How Important is Prayer to God?
Ezekiel 12; Ezekiel 13; Ezekiel 14; Revelation 5
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Scripture
Revelation 5
7 He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth."
Observation
Have you ever thought about how important your prayers are to God? He is saving every one of them. Well maybe not every one of our prayers, but He is at least saving the ones that He really likes because He has them in Heaven in golden bowls! I wonder if He has any of my prayers in those bowls. I am sure that some of my prayers that I have shot up to God aren’t in His favorites, but maybe just maybe He is keeping a few of my prayers of the times when we were very close and the fellowship was sweet! How is your love relationship with God today? Are you having intimate talks with Him. Or are your prayers all about you; all one sided; seeking only to have your needs met? God wants a love relationship with us and He cherishes that relationship so much that He will keep the conversations guarded in Heaven in golden bowls.
Application
I will talk with my Heavenly Father today about His agenda not mine!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are worthy, you are worthy to receive Glory and Praise! Thank you for purchasing me with your blood. Thank you for wanting to have a friendship, an intimate relationship with me. I hope that my prayers to you mean enough to you to end up, at least a few of them in the golden bowls you have in Heaven. Amen
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Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Lukewarm is Yuk!
Ezekiel 4; Ezekiel 5; Ezekiel 6; Ezekiel 7; Revelation 3
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Scripture
Revelation 3
20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
Observation
Now lets look at verse 20 in context, “14" To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
Jesus says to the bunch of lukewarm folks in Laodicea, “Here I am! I stand at the door (of your heart) and knock.” I want to have fellowship with you. I want you to love me. Quit being lukewarm. I don’t want to spit you out of my mouth, but I will if you don’t repent and open your heart to me I am going to deal harshly with you.”
Is your heart open today? Do you hear Jesus this morning? He wants to spend time with us today. Will you let him?
Application
I don’t like to drink a soda that is lukewarm. Jesus doesn’t like us either if we are lukewarm. God-centered people are not lukewarm people. Self-centered people are lukewarm. Today, I will examine my life to see if my life is God-centered or self-centered.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that you want my life to be God-centered. Can you help me make sure that my life is that way? I want you to have complete control of my life. I want to live for you and I do not want to become lukewarm. Keep me on fire for you. Don’t ever let me become lukewarm. Thank you for our church. Thank you for the staff that you have brought to grow it. They are amazing. Keep them in the center of your will. May they flourish and be a blessing to you. Amen.
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Ezekiel 4; Ezekiel 5; Ezekiel 6; Ezekiel 7; Revelation 3
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Scripture
Revelation 3
20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
Observation
Now lets look at verse 20 in context, “14" To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
Jesus says to the bunch of lukewarm folks in Laodicea, “Here I am! I stand at the door (of your heart) and knock.” I want to have fellowship with you. I want you to love me. Quit being lukewarm. I don’t want to spit you out of my mouth, but I will if you don’t repent and open your heart to me I am going to deal harshly with you.”
Is your heart open today? Do you hear Jesus this morning? He wants to spend time with us today. Will you let him?
Application
I don’t like to drink a soda that is lukewarm. Jesus doesn’t like us either if we are lukewarm. God-centered people are not lukewarm people. Self-centered people are lukewarm. Today, I will examine my life to see if my life is God-centered or self-centered.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that you want my life to be God-centered. Can you help me make sure that my life is that way? I want you to have complete control of my life. I want to live for you and I do not want to become lukewarm. Keep me on fire for you. Don’t ever let me become lukewarm. Thank you for our church. Thank you for the staff that you have brought to grow it. They are amazing. Keep them in the center of your will. May they flourish and be a blessing to you. Amen.
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Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Is There Blood On Your Hands?
Ezekiel 1; Ezekiel 2; Ezekiel 3; Revelation 2
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Scripture
Ezekiel 3
17 "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 18 When I say to a wicked man, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 19 But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself.
20 "Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. Since you did not warn him, he will die for his sin. The righteous things he did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 21 But if you do warn the righteous man not to sin and he does not sin, he will surely live because he took warning, and you will have saved yourself."
Observation
God lets us know in Ezekiel 3 that we are to be His witnesses. If we share the Good News with someone and they don’t listen then that is their problem, but if God impressed on our hearts to share with someone and we disobeyed and did not share then He says that we have that person’s blood on our hands.
Let me see your hands…do they have blood on them? How about my hands? Yes, there have been times when I had the chance to share with someone and I didn’t do it. I don’t want it to happen again. How about you? I don’t want someone else’s blood on my hands.
Application
I will look for every opportunity to be His witness today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are awesome! You are Mighty! You are My strength! I love you with all my heart, with all my soul, and all my mind, and all my strength! You are Worthy to be Praised. Help me to be an obedient witness for you today. Amen.
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Ezekiel 1; Ezekiel 2; Ezekiel 3; Revelation 2
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Scripture
Ezekiel 3
17 "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 18 When I say to a wicked man, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 19 But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself.
20 "Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. Since you did not warn him, he will die for his sin. The righteous things he did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 21 But if you do warn the righteous man not to sin and he does not sin, he will surely live because he took warning, and you will have saved yourself."
Observation
God lets us know in Ezekiel 3 that we are to be His witnesses. If we share the Good News with someone and they don’t listen then that is their problem, but if God impressed on our hearts to share with someone and we disobeyed and did not share then He says that we have that person’s blood on our hands.
Let me see your hands…do they have blood on them? How about my hands? Yes, there have been times when I had the chance to share with someone and I didn’t do it. I don’t want it to happen again. How about you? I don’t want someone else’s blood on my hands.
Application
I will look for every opportunity to be His witness today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are awesome! You are Mighty! You are My strength! I love you with all my heart, with all my soul, and all my mind, and all my strength! You are Worthy to be Praised. Help me to be an obedient witness for you today. Amen.
