A Good Habit To Work On!
Proverbs 16; Proverbs 17; Proverbs 18; Romans 12
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Scripture
Romans 12:13 “Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Observation
Something done consistently over and over again becomes a habit and so Paul says to us, “practice hospitality”. Make “hospitality” become one of your good habits. I watch some of our folks at church and they model this verse so well. They have developed the habit of “hospitality”. When you go to their homes you feel very welcome. Paul says that we all need to “practice” hospitality.
Application
What can you do this week to “practice hospitality”?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me do a lot better in this area and help me to learn from others that are such good models. I have heard several people comment about one of our small group leaders that this person is so good at “hospitality”. Thank you Lord for these gifted people and I ask you to bless them and may it be contagious in our church.
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Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Don’t be the “Lone Ranger”!
Proverbs 13; Proverbs 14; Proverbs 15; Romans 11
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Scripture
Proverbs 15
22 “Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.”
Observation
Getting advice before implementing a plan of action is very important. In our church we have some very wise people and I go to them to get their opinions. I am amazed at how smart (wise) they are. I meet with a group of pastors every Wednesday for prayer and fellowship and during this time we bounce ideas around about our ministries. God has used this time together to keep me from making some dumb mistakes as I listened to their counsel. My associate pastor, Rapley Armstrong (soon to be 80 years old on September 11th) is very wise. Yesterday in staff meeting I listened as he shared and gave several staff members very good counsel in their areas of ministry. He is a very wise man.
Application
Plans…if they are important enough to try to implement then it is crucial that you get Godly counsel before launching them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the wise people that you have placed around me. Please continue to guide me. Give me your ideas for our church and for my family and the wisdom to carry them out. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that works in and through me today to bring you Glory.
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Proverbs 13; Proverbs 14; Proverbs 15; Romans 11
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Proverbs 15
22 “Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.”
Observation
Getting advice before implementing a plan of action is very important. In our church we have some very wise people and I go to them to get their opinions. I am amazed at how smart (wise) they are. I meet with a group of pastors every Wednesday for prayer and fellowship and during this time we bounce ideas around about our ministries. God has used this time together to keep me from making some dumb mistakes as I listened to their counsel. My associate pastor, Rapley Armstrong (soon to be 80 years old on September 11th) is very wise. Yesterday in staff meeting I listened as he shared and gave several staff members very good counsel in their areas of ministry. He is a very wise man.
Application
Plans…if they are important enough to try to implement then it is crucial that you get Godly counsel before launching them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the wise people that you have placed around me. Please continue to guide me. Give me your ideas for our church and for my family and the wisdom to carry them out. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that works in and through me today to bring you Glory.
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Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Those Who Are Generous are Blessed!
Proverbs 10; Proverbs 11; Proverbs 12; Romans 10
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Scripture
Proverbs 11
25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Observation
I know a man in our church that has recently spent three Saturdays helping a family in our church. This family is expecting their first child; the father has to live (temporarily) away in a different state because of his career. This family had bought some property out in the country with plans to build a home there in the future. They had just purchased a very needy mobile home to place on the property to live in while they built the home of their dreams. Then the wife found out she was pregnant, the husband who was supposed to only be in a near by city was instead sent to another state far away from Florida.
When this man in our church heard about this he began to help this young mother to be. He recruited others in our church to help. Three Saturdays and a few days during the week have already been spent and it is going to take more Saturdays, more days during the week, and a lot more help to get the job done. So here is the promise to this generous man and to others like him; it is found in Proverbs 11:25, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
Application
I believe that generosity is contagious and when you are around a generous person you begin to have the desire to be generous too! Let’s be generous this week!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, bless this young man for his generosity. Meet this family’s needs that have started building this home. Help the soon to be Dad to come home soon and bless his career. Show me how I can be generous this week!
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Proverbs 10; Proverbs 11; Proverbs 12; Romans 10
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Scripture
Proverbs 11
25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Observation
I know a man in our church that has recently spent three Saturdays helping a family in our church. This family is expecting their first child; the father has to live (temporarily) away in a different state because of his career. This family had bought some property out in the country with plans to build a home there in the future. They had just purchased a very needy mobile home to place on the property to live in while they built the home of their dreams. Then the wife found out she was pregnant, the husband who was supposed to only be in a near by city was instead sent to another state far away from Florida.
When this man in our church heard about this he began to help this young mother to be. He recruited others in our church to help. Three Saturdays and a few days during the week have already been spent and it is going to take more Saturdays, more days during the week, and a lot more help to get the job done. So here is the promise to this generous man and to others like him; it is found in Proverbs 11:25, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
Application
I believe that generosity is contagious and when you are around a generous person you begin to have the desire to be generous too! Let’s be generous this week!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, bless this young man for his generosity. Meet this family’s needs that have started building this home. Help the soon to be Dad to come home soon and bless his career. Show me how I can be generous this week!
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Monday, May 28, 2007
God’s Mercy…Not Our Good Works!
Proverbs 7; Proverbs 8; Proverbs 9; Romans 9
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Scripture
Romans 9:16 It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.
