What’s Wrong With Dancing!
2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17
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Scripture
Michal’s Contempt for David
2 Samuel 6
16 But as the Ark of the LORD entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she was filled with contempt for him.
17 They brought the Ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the special tent David had prepared for it. And David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD. 18 When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. 19 Then he gave to every Israelite man and woman in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people returned to their homes.
20 When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!”
21 David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the LORD, so I celebrate before the LORD. 22 Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” 23 So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.
Observation
Michal husband embarrassed her and she got mad! David was expressing his joy over the Ark of the Lord and burst out in wild dancing and Michal saw him and was filled with disgust. I don’t think that this was a David problem I think that she had a God problem. David had an intimate relationship with God that Michal must not have had. Of course, that is just my guess, but God severely punished her for her wrong attitude about David’s dancing and God’s anointed. Sometimes we can have some very wrong attitudes about the behavior of other people and how they worship the Lord. It is not our business how someone else is led to worship God; we need to focus on Him not on them.
Application
Have you danced before the Lord lately? How about lifting up your hands to Him? Have you gotten up early this week to meet Him for worship? Why not get in your car, crank up your favorite Christian radio station and sing out to Him with all your heart on your way to work!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the heart of David and keep me from having the heart of Michal! Lord, I want this day to be a day of worship! Show me your mighty power today. You are an awesome God.
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Monday, April 30, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
How You Finish The Race Is Most Important!
1 Samuel 30; 1 Samuel 31; 1 Chronicles 10; Matthew 12
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Scripture
1 Chronicles 10
13 So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD. He failed to obey the LORD’s command, and he even consulted a medium 14 instead of asking the LORD for guidance. So the LORD killed him and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
Observation
How important is obedience? It is everything with God! Saul was unfaithful to the Lord and it cost him everything. He and his three sons died in battle; his family would no longer rule Israel. Disobedience cost him everything. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.”
Application
Are there strongholds of disobedience in your life? Is there something that you are doing and you know it is in direct disobedience to what God has told you? Remember! Finishing the race well is most important! Obey today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to please you. Lord, show me any area of my life that is not yielded to you and your will. I want to have an obedient heart for you.
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1 Samuel 30; 1 Samuel 31; 1 Chronicles 10; Matthew 12
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Scripture
1 Chronicles 10
13 So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD. He failed to obey the LORD’s command, and he even consulted a medium 14 instead of asking the LORD for guidance. So the LORD killed him and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
Observation
How important is obedience? It is everything with God! Saul was unfaithful to the Lord and it cost him everything. He and his three sons died in battle; his family would no longer rule Israel. Disobedience cost him everything. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.”
Application
Are there strongholds of disobedience in your life? Is there something that you are doing and you know it is in direct disobedience to what God has told you? Remember! Finishing the race well is most important! Obey today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to please you. Lord, show me any area of my life that is not yielded to you and your will. I want to have an obedient heart for you.
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Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Gentle + Humble = A Great Leader!
1 Samuel 28; 1 Samuel 29; Psalm 109; Matthew 11
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Scripture
Matthew 11
28 “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Observation
Humility and gentleness are marks of a true leader. Jesus had just talked about what a tremendous prophet John the Baptist was and yet he was rejected just like Jesus was rejected. Those that rejected the message of John the Baptist and had rejected Jesus would suffer for eternity. But anyone that would just come to Jesus, anyone that was teachable, anyone that was weary and loaded down by heavy burdens could find rest.
Application
Does your soul need a rest…then come to Jesus!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to know you in a personal way. Thank you that I can find rest in you. Teach me to be gentle and help me to be humble so that I can lead people the way that I should.
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1 Samuel 28; 1 Samuel 29; Psalm 109; Matthew 11
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Scripture
Matthew 11
28 “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Observation
Humility and gentleness are marks of a true leader. Jesus had just talked about what a tremendous prophet John the Baptist was and yet he was rejected just like Jesus was rejected. Those that rejected the message of John the Baptist and had rejected Jesus would suffer for eternity. But anyone that would just come to Jesus, anyone that was teachable, anyone that was weary and loaded down by heavy burdens could find rest.
Application
Does your soul need a rest…then come to Jesus!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to know you in a personal way. Thank you that I can find rest in you. Teach me to be gentle and help me to be humble so that I can lead people the way that I should.
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Monday, April 23, 2007
Importance Of An Open House!
1 Samuel 27; Psalm 141; 1 Chronicles 9; Matthew 10
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Scripture
Matthew 10
11 “Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. 12 When you enter the home, give it your blessing. 13 If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing. 14 If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. 15 I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.