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Monday, August 27, 2007
So Blessed!
Jeremiah 52; Revelation 1; Psalm 143; Psalm 144
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Scripture
Psalm 144
9 I will sing a new song to you, O God;
on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you,
10 to the One who gives victory to kings,
who delivers his servant David from the deadly sword.
11 Deliver me and rescue me
from the hands of foreigners
whose mouths are full of lies,
whose right hands are deceitful.
12 Then our sons in their youth
will be like well-nurtured plants,
and our daughters will be like pillars
carved to adorn a palace.
13 Our barns will be filled
with every kind of provision.
Our sheep will increase by thousands,
by tens of thousands in our fields;
14 our oxen will draw heavy loads. [b]
There will be no breaching of walls,
no going into captivity,
no cry of distress in our streets.
15 Blessed are the people of whom this is true;
blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.
Observation
“Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord”! If you have invited Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior then you are so blessed! Today I realize how blessed I am because my God is the Lord! How about you? Can you say today that you love the Lord your God with all your heart, with our mind, and with all your soul? If you can say that then you are truly blessed!
Application
Enjoy your relationship with your Heavenly Father this week. Count your many blessings and give him thanks.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for being my God, and my Lord. Thank you for showering me with so many blessings. Thank you for such a wonderful weekend. You answered our prayers and you made this weekend very special. You are worthy of praise! May you receive Glory and Honor from our people this upcoming week! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! Amen.
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Jeremiah 52; Revelation 1; Psalm 143; Psalm 144
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Scripture
Psalm 144
9 I will sing a new song to you, O God;
on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you,
10 to the One who gives victory to kings,
who delivers his servant David from the deadly sword.
11 Deliver me and rescue me
from the hands of foreigners
whose mouths are full of lies,
whose right hands are deceitful.
12 Then our sons in their youth
will be like well-nurtured plants,
and our daughters will be like pillars
carved to adorn a palace.
13 Our barns will be filled
with every kind of provision.
Our sheep will increase by thousands,
by tens of thousands in our fields;
14 our oxen will draw heavy loads. [b]
There will be no breaching of walls,
no going into captivity,
no cry of distress in our streets.
15 Blessed are the people of whom this is true;
blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.
Observation
“Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord”! If you have invited Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior then you are so blessed! Today I realize how blessed I am because my God is the Lord! How about you? Can you say today that you love the Lord your God with all your heart, with our mind, and with all your soul? If you can say that then you are truly blessed!
Application
Enjoy your relationship with your Heavenly Father this week. Count your many blessings and give him thanks.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for being my God, and my Lord. Thank you for showering me with so many blessings. Thank you for such a wonderful weekend. You answered our prayers and you made this weekend very special. You are worthy of praise! May you receive Glory and Honor from our people this upcoming week! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! Amen.
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Friday, August 24, 2007
How Confident Are You?
Jeremiah 33; Jeremiah 34; Psalm 74; 1 John 5
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Scripture
1 John 5
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
Observation
Do you lack confidence?
I think that the reason that we lack confidence is that we don’t believe what God says in verse 14 and verse 15! Knowing God is a huge privilege that we as Christ-Follower have. It is an intimate relationship that we have with our Heavenly Father. All we have to do is ask for anything according to His Will and we will receive it.
I think of my own children as they were growing up and if they asked for anything and they asked in the right way, with the right motive, it was a joy to give them what they asked for.
God is just waiting for us to ask Him for the right things and he will open up the windows of Heaven and shower us with His blessings. We just need to know His will. We need to know what to ask for. How do we know what is God’s will and what is not? One important way is to stay close to Him everyday; read His word everyday; meditate on His word; take time to talk to Him.
Application
I will meditate on this passage all day today. I want to think about God’s Will today and what would fall into his will that is on my heart!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that I can have confidence in your Word. I can trust you to show me your will. I want to ask you things according to your will so I can see you answer my prayers. Help me to think more about your will than my own personal agenda. Be with our church this weekend as we have the “Fun Fest”. May this event be something that brings you honor and glory! Amen.
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Jeremiah 33; Jeremiah 34; Psalm 74; 1 John 5
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Scripture
1 John 5
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
Observation
Do you lack confidence?
I think that the reason that we lack confidence is that we don’t believe what God says in verse 14 and verse 15! Knowing God is a huge privilege that we as Christ-Follower have. It is an intimate relationship that we have with our Heavenly Father. All we have to do is ask for anything according to His Will and we will receive it.
I think of my own children as they were growing up and if they asked for anything and they asked in the right way, with the right motive, it was a joy to give them what they asked for.
God is just waiting for us to ask Him for the right things and he will open up the windows of Heaven and shower us with His blessings. We just need to know His will. We need to know what to ask for. How do we know what is God’s will and what is not? One important way is to stay close to Him everyday; read His word everyday; meditate on His word; take time to talk to Him.
Application
I will meditate on this passage all day today. I want to think about God’s Will today and what would fall into his will that is on my heart!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that I can have confidence in your Word. I can trust you to show me your will. I want to ask you things according to your will so I can see you answer my prayers. Help me to think more about your will than my own personal agenda. Be with our church this weekend as we have the “Fun Fest”. May this event be something that brings you honor and glory! Amen.
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Thursday, August 23, 2007
Life Becoming Impossible?
Jeremiah 31; Jeremiah 32; 1 John 4
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Scripture
Jeremiah 32
17 "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.
Observation
What in your life seems impossible? What in your life is just way too hard for you to handle; maybe it is a relationship, finances, job or lack of a job, aging parents, your kids, and grandkids? Maybe life in general has just become impossible, if so then this is the verse for you today!
Application
Why not quote this verse today every time you think of that impossible situation, because there is nothing too hard for God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for encouraging me with this verse today, “Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Amen.