Observation
How many people do you run into every week that think that they are saved by their own efforts? A week doesn’t go by where I don’t find someone believing in their good works for their hope for salvation. In Romans nine Paul explains that salvation depends 100% on God and His Mercy and not anything good that we have done. I don’t understand why God chose to save me, but I am sure glad that He did. We don’t know who is going to be saved and who will remain lost, but God has commanded us to share the Good News of His wonderful plan with everyone.
Application
Our task as Christ-Followers is simply to share the Good News and watch God save those that respond! Who needs to hear about Jesus that lives near you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for my salvation. I don’t know why you chose me, but I am glad that you did. Help me share the Good News this week with anyone and everyone that comes across my path. Give me boldness and give me your love for people to be your witness.
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Proverbs 7; Proverbs 8; Proverbs 9; Romans 9
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Scripture
Romans 9:16 It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.
Observation
How many people do you run into every week that think that they are saved by their own efforts? A week doesn’t go by where I don’t find someone believing in their good works for their hope for salvation. In Romans nine Paul explains that salvation depends 100% on God and His Mercy and not anything good that we have done. I don’t understand why God chose to save me, but I am sure glad that He did. We don’t know who is going to be saved and who will remain lost, but God has commanded us to share the Good News of His wonderful plan with everyone.
Application
Our task as Christ-Followers is simply to share the Good News and watch God save those that respond! Who needs to hear about Jesus that lives near you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for my salvation. I don’t know why you chose me, but I am glad that you did. Help me share the Good News this week with anyone and everyone that comes across my path. Give me boldness and give me your love for people to be your witness.
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Saturday, May 26, 2007
ALL…Not Some…Not Half Way…ALL…100%!
Proverbs 1; Proverbs 2; Proverbs 3; Romans 7
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Scripture
Proverbs 3
5 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.
Observation
Solomon in his later years forgot to apply his Proverbs. He did not trust the Lord with all his heart; he did not in all his ways acknowledge him. It cost him dearly! We know a lot more of the Bible than we practice don’t we? What do you and I know we should be doing or not doing from what we already have learned from scripture?
Application
Why not memorize these two verses today! If you already know them then why don’t you meditate on them today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to trust you with all my heart. I want to lean on you and not depend on my own understanding. Help me to acknowledge you in all my ways and Lord make my paths straight today. You are wonderful!
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Proverbs 1; Proverbs 2; Proverbs 3; Romans 7
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Scripture
Proverbs 3
5 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.
Observation
Solomon in his later years forgot to apply his Proverbs. He did not trust the Lord with all his heart; he did not in all his ways acknowledge him. It cost him dearly! We know a lot more of the Bible than we practice don’t we? What do you and I know we should be doing or not doing from what we already have learned from scripture?
Application
Why not memorize these two verses today! If you already know them then why don’t you meditate on them today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to trust you with all my heart. I want to lean on you and not depend on my own understanding. Help me to acknowledge you in all my ways and Lord make my paths straight today. You are wonderful!
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Friday, May 25, 2007
Stupid is as Stupid Does!
1 Kings 10; 1 Kings 11; 2 Chronicles 9; Romans 6
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Scripture
Solomon's Wives
1 King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh's daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. 2 They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, "You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods." Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. 3 He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. 4 As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been. 5 He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech [a] the detestable god of the Ammonites. 6 So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done.
Observation
How can the wisest man that ever lived be so stupid? How can you and me be so stupid sometimes? Solomon would have lived in complete peace during his lifetime. God would have continued to bless him, but Solomon disobeyed God. He disobeyed God first by marrying women from the surrounding nations. He didn’t just marry one; he married seven hundred wives of royal birth and then he had three hundred concubines. He had one thousand wives that followed other gods and he began to be influenced by them and began to worship their gods. How could he be so stupid? How can you and I be so stupid? It starts with one sin that goes unconfessed which leads to another and then another until our hearts are turned away from the Lord. How sad it is to see this happen to Solomon, but unless we are careful and guard our hearts it could be us too!
Application
David was a man after God’s own heart, but Solomon’s heart was not fully devoted to God. Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” Are you memorizing God’s word and placing his word in your heart?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t ever won’t to turn away from you. Help me stay close to you. Keep me from people or things that would turn me away from you. Guard my heart and protect me from things that would lead me astray. I want you to be able to say about me what you said about David, that I was a man after your heart.
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1 Kings 10; 1 Kings 11; 2 Chronicles 9; Romans 6
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Scripture
Solomon's Wives
1 King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh's daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. 2 They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, "You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods." Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. 3 He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. 4 As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been. 5 He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech [a] the detestable god of the Ammonites. 6 So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done.
Observation
How can the wisest man that ever lived be so stupid? How can you and me be so stupid sometimes? Solomon would have lived in complete peace during his lifetime. God would have continued to bless him, but Solomon disobeyed God. He disobeyed God first by marrying women from the surrounding nations. He didn’t just marry one; he married seven hundred wives of royal birth and then he had three hundred concubines. He had one thousand wives that followed other gods and he began to be influenced by them and began to worship their gods. How could he be so stupid? How can you and I be so stupid? It starts with one sin that goes unconfessed which leads to another and then another until our hearts are turned away from the Lord. How sad it is to see this happen to Solomon, but unless we are careful and guard our hearts it could be us too!
