Repent or Perish!
Zechariah 7; Zechariah 8; Zechariah 9; Luke 13
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Scripture
Luke 13
Repent or Perish
1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
Observation
There were times when Jesus spoke in parables and the people had a hard time understanding what he was saying to them, but he is very clear in this passage. Kathy and I went to the USF football game this past Friday night and as we entered the stadium there was a man holding a banner with a verse about Jesus! It didn’t say turn or burn, but it was a powerful reminder that the god that many were worshiping that night was not the True God. Repenting and living a life of obedience is the only way to experience God and the only way to experience the life that God intends for us to enjoy.
Application
I have to help people realize that unless they repent of their sins they will perish!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to share about your love today. Give me your words as I preach this morning. Help people realize that they are lost without you. Open their eyes to your truth. Thank you for forgiving me of my sin and giving me a life worth living. Amen.
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Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
What is Most Important in Your Life?
Zechariah 4; Zechariah 5; Zechariah 6; Luke 12
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Scripture
Do Not Worry
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life]? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27 "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Observation
This has always been one of my favorites Bible passages. There have been times when Kathy and I didn’t know how we were going to make it and this Bible passage brought us hope and strength and God always came through to take care of us.
Seek His Kingdom and all the stuff that you need for your life will be provided. Put his kingdom first and not worry about our lives is easy said but not so easy done. Me, my, and mine (my kingdom, my stuff, my activities/plans) often takes priority over His kingdom and His will.
Provide for ourselves, Jesus says, “treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted.” And He reminds us that where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also.
Where is your heart? Where is my heart?
Application
I have just returned from a leadership meeting at our church. It was a meeting lasting from 9am until noon. We had a good strong core group of our leadership that made the decision to attend. I applaud them for their participation. All of them have activities that they normally do on Saturdays, but today they made a decision that His kingdom came first. I am very proud of them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to think about you and your stuff more than I do about my stuff and myself. Help me to store up treasure in heaven instead of accumulating stuff down here on earth. Thank you for the leaders you have placed in our church. Thank you for the ones that sacrificed to attend this morning’s leadership meeting! Amen.
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Zechariah 4; Zechariah 5; Zechariah 6; Luke 12
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Scripture
Do Not Worry
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life]? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27 "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Observation
This has always been one of my favorites Bible passages. There have been times when Kathy and I didn’t know how we were going to make it and this Bible passage brought us hope and strength and God always came through to take care of us.
Seek His Kingdom and all the stuff that you need for your life will be provided. Put his kingdom first and not worry about our lives is easy said but not so easy done. Me, my, and mine (my kingdom, my stuff, my activities/plans) often takes priority over His kingdom and His will.
Provide for ourselves, Jesus says, “treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted.” And He reminds us that where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also.
Where is your heart? Where is my heart?
Application
I have just returned from a leadership meeting at our church. It was a meeting lasting from 9am until noon. We had a good strong core group of our leadership that made the decision to attend. I applaud them for their participation. All of them have activities that they normally do on Saturdays, but today they made a decision that His kingdom came first. I am very proud of them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to think about you and your stuff more than I do about my stuff and myself. Help me to store up treasure in heaven instead of accumulating stuff down here on earth. Thank you for the leaders you have placed in our church. Thank you for the ones that sacrificed to attend this morning’s leadership meeting! Amen.
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Friday, September 28, 2007
The Secret of Being Blessed! Have You Discovered it?
Zechariah 1; Zechariah 2; Zechariah 3; Luke 11
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Scripture
Luke 11
27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you."
28 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
Observation
Some might think that because they live in a nice house, drive a nice car, and have good health that they are blessed, but Jesus gives us a different definition. I like it when I ask someone how he or she are doing and they reply back, “I’m Blessed”, of course it could just be a habit like when we reply back, “I’m fine!” Whether or not they are truly blessed does not depend on their circumstances. It does not depend on what or how many material possessions they have accumulated. Even if the house, the car and everything else is paid for it doesn’t really show that God is blessing them! So how does one know when and if it is God that is blessing them? It is very easy to know! Those that hear the word of God and obey it are blessed. Period. End of Story!
How obedient does the Lord find you this morning? Are you blessed?
Application
Reveal to me any disobedience in my life and I give me the strength to make the necessary changes.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am thankful that you are Perfect and your ways are not our ways. Thank you for blessing me. Help me to obey you today because I realize that obedience is the secret of being blessed. Thank you for your Word. It is so powerful. Help me to be obedient to the things that you have placed on my heart. May doing your will be the most important thing on my heart today. I pray for those close to me that continue to walk in disobedience. Bring them to the point of obedience so that they can experience your blessings. They are reaping the fruit of their life of sin, which is utter destruction, and they seem blinded to your truth. Turn their hearts today so they can enjoy the fruit of obedience. Amen.
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Zechariah 1; Zechariah 2; Zechariah 3; Luke 11
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Scripture
Luke 11
27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you."
28 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
Observation
Some might think that because they live in a nice house, drive a nice car, and have good health that they are blessed, but Jesus gives us a different definition. I like it when I ask someone how he or she are doing and they reply back, “I’m Blessed”, of course it could just be a habit like when we reply back, “I’m fine!” Whether or not they are truly blessed does not depend on their circumstances. It does not depend on what or how many material possessions they have accumulated. Even if the house, the car and everything else is paid for it doesn’t really show that God is blessing them! So how does one know when and if it is God that is blessing them? It is very easy to know! Those that hear the word of God and obey it are blessed. Period. End of Story!
