How Quickly We Forget!
Job 22; Mark 7; Mark 8
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Scripture
The Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod
Mark 8
14 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 "Be careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod."
16 They discussed this with one another and said, "It is because we have no bread."
17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?"
"Twelve," they replied.
20 "And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?"
They answered, "Seven."
21 He said to them, "Do you still not understand?"
Observation
The disciples had just watched Jesus feed the 4,000 before getting in the boat with him. Jesus was taking the opportunity while they are all in the boat to teach them a spiritual truth that warned them of the false teaching of the Pharisees.
They thought that because he mentioned “yeast” in his teaching that some how he must have been using that example because they had messed up and had forgotten to bring the bread. They completely missed what he was saying.
Have you been misunderstood lately?
Does it frustrate you because folks don’t understand spiritual truths and waste energy over stuff that just doesn’t matter fussing over little things but not showing the least bit of concern about the souls of people? Did you notice that Jesus sighed deeply once in chapter 7:34 and again in chapter 8:12?
Application
What are you trying to teach me today Lord? I want to learn from you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, open my eyes so that I can see what you want me to see. Don’t let my heart be hard and resistant to your teachings. Help me to get it. I don’t want to cause you to sigh today. May I bring you joy not sadness. Give me energy and give me the desire to do your will. You are awesome and worthy to be praised. Amen.
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Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Do Not Be Afraid; Just Believe.
Job 21; Mark 5; Mark 6
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Scripture
Mark 5
35 While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher any more?"
36 Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe."
37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, "Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep." 40 But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child's father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" ). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Observation
Faith…is not being afraid when the situation is impossible and just believing in the Awesome Power of our Heavenly Father. Can you imagine the emotional roller coaster that Jairus was experiencing? He must have been thinking that if he could have just reached Jesus in time then his daughter could be healed. He reaches Jesus and Jesus begins to go with him, but then Jesus stops to find out who had touched him. He takes time to talk to the woman that had touched him and at that moment some men come with the news that the little girl had died. Then Jesus turns to Jairus and tells him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” He must have had high hopes of having Jesus heal his daughter then those hopes were dashed by the bad news that she was already dead. I don’t know how far they had to walk to reach Jairus’ daughter but these words must have been replaying over and over in his head, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
As we walk with Jesus there will be days when all we can do is take these words to heart, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Application
When tragedy comes, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are the Resurrection and the Life. You are the Alpha and the Omega. You are the Great Shepherd and you are the Great Physician. Teach me to walk by faith and help me to apply your words to my life. Help me not to be afraid; just believe. Amen.
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Job 21; Mark 5; Mark 6
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Scripture
Mark 5
35 While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher any more?"
36 Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe."
37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, "Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep." 40 But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child's father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" ). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Observation
Faith…is not being afraid when the situation is impossible and just believing in the Awesome Power of our Heavenly Father. Can you imagine the emotional roller coaster that Jairus was experiencing? He must have been thinking that if he could have just reached Jesus in time then his daughter could be healed. He reaches Jesus and Jesus begins to go with him, but then Jesus stops to find out who had touched him. He takes time to talk to the woman that had touched him and at that moment some men come with the news that the little girl had died. Then Jesus turns to Jairus and tells him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” He must have had high hopes of having Jesus heal his daughter then those hopes were dashed by the bad news that she was already dead. I don’t know how far they had to walk to reach Jairus’ daughter but these words must have been replaying over and over in his head, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
As we walk with Jesus there will be days when all we can do is take these words to heart, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Application
When tragedy comes, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are the Resurrection and the Life. You are the Alpha and the Omega. You are the Great Shepherd and you are the Great Physician. Teach me to walk by faith and help me to apply your words to my life. Help me not to be afraid; just believe. Amen.
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Monday, October 29, 2007
What a Wonderful Family!
Job 20; Mark 3; Mark 4
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Scripture
Mark 3
Jesus' Mother and Brothers
20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."
31 Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you."
33 "Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked.
34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."
Observation
At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry his family thought he was crazy. In Mark chapter three his mother and brothers are coming to get him to take him away. And if they would have had it back then they would have had him “Baker acted” and they would have put him away in an insane Asylum.
Something happens within the family though and they begin to believe that he was the Messiah, the Son of God. We don’t know how many of his half brothers and sisters became believers but we do know that he reached his mother and his half brother James with the Gospel. We also don’t know how long it took before they quit thinking that he was crazy. Maybe some of his family never did put their faith in him as Savior. How sad.