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Jeremiah 31; Jeremiah 32; 1 John 4
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Scripture
Jeremiah 32
17 "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.
Observation
What in your life seems impossible? What in your life is just way too hard for you to handle; maybe it is a relationship, finances, job or lack of a job, aging parents, your kids, and grandkids? Maybe life in general has just become impossible, if so then this is the verse for you today!
Application
Why not quote this verse today every time you think of that impossible situation, because there is nothing too hard for God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for encouraging me with this verse today, “Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Amen.
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Wednesday, August 22, 2007
How Do We Know That We Are Saved?
Jeremiah 28; Jeremiah 29; Jeremiah 30; 1 John 3
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Scripture
1 John 3
24 Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.
Observation
How do you know that you are saved? How do I know that Christ lives in me? We know by the Holy Spirit that God the Father has given to us. The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. I gave my life to Christ when I was 19 years old and He has never left me. His Spirit has always assured me that I was one of God’s children. Even when I was living in disobedience God let me know that I was one of His and He spanked me.
It is a great feeling knowing that I am one of God’s chosen children. I know that I can go to Him and ask Him for anything and I will receive it. That would sound pretty arrogant if you didn’t realize that God just said that about me in verses 21 and 22 of this same chapter, “Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.”
Application
God’s Holy Spirit convicts me of sin. He shows me things in my life that do not please my Heavenly Father. Today I will thank Him because He has given me His Holy Spirit and He has given me the confidence of knowing that I belong to Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be sensitive to your voice. Help me to be completely obedient to what you say to me. Thank you for giving me the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for saving me and letting me know that I am yours. You are Wonderful! You are my God! You are my Heavenly Father! Help me to be completely clean from sin today. Amen.
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Jeremiah 28; Jeremiah 29; Jeremiah 30; 1 John 3
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Scripture
1 John 3
24 Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.
Observation
How do you know that you are saved? How do I know that Christ lives in me? We know by the Holy Spirit that God the Father has given to us. The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. I gave my life to Christ when I was 19 years old and He has never left me. His Spirit has always assured me that I was one of God’s children. Even when I was living in disobedience God let me know that I was one of His and He spanked me.
It is a great feeling knowing that I am one of God’s chosen children. I know that I can go to Him and ask Him for anything and I will receive it. That would sound pretty arrogant if you didn’t realize that God just said that about me in verses 21 and 22 of this same chapter, “Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.”
Application
God’s Holy Spirit convicts me of sin. He shows me things in my life that do not please my Heavenly Father. Today I will thank Him because He has given me His Holy Spirit and He has given me the confidence of knowing that I belong to Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be sensitive to your voice. Help me to be completely obedient to what you say to me. Thank you for giving me the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for saving me and letting me know that I am yours. You are Wonderful! You are my God! You are my Heavenly Father! Help me to be completely clean from sin today. Amen.
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Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Let Me See How You Walk!
Jeremiah 21; Jeremiah 24; Jeremiah 27; Psalm 118; 1 John 2
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Scripture
1 John 2
6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
Observation
By the way some people talk you would think that they are super Christians, but then you take notice that their walk does not match their talk! Someone has said that talk is cheap! It is easy to say something, but living out what you say is entirely a different story. The goal of our lives should be just this, “to walk as Jesus did”!
Have you ever watched a young child imitate their Dad? It can be pretty cute…until that child starts imitating his Dad’s bad language, or when the child gets older he/she begins to imitate the Dad’s drinking, or doing drugs, or his immoral lifestyle…then it is no longer cute! It becomes terribly sad!
Application
It is the main goal in my life to walk like Jesus. I don’t ever want to do something that will bring disgrace, dishonor on the One that lives in me. My children are grown, but I still want them to see Jesus when they look at Mom and Dad and I sure want my grandchildren to see Jesus in me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be 100% genuine today. I want to be real. I want people to be able to see Jesus when they look at my life. Help me walk as Jesus did. I want to bring you Glory today. Show me my sins today. I want to be clean. I want to do your will today. You are worthy of my praise! I pray for our friends in Cozumel, Chetumal, Playa Del Carmen and Cancun that you keep them safe and then use them to be your witnesses after this storm. Amen.
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Jeremiah 21; Jeremiah 24; Jeremiah 27; Psalm 118; 1 John 2
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Scripture
1 John 2
6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
Observation
By the way some people talk you would think that they are super Christians, but then you take notice that their walk does not match their talk! Someone has said that talk is cheap! It is easy to say something, but living out what you say is entirely a different story. The goal of our lives should be just this, “to walk as Jesus did”!
Have you ever watched a young child imitate their Dad? It can be pretty cute…until that child starts imitating his Dad’s bad language, or when the child gets older he/she begins to imitate the Dad’s drinking, or doing drugs, or his immoral lifestyle…then it is no longer cute! It becomes terribly sad!
Application
It is the main goal in my life to walk like Jesus. I don’t ever want to do something that will bring disgrace, dishonor on the One that lives in me. My children are grown, but I still want them to see Jesus when they look at Mom and Dad and I sure want my grandchildren to see Jesus in me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be 100% genuine today. I want to be real. I want people to be able to see Jesus when they look at my life. Help me walk as Jesus did. I want to bring you Glory today. Show me my sins today. I want to be clean. I want to do your will today. You are worthy of my praise! I pray for our friends in Cozumel, Chetumal, Playa Del Carmen and Cancun that you keep them safe and then use them to be your witnesses after this storm. Amen.
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Monday, August 20, 2007
Liar…Liar!
Jeremiah 48; Jeremiah 49; Psalm 67; 1 John 1
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Scripture
1 John 1
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
Observation
Living in sin and trying to hide that secret life from others is why so many are never able to have victory in their lives. Many people that attend church want people to see them only in the best life and so they put up a front and live a lie. They can do this for years! The sad thing is that they do not understand how much God could bless them if they would just come clean. Confession of our sins, becoming transparent is a huge thing. I have watched some of our church members struggle with an addiction, but they are unwilling to come out in the open, and they continue to live in defeat. They continue to live a lie. How sad and how destructive! Jesus could set them free. The folks in Celebrate Recovery could help them walk in victory, but they choose to continue to live a lie!
