He is Coming Soon!
Revelation 19; Revelation 20; Revelation 21; Revelation 22
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Scripture
Revelation 19
11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
Observation
This description of our returning Savior is so different than Jesus when we walked the earth with his twelve disciples. This is no longer the meek, gentle, Savior that because of His great love for us, allowed himself to suffer and die for our sin. No this is the picture of a conquering King. Nothing and no one will stop Him when He comes again. He will come as Victor.
Application
Come, Lord Jesus, come!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am ready for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords to come. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last. Thank you that my name is written in the Lamb’s book of life and I have a place in heaven waiting for me. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
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Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Played a Harp Lately?
Revelation 15; Revelation 16; Revelation 17; Revelation 18
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Scripture
Revelation 15
They held harps given them by God 3 and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb:
"Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the ages.
4 Who will not fear you, O Lord,
and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed."
Observation
For sure we don’t know exactly what it is going to be like in Heaven, but one thing we do know is that someone will be playing a harp! It could be that place a harp in the same group of instruments as church organs, but you need to rethink that if you do. Church organs might be a thing of the past, but the harp is here to stay. I haven’t done a study on it yet to see what other musical instruments are mentioned as being in heaven, but the harp sure is.
King David played, yes you guessed it, a harp!
Don’t get me wrong I love contemporary Christian music, but we need to be careful what we discard as no longer useful.
Application
I am going to search and see if any other musical instruments are mentioned in the book of Revelation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to love the things that you love. I pray for our people today that you bless them. I pray that this will be a day of true worship. I pray for Trevor Thomas that you use him in a mighty way today in our worship services. Give my family wisdom as they seek your direction in some very important issues today. I love you Lord. You are worthy of our praise. Amen.
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Revelation 15; Revelation 16; Revelation 17; Revelation 18
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Scripture
Revelation 15
They held harps given them by God 3 and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb:
"Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the ages.
4 Who will not fear you, O Lord,
and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed."
Observation
For sure we don’t know exactly what it is going to be like in Heaven, but one thing we do know is that someone will be playing a harp! It could be that place a harp in the same group of instruments as church organs, but you need to rethink that if you do. Church organs might be a thing of the past, but the harp is here to stay. I haven’t done a study on it yet to see what other musical instruments are mentioned as being in heaven, but the harp sure is.
King David played, yes you guessed it, a harp!
Don’t get me wrong I love contemporary Christian music, but we need to be careful what we discard as no longer useful.
Application
I am going to search and see if any other musical instruments are mentioned in the book of Revelation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to love the things that you love. I pray for our people today that you bless them. I pray that this will be a day of true worship. I pray for Trevor Thomas that you use him in a mighty way today in our worship services. Give my family wisdom as they seek your direction in some very important issues today. I love you Lord. You are worthy of our praise. Amen.
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Saturday, December 29, 2007
A Call For Patient Endurance
Revelation 10; Revelation 11; Revelation 12; Revelation 13; Revelation 14
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Scripture
Revelation 14
12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.
Observation
I don’t know if you are a Christ-Follower or not, but if you are maybe you have noticed that some that started out strong are now floundering in their faith. I know so many that were very active in church, but now don’t even act like church was ever part of their lives. What happened? I sure that there are many different reasons: maybe they never had a personal relationship with Christ in the first place; maybe they have allowed sin to take over the throne of his or her life; or maybe they have allowed the cares of this world to squeeze out their joy for the Savior. It is sad.
The Christian life is not like a sprint; it is a marathon. It calls for patient endurance to remain faithful to Jesus. How have you been running the race?
Application
I will pray and ask God for the patience and the endurance to finish this Christian race well.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that you have already won the battle with the Devil and yet I know that today he is still very powerful, “but greater is he that is in me than he that is of this world.” Give me the patience and endurance I need to finish this race well. Help me to be a good finisher. Amen.
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Revelation 10; Revelation 11; Revelation 12; Revelation 13; Revelation 14
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Scripture
Revelation 14
12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.
Observation
I don’t know if you are a Christ-Follower or not, but if you are maybe you have noticed that some that started out strong are now floundering in their faith. I know so many that were very active in church, but now don’t even act like church was ever part of their lives. What happened? I sure that there are many different reasons: maybe they never had a personal relationship with Christ in the first place; maybe they have allowed sin to take over the throne of his or her life; or maybe they have allowed the cares of this world to squeeze out their joy for the Savior. It is sad.
The Christian life is not like a sprint; it is a marathon. It calls for patient endurance to remain faithful to Jesus. How have you been running the race?
Application
I will pray and ask God for the patience and the endurance to finish this Christian race well.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that you have already won the battle with the Devil and yet I know that today he is still very powerful, “but greater is he that is in me than he that is of this world.” Give me the patience and endurance I need to finish this race well. Help me to be a good finisher. Amen.
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Friday, December 28, 2007
Does God Hear Your Prayers?
Revelation 5; Revelation 6; Revelation 7; Revelation 8; Revelation 9
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Scripture
Revelation 5
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 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. 9 And 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
Revelation 8
3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel's hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
Observation
Not only does God hear them, but also He saves them! They are an offering to Him; “golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” It says in Revelation 8:4 that the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went before God from the Angel’s hand.
Our prayers are enjoyed so much by God that He saves them to be enjoyed over and over again. I think that these two chapters should encourage us to pray more knowing how much God loves our prayers.
I wonder if He saves all of our prayers or just the ones that are not self-centered?
Application
I will pray today realizing how much God wants to hear my prayers.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for not only wanting to hear me, but you even save my prayers somehow to be a delight to you later. I am sure that most of my prayers aren’t worth saving and probably focus way too much on myself. Thank you for loving me enough to allow me to pray to you. I don’t deserve this privilege, but I am glad that you take time to listen. Amen.
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Revelation 5; Revelation 6; Revelation 7; Revelation 8; Revelation 9
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Scripture
Revelation 5
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 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. 9 And 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
Revelation 8
3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel's hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
Observation
Not only does God hear them, but also He saves them! They are an offering to Him; “golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” It says in Revelation 8:4 that the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went before God from the Angel’s hand.
Our prayers are enjoyed so much by God that He saves them to be enjoyed over and over again. I think that these two chapters should encourage us to pray more knowing how much God loves our prayers.
I wonder if He saves all of our prayers or just the ones that are not self-centered?
Application
I will pray today realizing how much God wants to hear my prayers.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for not only wanting to hear me, but you even save my prayers somehow to be a delight to you later. I am sure that most of my prayers aren’t worth saving and probably focus way too much on myself. Thank you for loving me enough to allow me to pray to you. I don’t deserve this privilege, but I am glad that you take time to listen. Amen.
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Thursday, December 27, 2007
Peek Into Heaven
Revelation 1; Revelation 2; Revelation 3; Revelation 4
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Scripture
Revelation 4
The Throne in Heaven
1 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. 6 Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
Observation
Do you ever ask God to let you see what it is going to be like in Heaven? I have but so far He hasn’t chosen to let me have a peek! That is not completely true, this morning as I was reading in Revelation I did get a peek didn’t I!
A door standing open in Heaven says to me, “Whosoever may come.” I wonder who the twenty-four elders will be: will the list include guys like Moses, Abraham, Paul, Peter, Billy Graham, you? I will be happy just being there and experience being in God’s presence at the throne. Won’t you?
Application
I will enjoy my relationship with my Heavenly Father today. Rev. 3:20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. “
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am glad that you knock at the door of our hearts and I am glad that you desire to have fellowship with us. Help me to hear your voice today and help me to be obedient to do your will. Guide me today. Put your thoughts on my mind and in my heart today. It is my desire to please you today. Amen.
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Revelation 1; Revelation 2; Revelation 3; Revelation 4
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Scripture
Revelation 4
The Throne in Heaven
1 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. 6 Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
Observation
Do you ever ask God to let you see what it is going to be like in Heaven? I have but so far He hasn’t chosen to let me have a peek! That is not completely true, this morning as I was reading in Revelation I did get a peek didn’t I!
A door standing open in Heaven says to me, “Whosoever may come.” I wonder who the twenty-four elders will be: will the list include guys like Moses, Abraham, Paul, Peter, Billy Graham, you? I will be happy just being there and experience being in God’s presence at the throne. Won’t you?
Application
I will enjoy my relationship with my Heavenly Father today. Rev. 3:20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. “
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am glad that you knock at the door of our hearts and I am glad that you desire to have fellowship with us. Help me to hear your voice today and help me to be obedient to do your will. Guide me today. Put your thoughts on my mind and in my heart today. It is my desire to please you today. Amen.