How obedient does the Lord find you this morning? Are you blessed?
Application
Reveal to me any disobedience in my life and I give me the strength to make the necessary changes.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am thankful that you are Perfect and your ways are not our ways. Thank you for blessing me. Help me to obey you today because I realize that obedience is the secret of being blessed. Thank you for your Word. It is so powerful. Help me to be obedient to the things that you have placed on my heart. May doing your will be the most important thing on my heart today. I pray for those close to me that continue to walk in disobedience. Bring them to the point of obedience so that they can experience your blessings. They are reaping the fruit of their life of sin, which is utter destruction, and they seem blinded to your truth. Turn their hearts today so they can enjoy the fruit of obedience. Amen.
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Thursday, September 27, 2007
Filled With Joy!
Haggai 1; Haggai 2; Psalm 129; Luke 10
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Scripture
Luke 10
17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name."
18 He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
22 "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."
Observation
Joy! What caused Jesus to be filled with Joy? Wasn’t it was the seventy-two disciples that Jesus had sent out? Wasn’t it their joy as they returned from their first mission trip that caused Jesus to burst out in praise to His Heavenly Father. To think that we can bring Jesus joy is pretty awesome!
Someone has said that “happiness” comes from “happenings”, but “joy” comes from a relationship that we have with our Heavenly Father! People think that it is happiness that they are missing in life and so they try to meet that need with momentary pleasures: sex, drugs, alcohol etc. But what they are really trying to find is something deeper, something more lasting, and that something is called “Joy” and that something is found in the Someone called Jesus. Jesus says, “rejoice that your names are written in Heaven” and until you know that your name is written in Heaven you will not experience “joy”.
Application
May the way I live today bring Jesus “joy”.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that my name is written in Heaven. Thank you for the joy that I have in my heart. Even when days are rough and even when I am spiritually under attack there is a joy in my life that nothing or no one can take away. You are a Mighty God. You are my Savior. Thank you for putting joy in my life! Amen
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Haggai 1; Haggai 2; Psalm 129; Luke 10
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Scripture
Luke 10
17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name."
18 He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
22 "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."
Observation
Joy! What caused Jesus to be filled with Joy? Wasn’t it was the seventy-two disciples that Jesus had sent out? Wasn’t it their joy as they returned from their first mission trip that caused Jesus to burst out in praise to His Heavenly Father. To think that we can bring Jesus joy is pretty awesome!
Someone has said that “happiness” comes from “happenings”, but “joy” comes from a relationship that we have with our Heavenly Father! People think that it is happiness that they are missing in life and so they try to meet that need with momentary pleasures: sex, drugs, alcohol etc. But what they are really trying to find is something deeper, something more lasting, and that something is called “Joy” and that something is found in the Someone called Jesus. Jesus says, “rejoice that your names are written in Heaven” and until you know that your name is written in Heaven you will not experience “joy”.
Application
May the way I live today bring Jesus “joy”.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that my name is written in Heaven. Thank you for the joy that I have in my heart. Even when days are rough and even when I am spiritually under attack there is a joy in my life that nothing or no one can take away. You are a Mighty God. You are my Savior. Thank you for putting joy in my life! Amen
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Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Dealing with “Darts of Sadness”!
Ezra 4; Psalm 113; Psalm 127; Luke 9
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Scripture
Samaritan Opposition
Luke 9
51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56 and they went to another village.
Observation
This passage reminds me of two or three other passages where Jesus mentioned the people of Samaria. Can you think of a couple too? How about the time when Jesus encountered the woman at the well in John 4 or the story of the good Samaritan in Luke 10 or the story found in Luke 17 about the ten men that Jesus cleansed of leprosy and only one of them came back to thank him and that man was a Samaritan.
This passage reveals the heart condition of not only the folks in the Samaritan village, but also the prejudiced hard hearts of his disciples. In this passage we see the heart of Jesus and how He deals with difficult people. On the one hand He has to deal with the rejection of the people living in the Samaritan village and in the same moment he is confronted with an attitude erupting out of his closest followers that reveals a complete misunderstanding of their Master’s heart.
In verse 55 the scripture says that Jesus “turned”, boy I can read a lot into that one word can’t you! Jesus turned, and when he turned, I believe that he probably looked deep into the eyes of James and John (which was probably rebuke enough) and then the scripture says that he rebuked them.
Application
I think it was a sad day for Jesus on the day that he was turned away from this Samaritan village. Sadness is the part of life that I don’t like. How about you? You can be having a great day and then you get blind-sided, a comment clobbers you or sometimes just one word from one person close to you and sadness pierces your heart like a dagger. I will think of this verse today as I try to get over my case of “sadness”. It is a verse that I memorized a long time ago and the Lord brings it to my remembrance a lot when the dart of “sadness” hits me. John 16:33 says,
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
So my application for myself today is to “take heart”. My Lord and Savior has overcome this world.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you know the condition of my heart this morning and you know that I am feeling the pain of “sadness”, maybe it is a feeling of being grieved in my spirit I don’t know. I think what I am feeling is maybe, just maybe what you felt during the moment you were rejected by the Samaritan village and misunderstood by your disciples and it happened all at the same time.
Lord, it is easier for me to deal with the ungodly that flat out reject me than to deal with the hurt that comes from people close to me. Lord, help me today meditate on your word. Refresh my spirit today. Give me strength to walk, as you would have me walk today. Help me be a person of integrity today. Use me to encourage those that come into my path…because you have overcome this world. Amen.