Some of the folks in our families might be thinking the same thing about us. Maybe they think that we are weird because we think so much of those brothers and sisters in Christ down at church. Brothers and sisters in Christ are closer to us than our natural brothers and sisters. It is true.
Application
My church family is so important to my spiritual health. I will thank the Lord today for bringing all these wonderful people into my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are my Father. Thank you for giving me so many brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for providing such a large family for me to enjoy. You are so good to us. We are not worthy of all your blessings. Bless the folks in our church this week. Help them live lives that bring you Glory and Honor. Help our men to be strong. Amen.
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Job 20; Mark 3; Mark 4
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Scripture
Mark 3
Jesus' Mother and Brothers
20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."
31 Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you."
33 "Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked.
34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."
Observation
At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry his family thought he was crazy. In Mark chapter three his mother and brothers are coming to get him to take him away. And if they would have had it back then they would have had him “Baker acted” and they would have put him away in an insane Asylum.
Something happens within the family though and they begin to believe that he was the Messiah, the Son of God. We don’t know how many of his half brothers and sisters became believers but we do know that he reached his mother and his half brother James with the Gospel. We also don’t know how long it took before they quit thinking that he was crazy. Maybe some of his family never did put their faith in him as Savior. How sad.
Some of the folks in our families might be thinking the same thing about us. Maybe they think that we are weird because we think so much of those brothers and sisters in Christ down at church. Brothers and sisters in Christ are closer to us than our natural brothers and sisters. It is true.
Application
My church family is so important to my spiritual health. I will thank the Lord today for bringing all these wonderful people into my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are my Father. Thank you for giving me so many brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for providing such a large family for me to enjoy. You are so good to us. We are not worthy of all your blessings. Bless the folks in our church this week. Help them live lives that bring you Glory and Honor. Help our men to be strong. Amen.
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Sunday, October 28, 2007
I Know That My Redeemer Lives
Job 19; Mark 1; Mark 2
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Scripture
Job 19
25 I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
27 I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!
Observation
Job in all his misery is able to make this boast about His Lord, “I know that my Redeemer lives”. Today, I make the same boast, “I know that my Redeemer lives”. Can you say that too? Do you have a Redeemer?
Application
This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me this day to be glad in you. I know that my Redeemer lives. One day I will see you face to face and I look forward to that day. You are my reason for living today. You are my rock. You are my everything. I give you Praise. Amen.
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Job 19; Mark 1; Mark 2
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Scripture
Job 19
25 I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
27 I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!
Observation
Job in all his misery is able to make this boast about His Lord, “I know that my Redeemer lives”. Today, I make the same boast, “I know that my Redeemer lives”. Can you say that too? Do you have a Redeemer?
Application
This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me this day to be glad in you. I know that my Redeemer lives. One day I will see you face to face and I look forward to that day. You are my reason for living today. You are my rock. You are my everything. I give you Praise. Amen.
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Saturday, October 27, 2007
Who’s Your Daddy?
Job 18; Psalm 114; Acts 27; Acts 28
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Scripture
Acts 27
23 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'
Observation
Paul is in the midst of a storm that has the intensity of a hurricane but knows that he and the other 275 folks on the ship are going to be safe. How does he know that …because his Daddy told him so. When Paul and everyone else are finally ship wrecked and everyone is gathering firewood on the island of Malta a snake bites and attaches itself onto Paul’s hand. Everyone on the island think that this is the action of the gods giving Paul what he deserves, but when nothing happens to him then they think that Because of Paul’s relationship with God he didn’t have to worry about the snake or the storm. He had an all-powerful Heavenly Father watching out for him.
Application
The God whose I am and whom I serve will stand beside me too in the midst of life's storms!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for being my Daddy. I can come to you knowing that you are thinking about me and knowing that I am your delight. I don’t deserve this relationship, but I am so glad that you have allowed me the privilege of knowing you personally. I pray that others will put their faith in trust in you just like I did. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for protecting me. You are an awesome God. Amen.
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Job 18; Psalm 114; Acts 27; Acts 28
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Scripture
Acts 27
23 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'
Observation
Paul is in the midst of a storm that has the intensity of a hurricane but knows that he and the other 275 folks on the ship are going to be safe. How does he know that …because his Daddy told him so. When Paul and everyone else are finally ship wrecked and everyone is gathering firewood on the island of Malta a snake bites and attaches itself onto Paul’s hand. Everyone on the island think that this is the action of the gods giving Paul what he deserves, but when nothing happens to him then they think that Because of Paul’s relationship with God he didn’t have to worry about the snake or the storm. He had an all-powerful Heavenly Father watching out for him.