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Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Meditation & Praise
Psalm 117; Psalm 119:81-176; 2 John 1; 3 John 1
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Scripture
Psalm 119
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
164 Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.
Observation
During the night when you can’t sleep don’t count sheep, instead meditate of the promises of God. During the day when nothing is going right don’t kick the cat, instead praise Him for His precious Word.
I love Psalm 119. I memorized Psalm 119:9-11 when I first became a Christian and Psalm 119:105. It is the longest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible and Psalm 118:8 is the middle of your Bible.
Getting back to meditation, Dr. Waylon B. Moore years ago taught me that meditation is like a cow chewing its cud. The cow chews the grass and then regurgitates it and chews it over and over again. The Word of God once it is memorized and is in our hearts can be meditated on day and night. When I can’t sleep I meditate on God’s promises and I pray God’s promises back to Him. Just like the Psalmist is doing in Psalm 119.
Praising Him seven times a day is something I definitely need to work on. How about you?
Application
I will praise God seven times today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I give you praise for your Word. Your Word is my delight. Thank you for guiding someone to write Psalm 119. It is long, but very good. Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you. Your Word is a light to light up my path. Your Word is more precious than gold. Thank you for giving me the desire to read your Word this morning. Help others that may read this blog dig into your Word everyday. Amen.
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Psalm 117; Psalm 119:81-176; 2 John 1; 3 John 1
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Scripture
Psalm 119
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
164 Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.
Observation
During the night when you can’t sleep don’t count sheep, instead meditate of the promises of God. During the day when nothing is going right don’t kick the cat, instead praise Him for His precious Word.
I love Psalm 119. I memorized Psalm 119:9-11 when I first became a Christian and Psalm 119:105. It is the longest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible and Psalm 118:8 is the middle of your Bible.
Getting back to meditation, Dr. Waylon B. Moore years ago taught me that meditation is like a cow chewing its cud. The cow chews the grass and then regurgitates it and chews it over and over again. The Word of God once it is memorized and is in our hearts can be meditated on day and night. When I can’t sleep I meditate on God’s promises and I pray God’s promises back to Him. Just like the Psalmist is doing in Psalm 119.
Praising Him seven times a day is something I definitely need to work on. How about you?
Application
I will praise God seven times today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I give you praise for your Word. Your Word is my delight. Thank you for guiding someone to write Psalm 119. It is long, but very good. Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you. Your Word is a light to light up my path. Your Word is more precious than gold. Thank you for giving me the desire to read your Word this morning. Help others that may read this blog dig into your Word everyday. Amen.
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Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas!
1 John 1; 1 John 2; 1 John 3; 1 John 4; 1 John 5
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Scripture
1 John 1
The Word of Life
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
Observation
Today is Christmas! We have had a Wonderful Christmas so far! We had all 9 of our grandchildren and all five of our grown kids at our house to celebrate Christmas this past Sunday night and it was a blast!
Our kids have given us some great, wonderful, and fun grandkids!
Now it is our job to proclaim to them the Good News of Christmas! Jesus is the only reason for the season! He is what makes it so special. He is what makes life worth living. The Word of Life!
Application
Today I will celebrate the Savior’s birth and enjoy our family! Kathy and I hope that you are able to do the same!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Indescribable Gift – Jesus. Amen.
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1 John 1; 1 John 2; 1 John 3; 1 John 4; 1 John 5
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Scripture
1 John 1
The Word of Life
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
Observation
Today is Christmas! We have had a Wonderful Christmas so far! We had all 9 of our grandchildren and all five of our grown kids at our house to celebrate Christmas this past Sunday night and it was a blast!
Our kids have given us some great, wonderful, and fun grandkids!
Now it is our job to proclaim to them the Good News of Christmas! Jesus is the only reason for the season! He is what makes it so special. He is what makes life worth living. The Word of Life!
Application
Today I will celebrate the Savior’s birth and enjoy our family! Kathy and I hope that you are able to do the same!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Indescribable Gift – Jesus. Amen.
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Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Is All About The Empty Tomb!
John 19; John 20; John 21
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Scripture
John 20
The Empty Tomb
1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.
Observation
God’s Indescribable Gift to us this Christmas was something that God began to prepare before He even created the world. And since the time of Abraham & Moses over 1400 years before the birth of Christ the prophets began telling of the coming of the Messiah.
Most Jewish people did not accept the Messiah, Christ Jesus; they were looking for a different kind of Christ child. They were not looking for a Jesus that would die for their sins, but rather they were looking for a national leader that would take them out of bondage and would lead the entire world. One day Jesus will do just that, in fact in Revelation 22 Jesus reminds us that He is returning soon.
Jesus was born that first Christmas. He lived a sinless life and then died on the cross voluntarily for your sins and for my sins. Then on Easter morning He came back to life and soon He is coming back for everyone that has received Him into his or her life. That’s the real story of Christmas!
Application
I will share the Good News that Christ has come!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we are celebrating the birth of your Son. I know that you love it when we celebrate and do it in the right way. Our grandchildren heard the Christmas story last night told by their grandmother sitting on the floor with them. I believe that you must have smiled last night as you watched. Lord, thank you for giving us Christmas. It is such a special time with our family and with our church family. Tonight as we celebrate at church with a candle light service and I want you to be glorified and exalted. It is my desire and our church’s desire to bring you glory and honor this Christmas. Amen.
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John 19; John 20; John 21
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Scripture
John 20
The Empty Tomb
1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.
Observation
God’s Indescribable Gift to us this Christmas was something that God began to prepare before He even created the world. And since the time of Abraham & Moses over 1400 years before the birth of Christ the prophets began telling of the coming of the Messiah.
Most Jewish people did not accept the Messiah, Christ Jesus; they were looking for a different kind of Christ child. They were not looking for a Jesus that would die for their sins, but rather they were looking for a national leader that would take them out of bondage and would lead the entire world. One day Jesus will do just that, in fact in Revelation 22 Jesus reminds us that He is returning soon.
Jesus was born that first Christmas. He lived a sinless life and then died on the cross voluntarily for your sins and for my sins. Then on Easter morning He came back to life and soon He is coming back for everyone that has received Him into his or her life. That’s the real story of Christmas!
Application
I will share the Good News that Christ has come!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we are celebrating the birth of your Son. I know that you love it when we celebrate and do it in the right way. Our grandchildren heard the Christmas story last night told by their grandmother sitting on the floor with them. I believe that you must have smiled last night as you watched. Lord, thank you for giving us Christmas. It is such a special time with our family and with our church family. Tonight as we celebrate at church with a candle light service and I want you to be glorified and exalted. It is my desire and our church’s desire to bring you glory and honor this Christmas. Amen.
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Sunday, December 23, 2007
Take Heart! I Have Overcome the World.
John 15; John 16; John 17; John 18
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Scripture
John 16
33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Observation
Just because someone gives his or her life to Jesus Christ and that person has eternal life it doesn’t mean that his or her life will be trouble free. On the contrary, Jesus says, “in this world you will have trouble.” Don’t think that your life will ever be without problems, without challenges, without trouble because it isn’t going to happen. Life is full of trouble. Then here is the important, “BUT” Jesus says, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” “In Christ” you and I can have peace in spite of what this world throws at us. The important thing is to make sure that you are “in Christ”. Have you asked Him to be your Lord and Savior? Someone has said that if you do not have Christ in your heart then you will not find Christmas under the tree.
Application
I will look to Christ to help me with all of today’s troubles. Why don’t you do the same thing!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to abide in you. Thank you for the privilege of taking every problem I have to you today. Thank you for overcoming this world. It seems that this world and all of its evil is winning, but thanks for the reminder that you have already overcome the world. Help my family as they struggle with challenges, with difficulties; life is so tough for them right now. I pray that you would be their strength during this crisis and that they would draw closer to you during this time of need. Thank you for your Indescribable Gift. Thank you for Jesus! Amen.
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John 15; John 16; John 17; John 18
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Scripture
John 16
33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Observation
Just because someone gives his or her life to Jesus Christ and that person has eternal life it doesn’t mean that his or her life will be trouble free. On the contrary, Jesus says, “in this world you will have trouble.” Don’t think that your life will ever be without problems, without challenges, without trouble because it isn’t going to happen. Life is full of trouble. Then here is the important, “BUT” Jesus says, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” “In Christ” you and I can have peace in spite of what this world throws at us. The important thing is to make sure that you are “in Christ”. Have you asked Him to be your Lord and Savior? Someone has said that if you do not have Christ in your heart then you will not find Christmas under the tree.