Application
I will continue to promote Celebrate Recovery every way I can and I will continue to encourage folks to participate.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that you want to set our people free. You are all Powerful and I know that you can do it. I pray that our people who are struggling with addictions will seek your face and be transparent. Help them to stop living a lie! Amen.
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Jeremiah 48; Jeremiah 49; Psalm 67; 1 John 1
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Scripture
1 John 1
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
Observation
Living in sin and trying to hide that secret life from others is why so many are never able to have victory in their lives. Many people that attend church want people to see them only in the best life and so they put up a front and live a lie. They can do this for years! The sad thing is that they do not understand how much God could bless them if they would just come clean. Confession of our sins, becoming transparent is a huge thing. I have watched some of our church members struggle with an addiction, but they are unwilling to come out in the open, and they continue to live in defeat. They continue to live a lie. How sad and how destructive! Jesus could set them free. The folks in Celebrate Recovery could help them walk in victory, but they choose to continue to live a lie!
Application
I will continue to promote Celebrate Recovery every way I can and I will continue to encourage folks to participate.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that you want to set our people free. You are all Powerful and I know that you can do it. I pray that our people who are struggling with addictions will seek your face and be transparent. Help them to stop living a lie! Amen.
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Saturday, August 18, 2007
Show and Tell!
Jeremiah 26; Jeremiah 35; Jeremiah 36; John 20
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Scripture
John 20
Jesus Appears to Thomas
24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"
But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Observation
Thomas didn’t believe that Jesus was alive! He said that unless I see His Hands and unless I am able to put my hand into Jesus’ side I will not believe! So Jesus appeared again and this time Thomas was in the group and the first thing that Jesus said was, Thomas, put your finger here, Thomas, put your hand into my side.” Do it so you will stop doubting, Jesus said. Then Thomas responded, “My Lord and my God!” He became a believer!
Has Jesus become your God? Or is He just a good teacher, or a prophet, or someone that sang songs about as a child? Have you acknowledged him as your Lord…your Boss, your Savior? You can do that right now!
Application
There is life in God's Word, Eternal Life. The Gospel of John was written just to show us that we can put our trust in Jesus Christ and have Eternal Life in Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, open my spiritual eyes today. As I read your Word give me understanding and discernment about what I am reading. Thank you for saving me and I pray that you open the spiritual eyes of many around me that they may know you too. You are Wonderful. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Jeremiah 26; Jeremiah 35; Jeremiah 36; John 20
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
John 20
Jesus Appears to Thomas
24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"
But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Observation
Thomas didn’t believe that Jesus was alive! He said that unless I see His Hands and unless I am able to put my hand into Jesus’ side I will not believe! So Jesus appeared again and this time Thomas was in the group and the first thing that Jesus said was, Thomas, put your finger here, Thomas, put your hand into my side.” Do it so you will stop doubting, Jesus said. Then Thomas responded, “My Lord and my God!” He became a believer!
Has Jesus become your God? Or is He just a good teacher, or a prophet, or someone that sang songs about as a child? Have you acknowledged him as your Lord…your Boss, your Savior? You can do that right now!
Application
There is life in God's Word, Eternal Life. The Gospel of John was written just to show us that we can put our trust in Jesus Christ and have Eternal Life in Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, open my spiritual eyes today. As I read your Word give me understanding and discernment about what I am reading. Thank you for saving me and I pray that you open the spiritual eyes of many around me that they may know you too. You are Wonderful. Amen.
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Friday, August 17, 2007
Crucified! For You and For Me!
Jeremiah 23; Jeremiah 24; Jeremiah 25; John 19
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Scripture
John 19
1 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3 and went up to him again and again, saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!" And they struck him in the face.
4 Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him." 5 When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!"
6 As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, "Crucify! Crucify!"
But Pilate answered, "You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him."
7 The Jews insisted, "We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God."
8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9 and he went back inside the palace. "Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"
11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.
Observation
Do we really appreciate what Jesus did for us? I watched a music video last night and it had scenes from “The Passion of The Christ” in it and it was very hard for me to watch. I am going to try to place the link on this page today for you to take a moment and watch the video. Every pain he suffered, everything that he went through, was for you and for me!
Application
He took on the cross the penalty for my sins and the penalty for your sins. And he took the penalty for your neighbor’s sins…only they may not realize it yet and that is why we are commanded to tell them the Good News!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for taking the punishment for my sins on the cross. Thank you for suffering for me. I don't deserve the abundant life that I now enjoy. I deserve eternal punishment, but you have given me eternal life! Help me to share this Good News with those around me!Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Jeremiah 23; Jeremiah 24; Jeremiah 25; John 19
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
John 19
1 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3 and went up to him again and again, saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!" And they struck him in the face.
4 Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him." 5 When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!"
6 As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, "Crucify! Crucify!"
But Pilate answered, "You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him."
7 The Jews insisted, "We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God."
8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9 and he went back inside the palace. "Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"
11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.
Observation
Do we really appreciate what Jesus did for us? I watched a music video last night and it had scenes from “The Passion of The Christ” in it and it was very hard for me to watch. I am going to try to place the link on this page today for you to take a moment and watch the video. Every pain he suffered, everything that he went through, was for you and for me!
Application
He took on the cross the penalty for my sins and the penalty for your sins. And he took the penalty for your neighbor’s sins…only they may not realize it yet and that is why we are commanded to tell them the Good News!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for taking the punishment for my sins on the cross. Thank you for suffering for me. I don't deserve the abundant life that I now enjoy. I deserve eternal punishment, but you have given me eternal life! Help me to share this Good News with those around me!Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Mightier Than the Perfect Storm!