Application
David was a man after God’s own heart, but Solomon’s heart was not fully devoted to God. Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” Are you memorizing God’s word and placing his word in your heart?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t ever won’t to turn away from you. Help me stay close to you. Keep me from people or things that would turn me away from you. Guard my heart and protect me from things that would lead me astray. I want you to be able to say about me what you said about David, that I was a man after your heart.
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Wednesday, May 23, 2007
The Power Behind The Promise!
2 Chronicles 6; 2 Chronicles 7; Psalm 135; Romans 4
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Scripture
Romans 4:21 "being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised."
Observation
You can make some promises that even though you have the best intentions to keep, you don’t have the power to keep them. You may promise to protect your wife and your children, but sometimes you are not able to keep that promise because you do not have power over sickness or over accidents. God has both good intentions and the power to fulfill every promise He makes to us in scripture. In fact, there is not one promise in scripture that He will not keep. He is a promise making and a promise keeping God. I am glad that my Heavenly Father is an All Powerful Mighty Awesome God who delights in keeping His promises. Aren’t you!
Application
Our salvation does not depend on our good works, if it did we could have something to boast about, but it is dependent on our faith in an All Powerful Promise Keeping God who sent Jesus to die for us. What promise have you made to God lately? How are you doing on keeping your promise?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that I don’t have to depend on being good enough to be saved. Thank you for everything that you have promised to do for me in your Word. Thank you that nothing is too hard for you.
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2 Chronicles 6; 2 Chronicles 7; Psalm 135; Romans 4
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Scripture
Romans 4:21 "being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised."
Observation
You can make some promises that even though you have the best intentions to keep, you don’t have the power to keep them. You may promise to protect your wife and your children, but sometimes you are not able to keep that promise because you do not have power over sickness or over accidents. God has both good intentions and the power to fulfill every promise He makes to us in scripture. In fact, there is not one promise in scripture that He will not keep. He is a promise making and a promise keeping God. I am glad that my Heavenly Father is an All Powerful Mighty Awesome God who delights in keeping His promises. Aren’t you!
Application
Our salvation does not depend on our good works, if it did we could have something to boast about, but it is dependent on our faith in an All Powerful Promise Keeping God who sent Jesus to die for us. What promise have you made to God lately? How are you doing on keeping your promise?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that I don’t have to depend on being good enough to be saved. Thank you for everything that you have promised to do for me in your Word. Thank you that nothing is too hard for you.
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Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Good Enough…I Don’t Think So!
1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5; Psalm 99; Romans 3
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Scripture
No One is Righteous
9 What shall we conclude then? Are we any better]? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. 10 As it is written:
"There is no one righteous, not even one;
11 there is no one who understands,
no one who seeks God.
12 All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one."
Observation
In Romans, chapter one thru three Paul describes the condition of man and shows that no one is “good enough” to deserve Heaven. I talked to someone yesterday who said to me, “I am going to leave it up to the Lord and if He thinks that I deserve to go to Heaven I will be in Heaven and if He thinks that I deserve to go somewhere else then that is up to Him”. At first glance that comment sounds pretty noble, but as I shared with him and I will share with you none of us deserve Heaven and all of us deserve Hell so I wouldn’t want God giving us what we deserve. Because of God’s great Mercy and Grace he provided a Way for us to have eternal life. Jesus Christ, God Himself, came down to this earth from Heaven was born and lived a perfectly sinless life (which one else could ever do) and then died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.
Check out what God says about Jesus in verses 21 – 26!
Righteousness Through Faith
21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Application
What is your relationship with Jesus Christ? If you were to die today where would you spend eternity? If you have a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ then why not thank Him right now!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for providing a way that I may know you and have a personal relationship with you. Thank you for making a way to take away my sins. Thank you for forgiving me and allowing me to be your child. You are wonderful and an awesome God. Praise to your Mighty Name!
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1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5; Psalm 99; Romans 3
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Scripture
No One is Righteous
9 What shall we conclude then? Are we any better]? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. 10 As it is written:
"There is no one righteous, not even one;
11 there is no one who understands,
no one who seeks God.
12 All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one."
Observation
In Romans, chapter one thru three Paul describes the condition of man and shows that no one is “good enough” to deserve Heaven. I talked to someone yesterday who said to me, “I am going to leave it up to the Lord and if He thinks that I deserve to go to Heaven I will be in Heaven and if He thinks that I deserve to go somewhere else then that is up to Him”. At first glance that comment sounds pretty noble, but as I shared with him and I will share with you none of us deserve Heaven and all of us deserve Hell so I wouldn’t want God giving us what we deserve. Because of God’s great Mercy and Grace he provided a Way for us to have eternal life. Jesus Christ, God Himself, came down to this earth from Heaven was born and lived a perfectly sinless life (which one else could ever do) and then died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.
Check out what God says about Jesus in verses 21 – 26!
Righteousness Through Faith
21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Application
What is your relationship with Jesus Christ? If you were to die today where would you spend eternity? If you have a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ then why not thank Him right now!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for providing a way that I may know you and have a personal relationship with you. Thank you for making a way to take away my sins. Thank you for forgiving me and allowing me to be your child. You are wonderful and an awesome God. Praise to your Mighty Name!
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Monday, May 21, 2007
Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?