Application
I will look to Christ to help me with all of today’s troubles. Why don’t you do the same thing!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to abide in you. Thank you for the privilege of taking every problem I have to you today. Thank you for overcoming this world. It seems that this world and all of its evil is winning, but thanks for the reminder that you have already overcome the world. Help my family as they struggle with challenges, with difficulties; life is so tough for them right now. I pray that you would be their strength during this crisis and that they would draw closer to you during this time of need. Thank you for your Indescribable Gift. Thank you for Jesus! Amen.
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Saturday, December 22, 2007
The Triumphal Entry
John 12; John 13; John 14
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Scripture
The Triumphal Entry
John 12
12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
"Hosanna!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Blessed is the King of Israel!" 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written,
15 "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion;
see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey's colt."
Observation
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, and Heaven and nature sing.”
“All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” Isaiah 7:14
She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. Luke 2:7
How Jesus came to this earth the first time will be quite different from His second coming. He came the first time as a babe in the manger, but when He returns the second time He will return as Victorious King.
Application
I am making sure that I have room in my heart for Jesus this Christmas! How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love the Christmas story. I love to read it over and over again. It is amazing to me. Only You could have ever planned it. You created it. We try so hard to enjoy it, but so much of what we try to enjoy is not part of it. Thank you for your Indescribable gift. Thank you for coming to this earth. You are worthy to be Praised. Amen.
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John 12; John 13; John 14
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Scripture
The Triumphal Entry
John 12
12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
"Hosanna!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Blessed is the King of Israel!" 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written,
15 "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion;
see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey's colt."
Observation
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, and Heaven and nature sing.”
“All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” Isaiah 7:14
She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. Luke 2:7
How Jesus came to this earth the first time will be quite different from His second coming. He came the first time as a babe in the manger, but when He returns the second time He will return as Victorious King.
Application
I am making sure that I have room in my heart for Jesus this Christmas! How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love the Christmas story. I love to read it over and over again. It is amazing to me. Only You could have ever planned it. You created it. We try so hard to enjoy it, but so much of what we try to enjoy is not part of it. Thank you for your Indescribable gift. Thank you for coming to this earth. You are worthy to be Praised. Amen.
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Friday, December 21, 2007
"Lazarus, come out!"
John 9; John 10; John 11
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Scripture
John 11 (Take a minute to read the entire chapter today - just click here)
11:43 “When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
Observation
Sometimes when we have someone that is so sick like my nephew Jonathan we may begin to doubt whether God could ever make him well again. John 11 has to be one of my all time favorite Bible passages and it clearly shows that Jesus can restore someone to health even if they have been dead and in a tomb for 4 days. Take time to read the entire chapter today. Think about what Jesus did. Martha was shocked when Jesus said to roll the stone away, she blurted out, "But Lord by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." In other words it was impossible for anyone to expect Lazarus to come back from the dead especially after being dead that long.
Why is this story mentioned in scripture anyway? I will give you three reasons I think it is in the Bible: 1. To show us that Jesus has power over sickness and even death. 2. To show us that Jesus has compassion and He feels our pain. 3. To show us that sometimes sickness is to show His glory and a way for Jesus to receive glory and honor.
Application
This afternoon I have to do a funeral of one of our senior adults and I think I will use this passage to encourage the family and myself.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have no doubt that you have the power to heal Jonathan. If you can take someone that has been in the grave for four days and bring him back to life I know that you can heal Jonathan. I ask you to heal him for your glory and that by healing him you would receive honor. I understand that I can’t see things from your perspective, but I know that you totally understand how I feel and how my family feels and you feel our pain today. Just as Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus I know He feels our sorrow right now. You are the Mighty God; nothing is too hard for you. Amen.
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John 9; John 10; John 11
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Scripture
John 11 (Take a minute to read the entire chapter today - just click here)
11:43 “When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
Observation
Sometimes when we have someone that is so sick like my nephew Jonathan we may begin to doubt whether God could ever make him well again. John 11 has to be one of my all time favorite Bible passages and it clearly shows that Jesus can restore someone to health even if they have been dead and in a tomb for 4 days. Take time to read the entire chapter today. Think about what Jesus did. Martha was shocked when Jesus said to roll the stone away, she blurted out, "But Lord by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." In other words it was impossible for anyone to expect Lazarus to come back from the dead especially after being dead that long.
Why is this story mentioned in scripture anyway? I will give you three reasons I think it is in the Bible: 1. To show us that Jesus has power over sickness and even death. 2. To show us that Jesus has compassion and He feels our pain. 3. To show us that sometimes sickness is to show His glory and a way for Jesus to receive glory and honor.
Application
This afternoon I have to do a funeral of one of our senior adults and I think I will use this passage to encourage the family and myself.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have no doubt that you have the power to heal Jonathan. If you can take someone that has been in the grave for four days and bring him back to life I know that you can heal Jonathan. I ask you to heal him for your glory and that by healing him you would receive honor. I understand that I can’t see things from your perspective, but I know that you totally understand how I feel and how my family feels and you feel our pain today. Just as Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus I know He feels our sorrow right now. You are the Mighty God; nothing is too hard for you. Amen.
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Thursday, December 20, 2007
Putting Your Faith in the Right Place
John 7; John 8
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Scripture
John 8
30 Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him.
Observation
We hear a lot of people talking today about their faith. You hear people on TV saying that you just got to have faith. You can have all the faith that you want but if you don’t have faith placed in the right thing or in the right person Jesus Christ your faith won’t do you a bit of good. Putting your faith in Jesus Christ makes all the difference in the world. Where are you putting your faith? Have you placed your faith in Him?
Application
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Philip. 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
My faith is placed in Jesus Christ. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to rely on my own strength today. I am weak and needy but you are so strong. You can take care of every need that I have today. My faith is placed in you. I know that I can do everything through Jesus who gives me strength. Help my family today to keep trusting in you. Thank you for our daughter Debby who celebrates her birthday today. Amen.
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John 7; John 8
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Scripture
John 8
30 Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him.
Observation
We hear a lot of people talking today about their faith. You hear people on TV saying that you just got to have faith. You can have all the faith that you want but if you don’t have faith placed in the right thing or in the right person Jesus Christ your faith won’t do you a bit of good. Putting your faith in Jesus Christ makes all the difference in the world. Where are you putting your faith? Have you placed your faith in Him?
Application
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Philip. 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
My faith is placed in Jesus Christ. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to rely on my own strength today. I am weak and needy but you are so strong. You can take care of every need that I have today. My faith is placed in you. I know that I can do everything through Jesus who gives me strength. Help my family today to keep trusting in you. Thank you for our daughter Debby who celebrates her birthday today. Amen.
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Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The Bridge Of Life
John 5; John 6
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Scripture
John 5
24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.
Observation
Out of all the witnessing tools that I have ever used from CWT, EE, F.A.I.T.H. etc I still prefer the Bridge of Life presentation the best. Maybe it is because the bridge was what someone shared with me when I first started going to church as a 19 year old, I don’t know. What method do you use? I have also used the Roman Road presentation. No matter what method you use in sharing Christ this is a verse you might want to include.
Application
I will carry the Bridge of life tract with me this week and be ready to share it with someone that God brings into my path.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, your Word says that you must draw people to yourself and that unless you draw them then they will not be saved. I pray that you bring people into my life that you are drawing to salvation. Open my eyes so that I don’t miss them. Thank you for this time of the year when people open their hearts more to spiritual things. Amen.
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John 5; John 6
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Scripture
John 5
24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.
Observation
Out of all the witnessing tools that I have ever used from CWT, EE, F.A.I.T.H. etc I still prefer the Bridge of Life presentation the best. Maybe it is because the bridge was what someone shared with me when I first started going to church as a 19 year old, I don’t know. What method do you use? I have also used the Roman Road presentation. No matter what method you use in sharing Christ this is a verse you might want to include.
Application
I will carry the Bridge of life tract with me this week and be ready to share it with someone that God brings into my path.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, your Word says that you must draw people to yourself and that unless you draw them then they will not be saved. I pray that you bring people into my life that you are drawing to salvation. Open my eyes so that I don’t miss them. Thank you for this time of the year when people open their hearts more to spiritual things. Amen.