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Ezra 4; Psalm 113; Psalm 127; Luke 9
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Scripture
Samaritan Opposition
Luke 9
51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56 and they went to another village.
Observation
This passage reminds me of two or three other passages where Jesus mentioned the people of Samaria. Can you think of a couple too? How about the time when Jesus encountered the woman at the well in John 4 or the story of the good Samaritan in Luke 10 or the story found in Luke 17 about the ten men that Jesus cleansed of leprosy and only one of them came back to thank him and that man was a Samaritan.
This passage reveals the heart condition of not only the folks in the Samaritan village, but also the prejudiced hard hearts of his disciples. In this passage we see the heart of Jesus and how He deals with difficult people. On the one hand He has to deal with the rejection of the people living in the Samaritan village and in the same moment he is confronted with an attitude erupting out of his closest followers that reveals a complete misunderstanding of their Master’s heart.
In verse 55 the scripture says that Jesus “turned”, boy I can read a lot into that one word can’t you! Jesus turned, and when he turned, I believe that he probably looked deep into the eyes of James and John (which was probably rebuke enough) and then the scripture says that he rebuked them.
Application
I think it was a sad day for Jesus on the day that he was turned away from this Samaritan village. Sadness is the part of life that I don’t like. How about you? You can be having a great day and then you get blind-sided, a comment clobbers you or sometimes just one word from one person close to you and sadness pierces your heart like a dagger. I will think of this verse today as I try to get over my case of “sadness”. It is a verse that I memorized a long time ago and the Lord brings it to my remembrance a lot when the dart of “sadness” hits me. John 16:33 says,
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
So my application for myself today is to “take heart”. My Lord and Savior has overcome this world.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you know the condition of my heart this morning and you know that I am feeling the pain of “sadness”, maybe it is a feeling of being grieved in my spirit I don’t know. I think what I am feeling is maybe, just maybe what you felt during the moment you were rejected by the Samaritan village and misunderstood by your disciples and it happened all at the same time.
Lord, it is easier for me to deal with the ungodly that flat out reject me than to deal with the hurt that comes from people close to me. Lord, help me today meditate on your word. Refresh my spirit today. Give me strength to walk, as you would have me walk today. Help me be a person of integrity today. Use me to encourage those that come into my path…because you have overcome this world. Amen.
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Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Women in Ministry! Absolutely!
Ezra 2; Ezra 3; Luke 8
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Scripture
Luke 8
1 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
Observation
It amazes me how we always seem to have people in leadership that are against something that we are doing in our churches and want to tell us that we are liberals etc. because we allow certain things that they feel are not Biblical. The role of women in ministry today is just one good example. Liberals in my view are folks that don’t believe in the Virgin Birth of Christ, His Deity etc. But some in our Baptist convention describe someone as a liberal because they don’t believe exactly the same way they do. It is their way or no way. Some would think of me as liberal because I allow a woman to speak in church on a Sunday morning. Anytime a Beth Moore, or an Ann Graham Lotz wants to speak in our church on Sunday morning I am going to say, “Yes”. And I am also going to let the Director of our student ministry Laurel Barden, speak to our church as I feel led to invite her. (I have revised the above sentence which did read, "I am also going to let the Director of our student ministry Laurel Barden, speak on a regular basis.") I changed it because it made it sound like I was going to ask Laurel to speak on a weekly basis. I was trying to make a point, but the point was taken way past what I had intended. I will comment more about this in the comment section!
My opinion (and it is just my opinion) is that women can serve in any position in our churches as long as they have a man over them in the role as senior pastor. (I do believe that the more men you have serving as leaders the stronger your church will be.) Let me add that in any church where I am going to be a member there would need to be a man as senior pastor. If a church wants to have a woman as their senior pastor then that is their business, and I would cooperate with them to fulfill the Great Commission but I just would not be a member of that church.
Jesus didn’t seem to have a problem with women in ministry. It seems that He had women that traveled with him as He traveled from town to town and He didn’t have a problem being supported by their generosity.
Let me add that many times women have to fill roles that men should be filling because there are no men to fill those spots, or there are no men willing. On the mission field, women missionaries have started churches and out of necessity had to fill the role of pastor because there was no man there yet to pastor the church. Women are strong leaders in our churches today. They have always been strong leaders since the day they walked with Jesus like we find them doing in Luke chapter 8!
Application
I will write a note to some of our strong leaders today that just happen to be women and encourage them in their ministry!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, smile on us today. May your face shine on my wife, Kathy. She is a strong but gentle leader. Thank you for blessing me with her. Use her today to calm some storms. Help her to be an encourager and use her to help other women be all that you want them to be. Enlarge her ministry Lord. I pray for our other women that are in leadership. May they sense their worth and value today and may they draw their strength from you. Use them greatly in the life of our church. Amen!
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Ezra 2; Ezra 3; Luke 8
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Scripture
Luke 8
1 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
Observation
It amazes me how we always seem to have people in leadership that are against something that we are doing in our churches and want to tell us that we are liberals etc. because we allow certain things that they feel are not Biblical. The role of women in ministry today is just one good example. Liberals in my view are folks that don’t believe in the Virgin Birth of Christ, His Deity etc. But some in our Baptist convention describe someone as a liberal because they don’t believe exactly the same way they do. It is their way or no way. Some would think of me as liberal because I allow a woman to speak in church on a Sunday morning. Anytime a Beth Moore, or an Ann Graham Lotz wants to speak in our church on Sunday morning I am going to say, “Yes”. And I am also going to let the Director of our student ministry Laurel Barden, speak to our church as I feel led to invite her. (I have revised the above sentence which did read, "I am also going to let the Director of our student ministry Laurel Barden, speak on a regular basis.") I changed it because it made it sound like I was going to ask Laurel to speak on a weekly basis. I was trying to make a point, but the point was taken way past what I had intended. I will comment more about this in the comment section!