1 Kings 4; 1 Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 2; Psalm 101; 2 Thessalonians 3
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Scripture
Solomon's Wisdom
1 Kings 4
29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 He was wiser than any other man, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. 32 He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. 33 He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 34 Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.
Observation
God is not going to make us as wise as Solomon but he does say that he will give us wisdom if we will ask him in faith. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
We need God’s wisdom for life today. Are you asking God to make you wise? Ask him for discernment and wisdom today.
Application
What am I facing today that I need God’s wisdom for?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, make me wise and skillful to be able to lead, as I should. Give me wisdom to help other people as they come to me with their problems. Keep the evil one away from me today. Give us wisdom as we meet to plan this evening for the year to come.
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1 Kings 4; 1 Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 2; Psalm 101; 2 Thessalonians 3
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Scripture
Solomon's Wisdom
1 Kings 4
29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 He was wiser than any other man, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. 32 He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. 33 He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 34 Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.
Observation
God is not going to make us as wise as Solomon but he does say that he will give us wisdom if we will ask him in faith. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
We need God’s wisdom for life today. Are you asking God to make you wise? Ask him for discernment and wisdom today.
Application
What am I facing today that I need God’s wisdom for?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, make me wise and skillful to be able to lead, as I should. Give me wisdom to help other people as they come to me with their problems. Keep the evil one away from me today. Give us wisdom as we meet to plan this evening for the year to come.
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Friday, May 18, 2007
Integrity of Heart!
1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 78; 2 Thessalonians 2
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Scripture
Psalm 78
70 He chose David his servant
and took him from the sheep pens;
71 from tending the sheep he brought him
to be the shepherd of his people Jacob,
of Israel his inheritance.
72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;
with skillful hands he led them.
Observation
Integrity…one of the missing ingredients in many hearts today! Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” David shepherded Israel with integrity of heart with skillful hands he led them. I believe that the most important thing that could be said about me or about you is that we are and were people of integrity. Every day in the newspapers you and I can read of world leaders and prominent people and their lack of integrity from leaders of Enron even some of our former presidents, governors, and state senators or congressmen and sadly even some very popular pastors.
Application
We need to guard our hearts to be people of integrity and the way to do that is to practice Psalm 119:9,11 “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me lead with integrity of heart. Help me to have skillful hands to lead our congregation. Help my staff and our church leaders lead with integrity of heart.
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1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 78; 2 Thessalonians 2
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Scripture
Psalm 78
70 He chose David his servant
and took him from the sheep pens;
71 from tending the sheep he brought him
to be the shepherd of his people Jacob,
of Israel his inheritance.
72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;
with skillful hands he led them.
Observation
Integrity…one of the missing ingredients in many hearts today! Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” David shepherded Israel with integrity of heart with skillful hands he led them. I believe that the most important thing that could be said about me or about you is that we are and were people of integrity. Every day in the newspapers you and I can read of world leaders and prominent people and their lack of integrity from leaders of Enron even some of our former presidents, governors, and state senators or congressmen and sadly even some very popular pastors.
Application
We need to guard our hearts to be people of integrity and the way to do that is to practice Psalm 119:9,11 “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me lead with integrity of heart. Help me to have skillful hands to lead our congregation. Help my staff and our church leaders lead with integrity of heart.
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Thursday, May 17, 2007
Want to Know How to Pray for People?
1 Kings 2; 1 Chronicles 29; Psalm 95; 2 Thessalonians 1
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Scripture
2 Thessalonians 1
11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Observation
How many times have you had the Lord lay something on your heart, but you didn’t finish what the Lord had prompted you to do? Paul says that we should pray for others and ask God to help people fulfill every act that has been prompted by their faith. Great prayer to pray for those in areas of leadership or for anyone that is on your heart.
Application
Finishing what God has prompted us to do is so important. What do you need to work on finishing today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for prompting me to do things but I pray that you help me to finish what you lay on my heart to do. I pray today for our church staff that you prompt them today to do many things and I pray that by your power they will be able to accomplish them. Be glorified through each of them today.
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1 Kings 2; 1 Chronicles 29; Psalm 95; 2 Thessalonians 1
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Scripture
2 Thessalonians 1
11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Observation
How many times have you had the Lord lay something on your heart, but you didn’t finish what the Lord had prompted you to do? Paul says that we should pray for others and ask God to help people fulfill every act that has been prompted by their faith. Great prayer to pray for those in areas of leadership or for anyone that is on your heart.
Application
Finishing what God has prompted us to do is so important. What do you need to work on finishing today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for prompting me to do things but I pray that you help me to finish what you lay on my heart to do. I pray today for our church staff that you prompt them today to do many things and I pray that by your power they will be able to accomplish them. Be glorified through each of them today.
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Wednesday, May 16, 2007
If you will…Then God will…!
1 Kings 1; 1 Chronicles 28; Psalm 91; 1 Thessalonians 5
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Scripture
Psalm 91
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-
10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."
Observation
I watch people around me get into so much trouble, they are experiencing so much self-inflicted pain, if they would just read and apply Psalm 91! If I would just remember to apply Psalm 91 daily what a difference it would make in my own life too. God says that “IF” you will just put me first then… you are under my protection.
There is no safer place to be than in the center of God’s will. Putting God first is a daily decision I have to say “no” to self and surrender my will to what God wants. Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be done unto you.”