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Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Open Your Eyes and Look At The Fields
John 2; John 3; John 4
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Scripture
John 4
35 Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.
Observation
In chapter 3 Jesus witnesses to Nicodemus and tells him that unless you are born again you will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. A person is born again not by being good or being religious, a person is born again when they encounter Jesus Christ and they put their faith and trust in Him. They must repent, (turn from sin and self and turn to God) and surrender their life to Christ. Then in chapter 4 Jesus takes time to go through Samaria to talk to the woman at the well. She remains nameless to us, but once she becomes a believer she runs back to the city and brings many to place their faith in Jesus. Then to his astonished disciples he makes the quote, “Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
Can you imagine the shock on the disciples’ faces when they realized what Jesus was saying? Here we find Jesus surrounded by people that his disciples hated and Jesus told them to open their eyes and look at the harvest. I wonder if they understood what he was talking about. I doubt it because Peter had still not learned this lesson when God sent him to the house of Cornelius in Acts 10. He still thought that anyone but a Jew was unclean.
We want to witness to people that are like us, but Christ wants us to witness to everyone no matter what they look like or smell like or sound like. The harvest is ripe.
Application
My last witnessing experience happened last week on an airplane coming back from Denver. The lady in the seat next to me came over from Vietnam when she was 17 years old. She is now in her 40’s. She went to a Catholic school when she was a child, but she told me that she was still a Buddhist. She was open to my sharing Christ with her and she told me that she would go and visit Calvary (Baptist) Church in Clearwater. Her name is Ching (not sure of the spelling). I gave her a Gospel of John and Steps to Peace with God and she promised to read them. It was a “woman at the well” kind of experience. God placed her on that airplane in the row where I was sitting because the harvest is ripe. I will open my eyes and look today because the harvest is ripe.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, open my eyes so that I can see the people that you want me to witness to. Bring people across my path that need to hear about you and give me the boldness and give me a love for them so that I can share with them about you. You are wonderful. You are so worthy of Praise. Amen.
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John 2; John 3; John 4
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Scripture
John 4
35 Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.
Observation
In chapter 3 Jesus witnesses to Nicodemus and tells him that unless you are born again you will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. A person is born again not by being good or being religious, a person is born again when they encounter Jesus Christ and they put their faith and trust in Him. They must repent, (turn from sin and self and turn to God) and surrender their life to Christ. Then in chapter 4 Jesus takes time to go through Samaria to talk to the woman at the well. She remains nameless to us, but once she becomes a believer she runs back to the city and brings many to place their faith in Jesus. Then to his astonished disciples he makes the quote, “Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
Can you imagine the shock on the disciples’ faces when they realized what Jesus was saying? Here we find Jesus surrounded by people that his disciples hated and Jesus told them to open their eyes and look at the harvest. I wonder if they understood what he was talking about. I doubt it because Peter had still not learned this lesson when God sent him to the house of Cornelius in Acts 10. He still thought that anyone but a Jew was unclean.
We want to witness to people that are like us, but Christ wants us to witness to everyone no matter what they look like or smell like or sound like. The harvest is ripe.
Application
My last witnessing experience happened last week on an airplane coming back from Denver. The lady in the seat next to me came over from Vietnam when she was 17 years old. She is now in her 40’s. She went to a Catholic school when she was a child, but she told me that she was still a Buddhist. She was open to my sharing Christ with her and she told me that she would go and visit Calvary (Baptist) Church in Clearwater. Her name is Ching (not sure of the spelling). I gave her a Gospel of John and Steps to Peace with God and she promised to read them. It was a “woman at the well” kind of experience. God placed her on that airplane in the row where I was sitting because the harvest is ripe. I will open my eyes and look today because the harvest is ripe.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, open my eyes so that I can see the people that you want me to witness to. Bring people across my path that need to hear about you and give me the boldness and give me a love for them so that I can share with them about you. You are wonderful. You are so worthy of Praise. Amen.
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Monday, December 17, 2007
Follow Me
2 Peter 1; 2 Peter 2; 2 Peter 3; John 1
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Scripture
John 1
43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, "Follow me."
44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."
46 "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked.
"Come and see," said Philip.
47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false."
48 "How do you know me?" Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."
49 Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
50 Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that." 51 He then added, "I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
Observation
I was 19 years old when I responded to Jesus call to follow Him. How old were you? Or maybe you haven’t responded yet to His call to follow Him? As I look back over the past 37+ years of knowing and following Christ I have never for one moment regretted saying, “yes” to Him.
I remember my life and where it was heading before I said, “yes” to Him. I was on the road to destruction. I don’t understand why I have the privilege of knowing Him and so many do not. I think that this will always baffle me. I don’t deserve it, but I am very glad that Jesus extended the call to me to follow him. Is He speaking to you right now about your relationship to Him? Let me encourage you to say “yes” to him right now and start following Him today.
Application
Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” I plan to be ready to fish today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me, for saving me, and for allowing me to be used for your service. I don’t deserve it, but I am so glad that you have allowed me the privilege of knowing you. Thank you for my salvation today. I pray that salvation will come to many people’s lives through my obedience to you. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:12) Amen.
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2 Peter 1; 2 Peter 2; 2 Peter 3; John 1
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Scripture
John 1
43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, "Follow me."
44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."
46 "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked.
"Come and see," said Philip.
47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false."
48 "How do you know me?" Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."
49 Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
50 Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that." 51 He then added, "I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
Observation
I was 19 years old when I responded to Jesus call to follow Him. How old were you? Or maybe you haven’t responded yet to His call to follow Him? As I look back over the past 37+ years of knowing and following Christ I have never for one moment regretted saying, “yes” to Him.
I remember my life and where it was heading before I said, “yes” to Him. I was on the road to destruction. I don’t understand why I have the privilege of knowing Him and so many do not. I think that this will always baffle me. I don’t deserve it, but I am very glad that Jesus extended the call to me to follow him. Is He speaking to you right now about your relationship to Him? Let me encourage you to say “yes” to him right now and start following Him today.
Application
Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” I plan to be ready to fish today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me, for saving me, and for allowing me to be used for your service. I don’t deserve it, but I am so glad that you have allowed me the privilege of knowing you. Thank you for my salvation today. I pray that salvation will come to many people’s lives through my obedience to you. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:12) Amen.
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Sunday, December 16, 2007
Before You Take That Pill
1 Peter 1; 1 Peter 2; 1 Peter 3; 1 Peter 4; 1 Peter 5
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Scripture
1 Peter 5
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Observation
What pills will you take today? Are any of those pills to help with stress and/or anxiety? Why not give all of those anxious thoughts to Jesus and let Him give you His peace. I think that the key word in this verse is the small but powerful little word “all”. What are you anxious about today? Why not let Jesus handle “all” your problems because He cares for you. He wants me to come to Him with every anxious thought because He loves me and cares about me.
Application
Every time I have an anxious thought today I am going to quote this verse and turn that anxious thought over to Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you said that in this world we would have trouble but to be of good cheer because you have overcome this world. Your Word is full of promises telling me that you are going to take care of me and that I don’t have to worry. Help me not to worry today. Help me have the faith to trust you with every one of my concerns. Increase my faith today and give me your peace. I pray that your peace will also be with my family today. May you strengthen them and help them to depend on you. Amen.
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1 Peter 1; 1 Peter 2; 1 Peter 3; 1 Peter 4; 1 Peter 5
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Scripture
1 Peter 5
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Observation
What pills will you take today? Are any of those pills to help with stress and/or anxiety? Why not give all of those anxious thoughts to Jesus and let Him give you His peace. I think that the key word in this verse is the small but powerful little word “all”. What are you anxious about today? Why not let Jesus handle “all” your problems because He cares for you. He wants me to come to Him with every anxious thought because He loves me and cares about me.
Application
Every time I have an anxious thought today I am going to quote this verse and turn that anxious thought over to Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you said that in this world we would have trouble but to be of good cheer because you have overcome this world. Your Word is full of promises telling me that you are going to take care of me and that I don’t have to worry. Help me not to worry today. Help me have the faith to trust you with every one of my concerns. Increase my faith today and give me your peace. I pray that your peace will also be with my family today. May you strengthen them and help them to depend on you. Amen.
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Saturday, December 15, 2007
Does He Hear Us?
