; John 4
Scripture
John 3:16-18 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
Observation
Christmas is what John 3:16 is all about! God’s Great Love for us opened up Heaven and God sent His one and His only Son to be born, live, and die so that we might live forever with Him!
Application
Many don’t know how to celebrate “Christmas” yet because they have not met the Christ of Christmas! I need to look for people to share with during this Christmas Season!
Prayer
Thank you for loving me so much that You sent your Son to die for me and to die for those around me. Help me share that Good News this week!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
John 2; John 3; John 4
Scripture
John 3:16-18 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
Observation
Christmas is what John 3:16 is all about! God’s Great Love for us opened up Heaven and God sent His one and His only Son to be born, live, and die so that we might live forever with Him!
Application
Many don’t know how to celebrate “Christmas” yet because they have not met the Christ of Christmas! I need to look for people to share with during this Christmas Season!
Prayer
Thank you for loving me so much that You sent your Son to die for me and to die for those around me. Help me share that Good News this week!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Salvation Lost…Never!
Hebrews 12; Hebrews 13; Jude 1
Scripture
Jude 1:24-25
“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”
Observation
God saves those who put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and then Jesus Christ keeps us and presents us to our Heavenly Father without fault! God looks at a Christ-Follower and He only sees the Righteousness of His Son Jesus. We are righteous because Christ has exchanged His sinless life for our sinful lives. We are not and we will never be worthy of what God has given us…Salvation. We can’t work to get it, we can’t work to keep it, and once we have it we can’t lose it! End of story! It is all undeserved! It is all God!
Application
Don’t let anyone try to make you believe that “works” are necessary for salvation or that “works” are necessary to keep your salvation! A believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is capable of committing any sin. There is no sin that a Christian commits that could cause him or her to lose their salvation. Our salvation is not based on what sin or sins we did or did not commit, our salvation is based on what Christ did for us on the cross! Period!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help those that can’t understand this truth to get it. Show them your truth and keep them from harming other believers with their teaching. Thank you for saving me and providing forgiveness for my sins, past…present…and future!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Hebrews 12; Hebrews 13; Jude 1
Scripture
Jude 1:24-25
“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”
Observation
God saves those who put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and then Jesus Christ keeps us and presents us to our Heavenly Father without fault! God looks at a Christ-Follower and He only sees the Righteousness of His Son Jesus. We are righteous because Christ has exchanged His sinless life for our sinful lives. We are not and we will never be worthy of what God has given us…Salvation. We can’t work to get it, we can’t work to keep it, and once we have it we can’t lose it! End of story! It is all undeserved! It is all God!
Application
Don’t let anyone try to make you believe that “works” are necessary for salvation or that “works” are necessary to keep your salvation! A believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is capable of committing any sin. There is no sin that a Christian commits that could cause him or her to lose their salvation. Our salvation is not based on what sin or sins we did or did not commit, our salvation is based on what Christ did for us on the cross! Period!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help those that can’t understand this truth to get it. Show them your truth and keep them from harming other believers with their teaching. Thank you for saving me and providing forgiveness for my sins, past…present…and future!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
We do have a High Priest!
Hebrews 5; Hebrews 6; Hebrews 7; Hebrews 8
Scripture
Hebrews 7:24-25 “but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
Observation
When we read the Bible we sometimes come across passages that are difficult to understand. Hebrews 6 is one of those difficult passages. If you read Hebrews 6 and no other scripture you could believe that it would be possible to lose your salvation. In fact, just by reading Hebrews 6 you would think that once you lost it you could never be saved again. So how are we to understand that passage? I would suggest that you keep on reading to Hebrews 7:24-25 which says,
“but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
Jesus is our high priest. He sacrificed His life for you and me and now He lives to constantly intercede for us on our behalf. And because Jesus is God He is able to save us completely!
Application
The Bible is to be understood by reading all of it and not taking a verse out of context to teach that we can lose our salvation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that you are always interceding for me and thank you for saving me completely. You are my high priest!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Hebrews 5; Hebrews 6; Hebrews 7; Hebrews 8
Scripture
Hebrews 7:24-25 “but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
Observation
When we read the Bible we sometimes come across passages that are difficult to understand. Hebrews 6 is one of those difficult passages. If you read Hebrews 6 and no other scripture you could believe that it would be possible to lose your salvation. In fact, just by reading Hebrews 6 you would think that once you lost it you could never be saved again. So how are we to understand that passage? I would suggest that you keep on reading to Hebrews 7:24-25 which says,
“but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
Jesus is our high priest. He sacrificed His life for you and me and now He lives to constantly intercede for us on our behalf. And because Jesus is God He is able to save us completely!