Application
Have you practiced Psalm 91 today? Have you asked the Lord to be your refuge today? Why not talk to Him right now?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are my dwelling place. You are my refuge. Thank you that I am safely placed under your protection today. You are my God. I love you.
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1 Kings 1; 1 Chronicles 28; Psalm 91; 1 Thessalonians 5
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Scripture
Psalm 91
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-
10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."
Observation
I watch people around me get into so much trouble, they are experiencing so much self-inflicted pain, if they would just read and apply Psalm 91! If I would just remember to apply Psalm 91 daily what a difference it would make in my own life too. God says that “IF” you will just put me first then… you are under my protection.
There is no safer place to be than in the center of God’s will. Putting God first is a daily decision I have to say “no” to self and surrender my will to what God wants. Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be done unto you.”
Application
Have you practiced Psalm 91 today? Have you asked the Lord to be your refuge today? Why not talk to Him right now?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are my dwelling place. You are my refuge. Thank you that I am safely placed under your protection today. You are my God. I love you.
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Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Influencing Outsiders!
1 Chronicles 25; 1 Chronicles 26; 1 Chronicles 27; 1 Thessalonians 4
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Scripture
1 Thessalonians 4
11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Observation
Christians should have the reputation of being the hardest workers in the work place, but do we? Paul exhorts us to live our lives in such a way that it earns the respect of outsiders that are watching us. How we live our lives can influence someone that doesn’t know Christ. Paul calls someone that is not part of the Body of Christ, someone that is not a Christ-Follower, someone that is not a Christian, an “Outsider”. Evidently some of the Christians in the church of Thessalonica had quit working because they thought that Jesus Christ would return at any moment and they were being lazy and they were busy bodies. They were not being a positive influence on the “outsiders” around them.
Application
Do the work habits of my life help me win the respect of outsiders? What needs to change in my life to make my life a better witness?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me today what needs to change in my life to make me more of an influence to the “outsiders” I come in contact with everyday. Give me the desire to make those changes and help me think more about the people that do not yet know you. Help me to be an influence in someone’s life today.
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1 Chronicles 25; 1 Chronicles 26; 1 Chronicles 27; 1 Thessalonians 4
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Scripture
1 Thessalonians 4
11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Observation
Christians should have the reputation of being the hardest workers in the work place, but do we? Paul exhorts us to live our lives in such a way that it earns the respect of outsiders that are watching us. How we live our lives can influence someone that doesn’t know Christ. Paul calls someone that is not part of the Body of Christ, someone that is not a Christ-Follower, someone that is not a Christian, an “Outsider”. Evidently some of the Christians in the church of Thessalonica had quit working because they thought that Jesus Christ would return at any moment and they were being lazy and they were busy bodies. They were not being a positive influence on the “outsiders” around them.
Application
Do the work habits of my life help me win the respect of outsiders? What needs to change in my life to make my life a better witness?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me today what needs to change in my life to make me more of an influence to the “outsiders” I come in contact with everyday. Give me the desire to make those changes and help me think more about the people that do not yet know you. Help me to be an influence in someone’s life today.
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Monday, May 14, 2007
How’s Your Prayer Life?
1 Chronicles 22; 1 Chronicles 23; 1 Chronicles 24; 1 Thessalonians 3
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Scripture
1 Thessalonians 3
12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Observation
When you pray for people what do you ask God to do in their lives? This is a great prayer of Paul for the saints in Thessalonica! Praying that their love would increase and praying that their hearts be strengthened so they would be blameless and holy in the presence of our God. Who are you praying for and are you praying for them constantly day and night?
Application
May I pray like Paul for the people that God brings to my mind and my heart. May I pray for them constantly day and night.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of Paul. Teach me to pray like Paul did for other people. Help my prayers be for others more than for my own needs.
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1 Chronicles 22; 1 Chronicles 23; 1 Chronicles 24; 1 Thessalonians 3
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Scripture
1 Thessalonians 3
12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Observation
When you pray for people what do you ask God to do in their lives? This is a great prayer of Paul for the saints in Thessalonica! Praying that their love would increase and praying that their hearts be strengthened so they would be blameless and holy in the presence of our God. Who are you praying for and are you praying for them constantly day and night?
Application
May I pray like Paul for the people that God brings to my mind and my heart. May I pray for them constantly day and night.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of Paul. Teach me to pray like Paul did for other people. Help my prayers be for others more than for my own needs.
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Sunday, May 13, 2007
The Danger of Listening to the Wrong Voice!
2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21; Psalm 30; 1 Thessalonians 2
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Scripture
David Numbers the Fighting Men
1 Chronicles 21
1 Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. 2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, "Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so that I may know how many there are."
Observation
The Devil isn’t mentioned much in First and Second Samuel or First and Second Chronicles but from this passage we can see that he was alive and well and was working on David. David was never to rely on the strength of his army. He was always to depend on the armies of the Lord to defend him, but something happened. He began to listen to the wrong voice and the Devil influenced him to count his soldiers. After David had Commander Joab count them he immediately realized that what he did was sin. Joab tried his best to talk him out of it. It was so wrong that even Joab knew it. And Joab was no saint! God brought judgment on all of Israel for David’s sin even though David told God just to punish him and his family. Our sins hurt those around us too and they pay the consequences many times for our sins.