James 1; James 2; James 3; James 4; James 5
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Scripture
The Prayer of Faith
James 5
13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Observation
James 4:8 “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” If you don’t feel close to God guess who moved. James says that we need to “come near to God and he will come near to you”. There are two ways to stay close to God: one is to read his word everyday; and the second thing to do is to talk to him everyday. Someone has said that reading God’s word will keep you from sin and that sin will keep you from reading His word. When we are close to God we can call on him to heal those that are sick around us and he will hear us. I especially like the last part of verse 16 that says, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
Application
I plan to apply these verses in my life today: James 4:7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that I can come near to you this morning and you hear me. Lord show me any sin in my life that may keep me from being close to you. I submit my life to you today. I pray that my prayers to you could be like those of the man described in James 5:16 “powerful and effective”. I pray for my family today. I pray that they draw close to you and I pray that their prayers would be powerful and effective too. You are worthy to be praised. Be glorified today and I pray that you would show yourself powerful in the life of Jonathan today. You are the Great Physician. Amen.
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James 1; James 2; James 3; James 4; James 5
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Scripture
The Prayer of Faith
James 5
13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Observation
James 4:8 “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” If you don’t feel close to God guess who moved. James says that we need to “come near to God and he will come near to you”. There are two ways to stay close to God: one is to read his word everyday; and the second thing to do is to talk to him everyday. Someone has said that reading God’s word will keep you from sin and that sin will keep you from reading His word. When we are close to God we can call on him to heal those that are sick around us and he will hear us. I especially like the last part of verse 16 that says, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
Application
I plan to apply these verses in my life today: James 4:7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that I can come near to you this morning and you hear me. Lord show me any sin in my life that may keep me from being close to you. I submit my life to you today. I pray that my prayers to you could be like those of the man described in James 5:16 “powerful and effective”. I pray for my family today. I pray that they draw close to you and I pray that their prayers would be powerful and effective too. You are worthy to be praised. Be glorified today and I pray that you would show yourself powerful in the life of Jonathan today. You are the Great Physician. Amen.
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Friday, December 14, 2007
Fix Our Eyes On Jesus
Hebrews 12; Hebrews 13; Jude 1
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Scripture
Hebrews 12
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Jude 1:24 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Observation
I don’t know about you but it is so easy for me to fix my eyes on problems rather than on Jesus. It is so easy to fix our eyes on our circumstances or on people and not on Jesus. We are to walk by faith and not by sight. Faith is when we keep our eyes on Jesus, walking by sight is when we have our gaze/focus on our circumstances. Our circumstances will always look impossible, but with Jesus nothing absolutely nothing is impossible.
Application
Today I am going to fix my eyes on Jesus and not on my circumstances. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, now unto you that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that I ask or think, according to the power that works in me and to you who is able to keep me from falling and who will present me before your glorious presence without fault and you will do it with great joy, to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ my Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore. Amen (Ephesians 3:20; Jude 1:24-25)
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Hebrews 12; Hebrews 13; Jude 1
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Scripture
Hebrews 12
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Jude 1:24 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Observation
I don’t know about you but it is so easy for me to fix my eyes on problems rather than on Jesus. It is so easy to fix our eyes on our circumstances or on people and not on Jesus. We are to walk by faith and not by sight. Faith is when we keep our eyes on Jesus, walking by sight is when we have our gaze/focus on our circumstances. Our circumstances will always look impossible, but with Jesus nothing absolutely nothing is impossible.
Application
Today I am going to fix my eyes on Jesus and not on my circumstances. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, now unto you that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that I ask or think, according to the power that works in me and to you who is able to keep me from falling and who will present me before your glorious presence without fault and you will do it with great joy, to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ my Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore. Amen (Ephesians 3:20; Jude 1:24-25)
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Thursday, December 13, 2007
By Faith
Hebrews 9; Hebrews 10; Hebrews 11
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Scripture
Hebrews 11
By Faith
1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Observation
Hebrews 11:6a “And without faith it is impossible to please God” God says that it is living by faith that pleases Him. Holding out for what we can’t see at the moment that is what faith is all about. The important stuff in my life all requires faith. I have faith and I know that God has prepared a place for me in Heaven. I can’t see it but I know that I have it. I know that He is going to take care of me and He is going to take care of Kathy no matter what happens in our lives. And I know that by faith. I know that He is going to heal Jonathan and I know it by faith.
Application
Tragedy and crisis remind us that our lives are lives of faith connected to the promises of our living and all powerful God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to please you by being a person of faith. Your word says that we can please you only if we have faith and that it is impossible to please you without it. Father, increase my faith. Help me to see your hand at work in the lives of the people around me. I pray for Deanna that she will come to church and that she would place her trust and faith in you for her salvation. Amen.
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Hebrews 9; Hebrews 10; Hebrews 11
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Scripture
Hebrews 11
By Faith
1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Observation
Hebrews 11:6a “And without faith it is impossible to please God” God says that it is living by faith that pleases Him. Holding out for what we can’t see at the moment that is what faith is all about. The important stuff in my life all requires faith. I have faith and I know that God has prepared a place for me in Heaven. I can’t see it but I know that I have it. I know that He is going to take care of me and He is going to take care of Kathy no matter what happens in our lives. And I know that by faith. I know that He is going to heal Jonathan and I know it by faith.
Application
Tragedy and crisis remind us that our lives are lives of faith connected to the promises of our living and all powerful God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to please you by being a person of faith. Your word says that we can please you only if we have faith and that it is impossible to please you without it. Father, increase my faith. Help me to see your hand at work in the lives of the people around me. I pray for Deanna that she will come to church and that she would place her trust and faith in you for her salvation. Amen.
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Wednesday, December 12, 2007
King’s Kids and What That Means
Hebrews 5; Hebrews 6; Hebrews 7; Hebrews 8
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Scripture
Hebrews 8
1 The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,
Observation
We are kids of the King of Kings, Lord of Lords and we have access to our Heavenly Father anytime day or night. His throne is a throne of Grace and He is a God of Mercy so we don’t have to fear when we go to Him with our needs. I haven’t quit thinking since yesterday’s Bible reading about God’s throne and how we have been invited to go to Him freely with each and every one of our needs. I read this morning in the book of Revelation about God’s throne in Heaven. We can’t even begin to imagine what it is going to be like when we get there.
Rev. 4:1 “After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing.”
Rev. 7:9 “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”
Application
Because I am a child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords I am can boldly go to His throne of Grace and find help in my time of need.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me the privilege to come before your throne with my requests. I don’t have to fear you. One day I will be at your throne in Heaven with people from every nation and every tribe and we will be worshipping you together. I can’t imagine how neat that will be. Thank you for taking care of Jonathan and his family. I pray that you heal Jonathan and that through His life you would receive glory and honor. Protect his family from the evil one. You are able to do way more than we can even imagine or think. Amen.
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Hebrews 5; Hebrews 6; Hebrews 7; Hebrews 8
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Scripture
Hebrews 8
1 The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,
Observation
We are kids of the King of Kings, Lord of Lords and we have access to our Heavenly Father anytime day or night. His throne is a throne of Grace and He is a God of Mercy so we don’t have to fear when we go to Him with our needs. I haven’t quit thinking since yesterday’s Bible reading about God’s throne and how we have been invited to go to Him freely with each and every one of our needs. I read this morning in the book of Revelation about God’s throne in Heaven. We can’t even begin to imagine what it is going to be like when we get there.
Rev. 4:1 “After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing.”
Rev. 7:9 “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”
Application
Because I am a child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords I am can boldly go to His throne of Grace and find help in my time of need.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me the privilege to come before your throne with my requests. I don’t have to fear you. One day I will be at your throne in Heaven with people from every nation and every tribe and we will be worshipping you together. I can’t imagine how neat that will be. Thank you for taking care of Jonathan and his family. I pray that you heal Jonathan and that through His life you would receive glory and honor. Protect his family from the evil one. You are able to do way more than we can even imagine or think. Amen.
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Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Approaching God in Our Time of Need
Philemon 1; Hebrews 1; Hebrews 2; Hebrews 3; Hebrews 4
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Scripture
Hebrews 4
16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Observation
These are some of the most difficult days that I can remember for my family. With my nephew Jonathan in a coma fighting for life and my sister and her children having to deal with this attack on their family. This verse encourages me this morning because I know that I have a Heavenly Father that understands what we are feeling and I can go to Him with confidence in this time of need. None of what has happened has taken Him by surprise I know that He was well aware of what was going to happen before it happened. So how do we respond to all of this, that is the crucial question?