My opinion (and it is just my opinion) is that women can serve in any position in our churches as long as they have a man over them in the role as senior pastor. (I do believe that the more men you have serving as leaders the stronger your church will be.) Let me add that in any church where I am going to be a member there would need to be a man as senior pastor. If a church wants to have a woman as their senior pastor then that is their business, and I would cooperate with them to fulfill the Great Commission but I just would not be a member of that church.
Jesus didn’t seem to have a problem with women in ministry. It seems that He had women that traveled with him as He traveled from town to town and He didn’t have a problem being supported by their generosity.
Let me add that many times women have to fill roles that men should be filling because there are no men to fill those spots, or there are no men willing. On the mission field, women missionaries have started churches and out of necessity had to fill the role of pastor because there was no man there yet to pastor the church. Women are strong leaders in our churches today. They have always been strong leaders since the day they walked with Jesus like we find them doing in Luke chapter 8!
Application
I will write a note to some of our strong leaders today that just happen to be women and encourage them in their ministry!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, smile on us today. May your face shine on my wife, Kathy. She is a strong but gentle leader. Thank you for blessing me with her. Use her today to calm some storms. Help her to be an encourager and use her to help other women be all that you want them to be. Enlarge her ministry Lord. I pray for our other women that are in leadership. May they sense their worth and value today and may they draw their strength from you. Use them greatly in the life of our church. Amen!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Who can forgive sins but God alone?
Daniel 9; Daniel 10; Psalm 123; Luke 5
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Scripture
Luke 5
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
17 One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick. 18 Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19 When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."
21 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23 Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 25 Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."
Who can forgive sins but God alone?
Observation
There are so many things today that I could write about from Daniel, Psalm 123 and even a couple of different things from Luke 5. These passages are full of great lessons for us. Daniel was such a man of prayer and it was no wonder that he had angels come and speak to him. In Luke 5 I started to write about how the disciples left everything to follow Jesus. How many times do we say we want to follow Jesus, but we also want to try to drag around all of our worldly stuff as we follow? We are more like the rich young ruler than one of the twelve disciples aren’t we? But I decided to write about the Deity of Christ today. Only God can forgive sins. Jesus told the man, “Your sins are forgiven!” Wow! God has spoken, and the Pharisees because of the hardness of their hearts missed knowing him. They knew from scripture that only God had the power to forgive sins, but they refused to accept that Jesus was God.
Application
I know that Jesus is God. He has asked me to follow Him. I can trust Him completely to take care of me as I follow Him. Because He is God I know that He has forgiven me completely of my sins as He promised. I will not be afraid.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are Awesome! To come down to this earth, to die in my place so that I could have eternal life and have a personal relationship with you is way more than I can comprehend. Thank you for asking me to follow you. Help me to follow you today with all my heart! Amen.
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Daniel 9; Daniel 10; Psalm 123; Luke 5
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Scripture
Luke 5
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
17 One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick. 18 Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19 When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."
21 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23 Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 25 Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."
Who can forgive sins but God alone?
Observation
There are so many things today that I could write about from Daniel, Psalm 123 and even a couple of different things from Luke 5. These passages are full of great lessons for us. Daniel was such a man of prayer and it was no wonder that he had angels come and speak to him. In Luke 5 I started to write about how the disciples left everything to follow Jesus. How many times do we say we want to follow Jesus, but we also want to try to drag around all of our worldly stuff as we follow? We are more like the rich young ruler than one of the twelve disciples aren’t we? But I decided to write about the Deity of Christ today. Only God can forgive sins. Jesus told the man, “Your sins are forgiven!” Wow! God has spoken, and the Pharisees because of the hardness of their hearts missed knowing him. They knew from scripture that only God had the power to forgive sins, but they refused to accept that Jesus was God.
Application
I know that Jesus is God. He has asked me to follow Him. I can trust Him completely to take care of me as I follow Him. Because He is God I know that He has forgiven me completely of my sins as He promised. I will not be afraid.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are Awesome! To come down to this earth, to die in my place so that I could have eternal life and have a personal relationship with you is way more than I can comprehend. Thank you for asking me to follow you. Help me to follow you today with all my heart! Amen.
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Thursday, September 20, 2007
Servant of the living God!
Daniel 5; Daniel 6; Psalm 130; Luke 3
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Scripture
Luke 3
16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions' den. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!"
17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel's situation might not be changed. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.
19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions' den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?"
21 Daniel answered, "O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king."
23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
24 At the king's command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions' den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.
25 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language throughout the land:
"May you prosper greatly!
26 "I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.
"For he is the living God
and he endures forever;
his kingdom will not be destroyed,
his dominion will never end.
27 He rescues and he saves;
he performs signs and wonders
in the heavens and on the earth.
He has rescued Daniel
from the power of the lions."
Observation
Take time to read all about Daniel in these few chapters and you will be as impressed with him as I am! What a tough guy he was! And what a man of faith and commitment to his Lord! He was a powerful witness also! I like the King Darius description of Daniel, “servant of the Living God”. The important part of that description is how he described our God, “Living God”. We don’t serve a god up on the shelf. We don’t worship the god of nature or a god of the ocean or the river; no we worship the “Living God.” One that is able to save us from Lion’s den if necessary!