Application
The Bible is to be understood by reading all of it and not taking a verse out of context to teach that we can lose our salvation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that you are always interceding for me and thank you for saving me completely. You are my high priest!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, December 11, 2006
Sharp, Penetrating, Powerful!
Philemon 1; Hebrews 1; Hebrews 2; Hebrews 3; Hebrews 4
Scripture
Hebrews 4:12-13
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Observation
The Word of God is sharper than any two edge sword and that means that it is very sharp! It can penetrate the hardest heart and it can bring life to the spiritually dead. It shows us just what we are and it has the Power to change us! It is living and Powerful!
Application
God’s Word is what changes lives. We need to get people into His Word!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me help others to get into your Word. Thank you for what it does in my life. Thank you for its Power. Thank You that it is Living and new every morning!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Philemon 1; Hebrews 1; Hebrews 2; Hebrews 3; Hebrews 4
Scripture
Hebrews 4:12-13
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Observation
The Word of God is sharper than any two edge sword and that means that it is very sharp! It can penetrate the hardest heart and it can bring life to the spiritually dead. It shows us just what we are and it has the Power to change us! It is living and Powerful!
Application
God’s Word is what changes lives. We need to get people into His Word!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me help others to get into your Word. Thank you for what it does in my life. Thank you for its Power. Thank You that it is Living and new every morning!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, December 08, 2006
First of All, Pray for Everyone!
1 Timothy 1; 1 Timothy 2; 1 Timothy 3; 1 Timothy 4
Scripture
1 Timothy 2:1-2
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Observation
Paul is encouraging Timothy to pray for everyone and especially pray for those in authority. Our president needs our prayers today more than ever!
Application
I will pray for President Bush and for those in leadership of our country. Paul was saying to pray for them so that we may experience peace. It is not a bad prayer for us to pray today also!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for President Bush that you give him all the wisdom he needs to lead our country. Be with his family and give them strength. Help him to make good decisions based on Your Word and Your guidance!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Timothy 1; 1 Timothy 2; 1 Timothy 3; 1 Timothy 4
Scripture
1 Timothy 2:1-2
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Observation
Paul is encouraging Timothy to pray for everyone and especially pray for those in authority. Our president needs our prayers today more than ever!
Application
I will pray for President Bush and for those in leadership of our country. Paul was saying to pray for them so that we may experience peace. It is not a bad prayer for us to pray today also!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for President Bush that you give him all the wisdom he needs to lead our country. Be with his family and give them strength. Help him to make good decisions based on Your Word and Your guidance!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
ALL MY NEEDS!
Philippians 1; Philippians 2; Philippians 3; Philippians 4
Scripture
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Observation
Christmas is not about having our needs met! For most of us at Christmas we talk to our loved ones about what each of us want not need! Even though Christmas should be focused on Jesus it gravitates to gift giving to each other. I am not knocking that because I love the gift giving at Christmas! There is no greater joy than watching a child at Christmas open gifts that you have bought for him or her.
The “Christ” of Christmas promises to supply all of our needs and He is very rich! He is ready and willing to meet ALL of our needs if we will just put Him first in our lives!
When we are consumed with desiring “things” it is hard to see the needs that Jesus is meeting in our lives. It is interesting how a certain “want of a particular thing” can dominate our thoughts. When you catch that happening then you can be sure that you are not putting into practice Matthew 6:33 which says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God…”!
Application
What “need” do you have that Christ has not met? Why not talk to Him about it right now!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so blessed. You provide me with so many good things. You take care of my every need. Thank you for your Goodness. Thank you for providing me with so many good things. I pray today for Kathy’s Mom and sister Donna. You are the Healer and we put our faith in you!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Philippians 1; Philippians 2; Philippians 3; Philippians 4
Scripture
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Observation
Christmas is not about having our needs met! For most of us at Christmas we talk to our loved ones about what each of us want not need! Even though Christmas should be focused on Jesus it gravitates to gift giving to each other. I am not knocking that because I love the gift giving at Christmas! There is no greater joy than watching a child at Christmas open gifts that you have bought for him or her.
The “Christ” of Christmas promises to supply all of our needs and He is very rich! He is ready and willing to meet ALL of our needs if we will just put Him first in our lives!
When we are consumed with desiring “things” it is hard to see the needs that Jesus is meeting in our lives. It is interesting how a certain “want of a particular thing” can dominate our thoughts. When you catch that happening then you can be sure that you are not putting into practice Matthew 6:33 which says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God…”!
Application
What “need” do you have that Christ has not met? Why not talk to Him about it right now!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so blessed. You provide me with so many good things. You take care of my every need. Thank you for your Goodness. Thank you for providing me with so many good things. I pray today for Kathy’s Mom and sister Donna. You are the Healer and we put our faith in you!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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