Application
I choose to respond to this crisis by taking it to the throne of grace and I do so this morning with confidence.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are a God of Mercy and a God of Grace and we need both this morning. I come to your throne with confidence this morning because I know you and I know that you know me and that you want to help us in this time of need. God you are Sovereign and I know that Jonathan’s life is in your hands. I pray that you will intervene and heal this young man. Do it for your honor and for your glory and I promise to give you praise. Amen.
To check on updates for Jonathan's Richert just click here! Thanks for Praying!
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Philemon 1; Hebrews 1; Hebrews 2; Hebrews 3; Hebrews 4
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Scripture
Hebrews 4
16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Observation
These are some of the most difficult days that I can remember for my family. With my nephew Jonathan in a coma fighting for life and my sister and her children having to deal with this attack on their family. This verse encourages me this morning because I know that I have a Heavenly Father that understands what we are feeling and I can go to Him with confidence in this time of need. None of what has happened has taken Him by surprise I know that He was well aware of what was going to happen before it happened. So how do we respond to all of this, that is the crucial question?
Application
I choose to respond to this crisis by taking it to the throne of grace and I do so this morning with confidence.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are a God of Mercy and a God of Grace and we need both this morning. I come to your throne with confidence this morning because I know you and I know that you know me and that you want to help us in this time of need. God you are Sovereign and I know that Jonathan’s life is in your hands. I pray that you will intervene and heal this young man. Do it for your honor and for your glory and I promise to give you praise. Amen.
To check on updates for Jonathan's Richert just click here! Thanks for Praying!
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Thursday, December 06, 2007
Pray today for Jonathan Richert!
I am in the Tampa International Airport waiting to board a plane to Denver, Colorado to be with my sister Linda. Her son Jonathan was in a very bad car accident last night and received severe injury to the brain. He is in a coma and the outlook does not look good at the moment. Pray for a miracle. Jonathan is 15 years old. To keep up with Jonathan's condition just click here and you can read the web site set up for him.
Eddy
I am in the Tampa International Airport waiting to board a plane to Denver, Colorado to be with my sister Linda. Her son Jonathan was in a very bad car accident last night and received severe injury to the brain. He is in a coma and the outlook does not look good at the moment. Pray for a miracle. Jonathan is 15 years old. To keep up with Jonathan's condition just click here and you can read the web site set up for him.
Eddy
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Importance of Scripture Memory
Ephesians 5; Ephesians 6; Psalm 119:1-80
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Scripture
Psalm 119
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Observation
I learned Psalm 119:9 &11 when I first became a Christian about 37 years ago and those verses have always been in my heart. God’s Word can keep us from sliding back into a life of sin. Someone very close to me has slide so far back in sin it doesn’t even seem that he ever knew the Savior at all.
I don’t understand it. He was a Sunday School teacher, a deacon in the church, but now he drinks and gets drunk almost every day and hangs out at sports bars. How did that happen? Why did that happen? Will he ever come back to the Lord and live a pure life? Did he not hide enough of God’s Word in his heart to keep him from this downward slide of destruction?
Application
I will continue to hide God’s Word in my heart so I don’t drift away to a life of sinfulness and destruction.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that you bring every verse that I have ever memorized to my assistance to keep me from sinning. Use your Word in my life to discipline me and also to encourage me. Thank you for the power of you Word. Use it in my life to keep me from doing things that are wrong. Keep me pure Lord. Help me to obey your Word and continue to give me a hunger for your Word and a desire to follow you with my whole heart. Amen.
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Ephesians 5; Ephesians 6; Psalm 119:1-80
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Scripture
Psalm 119
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Observation
I learned Psalm 119:9 &11 when I first became a Christian about 37 years ago and those verses have always been in my heart. God’s Word can keep us from sliding back into a life of sin. Someone very close to me has slide so far back in sin it doesn’t even seem that he ever knew the Savior at all.
I don’t understand it. He was a Sunday School teacher, a deacon in the church, but now he drinks and gets drunk almost every day and hangs out at sports bars. How did that happen? Why did that happen? Will he ever come back to the Lord and live a pure life? Did he not hide enough of God’s Word in his heart to keep him from this downward slide of destruction?
Application
I will continue to hide God’s Word in my heart so I don’t drift away to a life of sinfulness and destruction.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that you bring every verse that I have ever memorized to my assistance to keep me from sinning. Use your Word in my life to discipline me and also to encourage me. Thank you for the power of you Word. Use it in my life to keep me from doing things that are wrong. Keep me pure Lord. Help me to obey your Word and continue to give me a hunger for your Word and a desire to follow you with my whole heart. Amen.
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Tuesday, December 04, 2007
We are Blessed
Ephesians 1; Ephesians 2; Ephesians 3; Ephesians 4
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Scripture
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
Ephesians 1
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
Observation
Are you blessed? If you are a Christ Follower then you are very blessed; in fact you have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, that’s right every one of them. And so we don’t lack a thing, in Christ we have everything. He has even lavished on us all wisdom and understanding. In Christ we have the forgiveness of sins and we have been adopted into His Heavenly family as sons. As sons we get to enjoy everything that our Father has and He has it all. So, are you living like you are the child of the King today? Think about it, there is not one thing you lack today. We have it all. Did you notice these words in Ephesians 1:3-10, “blessed us”, “with every spiritual blessing”, “blameless in his sight”, “freely given to us”, “He lavished on us”, “His good pleasure”, “according with the riches of God’s grace”? We are blessed.
Application
I will live out this day meditating on the truth that God has blessed me with every spiritual blessing in Christ and I don’t lack one thing to accomplish His will today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for adopting me as your son. Thank you for providing for me everything that I need. I am so blessed. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are worthy to be praised. Thank you for what you are doing through our missionaries as they speak to our church during our conference. Continue to do a mighty work through them today. Amen.
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Ephesians 1; Ephesians 2; Ephesians 3; Ephesians 4
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Scripture
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
Ephesians 1
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
Observation
Are you blessed? If you are a Christ Follower then you are very blessed; in fact you have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, that’s right every one of them. And so we don’t lack a thing, in Christ we have everything. He has even lavished on us all wisdom and understanding. In Christ we have the forgiveness of sins and we have been adopted into His Heavenly family as sons. As sons we get to enjoy everything that our Father has and He has it all. So, are you living like you are the child of the King today? Think about it, there is not one thing you lack today. We have it all. Did you notice these words in Ephesians 1:3-10, “blessed us”, “with every spiritual blessing”, “blameless in his sight”, “freely given to us”, “He lavished on us”, “His good pleasure”, “according with the riches of God’s grace”? We are blessed.
Application
I will live out this day meditating on the truth that God has blessed me with every spiritual blessing in Christ and I don’t lack one thing to accomplish His will today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for adopting me as your son. Thank you for providing for me everything that I need. I am so blessed. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are worthy to be praised. Thank you for what you are doing through our missionaries as they speak to our church during our conference. Continue to do a mighty work through them today. Amen.
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Monday, December 03, 2007
Warts and All
Romans 13; Romans 14; Romans 15; Romans 16
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Scripture
Romans 15
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Observation
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you. Let’s see, what was I like when I trusted Christ…a sinner…yet Christ accepted me just like I was. And He accepts me today not because I am a good person, but because He is a God of love. I am still a sinner, but one that has been forgiven and one that has been accepted.
Being rejected is a terrible feeling isn’t it? Have you ever been the last person to be picked when the neighborhood kids were getting up a game of baseball? Rejection is a terrible thing. But we do it all the time don’t we?
It seems that people reject us when our beliefs and theirs don’t line up exactly the same. They want you to believe their way and if you don’t then they don’t want to fellowship with you. How sad.
Application
Who do I need to accept warts and all that I have been rejecting? I am asking the Lord to reveal them to me so I can reach out to them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you accepted me just like I was and I didn’t deserve it. Help me to accept everyone especially those that are not easy to accept and that are not easy to love. Put people on my heart that I need to reach out to. Thank you for the missionaries that are speaking this week. Bless our Missions conference and may you place a desire in our people’s hearts to give sacrificially. Amen
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Romans 13; Romans 14; Romans 15; Romans 16
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Scripture
Romans 15
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Observation
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you. Let’s see, what was I like when I trusted Christ…a sinner…yet Christ accepted me just like I was. And He accepts me today not because I am a good person, but because He is a God of love. I am still a sinner, but one that has been forgiven and one that has been accepted.
Being rejected is a terrible feeling isn’t it? Have you ever been the last person to be picked when the neighborhood kids were getting up a game of baseball? Rejection is a terrible thing. But we do it all the time don’t we?