Jeremiah 18; Jeremiah 19; Jeremiah 20; Psalm 93; John 17
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Scripture
Psalm 93
3 The seas have lifted up, O LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty.
Observation
When Kathy and I served in Cancun, Mexico as missionaries I would travel every week over on a ferry to the island of Cozumel. There were times when it was so rough that I could look up at the top of the waves and they would be higher than the ferry. I was once out in the Gulf of Mexico at night and we were caught in a very bad thunderstorm. I do remember how scary it was and how dark it was and how big the waves were! I have been in some pretty rough water, but never where the waves reach 90 feet in height. When those waves come crashing down they can destroy anything that is unfortunate enough to be in their paths.
I remember watching the movie, The Perfect Storm, and just thinking, Wow! What an awesome God we serve! Mightier than the biggest wave, Mightier than the pounding waves, is the Lord on high. And with a single Word from his mouth he can instantly make a 90-foot wave be still and the water be instantly calm. He is mighty!
Application
Let’s take time to give Him praise today! No storm is mightier; no wave more powerful, our Lord on high is mighty!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in the storm last night we experienced your mighty power. This morning as we heard a bird singing outside we were reminded of your great gentle love. You are an awesome Lord. You are Mighty. Worthy, Worthy, Worthy of our praise! Amen.
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Jeremiah 18; Jeremiah 19; Jeremiah 20; Psalm 93; John 17
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 93
3 The seas have lifted up, O LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty.
Observation
When Kathy and I served in Cancun, Mexico as missionaries I would travel every week over on a ferry to the island of Cozumel. There were times when it was so rough that I could look up at the top of the waves and they would be higher than the ferry. I was once out in the Gulf of Mexico at night and we were caught in a very bad thunderstorm. I do remember how scary it was and how dark it was and how big the waves were! I have been in some pretty rough water, but never where the waves reach 90 feet in height. When those waves come crashing down they can destroy anything that is unfortunate enough to be in their paths.
I remember watching the movie, The Perfect Storm, and just thinking, Wow! What an awesome God we serve! Mightier than the biggest wave, Mightier than the pounding waves, is the Lord on high. And with a single Word from his mouth he can instantly make a 90-foot wave be still and the water be instantly calm. He is mighty!
Application
Let’s take time to give Him praise today! No storm is mightier; no wave more powerful, our Lord on high is mighty!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in the storm last night we experienced your mighty power. This morning as we heard a bird singing outside we were reminded of your great gentle love. You are an awesome Lord. You are Mighty. Worthy, Worthy, Worthy of our praise! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
“You Believe at Last!”
Jeremiah 16; Jeremiah 17; Psalm 96; John 16
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Scripture
John 16
31 "You believe at last!" Jesus answered.
Observation
How many of us have people we love who just don’t get it yet? They can’t seem to understand that Jesus loves them and that they don’t have to live the life that they are now living. Duh…they just don’t get it!
The disciples were the same way, even though they had spent three years with Jesus; 24/7 with Jesus for three years they still didn’t believe. Finally in John 16, moments or maybe a few hours before Jesus is arrested and goes to the cross they finally get it and Jesus exclaims, “You believe at last!”
I am looking forward to the day when some in my family come to that same pivotal place, where they finally believe. It will be such a joy for me when they finally quit trying to live without Jesus and begin to live for Him! There will be no greater joy for Kathy and me!
Application
Hang in there!
Hang in there with those who are not walking with our Lord and I encourage you to continue to be their light and I encourage you to be salt until …they believe at last!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I will not give up on the people around me. As they walk in darkness and as they continue to stumble I will continue to be a light to them with the hope that they will finally believe in you. Open their eyes so they can believe. Give them spiritual sight so they can believe in Jesus. Amen.
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Jeremiah 16; Jeremiah 17; Psalm 96; John 16
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
John 16
31 "You believe at last!" Jesus answered.
Observation
How many of us have people we love who just don’t get it yet? They can’t seem to understand that Jesus loves them and that they don’t have to live the life that they are now living. Duh…they just don’t get it!
The disciples were the same way, even though they had spent three years with Jesus; 24/7 with Jesus for three years they still didn’t believe. Finally in John 16, moments or maybe a few hours before Jesus is arrested and goes to the cross they finally get it and Jesus exclaims, “You believe at last!”
I am looking forward to the day when some in my family come to that same pivotal place, where they finally believe. It will be such a joy for me when they finally quit trying to live without Jesus and begin to live for Him! There will be no greater joy for Kathy and me!
Application
Hang in there!
Hang in there with those who are not walking with our Lord and I encourage you to continue to be their light and I encourage you to be salt until …they believe at last!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I will not give up on the people around me. As they walk in darkness and as they continue to stumble I will continue to be a light to them with the hope that they will finally believe in you. Open their eyes so they can believe. Give them spiritual sight so they can believe in Jesus. Amen.
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Monday, August 13, 2007
Friends…You Can’t Live Without Them!
Jeremiah 13; Jeremiah 14; Jeremiah 15; John 15
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Scripture
John 15
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
Observation
We live in such a superficial fast pace world that we don’t slow down to make friends. How can you love each other if you never take time for each other? Do you feel the frustration? Jesus commands us to love each other as He loves us. His love for us is a deep abiding love. Our relationships are so fragile that the least little thing that is done by someone to us causes us to withdraw from them because we got our feeling hurt. We are sometimes a bunch of spiritual babies. Jesus commands us to love each other warts and all. Do we get mad, pick up our toys and go to another church to make new friends. Where is the love in doing that?