Application
It is so important to have a daily time alone with the Lord so that Satan doesn’t get a foothold. Something happened in David’s life and at that moment he had taken his eyes off of the Lord and was focused on himself.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, don’t let me wander away from you. Don’t let me take my eyes off of you. Help me to be completely humble and gentle and patient and bearing with one another in love just like Ephesians 4:2 says to be. May this be a special day for all of the women and especially all of the mothers in our congregation today on Mother’s Day.
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2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21; Psalm 30; 1 Thessalonians 2
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Scripture
David Numbers the Fighting Men
1 Chronicles 21
1 Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. 2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, "Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so that I may know how many there are."
Observation
The Devil isn’t mentioned much in First and Second Samuel or First and Second Chronicles but from this passage we can see that he was alive and well and was working on David. David was never to rely on the strength of his army. He was always to depend on the armies of the Lord to defend him, but something happened. He began to listen to the wrong voice and the Devil influenced him to count his soldiers. After David had Commander Joab count them he immediately realized that what he did was sin. Joab tried his best to talk him out of it. It was so wrong that even Joab knew it. And Joab was no saint! God brought judgment on all of Israel for David’s sin even though David told God just to punish him and his family. Our sins hurt those around us too and they pay the consequences many times for our sins.
Application
It is so important to have a daily time alone with the Lord so that Satan doesn’t get a foothold. Something happened in David’s life and at that moment he had taken his eyes off of the Lord and was focused on himself.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, don’t let me wander away from you. Don’t let me take my eyes off of you. Help me to be completely humble and gentle and patient and bearing with one another in love just like Ephesians 4:2 says to be. May this be a special day for all of the women and especially all of the mothers in our congregation today on Mother’s Day.
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Friday, May 11, 2007
Want to Get Away!
2 Samuel 19; 2 Samuel 20; Psalm 55; Matthew 28
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Scripture
Psalm 55
1 LISTEN TO my prayer, O God, and hide not Yourself from my supplication!
2 Attend to me and answer me; I am restless and distraught in my complaint and must moan
3 [And I am distracted] at the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression and threats of the wicked; for they would cast trouble upon me, and in wrath they persecute me.
4 My heart is grievously pained within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
5 Fear and trembling have come upon me; horror and fright have overwhelmed me.
6 And I say, Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.
7 Yes, I would wander far away, I would lodge in the wilderness. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
8 I would hasten to escape and to find a shelter from the stormy wind and tempest.
Observation
Have you ever felt like just getting away?
Maybe you feel like that right now!
I think all of us do now and then. David was no different only he had a lot more to get away from. As I read about David in I and II Samuel and in the Psalms I realize that his life was extremely painful. Sometimes we only think about David the King who killed Goliath, or David the Psalm writer, but David spent most of his life on the run and the other part of his life killing enemies.
He spent more time in caves than in palaces, more time on the run than time spent running the kingdom! Most of his life was a sad, difficult existence, but he never quit coming back and getting things right with His God. Over and over again we see David crying out to God and God delivered him. David made some huge mistakes just like we do, but he realize that God was His fortress and his strength.
This is a wonderful verse that David writes after sharing that he had been betrayed by his closest friend, Psalms 55:22 “Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be moved.”
Application
May I get away today and find my strength in God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, today we are taking our granddaughters to the state park. Help me think about you as we enjoy our grandchildren and enjoy your creation. May you continue to be my rock. Thank you for taking care of my burdens and for sustaining me. Thank you for protecting my family me and from the evil one.
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2 Samuel 19; 2 Samuel 20; Psalm 55; Matthew 28
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Scripture
Psalm 55
1 LISTEN TO my prayer, O God, and hide not Yourself from my supplication!
2 Attend to me and answer me; I am restless and distraught in my complaint and must moan
3 [And I am distracted] at the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression and threats of the wicked; for they would cast trouble upon me, and in wrath they persecute me.
4 My heart is grievously pained within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
5 Fear and trembling have come upon me; horror and fright have overwhelmed me.
6 And I say, Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.
7 Yes, I would wander far away, I would lodge in the wilderness. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
8 I would hasten to escape and to find a shelter from the stormy wind and tempest.
Observation
Have you ever felt like just getting away?
Maybe you feel like that right now!
I think all of us do now and then. David was no different only he had a lot more to get away from. As I read about David in I and II Samuel and in the Psalms I realize that his life was extremely painful. Sometimes we only think about David the King who killed Goliath, or David the Psalm writer, but David spent most of his life on the run and the other part of his life killing enemies.
He spent more time in caves than in palaces, more time on the run than time spent running the kingdom! Most of his life was a sad, difficult existence, but he never quit coming back and getting things right with His God. Over and over again we see David crying out to God and God delivered him. David made some huge mistakes just like we do, but he realize that God was His fortress and his strength.
This is a wonderful verse that David writes after sharing that he had been betrayed by his closest friend, Psalms 55:22 “Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be moved.”
Application
May I get away today and find my strength in God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, today we are taking our granddaughters to the state park. Help me think about you as we enjoy our grandchildren and enjoy your creation. May you continue to be my rock. Thank you for taking care of my burdens and for sustaining me. Thank you for protecting my family me and from the evil one.