Application
The God whose I am and whom I serve will stand beside me too in the midst of life's storms!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for being my Daddy. I can come to you knowing that you are thinking about me and knowing that I am your delight. I don’t deserve this relationship, but I am so glad that you have allowed me the privilege of knowing you personally. I pray that others will put their faith in trust in you just like I did. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for protecting me. You are an awesome God. Amen.
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Friday, October 26, 2007
Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian!
Job 17; Acts 24; Acts 25; Acts 26
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Scripture
Acts 26
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"
29 Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."
30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 They left the room, and while talking with one another, they said, "This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment."
32 Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."
Observation
I was in the doctor’s office yesterday and Christy, one of the doctor’s assistants was asking me questions and doing a couple of tests on my eyes before the doctor came in to see me. I asked her, “When you get a chance to go to church were do you go?” She replied that she never goes to church. Her family was Catholic growing up but she said that was in name only. She said she that didn’t know very much at all about church or Jesus. As quickly as I could I told her that God created her and he wanted her to have a relationship with him and that relationship was possible by knowing Jesus. I told her that Jesus came so that she could experience life to its fullest. I quickly told her about a few churches close to where she lived. And I told her that I would be praying for her. Not much time with Christy, but just enough time to hopefully plant a seed. Paul didn’t have much time with Agrippa but he had enough time to plant a seed. Agrippa left Paul’s presence knowing what he needed to do to have a genuine relationship with God.
Application
Today I will continue to look for opportunities to share my faith. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are the Light of the World and your Word says that we are to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify the Father which is in heaven. Help me bring you glory today. Bring people into my life that need to hear about Jesus. Amen.
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Job 17; Acts 24; Acts 25; Acts 26
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Scripture
Acts 26
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"
29 Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."
30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 They left the room, and while talking with one another, they said, "This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment."
32 Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."
Observation
I was in the doctor’s office yesterday and Christy, one of the doctor’s assistants was asking me questions and doing a couple of tests on my eyes before the doctor came in to see me. I asked her, “When you get a chance to go to church were do you go?” She replied that she never goes to church. Her family was Catholic growing up but she said that was in name only. She said she that didn’t know very much at all about church or Jesus. As quickly as I could I told her that God created her and he wanted her to have a relationship with him and that relationship was possible by knowing Jesus. I told her that Jesus came so that she could experience life to its fullest. I quickly told her about a few churches close to where she lived. And I told her that I would be praying for her. Not much time with Christy, but just enough time to hopefully plant a seed. Paul didn’t have much time with Agrippa but he had enough time to plant a seed. Agrippa left Paul’s presence knowing what he needed to do to have a genuine relationship with God.
Application
Today I will continue to look for opportunities to share my faith. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are the Light of the World and your Word says that we are to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify the Father which is in heaven. Help me bring you glory today. Bring people into my life that need to hear about Jesus. Amen.
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Thursday, October 25, 2007
No Way! Is It The Same Paul?
Job 16; Acts 21; Acts 22; Acts 23
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Scripture
Acts 21
8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.
10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.' "
Observation
In 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 the apostle Paul says, “women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.” And in 1 Timothy 2:11 Paul says, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve:”
At the end of his ministry right before his death we find the apostle Paul staying at the house of Phillip the Evangelist. Staying at the house of an evangelist would not be unusual at all for Paul, we would expect it wouldn’t we. But staying at the house of an evangelist that had four unmarried daughters who prophesied…is this the same Paul?
Why would he stay at the same house? The scripture doesn’t say that he stayed at the house of the evangelist that had four unmarried daughters that used to prophesy does it. Interesting isn’t it!
Application
I will continue to read and study God’s Word and I plan to stay flexible and open to learn new things from His Word every time I open it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to meditate on your Word today. Thank you for the verse that I have memorized this week. Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard my heart, for it affects everything I do.” Lord, help me lead our people away from the “petty” and help me to get their focus on reaching people with the Good News. Bring new people into my life today that need a relationship with you. Amen.
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Job 16; Acts 21; Acts 22; Acts 23
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Scripture
Acts 21
8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.
10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.' "
Observation
In 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 the apostle Paul says, “women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.” And in 1 Timothy 2:11 Paul says, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve:”
At the end of his ministry right before his death we find the apostle Paul staying at the house of Phillip the Evangelist. Staying at the house of an evangelist would not be unusual at all for Paul, we would expect it wouldn’t we. But staying at the house of an evangelist that had four unmarried daughters who prophesied…is this the same Paul?