Observation
If one of the twelve disciples knocked on our door would we invite them in and would our homes be open for a small group of seekers. The disciples were sent out on a mission trip and they were to knock on doors until they found a “son of peace” who would invite them in. They were to stay in that home and use that home as a base of operation to reach others living near by.
How open are we to using our homes for small groups? There is no better place to evangelize than your open home. Do people feel welcome? I can’t wait to be able to use our home for small groups and guests. Right now we don’t have a home and it is extremely painful not to have small group at our house. The activities room at church is nice but it is no substitute for the warm atmosphere of someone’s home. Let me encourage you to open up your home and let a small group meet at your place!
Application
How can we be more “sons of peace” in the weeks ahead? Invite someone to your house this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Kathy and I look forward to the day when we have a home again and have people in it as our guests. We realize that all of that is in your hands and we wait anxiously to one day having our own place again. Thank you for our small groups and I pray that others would open their homes to begin new ones. Thank you for all that you have blessed us with.
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1 Samuel 27; Psalm 141; 1 Chronicles 9; Matthew 10
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Scripture
Matthew 10
11 “Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. 12 When you enter the home, give it your blessing. 13 If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing. 14 If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. 15 I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.
Observation
If one of the twelve disciples knocked on our door would we invite them in and would our homes be open for a small group of seekers. The disciples were sent out on a mission trip and they were to knock on doors until they found a “son of peace” who would invite them in. They were to stay in that home and use that home as a base of operation to reach others living near by.
How open are we to using our homes for small groups? There is no better place to evangelize than your open home. Do people feel welcome? I can’t wait to be able to use our home for small groups and guests. Right now we don’t have a home and it is extremely painful not to have small group at our house. The activities room at church is nice but it is no substitute for the warm atmosphere of someone’s home. Let me encourage you to open up your home and let a small group meet at your place!
Application
How can we be more “sons of peace” in the weeks ahead? Invite someone to your house this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Kathy and I look forward to the day when we have a home again and have people in it as our guests. We realize that all of that is in your hands and we wait anxiously to one day having our own place again. Thank you for our small groups and I pray that others would open their homes to begin new ones. Thank you for all that you have blessed us with.
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Friday, April 20, 2007
One of David’s Secret Weapons!
Dependence on the Lord!
1 Samuel 23; Psalm 31; Psalm 54; Matthew 7
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Scripture
1 Samuel 23
1 When David was told, "Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors," 2 he inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?"
The LORD answered him, "Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah."
3 But David's men said to him, "Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!"
4 Once again David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him, "Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand." 5 So David and his men went to Keilah, fought the Philistines and carried off their livestock. He inflicted heavy losses on the Philistines and saved the people of Keilah. 6 (Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod down with him when he fled to David at Keilah.)
Psalm 31:
14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.
Psalm 54
2 Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. For he has delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.
Observation
I don’t know how David developed the habit of total dependence on the Lord, but I know that it helped having to run for his life as Saul attempted to kill him. David was wise enough to talk to God and God delivered him time after time. There were a few times in his life where David did not depend on God and the consequences were severe, but most of his life he was a “man after God’s own heart”.
Application
God wants me to talk to Him about everything that is going on in my life. He wants me to depend on Him. And He desires that same relationship with you!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to seek your face and bring every issue I am facing to you. Help me today shine for you. Bless those that are going camping with the R.A.’s today. I pray that some of the “dads” will be touched today with your power and I pray that you bring them into your family!
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Dependence on the Lord!
1 Samuel 23; Psalm 31; Psalm 54; Matthew 7
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Scripture
1 Samuel 23
1 When David was told, "Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors," 2 he inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?"
The LORD answered him, "Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah."
3 But David's men said to him, "Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!"
4 Once again David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him, "Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand." 5 So David and his men went to Keilah, fought the Philistines and carried off their livestock. He inflicted heavy losses on the Philistines and saved the people of Keilah. 6 (Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod down with him when he fled to David at Keilah.)
Psalm 31:
14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.
Psalm 54
2 Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. For he has delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.
Observation
I don’t know how David developed the habit of total dependence on the Lord, but I know that it helped having to run for his life as Saul attempted to kill him. David was wise enough to talk to God and God delivered him time after time. There were a few times in his life where David did not depend on God and the consequences were severe, but most of his life he was a “man after God’s own heart”.
Application
God wants me to talk to Him about everything that is going on in my life. He wants me to depend on Him. And He desires that same relationship with you!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to seek your face and bring every issue I am facing to you. Help me today shine for you. Bless those that are going camping with the R.A.’s today. I pray that some of the “dads” will be touched today with your power and I pray that you bring them into your family!