Application
Loving people is not easy. If it were easy then Jesus would not have had to make it a command. He could have made it a suggestion. God loves us not because we are so loveable, but because He is Love. It is His nature to love. Who needs your love today? Who needs a hug, a phone call, a written note, a word of encouragement, a visit, ten or 15 minutes of your time? “This is my command: Love each other.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me today who needs attention. Help me today to be obedient to your command to love people. Lord, help me love people that are not very loveable. Help me to be like you today as I go through this day. Thank you for loving me just like I am. Thank you for loving me enough to help me everyday become more like Jesus. Thank you for all the friends you have brought into my life. Thank you for every person in our church. You are Wonderful! You are Worthy of Honor and Praise! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Jeremiah 13; Jeremiah 14; Jeremiah 15; John 15
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
John 15
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
Observation
We live in such a superficial fast pace world that we don’t slow down to make friends. How can you love each other if you never take time for each other? Do you feel the frustration? Jesus commands us to love each other as He loves us. His love for us is a deep abiding love. Our relationships are so fragile that the least little thing that is done by someone to us causes us to withdraw from them because we got our feeling hurt. We are sometimes a bunch of spiritual babies. Jesus commands us to love each other warts and all. Do we get mad, pick up our toys and go to another church to make new friends. Where is the love in doing that?
Application
Loving people is not easy. If it were easy then Jesus would not have had to make it a command. He could have made it a suggestion. God loves us not because we are so loveable, but because He is Love. It is His nature to love. Who needs your love today? Who needs a hug, a phone call, a written note, a word of encouragement, a visit, ten or 15 minutes of your time? “This is my command: Love each other.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me today who needs attention. Help me today to be obedient to your command to love people. Lord, help me love people that are not very loveable. Help me to be like you today as I go through this day. Thank you for loving me just like I am. Thank you for loving me enough to help me everyday become more like Jesus. Thank you for all the friends you have brought into my life. Thank you for every person in our church. You are Wonderful! You are Worthy of Honor and Praise! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Boasting Rights!
Jeremiah 7; Jeremiah 8; Jeremiah 9; John 13
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Scripture
Jeremiah 9
23 This is what the LORD says:
"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches,
24 but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,"
declares the LORD.
Observation
Boasting…makes me think of Texas! It seems like everything in Texas has always got to be bigger than anywhere else. I heard on the television this past week that the Dallas Cowboys will soon have the largest football stadium in the nation! It will be huge! It will hold over 100,000 fans and the Statue of Liberty could stand upright in the dome! The jumbo screens will be enormous! No other stadium will be even close to its splendor! Maybe my brother Rick who lives in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area will invite me to see one of the games when they move into the new stadium! I wonder if the food in the stadium will be gigantic too! I am sure that the price will be!
Boasting rights…the Lord says that we should only boast about one thing and it should be about Him; He says in verse 24, “that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth”. When the owners of the Dallas Cowboys die someone else will own the big stadium and then what will they have to boast about? If they don’t know Jesus then they will not enjoy the greatest piece of real estate ever, where gold is so common it is used to pave the streets! Now that is something that we as Christ-followers can brag about!
Do you know Him?
Application
Paul said, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection.” Knowing Christ is enough for me today. I am content. Today I will thank Him for all that I have in Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, knowing you is enough for me! You are so Good to me! You are Wonderful, Powerful, and so very kind! Thank you for blessing me so much. Thank you for providing me with so much. Thank you for the awesome privilege of knowing you personally and allowing me to live for you! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Jeremiah 7; Jeremiah 8; Jeremiah 9; John 13
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Jeremiah 9
23 This is what the LORD says:
"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches,
24 but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,"
declares the LORD.
Observation
Boasting…makes me think of Texas! It seems like everything in Texas has always got to be bigger than anywhere else. I heard on the television this past week that the Dallas Cowboys will soon have the largest football stadium in the nation! It will be huge! It will hold over 100,000 fans and the Statue of Liberty could stand upright in the dome! The jumbo screens will be enormous! No other stadium will be even close to its splendor! Maybe my brother Rick who lives in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area will invite me to see one of the games when they move into the new stadium! I wonder if the food in the stadium will be gigantic too! I am sure that the price will be!
Boasting rights…the Lord says that we should only boast about one thing and it should be about Him; He says in verse 24, “that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth”. When the owners of the Dallas Cowboys die someone else will own the big stadium and then what will they have to boast about? If they don’t know Jesus then they will not enjoy the greatest piece of real estate ever, where gold is so common it is used to pave the streets! Now that is something that we as Christ-followers can brag about!
Do you know Him?
Application
Paul said, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection.” Knowing Christ is enough for me today. I am content. Today I will thank Him for all that I have in Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, knowing you is enough for me! You are so Good to me! You are Wonderful, Powerful, and so very kind! Thank you for blessing me so much. Thank you for providing me with so much. Thank you for the awesome privilege of knowing you personally and allowing me to live for you! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Yes…The King Is Coming!
Jeremiah 5; Jeremiah 6; John 12
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Scripture
John 12
The Triumphal Entry
12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
"Hosanna!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Blessed is the King of Israel!" 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written,
15 "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion;
see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey's colt."
Observation
Our Bible reading this morning talks about people rejecting the Lord. In Jeremiah we read about the judgment that lies ahead for all of those that reject the King, the Messiah. Can you pick up on the excitement in this passage? Jesus riding on the young donkey with everyone running ahead of him laying down palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna, Hosanna!” It is very possible that a few hours later some in that same crowd were yelling, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him”, with the same kind of enthusiasm. But the fact is that the King is Coming and one day soon Jesus will come. He will not come meekly on the back of a donkey. When He returns He will come in judgment. He will return as Victorious King!
Listen to the description of Jesus of how he will look when He returns to this earth.
Rev. 19:11
“ I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Are you ready to meet Him?