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Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Heaven/Hell… Sheep/Goats!
2 Samuel 15; 2 Samuel 16; Psalm 32; Matthew 25
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Scripture
The Sheep and the Goats
Matthew 25
31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
Observation
Are you a Goat, or are you a Sheep? It is going to make a huge difference when Jesus comes in His Glory and all of us appear before Him at His throne! The Bible says that He is going to separate the Sheep from the Goats and the Goats are going to eternal punishment, but the Sheep to eternal life. So are you a Goat, or are you a Sheep? A Sheep is someone that has placed their trust and faith in what Jesus did on the cross and has asked Jesus to save them. So here is the test; do you demonstrate a relationship with Christ by your good works or the lack of a relationship with Christ by your lack of good works.
Application
Do you look and/or smell more like a goat or a sheep? What am I doing for others in Jesus’ Name?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me act like an obedient sheep. You are my shepherd. I look forward to the day when I stand before your throne to worship you. You are worthy to be Praised!
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2 Samuel 15; 2 Samuel 16; Psalm 32; Matthew 25
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Scripture
The Sheep and the Goats
Matthew 25
31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
Observation
Are you a Goat, or are you a Sheep? It is going to make a huge difference when Jesus comes in His Glory and all of us appear before Him at His throne! The Bible says that He is going to separate the Sheep from the Goats and the Goats are going to eternal punishment, but the Sheep to eternal life. So are you a Goat, or are you a Sheep? A Sheep is someone that has placed their trust and faith in what Jesus did on the cross and has asked Jesus to save them. So here is the test; do you demonstrate a relationship with Christ by your good works or the lack of a relationship with Christ by your lack of good works.
Application
Do you look and/or smell more like a goat or a sheep? What am I doing for others in Jesus’ Name?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me act like an obedient sheep. You are my shepherd. I look forward to the day when I stand before your throne to worship you. You are worthy to be Praised!
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Sunday, May 06, 2007
The Danger of Beauty!
2 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23
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Scripture
2 Samuel 11
2 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 3 and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, "Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" 4 Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her.
Psalm 51
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, 6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Observation
David should have been out with his army, but instead he stayed home in his palace. When he looked and saw Bathsheba the look turned to lust. He was king and could have anything that he desired and at that moment he desired someone else’s wife. His focus was off of his God and he was driven by desire. It cost him dearly. After committing adultery he then murdered trying to cover up the sin. But God sent Nathan to confront David and David repented. Psalm 51 contains the words of a broken David, one who recognized his sin and finally confessed them. Even though David was forgiven of his sin the consequences that followed were terrible. I imagine that David often thought about how foolish it was to take Bathsheba that evening, but he had to live with the consequences of that sin the rest of his life.
Application
Guard your heart! Don’t let the glance become a stare and the stare become lust and lust become a David and Bathsheba moment!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, protect me from myself and help me to guard my heart. Keep me from sin that could destroy my family, my ministry, and me. Thank you for giving me this example of David with Bathsheba so I can learn from it.
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2 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23
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Scripture
2 Samuel 11
2 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 3 and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, "Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" 4 Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her.
Psalm 51
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, 6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Observation
David should have been out with his army, but instead he stayed home in his palace. When he looked and saw Bathsheba the look turned to lust. He was king and could have anything that he desired and at that moment he desired someone else’s wife. His focus was off of his God and he was driven by desire. It cost him dearly. After committing adultery he then murdered trying to cover up the sin. But God sent Nathan to confront David and David repented. Psalm 51 contains the words of a broken David, one who recognized his sin and finally confessed them. Even though David was forgiven of his sin the consequences that followed were terrible. I imagine that David often thought about how foolish it was to take Bathsheba that evening, but he had to live with the consequences of that sin the rest of his life.
Application
Guard your heart! Don’t let the glance become a stare and the stare become lust and lust become a David and Bathsheba moment!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, protect me from myself and help me to guard my heart. Keep me from sin that could destroy my family, my ministry, and me. Thank you for giving me this example of David with Bathsheba so I can learn from it.
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Friday, May 04, 2007
Who is Going to be in Heaven?
2 Samuel 8; 2 Samuel 9; 1 Chronicles 18; 1 Chronicles 19; Matthew 21
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Scripture
Parable of the Two Sons
Matthew 21
28 “But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. 30 Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.
31 “Which of the two obeyed his father?”
They replied, “The first.”
Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. 32 For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.
Observation
I am sure that we are going to be surprised when we get to Heaven at the people we see and the people we don’t see! It all has to do with that very important word used in the Bible, “REPENT”. The word means to turn, to change direction. In the Bible it means to turn from sin and self and turn to God. Unless you and I have done that we aren’t going to Heaven and all the corrupt politicians and all prostitutes that have repented will be in Heaven enjoying it while we pass eternity in Hell!
Application
I have turned from sin and self and I have turned to God. Now I need to help others understand that they need to do the same thing.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for changing my heart and giving me a new heart that is fixed on you. Thank you for working in my life and saving me. Help me lead others to understand the need to repent and follow you. Bring people into my life that need to hear the Good News.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
2 Samuel 8; 2 Samuel 9; 1 Chronicles 18; 1 Chronicles 19; Matthew 21
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Parable of the Two Sons
Matthew 21
28 “But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. 30 Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.