Application
I am not being thrown into Lion’s dens or fiery furnace’s for my faith, but it is my desire to be a strong witness for my Lord this weekend.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are the living God and you endure forever; your kingdom will not be destroyed, and your dominion will never end! Help me to be strong like Daniel. Amen.
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Daniel 5; Daniel 6; Psalm 130; Luke 3
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Scripture
Luke 3
16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions' den. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!"
17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel's situation might not be changed. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.
19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions' den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?"
21 Daniel answered, "O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king."
23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
24 At the king's command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions' den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.
25 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language throughout the land:
"May you prosper greatly!
26 "I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.
"For he is the living God
and he endures forever;
his kingdom will not be destroyed,
his dominion will never end.
27 He rescues and he saves;
he performs signs and wonders
in the heavens and on the earth.
He has rescued Daniel
from the power of the lions."
Observation
Take time to read all about Daniel in these few chapters and you will be as impressed with him as I am! What a tough guy he was! And what a man of faith and commitment to his Lord! He was a powerful witness also! I like the King Darius description of Daniel, “servant of the Living God”. The important part of that description is how he described our God, “Living God”. We don’t serve a god up on the shelf. We don’t worship the god of nature or a god of the ocean or the river; no we worship the “Living God.” One that is able to save us from Lion’s den if necessary!
Application
I am not being thrown into Lion’s dens or fiery furnace’s for my faith, but it is my desire to be a strong witness for my Lord this weekend.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are the living God and you endure forever; your kingdom will not be destroyed, and your dominion will never end! Help me to be strong like Daniel. Amen.
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Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Didn’t You Know That I Had to be In My Father’s House!
Ezekiel 47; Ezekiel 48; Luke 2
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Scripture
Luke 2
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41 Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43 After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
49 "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Observation
Can you just stay home on Sunday and sleep in or do you have to be at church because it is your Father’s House? I watch our congregation and it is interesting to watch how faithful some people are and how inconsistent many are about church attendance. It is a heart problem.
At twelve years old we find Jesus hanging out at the Temple Courts talking about His Father’s business and He acted surprised that His parents didn’t expect this kind of behavior out of Him.
We have young people, some which have just graduated from high school and others still in high school that love our church and are very involved and excited about serving the Lord. And sadly we have some adults in leadership positions that are Sunday morning only Christians. It doesn’t seem to bother them to miss! It didn’t bother them to miss outreach this past Monday evening!
It is a big heart problem! How sad!
Application
I will enjoy being in My Father’s house this evening!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to lose my love for you. I love you with all my heart, all of my soul, and all of my strength! You are my God. I pray for our people that they could be excited about their relationship with you and it would show when we get together on Wednesdays and Sundays and other times when we do special things like “Outreach”. Bring revival to our hearts. Amen.
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Ezekiel 47; Ezekiel 48; Luke 2
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Scripture
Luke 2
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41 Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43 After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
49 "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Observation
Can you just stay home on Sunday and sleep in or do you have to be at church because it is your Father’s House? I watch our congregation and it is interesting to watch how faithful some people are and how inconsistent many are about church attendance. It is a heart problem.
At twelve years old we find Jesus hanging out at the Temple Courts talking about His Father’s business and He acted surprised that His parents didn’t expect this kind of behavior out of Him.
We have young people, some which have just graduated from high school and others still in high school that love our church and are very involved and excited about serving the Lord. And sadly we have some adults in leadership positions that are Sunday morning only Christians. It doesn’t seem to bother them to miss! It didn’t bother them to miss outreach this past Monday evening!
It is a big heart problem! How sad!
Application
I will enjoy being in My Father’s house this evening!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to lose my love for you. I love you with all my heart, all of my soul, and all of my strength! You are my God. I pray for our people that they could be excited about their relationship with you and it would show when we get together on Wednesdays and Sundays and other times when we do special things like “Outreach”. Bring revival to our hearts. Amen.
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Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Yes Lord!
Ezekiel 45; Ezekiel 46; Luke 1
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Scripture
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
Luke 1
26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God."
38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
Observation
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to have an angel come to you when you were a teenager and announce to you that you were going to give birth to the Christ Child? Mary was a teenager and she was a virgin when the angel Gabriel gave her this news. What was her response? Verse 38 provides for us an insight into this young girl’s heart, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” She was just told something that was completely impossible without a miracle of God. But she believed her God and accepted the assignment!
God is going to ask us to do things that are impossible! Things that are way bigger than we are and we need to be up for the task.
We need to be able to say, “Yes Lord”.
Application
Yes Lord! Yes Lord! Yes Lord! May it be to me as you have said!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are so powerful and wonderful. Nothing is too hard for you. With you there is nothing that is impossible! Thank you for letting me be a part of your kingdom and a part of your kingdom’s work. You are worthy to be praised. My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. Amen.
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Ezekiel 45; Ezekiel 46; Luke 1
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Scripture
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
Luke 1
26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God."
38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
Observation
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to have an angel come to you when you were a teenager and announce to you that you were going to give birth to the Christ Child? Mary was a teenager and she was a virgin when the angel Gabriel gave her this news. What was her response? Verse 38 provides for us an insight into this young girl’s heart, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” She was just told something that was completely impossible without a miracle of God. But she believed her God and accepted the assignment!
God is going to ask us to do things that are impossible! Things that are way bigger than we are and we need to be up for the task.
We need to be able to say, “Yes Lord”.