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Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Fishing…For Men!
1 Samuel 19; 1 Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4
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Scripture
The Calling of the First Disciples
Matthew 4:18-22
"As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."
Observation
I love to fish and I think that it is great that Jesus loves guys that love to fish! The first four guys to become his disciples loved to fish! I wonder why Jesus didn’t choose four shepherds first instead of four fishermen. His command to them was and still is today, “Come Follow Me” and I will make you fishers of men! How did you get caught? How are you at fishing for men/women? I like it because Jesus called simple fishermen instead of educated lawyers or doctors or theologians, just simple plain fishermen! I would have loved to be there. Can you imagine what their fathers’ thought? I wonder if they already knew Jesus or at least already knew about Him? I wonder if the fathers also became Christ-Followers, or I wonder if the Dads also became “Fishers of Men”? I love these stories don’t you!
Application
Bottom line…Jesus is calling us to be “Fishers of Men”! How’s the fishing? Catching anything?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to be a fisher of men. Father, help my focus be on this task. Help me put all the other stuff in its place and keep this commandment as the most important. Lord, bring me close to some fish (men) today that need to be caught!
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1 Samuel 19; 1 Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4
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Scripture
The Calling of the First Disciples
Matthew 4:18-22
"As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."
Observation
I love to fish and I think that it is great that Jesus loves guys that love to fish! The first four guys to become his disciples loved to fish! I wonder why Jesus didn’t choose four shepherds first instead of four fishermen. His command to them was and still is today, “Come Follow Me” and I will make you fishers of men! How did you get caught? How are you at fishing for men/women? I like it because Jesus called simple fishermen instead of educated lawyers or doctors or theologians, just simple plain fishermen! I would have loved to be there. Can you imagine what their fathers’ thought? I wonder if they already knew Jesus or at least already knew about Him? I wonder if the fathers also became Christ-Followers, or I wonder if the Dads also became “Fishers of Men”? I love these stories don’t you!
Application
Bottom line…Jesus is calling us to be “Fishers of Men”! How’s the fishing? Catching anything?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to be a fisher of men. Father, help my focus be on this task. Help me put all the other stuff in its place and keep this commandment as the most important. Lord, bring me close to some fish (men) today that need to be caught!
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Monday, April 16, 2007
Jonathan and David!
1 Samuel 18; 1 Chronicles 6; Psalm 11; Matthew 3
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Scripture
Saul's Jealousy of David
1 Samuel 18:1-4
“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. 2 From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house. 3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 4 Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.”
Observation
Being best friends with the son of his worst enemy now isn’t that interesting! David and Jonathan loved each other deeply as best friends. They would risk their lives for each other and they did. This friendship shows us men the importance of building a strong relationship with another man. Some have tried to point to this friendship and say that it was a homosexual relationship, but nothing could be further from the truth. It was a deep love for each other in the same way Christ loved his 12 disciples.
Application
It is important to build strong relationships/friendships with men if you are a man and with women if you are a woman. Each of us needs the accountability of a close friend! Work on building those relationships!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the guys in my life that hold me accountable and are my friends. Thank you for bringing them into my life. Help me to be a true friend to them.
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1 Samuel 18; 1 Chronicles 6; Psalm 11; Matthew 3
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Scripture
Saul's Jealousy of David
1 Samuel 18:1-4
“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. 2 From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house. 3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 4 Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.”
Observation
Being best friends with the son of his worst enemy now isn’t that interesting! David and Jonathan loved each other deeply as best friends. They would risk their lives for each other and they did. This friendship shows us men the importance of building a strong relationship with another man. Some have tried to point to this friendship and say that it was a homosexual relationship, but nothing could be further from the truth. It was a deep love for each other in the same way Christ loved his 12 disciples.
Application
It is important to build strong relationships/friendships with men if you are a man and with women if you are a woman. Each of us needs the accountability of a close friend! Work on building those relationships!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the guys in my life that hold me accountable and are my friends. Thank you for bringing them into my life. Help me to be a true friend to them.
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Sunday, April 15, 2007
God Picks Folks Differently Than We Do!
1 Samuel 15; 1 Samuel 16; 1 Chronicles 5; Matthew 1
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Scripture
1 Samuel 16:6 “When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD."
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, "The LORD has not chosen this one either." 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, "Nor has the LORD chosen this one." 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, "The LORD has not chosen these." 11 So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?"
"There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep."
Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down [a] until he arrives."
12 So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features.
Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one."
13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.”
Observation
I have been wrong so many times about people!