31 “Which of the two obeyed his father?”
They replied, “The first.”
Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. 32 For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.
Observation
I am sure that we are going to be surprised when we get to Heaven at the people we see and the people we don’t see! It all has to do with that very important word used in the Bible, “REPENT”. The word means to turn, to change direction. In the Bible it means to turn from sin and self and turn to God. Unless you and I have done that we aren’t going to Heaven and all the corrupt politicians and all prostitutes that have repented will be in Heaven enjoying it while we pass eternity in Hell!
Application
I have turned from sin and self and I have turned to God. Now I need to help others understand that they need to do the same thing.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for changing my heart and giving me a new heart that is fixed on you. Thank you for working in my life and saving me. Help me lead others to understand the need to repent and follow you. Bring people into my life that need to hear the Good News.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Make Me a Kid at Heart!
1 Chronicles 16; Psalm 106; Matthew 19
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Scripture
Jesus Blesses the Children
Matthew 19
13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.
14 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” 15 And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.
Observation
Have you ever watched small children play? We were watching one of our granddaughters this past weekend while we were in Savannah for the funeral of Kathy’s sister. As we were watching her at the hotel’s pool she began to play with a little boy about her age (4). She made friends with the little boy immediately and when we decided to leave the pool she didn’t want to leave her new best friend. Jesus says that we need to have hearts like that of a child if we are going to be a part of the kingdom of Heaven. We need a heart that is trusting, sincere, pure, transparent, clean, open, and teachable; we need a heart like God’s.
Application
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me a pure heart, cleanse me and renew a right spirit within me. Give me a heart like that of a small child, a heart that is pleasing to you. Guide me today in my thoughts and my actions so that I may bring you glory.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Chronicles 16; Psalm 106; Matthew 19
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Scripture
Jesus Blesses the Children
Matthew 19
13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.
14 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” 15 And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.
Observation
Have you ever watched small children play? We were watching one of our granddaughters this past weekend while we were in Savannah for the funeral of Kathy’s sister. As we were watching her at the hotel’s pool she began to play with a little boy about her age (4). She made friends with the little boy immediately and when we decided to leave the pool she didn’t want to leave her new best friend. Jesus says that we need to have hearts like that of a child if we are going to be a part of the kingdom of Heaven. We need a heart that is trusting, sincere, pure, transparent, clean, open, and teachable; we need a heart like God’s.
Application
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me a pure heart, cleanse me and renew a right spirit within me. Give me a heart like that of a small child, a heart that is pleasing to you. Guide me today in my thoughts and my actions so that I may bring you glory.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
The Danger of Not Forgiving!
1 Chronicles 14; 1 Chronicles 15; Psalm 132; Matthew 18
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Scripture
Matthew 18:21-35
21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
23 “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. 24 In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. 25 He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.
26 “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ 27 Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.
28 “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.
29 “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. 30 But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.
31 “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. 32 Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ 34 Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.
35 “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”
Observation
Matthew 18 is loaded with important stuff and I could have written about humility, or the steps to getting things right with an offended brother, but I chose instead to write about the danger of refusing to forgive. I have watched people who have made the choice to not forgive and it has ruined them.
God gives us this warning in verse 35 “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” Look out! You better forgive! God will deal with you severely if you don’t forgive. Because having a heart that will not forgive is just the opposite of having a heart like God’s! Forgiveness is what nailed God’s Son to the cross and yet we say that we are not going to forgive.
Is there someone that you are mad with today? God says to forgive them 70 times 7 if you need to. Forgive them everyday if you need to, but don’t let your heart be filled with junk. Guard your heart! Let it go! Forgive!
Application
Who do I need to go the second mile with today? Who needs my forgiveness?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for Matthew 18 and all that is in it. Help me to treat my brothers and sisters with love and respect. Thank you for what you are doing in the lives of people around me. Help me to model your love and your forgiveness today to those I come in contact with. Help me be an encouragement to someone today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Chronicles 14; 1 Chronicles 15; Psalm 132; Matthew 18
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 18:21-35
21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
23 “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. 24 In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. 25 He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.
26 “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ 27 Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.
28 “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.
29 “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. 30 But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.
31 “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. 32 Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ 34 Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.
35 “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”
Observation
Matthew 18 is loaded with important stuff and I could have written about humility, or the steps to getting things right with an offended brother, but I chose instead to write about the danger of refusing to forgive. I have watched people who have made the choice to not forgive and it has ruined them.
God gives us this warning in verse 35 “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” Look out! You better forgive! God will deal with you severely if you don’t forgive. Because having a heart that will not forgive is just the opposite of having a heart like God’s! Forgiveness is what nailed God’s Son to the cross and yet we say that we are not going to forgive.
Is there someone that you are mad with today? God says to forgive them 70 times 7 if you need to. Forgive them everyday if you need to, but don’t let your heart be filled with junk. Guard your heart! Let it go! Forgive!
Application
Who do I need to go the second mile with today? Who needs my forgiveness?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for Matthew 18 and all that is in it. Help me to treat my brothers and sisters with love and respect. Thank you for what you are doing in the lives of people around me. Help me to model your love and your forgiveness today to those I come in contact with. Help me be an encouragement to someone today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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