It seems that people reject us when our beliefs and theirs don’t line up exactly the same. They want you to believe their way and if you don’t then they don’t want to fellowship with you. How sad.
Application
Who do I need to accept warts and all that I have been rejecting? I am asking the Lord to reveal them to me so I can reach out to them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you accepted me just like I was and I didn’t deserve it. Help me to accept everyone especially those that are not easy to accept and that are not easy to love. Put people on my heart that I need to reach out to. Thank you for the missionaries that are speaking this week. Bless our Missions conference and may you place a desire in our people’s hearts to give sacrificially. Amen
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Saturday, December 01, 2007
More Than Conquerors
Romans 5; Romans 6; Romans 7; Romans 8
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Scripture
More Than Conquerors
Romans 8
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Observation
I just finished reading the book; “Back to Jerusalem” if you haven’t yet read it I believe that it should be the very next book you read. Let me just say that those that the book is written about understand this passage way better than we do here in America. We don’t have a clue what it is like to suffer for our faith. But to those around the world that are dying for their faith in Christ this passage is especially for them. Will I die for my faith or will I just die of some sickness brought on by my easy lifestyle? I know that if I continue to live in the USA and unless something drastically changes in our country I will probably die of cancer or a heart problem or something like that but not from suffering because of my faith. We have all the freedom and resources in the world to share our faith right here but do we?
Application
I am going to make changes in my daily schedule to share my faith everyday.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for your church in places where they are dying and where they are being persecuted for you. I pray that you will raise up thousands to take the Gospel to the world that still needs to hear about you. I pray for our World Missions Conference at our church that begins this weekend. Use these missionaries to call out more laborers to reach the harvest. Change me to make me more like the Christians that are sacrificing everything for the Gospel. Amen.
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Romans 5; Romans 6; Romans 7; Romans 8
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Scripture
More Than Conquerors
Romans 8
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Observation
I just finished reading the book; “Back to Jerusalem” if you haven’t yet read it I believe that it should be the very next book you read. Let me just say that those that the book is written about understand this passage way better than we do here in America. We don’t have a clue what it is like to suffer for our faith. But to those around the world that are dying for their faith in Christ this passage is especially for them. Will I die for my faith or will I just die of some sickness brought on by my easy lifestyle? I know that if I continue to live in the USA and unless something drastically changes in our country I will probably die of cancer or a heart problem or something like that but not from suffering because of my faith. We have all the freedom and resources in the world to share our faith right here but do we?
Application
I am going to make changes in my daily schedule to share my faith everyday.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for your church in places where they are dying and where they are being persecuted for you. I pray that you will raise up thousands to take the Gospel to the world that still needs to hear about you. I pray for our World Missions Conference at our church that begins this weekend. Use these missionaries to call out more laborers to reach the harvest. Change me to make me more like the Christians that are sacrificing everything for the Gospel. Amen.
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Friday, November 30, 2007
Against All Hope
Romans 1; Romans 2; Romans 3; Romans 4
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Scripture
Romans 4
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." 23 The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Observation
The majority of people in this world still think that you can somehow get to Heaven by being good. They must have never read Romans 1-4! One word keeps coming up through this entire passage and that is the word “believe”. When we put our faith in what Jesus Christ did on the cross for us, when we believe in our hearts that He came, lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins, and when we turn to God and turn away from sin and self then and only then do we have eternal life.
At that moment we are “declared righteous” meaning that it is a righteousness that has been given to us and it is not a righteousness that we have because of our goodness or our good works. Once we have been “declared righteous” we are born into the family of God. Salvation is completely a God thing. I really like and I really believe verse 21 “being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” God is a Promise Maker and He is a Promise Keeper. I also like verse 18 because when things are “against all hope” that is when and where God likes to work. Do you find yourself or someone else “against all hope” then you need to turn or help someone turn to the One that loves to do the impossible.
Application
The Gospel is Powerful. It is all people need. Lord, direct me to someone that needs to hear today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are a Promise Maker and a Promise Keeper. I pray that you work powerfully in my life today. Show me how powerful you are. I pray that you turn many people to repentance today. I pray for the missionaries that will be coming to our church this weekend. Father, use their lives to challenge us to be more involved in reaching this world for you. Thank you for declaring me righteous. Thank you for saving me and appointing me to your service. Amen.
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Romans 1; Romans 2; Romans 3; Romans 4
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Romans 4
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." 23 The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Observation
The majority of people in this world still think that you can somehow get to Heaven by being good. They must have never read Romans 1-4! One word keeps coming up through this entire passage and that is the word “believe”. When we put our faith in what Jesus Christ did on the cross for us, when we believe in our hearts that He came, lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins, and when we turn to God and turn away from sin and self then and only then do we have eternal life.
At that moment we are “declared righteous” meaning that it is a righteousness that has been given to us and it is not a righteousness that we have because of our goodness or our good works. Once we have been “declared righteous” we are born into the family of God. Salvation is completely a God thing. I really like and I really believe verse 21 “being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” God is a Promise Maker and He is a Promise Keeper. I also like verse 18 because when things are “against all hope” that is when and where God likes to work. Do you find yourself or someone else “against all hope” then you need to turn or help someone turn to the One that loves to do the impossible.
Application
The Gospel is Powerful. It is all people need. Lord, direct me to someone that needs to hear today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are a Promise Maker and a Promise Keeper. I pray that you work powerfully in my life today. Show me how powerful you are. I pray that you turn many people to repentance today. I pray for the missionaries that will be coming to our church this weekend. Father, use their lives to challenge us to be more involved in reaching this world for you. Thank you for declaring me righteous. Thank you for saving me and appointing me to your service. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Are You Weak Today?
1 Thessalonians 4; 1 Thessalonians 5; 2 Thessalonians 1; 2 Thessalonians 2; 2 Thessalonians 3
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Scripture
2 Thessalonians 3
3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
1 Tim. 1:12
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.
Observation
If you are feeling weak, I have the answer for you. His name is Jesus.
I think that it is interesting that in both of these verses the word strength and the word faithful are used. In 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Paul says that the Lord is faithful and he will strengthen and protect you, but in 1 Timothy 1:12 Paul says that he thanks Christ Jesus our Lord because Jesus has found Paul faithful. In both passages, his promise to believers is that he will strengthen us. His other promise is to protect us from the evil one. I also like this verse from today’s reading found in 1 Thessalonians 5:24 “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” Aren’t we glad that we belong to a God that is Faithful.
Application
I need to rely on Jesus today for my strength and thank Him that he has found me faithful to appoint me to his service.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are my strength. You are my very present help in trouble. Thank you for considering me faithful and appointing me to serve you. Help me be found faithful every day. I pray for the men that I meet with every week that you give them wisdom and help them to make right decisions. Strengthen them and empower them to live victorious lives today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Thessalonians 4; 1 Thessalonians 5; 2 Thessalonians 1; 2 Thessalonians 2; 2 Thessalonians 3
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Thessalonians 3
3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
1 Tim. 1:12
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.
Observation
If you are feeling weak, I have the answer for you. His name is Jesus.
I think that it is interesting that in both of these verses the word strength and the word faithful are used. In 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Paul says that the Lord is faithful and he will strengthen and protect you, but in 1 Timothy 1:12 Paul says that he thanks Christ Jesus our Lord because Jesus has found Paul faithful. In both passages, his promise to believers is that he will strengthen us. His other promise is to protect us from the evil one. I also like this verse from today’s reading found in 1 Thessalonians 5:24 “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” Aren’t we glad that we belong to a God that is Faithful.
Application
I need to rely on Jesus today for my strength and thank Him that he has found me faithful to appoint me to his service.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are my strength. You are my very present help in trouble. Thank you for considering me faithful and appointing me to serve you. Help me be found faithful every day. I pray for the men that I meet with every week that you give them wisdom and help them to make right decisions. Strengthen them and empower them to live victorious lives today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Therefore Go!
Matthew 28; 1 Thessalonians 1; 1 Thessalonians 2; 1 Thessalonians 3
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Scripture
Matthew 28
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Observation
I am reading a book called “Back to Jerusalem” and it is fascinating. The Gospel started in Jerusalem and spread out to the known world, but today there are countries in need of the Gospel and those countries are situated between China and Israel. The Chinese Christians are determined to take the Gospel through those unreached countries all the way back to Jerusalem. God is mightily at work in our world today. Jesus said, “that all power and authority had been given to him, therefore go…” I think that it is interesting that he didn’t say “stay and build big buildings for me”; he said, “go” and make disciples. Is it time for you and me to go?