Application
Yes Lord! Yes Lord! Yes Lord! May it be to me as you have said!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are so powerful and wonderful. Nothing is too hard for you. With you there is nothing that is impossible! Thank you for letting me be a part of your kingdom and a part of your kingdom’s work. You are worthy to be praised. My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. Amen.
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Monday, September 17, 2007
Yes, He is Coming Soon!
Ezekiel 42; Ezekiel 43; Ezekiel 44; Revelation 22
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Scripture
Revelation 22
12 "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star."
17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
20 He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon."
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.
Observation
Just a reminder in this very busy world that we live in that yes, Jesus is coming, and He is coming very soon! When He comes again it will not be as a babe in a manger, but He will come as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords and He will come ready to judge!
Today is Monday and as I think about the week ahead I say along with John the writer of Revelation, “Come!” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Application
I want to live out this day as if He were coming back before this day is over. When He comes He will come with a reward for all that we have done. May I do something today that He can reward me for when He comes.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. He is the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." Help me to be ready for His coming. I believe that He is coming soon. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
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Ezekiel 42; Ezekiel 43; Ezekiel 44; Revelation 22
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Scripture
Revelation 22
12 "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star."
17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
20 He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon."
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.
Observation
Just a reminder in this very busy world that we live in that yes, Jesus is coming, and He is coming very soon! When He comes again it will not be as a babe in a manger, but He will come as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords and He will come ready to judge!
Today is Monday and as I think about the week ahead I say along with John the writer of Revelation, “Come!” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Application
I want to live out this day as if He were coming back before this day is over. When He comes He will come with a reward for all that we have done. May I do something today that He can reward me for when He comes.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. He is the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." Help me to be ready for His coming. I believe that He is coming soon. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
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Saturday, September 15, 2007
God’s Saving Power!
Ezekiel 38; Ezekiel 39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20
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Scripture
Psalm 145
A psalm of praise. Of David.
1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.
11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made.
14 The LORD upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.
Observation
I just got back last night from Cuba and I want to share with you about two people that I met while I was at the First (and only) Baptist Church at Rodas, Cuba. I love how and who God chooses to save. Milagros walked by the church on a regular basis and kept hearing the worship inside and she told me that she just loved to hear everyone singing. Finally she got up enough nerve to go inside and she placed her faith in Christ. She is the only person in her family that is a Christian, but she is praying and asking God to save the rest of her family. She has been a Christian about 2 years.
Norio came to Christ in a very unusual way also about 2 years ago. The church had been given some property by the government to build a new sanctuary on. The church’s old sanctuary had lost its roof in a hurricane and the government wanted to relocate a school so they made a property swap with the church.
Norio was hired as a night watchman to make sure that none of the materials for the new sanctuary were stolen. While he was guarding the church property he found some old music (hymns etc) that the pastor had stored in a storage room on the site. He began reading the music and some other literature and God touched his heart and he gave his life to Christ. The pastor told me that I would not have recognized him before he came to Christ. He had long hair, he had a long beard and was a pretty scruffy looking guy. Today he is a very sharp, clean cut young man with a powerful voice and incredible testimony!
Now he is the church’s worship leader and he does a tremendous job leading the church in praise and worship. His wife is also a strong believer in the Lord Jesus Christ! God is so good! I am so impressed by both of these people and what God has done in their lives.
Application
God is at work all around us and may touch the life of the most unlikely person we see. I will look for where He is working. What life is He beginning to touch around you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Amen.
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Ezekiel 38; Ezekiel 39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20
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Scripture
Psalm 145
A psalm of praise. Of David.
1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.
11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made.
14 The LORD upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.
Observation
I just got back last night from Cuba and I want to share with you about two people that I met while I was at the First (and only) Baptist Church at Rodas, Cuba. I love how and who God chooses to save. Milagros walked by the church on a regular basis and kept hearing the worship inside and she told me that she just loved to hear everyone singing. Finally she got up enough nerve to go inside and she placed her faith in Christ. She is the only person in her family that is a Christian, but she is praying and asking God to save the rest of her family. She has been a Christian about 2 years.
Norio came to Christ in a very unusual way also about 2 years ago. The church had been given some property by the government to build a new sanctuary on. The church’s old sanctuary had lost its roof in a hurricane and the government wanted to relocate a school so they made a property swap with the church.
Norio was hired as a night watchman to make sure that none of the materials for the new sanctuary were stolen. While he was guarding the church property he found some old music (hymns etc) that the pastor had stored in a storage room on the site. He began reading the music and some other literature and God touched his heart and he gave his life to Christ. The pastor told me that I would not have recognized him before he came to Christ. He had long hair, he had a long beard and was a pretty scruffy looking guy. Today he is a very sharp, clean cut young man with a powerful voice and incredible testimony!
Now he is the church’s worship leader and he does a tremendous job leading the church in praise and worship. His wife is also a strong believer in the Lord Jesus Christ! God is so good! I am so impressed by both of these people and what God has done in their lives.
Application
God is at work all around us and may touch the life of the most unlikely person we see. I will look for where He is working. What life is He beginning to touch around you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Amen.
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Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Should We Pray for The Lost?
Ezekiel 25; Ezekiel 26; Ezekiel 27; Ezekiel 28; 1 Timothy 2
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Scripture
1 Timothy 2
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.
8 I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
Observation
Search the scriptures and you will find very few places where God tells us to pray for the unsaved. Try it and then tell me how many passages you find. This is one of those rare passages. There are many passages that tell us to pray for other believers, but very few that tell us to pray for the lost. Can you feel the heart of God as you read these verses? Read verse four again, “who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” God would love for everyone to be saved. Does it break your heart when loved ones around you reject the love of Christ? It makes me very sad. How do you think it makes God feel? He is their Creator! You and I feel some of what God feels when people we love continue in sin and don’t repent, but we don’t fully feel the pain because we are not their Creator. As they self-destruct we are sad, but imagine how sad it must make God feel!