I look and I see someone and maybe spend some time with them and I think that the person will make a great leader or great servant for the Lord only to see them crash and not serve at all. Then to my amazement God picks someone that I didn’t see much in and God makes them a great leader/servant! God can see the heart and we judge by the outer appearance. I am amazed and very grateful that God uses me and allows me to serve Him. What a great experience it is to be a part of His Kingdom.
Samuel didn’t see the leader in David, but God did. David was the runt of a litter of eight, he was the baby in the family, but God chose him to be the next king of Israel, and through the lineage of David would come the Messiah!
Application
May I have better discernment as I try to help people develop into a better leaders and better servants.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you ask us to pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send more laborers into His Harvest. Today I am asking that you send us more laborers to Tampa Baptist Church to help us with the harvest. Father, show me how to help our people become greater leaders and better servants. Help me to lead them better. Give me wisdom and discernment for today.
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1 Samuel 15; 1 Samuel 16; 1 Chronicles 5; Matthew 1
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Scripture
1 Samuel 16:6 “When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD."
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, "The LORD has not chosen this one either." 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, "Nor has the LORD chosen this one." 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, "The LORD has not chosen these." 11 So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?"
"There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep."
Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down [a] until he arrives."
12 So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features.
Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one."
13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.”
Observation
I have been wrong so many times about people!
I look and I see someone and maybe spend some time with them and I think that the person will make a great leader or great servant for the Lord only to see them crash and not serve at all. Then to my amazement God picks someone that I didn’t see much in and God makes them a great leader/servant! God can see the heart and we judge by the outer appearance. I am amazed and very grateful that God uses me and allows me to serve Him. What a great experience it is to be a part of His Kingdom.
Samuel didn’t see the leader in David, but God did. David was the runt of a litter of eight, he was the baby in the family, but God chose him to be the next king of Israel, and through the lineage of David would come the Messiah!
Application
May I have better discernment as I try to help people develop into a better leaders and better servants.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you ask us to pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send more laborers into His Harvest. Today I am asking that you send us more laborers to Tampa Baptist Church to help us with the harvest. Father, show me how to help our people become greater leaders and better servants. Help me to lead them better. Give me wisdom and discernment for today.
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Tuesday, April 10, 2007
OK…You Want to Fight!
1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 9; 1 Samuel 10; 2 Corinthians 10
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Scripture
Paul's Defense of His Ministry
2 Corinthians 10:1-11
“By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" when away! 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
7 You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he. 8 For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it. 9 I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters. 10 For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing." 11 Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.”
Observation
Paul is once again under attack by a group of Christians and he responds with power! He says that if you think that I am only strong in my letters just wait until I see you. Then he reminds them of the kind of power he has from God, a divine power that can demolish strongholds. He is not going to fight like the world does he is going to use weapons that are out of this world. Look out! We have that same divine arsenal and we can use it too! Don’t let anyone bully you around. Don’t let any sin take you captive!
Application
All of us come under attack it is normal as we live out the Christian life. How we fight back is what is important. Do we call on Divine power or do we fight just like the world does? The choice will be ours today. How will you choose to fight?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to rely on your power to meet today’s challenges. Help me to depend on all the resources you have for me to use. Thank you for guiding me today. I want to hear your voice today and be obedient to everything you desire. I pray for our people that they would draw from you today and that they would be strong and courageous as they encounter today’s battles.
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1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 9; 1 Samuel 10; 2 Corinthians 10
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Scripture
Paul's Defense of His Ministry
2 Corinthians 10:1-11
“By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" when away! 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
7 You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he. 8 For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it. 9 I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters. 10 For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing." 11 Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.”
Observation
Paul is once again under attack by a group of Christians and he responds with power! He says that if you think that I am only strong in my letters just wait until I see you. Then he reminds them of the kind of power he has from God, a divine power that can demolish strongholds. He is not going to fight like the world does he is going to use weapons that are out of this world. Look out! We have that same divine arsenal and we can use it too! Don’t let anyone bully you around. Don’t let any sin take you captive!
Application
All of us come under attack it is normal as we live out the Christian life. How we fight back is what is important. Do we call on Divine power or do we fight just like the world does? The choice will be ours today. How will you choose to fight?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to rely on your power to meet today’s challenges. Help me to depend on all the resources you have for me to use. Thank you for guiding me today. I want to hear your voice today and be obedient to everything you desire. I pray for our people that they would draw from you today and that they would be strong and courageous as they encounter today’s battles.
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Monday, April 09, 2007
Indescribable!
1 Samuel 6; 1 Samuel 7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians 9
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift”!
Observation
Easter! Indescribable! What Jesus did on the cross for us…Indescribable!
Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to give generously. He shares the law of the harvest, which is that when a person sows plentifully; then they will also reap plentifully! Paul says that God loves a generous giver and then he ends the chapter talking about God’s gift to us…salvation via His Son’s death on the cross which Paul describes as “Indescribable”!
Application
Thank God today for His “Indescribable Gift”!
Prayer
Father, thank you for giving me a gift that is truly “Indescribable”. Thank you for my salvation. Thank you for allowing me to serve You today. Help us today as we meet together for outreach. May you bless those that participate!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Samuel 6; 1 Samuel 7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians 9
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift”!
Observation
Easter! Indescribable! What Jesus did on the cross for us…Indescribable!
Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to give generously. He shares the law of the harvest, which is that when a person sows plentifully; then they will also reap plentifully! Paul says that God loves a generous giver and then he ends the chapter talking about God’s gift to us…salvation via His Son’s death on the cross which Paul describes as “Indescribable”!
Application
Thank God today for His “Indescribable Gift”!
Prayer
Father, thank you for giving me a gift that is truly “Indescribable”. Thank you for my salvation. Thank you for allowing me to serve You today. Help us today as we meet together for outreach. May you bless those that participate!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
It’s Just a Tent!
Ruth 1; Ruth 2; Psalm 53; Psalm 61; 2 Corinthians 5
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 5:1 “Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”
Observation
Paul says that this body that we live in is just a tent and it is getting ragged (Eddy paraphrase!). But we have something a whole lot better waiting for us in Heaven! In May we are planning an overnight camping trip with our granddaughters and we are looking forward to it. The thing about camping is that it is ok for a night or two but you don’t want to have to live in that tent forever! I am sure that we will look forward to getting back to our own beds no matter how good sleeping on the ground in the great outdoors will be! It doesn’t compare to the comforts of home! Heaven is going to be a million times better than that! I am reminded every morning when I wake up that this tent that I am living in is wearing out. It seems like everyday I wake up with a new ache or pain!
Application
Focus on what is eternal and not what is temporary! Invite someone to attend church with you this Easter!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for having a new body waiting for me in Heaven. I am sure going to need it. Help me take care of this body, but help me stay focused on the really important things in life which are the people around me. Help me to think more of them today than myself.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Ruth 1; Ruth 2; Psalm 53; Psalm 61; 2 Corinthians 5
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 5:1 “Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”
Observation
Paul says that this body that we live in is just a tent and it is getting ragged (Eddy paraphrase!). But we have something a whole lot better waiting for us in Heaven! In May we are planning an overnight camping trip with our granddaughters and we are looking forward to it. The thing about camping is that it is ok for a night or two but you don’t want to have to live in that tent forever! I am sure that we will look forward to getting back to our own beds no matter how good sleeping on the ground in the great outdoors will be! It doesn’t compare to the comforts of home! Heaven is going to be a million times better than that! I am reminded every morning when I wake up that this tent that I am living in is wearing out. It seems like everyday I wake up with a new ache or pain!
Application
Focus on what is eternal and not what is temporary! Invite someone to attend church with you this Easter!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for having a new body waiting for me in Heaven. I am sure going to need it. Help me take care of this body, but help me stay focused on the really important things in life which are the people around me. Help me to think more of them today than myself.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Who Do You Look Like?
Judges 17; Judges 18; Psalm 89; 2 Corinthians 3
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Observation
Have you ever been around some folks with a baby and everyone is saying, “The baby looks just like the mom, and some will usually say, “No, I think he/she looks like the dad”. We do reflect the appearance of our parents and in the same way we should reflect the image of the one who has given us spiritual rebirth! If you claim to have a personal relationship with Christ but act more like a lost person then maybe you better check and see if you have been born again! This scripture says that we that know Christ are being transformed everyday into His likeness!
Application
How am I reflecting Christ today?
Prayer
Father, help me to look and act like Jesus. I don’t want to act like someone that doesn’t know you. Guide me today and help me reflect you to the world around me.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Judges 17; Judges 18; Psalm 89; 2 Corinthians 3
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Observation
Have you ever been around some folks with a baby and everyone is saying, “The baby looks just like the mom, and some will usually say, “No, I think he/she looks like the dad”. We do reflect the appearance of our parents and in the same way we should reflect the image of the one who has given us spiritual rebirth! If you claim to have a personal relationship with Christ but act more like a lost person then maybe you better check and see if you have been born again! This scripture says that we that know Christ are being transformed everyday into His likeness!
Application
How am I reflecting Christ today?
Prayer
Father, help me to look and act like Jesus. I don’t want to act like someone that doesn’t know you. Guide me today and help me reflect you to the world around me.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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