Application
I will prepare my life to be able to go.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be ready to go when you tell me. Give me wisdom in using all the resources that you have provided us so that I don’t miss the opportunity to be obedient to your call. Thank you for my Chinese Christian brothers that are suffering so much for you today. Bless them with success. Give them thousands of souls and give them strength to continue to withstand the persecution. Open wide the doors for them to preach the Gospel. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Matthew 28; 1 Thessalonians 1; 1 Thessalonians 2; 1 Thessalonians 3
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 28
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Observation
I am reading a book called “Back to Jerusalem” and it is fascinating. The Gospel started in Jerusalem and spread out to the known world, but today there are countries in need of the Gospel and those countries are situated between China and Israel. The Chinese Christians are determined to take the Gospel through those unreached countries all the way back to Jerusalem. God is mightily at work in our world today. Jesus said, “that all power and authority had been given to him, therefore go…” I think that it is interesting that he didn’t say “stay and build big buildings for me”; he said, “go” and make disciples. Is it time for you and me to go?
Application
I will prepare my life to be able to go.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be ready to go when you tell me. Give me wisdom in using all the resources that you have provided us so that I don’t miss the opportunity to be obedient to your call. Thank you for my Chinese Christian brothers that are suffering so much for you today. Bless them with success. Give them thousands of souls and give them strength to continue to withstand the persecution. Open wide the doors for them to preach the Gospel. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, November 26, 2007
The Gospel of the Kingdom
Matthew 23; Matthew 24; Matthew 25
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Scripture
Matthew 24
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Observation
I have become very interested in the country of China. It is hard to imagine a country so huge. The challenge of taking the Gospel to every people group of that enormous country is an exciting challenge. I have purchased several books in the last couple of weeks about the evangelical work in China. One day the last people group will have the opportunity to hear about Jesus and that will be it. It will be all over. Jesus will return in the clouds surrounded by his angels and we that know Him will be caught up to be with him. On this Monday morning that sounds very exciting to me. Come Lord Jesus!
Application
I want to be doing everything that He has asked me to do so that I don’t disappoint Him when He returns.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me with the details of this week. Help me not to get bogged down in them and miss what you want me to see. I want to do what you want me to do. Speak to me; guide me so I don’t miss your will. I pray for the missionaries that will be speaking in our church next week. I pray that you use them in a mighty way to transform us to strengthen us and make us even more mission minded. Call out more people from within our fellowship to go to the mission field. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Matthew 23; Matthew 24; Matthew 25
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 24
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Observation
I have become very interested in the country of China. It is hard to imagine a country so huge. The challenge of taking the Gospel to every people group of that enormous country is an exciting challenge. I have purchased several books in the last couple of weeks about the evangelical work in China. One day the last people group will have the opportunity to hear about Jesus and that will be it. It will be all over. Jesus will return in the clouds surrounded by his angels and we that know Him will be caught up to be with him. On this Monday morning that sounds very exciting to me. Come Lord Jesus!
Application
I want to be doing everything that He has asked me to do so that I don’t disappoint Him when He returns.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me with the details of this week. Help me not to get bogged down in them and miss what you want me to see. I want to do what you want me to do. Speak to me; guide me so I don’t miss your will. I pray for the missionaries that will be speaking in our church next week. I pray that you use them in a mighty way to transform us to strengthen us and make us even more mission minded. Call out more people from within our fellowship to go to the mission field. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Take The First Fish You Catch
Matthew 17; Matthew 18; Matthew 19
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Scripture
The Temple Tax
Matthew 17
24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?"
25 "Yes, he does," he replied.
When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?"
26 "From others," Peter answered.
"Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him. 27 "But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."
Observation
I love this story mainly I guess because it is about fishing. Peter went hook and line fishing for this fish. He didn’t use the nets that the fisherman used in the other passages that dealt with fishing.
I think it is interesting that Jesus tells Peter to look in the mouth of the very first fish that he catches. Jesus made it very easy for Peter. I wonder if Peter kept fishing after he caught the first fish. If he did I wonder if he looked in the mouth of the next fish to see if there was any money in its mouth. Like we did when we used to go by a phone booth or sometimes when you pass by a soda machine or snack machine and check to see if there is any change in it that someone has left.
Jesus can and will take care of our needs and he can do it in a million different ways. He can and usually will do it in a way that we didn’t plan. God is so good. We are sons of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
Application
I will look to Jesus to meet every one of my needs because He is 100% faithful, 100% reliable and loves to provide for us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your word. You are the Great Provider. Nothing is too hard for you. There is not one thing in my life that is too big for you. You take such good care of my family and me. I pray that you will help me depend on you, give me the faith I need to trust you with every detail of my life. As I visited Earl Conner in the hospital this morning I marvel at how you care for your children. You would have never thought that 91-year-old Earl just had by-pass surgery this week. You are Amazing. You are Wonderful. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Matthew 17; Matthew 18; Matthew 19
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
The Temple Tax
Matthew 17
24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?"
25 "Yes, he does," he replied.
When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?"
26 "From others," Peter answered.
"Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him. 27 "But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."
Observation
I love this story mainly I guess because it is about fishing. Peter went hook and line fishing for this fish. He didn’t use the nets that the fisherman used in the other passages that dealt with fishing.
I think it is interesting that Jesus tells Peter to look in the mouth of the very first fish that he catches. Jesus made it very easy for Peter. I wonder if Peter kept fishing after he caught the first fish. If he did I wonder if he looked in the mouth of the next fish to see if there was any money in its mouth. Like we did when we used to go by a phone booth or sometimes when you pass by a soda machine or snack machine and check to see if there is any change in it that someone has left.
Jesus can and will take care of our needs and he can do it in a million different ways. He can and usually will do it in a way that we didn’t plan. God is so good. We are sons of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
Application
I will look to Jesus to meet every one of my needs because He is 100% faithful, 100% reliable and loves to provide for us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your word. You are the Great Provider. Nothing is too hard for you. There is not one thing in my life that is too big for you. You take such good care of my family and me. I pray that you will help me depend on you, give me the faith I need to trust you with every detail of my life. As I visited Earl Conner in the hospital this morning I marvel at how you care for your children. You would have never thought that 91-year-old Earl just had by-pass surgery this week. You are Amazing. You are Wonderful. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, November 23, 2007
And On This Rock I Will Build My Church
Matthew 14; Matthew 15; Matthew 16
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Scripture
Matthew 16
15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
Observation
God loves variety. Just look at this world and everything in it. God’s church is the same way. Churches are so different. Even within our denomination that has over 45,000 churches they are so different. You have the inner city church, the church out in the suburbs, and even the country church. And then there are the language churches, where the services are in the heart language of the people and are not in English.
I love going to church. I love visiting other churches. I have been to church in quite a few different countries. I have gone to church in a country where going to church is against the law. Jesus said, “I upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it”. He loves His church and so do I. How about you?
Application
This Sunday I am going to enjoy getting together with “His Church” that meets at 300 E. Sligh Ave.! I would encourage you to do the same.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for “church”. No matter where you go in this world “Your church” is on the march to get there. Nothing can stop it, nothing can destroy it, I love your church. Help your church that meets on Sligh Ave. to please you. Help us extend your kingdom. Help us reach new people. Bring people into our paths that need a relationship with you. Thank you for church! Thank you for your church that we call our church. You are so good to us. You are worthy to be praised. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Matthew 14; Matthew 15; Matthew 16
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 16
15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
Observation
God loves variety. Just look at this world and everything in it. God’s church is the same way. Churches are so different. Even within our denomination that has over 45,000 churches they are so different. You have the inner city church, the church out in the suburbs, and even the country church. And then there are the language churches, where the services are in the heart language of the people and are not in English.
I love going to church. I love visiting other churches. I have been to church in quite a few different countries. I have gone to church in a country where going to church is against the law. Jesus said, “I upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it”. He loves His church and so do I. How about you?
Application
This Sunday I am going to enjoy getting together with “His Church” that meets at 300 E. Sligh Ave.! I would encourage you to do the same.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for “church”. No matter where you go in this world “Your church” is on the march to get there. Nothing can stop it, nothing can destroy it, I love your church. Help your church that meets on Sligh Ave. to please you. Help us extend your kingdom. Help us reach new people. Bring people into our paths that need a relationship with you. Thank you for church! Thank you for your church that we call our church. You are so good to us. You are worthy to be praised. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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