Application
The lost must hear about the one mediator between God and them…the man Christ Jesus. I will continue to pray for the lost around me as the Lord puts them on my heart.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me your heart for the lost around me. Please put people on my heart that need for me to pray for them. Help people hear and understand the Gospel message that Jesus is the bridge between them and You. I pray for people to be saved this week through the ministry of our church. Show me any sin in my life so I can confess it to you. I want to be able to lift up holy hands in prayer to you today. Amen.
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Ezekiel 25; Ezekiel 26; Ezekiel 27; Ezekiel 28; 1 Timothy 2
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Scripture
1 Timothy 2
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.
8 I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
Observation
Search the scriptures and you will find very few places where God tells us to pray for the unsaved. Try it and then tell me how many passages you find. This is one of those rare passages. There are many passages that tell us to pray for other believers, but very few that tell us to pray for the lost. Can you feel the heart of God as you read these verses? Read verse four again, “who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” God would love for everyone to be saved. Does it break your heart when loved ones around you reject the love of Christ? It makes me very sad. How do you think it makes God feel? He is their Creator! You and I feel some of what God feels when people we love continue in sin and don’t repent, but we don’t fully feel the pain because we are not their Creator. As they self-destruct we are sad, but imagine how sad it must make God feel!
Application
The lost must hear about the one mediator between God and them…the man Christ Jesus. I will continue to pray for the lost around me as the Lord puts them on my heart.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me your heart for the lost around me. Please put people on my heart that need for me to pray for them. Help people hear and understand the Gospel message that Jesus is the bridge between them and You. I pray for people to be saved this week through the ministry of our church. Show me any sin in my life so I can confess it to you. I want to be able to lift up holy hands in prayer to you today. Amen.
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Tuesday, September 04, 2007
The Destroyer…Apollyon!
Ezekiel 22; Ezekiel 23; Ezekiel 24; Revelation 9
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Scripture
Revelation 9
1 The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. 2 When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. 3 And out of the smoke locusts came down upon the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. 4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 They were not given power to kill them, but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6 During those days men will seek death, but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them.
7 The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces. 8 Their hair was like women's hair, and their teeth were like lions' teeth. 9 They had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. 10 They had tails and stings like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to torment people for five months. 11 They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon.
Observation
As I read in Ezekiel and in the book of Revelation about the destruction of Israel, Judah and the future destruction coming to those living today I am amazed that people don’t repent and get right with God. They didn’t repent in the Old Testament and most of the world is not going to repent, as things get worse. The destroyer, the angel of the Abyss, Abaddon, or Apollyon has many followers. Only those that have the seal of God on their forehead will escape the torture of the army of the destroyer.
It is the same today; only those that have the seal of the Holy Spirit have the Lord’s protection. I am so glad that I belong to Him and nothing can touch me except with my Heavenly Father’s permission. The prince of this world has no power over the children of the King. “Greater is He that is in us than he that is in this world.”
Application
As I travel to Cuba this Friday, I will go with the assurance that I am an ambassador of Christ. I am a King’s kid!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, without my relationship with you this would be a very scary world to live in. There is so much evil in this world and the world seems out of control. Yet I realize that nothing surprises you and you are working your master plan. The terrible things that will continue to happen in the world will not rob me of the peace that you have given me. You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 Amen.
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Ezekiel 22; Ezekiel 23; Ezekiel 24; Revelation 9
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Scripture
Revelation 9
1 The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. 2 When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. 3 And out of the smoke locusts came down upon the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. 4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 They were not given power to kill them, but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6 During those days men will seek death, but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them.
7 The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces. 8 Their hair was like women's hair, and their teeth were like lions' teeth. 9 They had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. 10 They had tails and stings like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to torment people for five months. 11 They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon.
Observation
As I read in Ezekiel and in the book of Revelation about the destruction of Israel, Judah and the future destruction coming to those living today I am amazed that people don’t repent and get right with God. They didn’t repent in the Old Testament and most of the world is not going to repent, as things get worse. The destroyer, the angel of the Abyss, Abaddon, or Apollyon has many followers. Only those that have the seal of God on their forehead will escape the torture of the army of the destroyer.
It is the same today; only those that have the seal of the Holy Spirit have the Lord’s protection. I am so glad that I belong to Him and nothing can touch me except with my Heavenly Father’s permission. The prince of this world has no power over the children of the King. “Greater is He that is in us than he that is in this world.”
Application
As I travel to Cuba this Friday, I will go with the assurance that I am an ambassador of Christ. I am a King’s kid!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, without my relationship with you this would be a very scary world to live in. There is so much evil in this world and the world seems out of control. Yet I realize that nothing surprises you and you are working your master plan. The terrible things that will continue to happen in the world will not rob me of the peace that you have given me. You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 Amen.
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Monday, September 03, 2007
Ponder This!
Ezekiel 20; Ezekiel 21; Psalm 111; Revelation 8
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Scripture
Psalm 111
1 Praise the LORD.
I will extol the LORD with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
2 Great are the works of the LORD;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
Observation
Have you ever watched a powerful storm and pondered the mighty works of God?
Or have you held a newborn baby in your arms and pondered about our God’s wonder and majesty?