Application
Today I will meditate on these two passages and I will give Him praise!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that one day soon that Jesus will return. I know that when you return it will be too late to share the Good News. Help me to redeem the time and share with those around me. I am sad about those that continue to refuse to live for you even though they have heard the Good News. They are choosing to remain in darkness and I know that unless they change that they will die in their sins. Heavenly Father, I pray for those family members close to me that refuse to walk with you. Help them see the Truth. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Jeremiah 5; Jeremiah 6; John 12
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
John 12
The Triumphal Entry
12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
"Hosanna!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Blessed is the King of Israel!" 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written,
15 "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion;
see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey's colt."
Observation
Our Bible reading this morning talks about people rejecting the Lord. In Jeremiah we read about the judgment that lies ahead for all of those that reject the King, the Messiah. Can you pick up on the excitement in this passage? Jesus riding on the young donkey with everyone running ahead of him laying down palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna, Hosanna!” It is very possible that a few hours later some in that same crowd were yelling, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him”, with the same kind of enthusiasm. But the fact is that the King is Coming and one day soon Jesus will come. He will not come meekly on the back of a donkey. When He returns He will come in judgment. He will return as Victorious King!
Listen to the description of Jesus of how he will look when He returns to this earth.
Rev. 19:11
“ I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Are you ready to meet Him?
Application
Today I will meditate on these two passages and I will give Him praise!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that one day soon that Jesus will return. I know that when you return it will be too late to share the Good News. Help me to redeem the time and share with those around me. I am sad about those that continue to refuse to live for you even though they have heard the Good News. They are choosing to remain in darkness and I know that unless they change that they will die in their sins. Heavenly Father, I pray for those family members close to me that refuse to walk with you. Help them see the Truth. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, August 09, 2007
How is Your Imagination?
Jeremiah 3; Jeremiah 4; John 11
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Scripture
John 11
43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
Observation
Have you ever read a portion of scripture and then sort of thought through how it would have happened in real life? Take the story of Lazarus being brought back to life for instance. As I was listening to the story and reading along (you can listen to the passage being read if you go to http://enewhope.org/bible/ and by the way the guy reading in the NIV version is awesome) I thought about Lazarus trying to get out of that grave/cave when Jesus said, “Lazarus, come out!”
How did he do it? He was wrapped with strips of linen on both his hands and feet, and face. He must have been placed in a horizontal position when he was buried; I doubt that they left his body standing upright in the grave. Have you ever tried to get up with your hands wrapped, feet wrapped, and head covered? But maybe if you had died and someone had brought you back to life, and then that same person had told you to get up and move…maybe just maybe…and probably…you wouldn’t even realize that you had those grave clothes on. I believe that you would get out of that tomb one way or another and you would do it quickly!
Jesus says, that if you have not received Him as Lord and Savior that you are dead in your sins. You have grave clothes on right now! If you come to Him the Bible says, that He will set you free! What is keeping you from having eternal life in Jesus Christ? Jesus wants to set you free right now!
Application
We serve a God that has power over even death! And His resurrection power lives in me! Today, I will acknowledge and depend on that power to help me deal with the stuff that comes my way!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the power to live this life that you have called me to live. Thank you for your Word that brings me strength and encouragement. I love your Word. I smile as I read this story about Lazarus coming out of the grave with those grave clothes on. I can only imagine how powerful of a testimony he had after he returned home. How many people must have placed their faith in you after hearing his story! You are so Powerful, so Wonderful; you are so Worthy to be Praised! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Jeremiah 3; Jeremiah 4; John 11
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Scripture
John 11
43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
Observation
Have you ever read a portion of scripture and then sort of thought through how it would have happened in real life? Take the story of Lazarus being brought back to life for instance. As I was listening to the story and reading along (you can listen to the passage being read if you go to http://enewhope.org/bible/ and by the way the guy reading in the NIV version is awesome) I thought about Lazarus trying to get out of that grave/cave when Jesus said, “Lazarus, come out!”
How did he do it? He was wrapped with strips of linen on both his hands and feet, and face. He must have been placed in a horizontal position when he was buried; I doubt that they left his body standing upright in the grave. Have you ever tried to get up with your hands wrapped, feet wrapped, and head covered? But maybe if you had died and someone had brought you back to life, and then that same person had told you to get up and move…maybe just maybe…and probably…you wouldn’t even realize that you had those grave clothes on. I believe that you would get out of that tomb one way or another and you would do it quickly!
Jesus says, that if you have not received Him as Lord and Savior that you are dead in your sins. You have grave clothes on right now! If you come to Him the Bible says, that He will set you free! What is keeping you from having eternal life in Jesus Christ? Jesus wants to set you free right now!
Application
We serve a God that has power over even death! And His resurrection power lives in me! Today, I will acknowledge and depend on that power to help me deal with the stuff that comes my way!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the power to live this life that you have called me to live. Thank you for your Word that brings me strength and encouragement. I love your Word. I smile as I read this story about Lazarus coming out of the grave with those grave clothes on. I can only imagine how powerful of a testimony he had after he returned home. How many people must have placed their faith in you after hearing his story! You are so Powerful, so Wonderful; you are so Worthy to be Praised! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Set Apart Before Birth To Proclaim The Good News!
Jeremiah 1; Jeremiah 2; John 10
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Scripture
The Call of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1
4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
Observation
God knew you before your Mom and Dad ever thought about conceiving you! In fact, before He formed you in your mother’s womb He already knew you. God is Sovereign! If you are a Christ-Follower then I hope you realize the awesome undeserved privilege of being chosen by God before the foundation of this world. We have been set apart by Him, for His Glory and for His Purpose. We are His Masterpiece!
Application
God wants us to be Holy. He wants us to keep ourselves pure. He wants us to be the light to this dark world. The only way to be a light is to keep ourselves clean and useable and obedient to His will. Is there a sin that you need to confess? Is there sin in your life right now? If there is then take it to the Lord and let Him cleanse you! “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify the Father which is in Heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are a Wonderful Father. Thank you for allowing me to be one of your children. I don’t deserve to be called your son. Thank you for choosing me way before my Dad and my Mom ever thought about trying to have me! Help me live in a way that pleases you and brings you Honor and Glory. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Jeremiah 1; Jeremiah 2; John 10
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
The Call of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1
4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
Observation
God knew you before your Mom and Dad ever thought about conceiving you! In fact, before He formed you in your mother’s womb He already knew you. God is Sovereign! If you are a Christ-Follower then I hope you realize the awesome undeserved privilege of being chosen by God before the foundation of this world. We have been set apart by Him, for His Glory and for His Purpose. We are His Masterpiece!
Application
God wants us to be Holy. He wants us to keep ourselves pure. He wants us to be the light to this dark world. The only way to be a light is to keep ourselves clean and useable and obedient to His will. Is there a sin that you need to confess? Is there sin in your life right now? If there is then take it to the Lord and let Him cleanse you! “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify the Father which is in Heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are a Wonderful Father. Thank you for allowing me to be one of your children. I don’t deserve to be called your son. Thank you for choosing me way before my Dad and my Mom ever thought about trying to have me! Help me live in a way that pleases you and brings you Honor and Glory. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Rough Day…Rough Week…Feel Beat Up…Read This Verse!
Zephaniah 1; Zephaniah 2; Zephaniah 3; John 9
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Scripture
Zephaniah 3
17 The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
Observation
It is so easy to get discouraged these days! Things don’t go our way; in fact things seem to be falling apart right in front of our eyes. We watch as people make poor choices that we can’t stop and they seem to blame us for their unhappiness and it is easy to become discouraged. So I take this verse to heart today. I am so glad that I have a God that delights in me. And I know that he is with me and he is mighty to save.
Application
Today I will look beyond my circumstances to a Great and Mighty God who loves me, who delights in me, who will quiet me with His love, and who will rejoice over me with singing! Amen!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are so Wonderful, so Powerful, and such a God of Mercy and Kindness. You know how I feel today and you understand me. Today I ask for your help. I need your Strength and I need your Wisdom. Fill me with your Holy Spirit today and do a Mighty work in my life. I am your child and I totally depend on you. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Zephaniah 1; Zephaniah 2; Zephaniah 3; John 9
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Zephaniah 3
17 The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
Observation
It is so easy to get discouraged these days! Things don’t go our way; in fact things seem to be falling apart right in front of our eyes. We watch as people make poor choices that we can’t stop and they seem to blame us for their unhappiness and it is easy to become discouraged. So I take this verse to heart today. I am so glad that I have a God that delights in me. And I know that he is with me and he is mighty to save.
Application
Today I will look beyond my circumstances to a Great and Mighty God who loves me, who delights in me, who will quiet me with His love, and who will rejoice over me with singing! Amen!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are so Wonderful, so Powerful, and such a God of Mercy and Kindness. You know how I feel today and you understand me. Today I ask for your help. I need your Strength and I need your Wisdom. Fill me with your Holy Spirit today and do a Mighty work in my life. I am your child and I totally depend on you. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, August 06, 2007
No Matter What I Will Praise Him!
Habakkuk 1; Habakkuk 2; Habakkuk 3; John 8
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Scripture
Habakkuk 3
17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
Observation
We have just returned from a mission trip to Tlaxcala, Mexico and I still have not even unpacked everything from the trip. One of the things that always makes an impression on me when I go on mission trips to Mexico or Cuba is the fact that the believers in those countries seem happier than us Americans. Their lives are a lot less complicated because they don’t have the material possessions that we have.
The more possessions that we pile up the more complicated our lives become. Habakkuk says that even if Habakkuk doesn’t have anything he will still rejoice in the Lord and he will still be joyful in God his Savior. His relationship with God is enough, and he doesn’t need anything else to bring him joy. How about us? Is that true of you and me this morning. Is He enough?
Application
Why not take an inventory of the stuff in your life and ask yourself this question “Is any of this stuff standing in the way of my relationship with God?” Is He enough?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be content with my life and help me live with less. Help me to really live like my relationship with you is enough for me. Thank you for providing for my daily needs. Help me be a better steward of what you have blessed me with. You are so good to me. Thank you for showering me with so many blessings. Help those made decisions for you in Mexico to grow and may a church be started in both communities where we worked this past week. Bless those Mexican Christians that will disciple these new converts. You are my strength. You are my sovereign Lord that is worthy to be praised!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Habakkuk 1; Habakkuk 2; Habakkuk 3; John 8
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Habakkuk 3
17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
Observation
We have just returned from a mission trip to Tlaxcala, Mexico and I still have not even unpacked everything from the trip. One of the things that always makes an impression on me when I go on mission trips to Mexico or Cuba is the fact that the believers in those countries seem happier than us Americans. Their lives are a lot less complicated because they don’t have the material possessions that we have.
The more possessions that we pile up the more complicated our lives become. Habakkuk says that even if Habakkuk doesn’t have anything he will still rejoice in the Lord and he will still be joyful in God his Savior. His relationship with God is enough, and he doesn’t need anything else to bring him joy. How about us? Is that true of you and me this morning. Is He enough?
Application
Why not take an inventory of the stuff in your life and ask yourself this question “Is any of this stuff standing in the way of my relationship with God?” Is He enough?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be content with my life and help me live with less. Help me to really live like my relationship with you is enough for me. Thank you for providing for my daily needs. Help me be a better steward of what you have blessed me with. You are so good to me. Thank you for showering me with so many blessings. Help those made decisions for you in Mexico to grow and may a church be started in both communities where we worked this past week. Bless those Mexican Christians that will disciple these new converts. You are my strength. You are my sovereign Lord that is worthy to be praised!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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