Or have you ever watched on the television like I did this morning and after hearing the report of the newest category 5 Hurricane that is bearing down on Honduras have you pondered the Power of our God?
Application
Pondering is a very healthy thing to do! Kathy and I plan to go to Ft. Desoto Park today and I think that I will ponder while we are there about all the beautiful and wonderful things that God has created and placed for us to enjoy. I think I will fish while I ponder!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, how majestic is your name in all the earth. Today help me to see you, the Creator God in everything. Help me to take time today to ponder your greatness. Impress me today with your Creative Power. You are worthy to be praised. Thank you for all the new people that you are sending to our church and thank you for so many that you are bringing back. Thank you for being such a wonderful Heavenly Father to me. Amen.
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Ezekiel 20; Ezekiel 21; Psalm 111; Revelation 8
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Scripture
Psalm 111
1 Praise the LORD.
I will extol the LORD with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
2 Great are the works of the LORD;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
Observation
Have you ever watched a powerful storm and pondered the mighty works of God?
Or have you held a newborn baby in your arms and pondered about our God’s wonder and majesty?
Or have you ever watched on the television like I did this morning and after hearing the report of the newest category 5 Hurricane that is bearing down on Honduras have you pondered the Power of our God?
Application
Pondering is a very healthy thing to do! Kathy and I plan to go to Ft. Desoto Park today and I think that I will ponder while we are there about all the beautiful and wonderful things that God has created and placed for us to enjoy. I think I will fish while I ponder!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, how majestic is your name in all the earth. Today help me to see you, the Creator God in everything. Help me to take time today to ponder your greatness. Impress me today with your Creative Power. You are worthy to be praised. Thank you for all the new people that you are sending to our church and thank you for so many that you are bringing back. Thank you for being such a wonderful Heavenly Father to me. Amen.
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Sunday, September 02, 2007
Too Many to Count!
Ezekiel 17; Ezekiel 18; Ezekiel 19; Revelation 7
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Scripture
Revelation 7
The Great Multitude in White Robes
9 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb." 11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying:
"Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!"
13 Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?"
14 I answered, "Sir, you know."
And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore,
"they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.
16 Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat upon them,
nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Observation
Standing before His throne, so many that they cannot be counted and they come from every y nation, tribe, people and language. One day I will be standing before that throne and I hope that many will be standing there with me that I have helped hear the Gospel. Please note that every nation will be represented, not just those living in the USA.
Application
I need to think more about God’s will and less about Eddy’s will. How many more people can I move closer to the kingdom?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, not my will but your will be done today. Lord, show me your will and help me to be obedient to it. Help me lead our people to be obedient to you. I want to please you. You are the Lamb at the center of the throne and one day I will stand before you in all your glory. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Ezekiel 17; Ezekiel 18; Ezekiel 19; Revelation 7
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Revelation 7
The Great Multitude in White Robes
9 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb." 11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying:
"Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!"
13 Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?"
14 I answered, "Sir, you know."
And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore,
"they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.
16 Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat upon them,
nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Observation
Standing before His throne, so many that they cannot be counted and they come from every y nation, tribe, people and language. One day I will be standing before that throne and I hope that many will be standing there with me that I have helped hear the Gospel. Please note that every nation will be represented, not just those living in the USA.
Application
I need to think more about God’s will and less about Eddy’s will. How many more people can I move closer to the kingdom?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, not my will but your will be done today. Lord, show me your will and help me to be obedient to it. Help me lead our people to be obedient to you. I want to please you. You are the Lamb at the center of the throne and one day I will stand before you in all your glory. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, September 01, 2007
True Heroes!
Ezekiel 15; Ezekiel 16; Psalm 70; Revelation 6
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Scripture
Revelation 6
9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10 They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" 11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.
Observation
In Iraq, some of the Iraqi people are blowing themselves up thinking that because they are dying for their cause they will go to Heaven. In fact, they say it is the only way to know for sure that you will go to Heaven is to die fighting the Infidels in a holy war.
My heroes are the Christians that have died while serving on the mission field. Knowing the danger and counting the cost they decided to place themselves in dangerous positions so those unreached people have the opportunity to hear about Jesus. These are not only my heroes, but they are also close to God’s heart too!
Application
Suffering...am I willing to lay down my life for Him? Yes Lord, I am willing to give my life for you if that is what it takes for others to know you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I read Revelation I am reminded that this is not my home. I have a place with you and that is where I belong. I pray for my missionary friends that today are in very dangerous places. I ask that you use them for your glory. Protect them with your Mighty Power. Help them not to be discouraged or defeated. Bless them and their families and the nationals around them. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Ezekiel 15; Ezekiel 16; Psalm 70; Revelation 6
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Revelation 6
9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10 They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" 11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.
Observation
In Iraq, some of the Iraqi people are blowing themselves up thinking that because they are dying for their cause they will go to Heaven. In fact, they say it is the only way to know for sure that you will go to Heaven is to die fighting the Infidels in a holy war.
My heroes are the Christians that have died while serving on the mission field. Knowing the danger and counting the cost they decided to place themselves in dangerous positions so those unreached people have the opportunity to hear about Jesus. These are not only my heroes, but they are also close to God’s heart too!
Application
Suffering...am I willing to lay down my life for Him? Yes Lord, I am willing to give my life for you if that is what it takes for others to know you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I read Revelation I am reminded that this is not my home. I have a place with you and that is where I belong. I pray for my missionary friends that today are in very dangerous places. I ask that you use them for your glory. Protect them with your Mighty Power. Help them not to be discouraged or defeated. Bless them and their families and the nationals around them. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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