Why would he stay at the same house? The scripture doesn’t say that he stayed at the house of the evangelist that had four unmarried daughters that used to prophesy does it. Interesting isn’t it!
Application
I will continue to read and study God’s Word and I plan to stay flexible and open to learn new things from His Word every time I open it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to meditate on your Word today. Thank you for the verse that I have memorized this week. Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard my heart, for it affects everything I do.” Lord, help me lead our people away from the “petty” and help me to get their focus on reaching people with the Good News. Bring new people into my life today that need a relationship with you. Amen.
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Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Humor…we all desperately need it
Scripture
Acts 20
7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "He's alive!" 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.
Observation
Luke, the writer of the book of Acts, writes in a little humor into this very almost tragic accident! You have to read between the lines to catch it. Did you catch it? This young man Eutychus didn’t just dose off while Paul was talking, oh no, Luke says that while Paul talked on and on Eutychus fell into a deep sleep. If you are sitting on a ledge of a third story window it is a very dangerous thing to do, especially if the preacher talks on and on. By the way, it didn’t stop Paul from continuing to talk the passage says that Paul continued to talk until daylight. Take a minute and just place yourself in that home and imagine what it must have been like! Don’t you know that after Eutychus was raised from the dead that everyone had a good laugh about it and I am sure that they joked about Paul being long winded, just like Luke did!
Application
I need to see some humor in and around me today. It has been a difficult week!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. There is no one greater than you. You are the Resurrection and the Life, The great I AM. Nothing is too hard for you! Help me today deal with difficult people who seem to love to find fault with things and find fault with other people. Bring people into my life today that will encourage me and not wound me. Above all of this, your word says, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. Father, today help me guard my heart. Amen.
Job 15; Acts 19; Acts 20
Scripture
Acts 20
7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "He's alive!" 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.
Observation
Luke, the writer of the book of Acts, writes in a little humor into this very almost tragic accident! You have to read between the lines to catch it. Did you catch it? This young man Eutychus didn’t just dose off while Paul was talking, oh no, Luke says that while Paul talked on and on Eutychus fell into a deep sleep. If you are sitting on a ledge of a third story window it is a very dangerous thing to do, especially if the preacher talks on and on. By the way, it didn’t stop Paul from continuing to talk the passage says that Paul continued to talk until daylight. Take a minute and just place yourself in that home and imagine what it must have been like! Don’t you know that after Eutychus was raised from the dead that everyone had a good laugh about it and I am sure that they joked about Paul being long winded, just like Luke did!
Application
I need to see some humor in and around me today. It has been a difficult week!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. There is no one greater than you. You are the Resurrection and the Life, The great I AM. Nothing is too hard for you! Help me today deal with difficult people who seem to love to find fault with things and find fault with other people. Bring people into my life today that will encourage me and not wound me. Above all of this, your word says, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. Father, today help me guard my heart. Amen.
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Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Though He Slay Me…
Job 13; Job 14; Acts 17; Acts 18
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Scripture
Job 13
15 Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;
I will surely defend my ways to his face.
Observation
What would it take for you to deny Christ? If you were going to be shot would you deny Christ? What if your enemies were going to torture you unless you denied Christ? What if your enemies began to torture your wife, your child, your mom and said that they would quit until you denied being a Christ-follower.
It is too easy for us in the USA. What is the cost here for following Christ? What kind of persecution do you and I experience?
When things go south and life is rough what do you do? Do you suddenly deny Him? Job says, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him”.
Application
Everything I read about these days is dealing with the persecution of the Saints. I don’t know if it is something I am getting ready to experience, but I know that I need to make up my mind right now and say with Job, “though he slay me, yet will I hope in Him.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I once again pray for the Christians that at this very moment are dying for their faith. I know that they are very precious to you. I pray for my brothers and sisters in China and in North Korea. I pray that many will place their trust and faith in you through the sacrifice that many persecuted believers are making. Be glorified through them and help me to pray more for these believers and pray more for the spread of the Gospel in these countries. Amen.
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Job 13; Job 14; Acts 17; Acts 18
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Scripture
Job 13
15 Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;
I will surely defend my ways to his face.
Observation
What would it take for you to deny Christ? If you were going to be shot would you deny Christ? What if your enemies were going to torture you unless you denied Christ? What if your enemies began to torture your wife, your child, your mom and said that they would quit until you denied being a Christ-follower.
It is too easy for us in the USA. What is the cost here for following Christ? What kind of persecution do you and I experience?
When things go south and life is rough what do you do? Do you suddenly deny Him? Job says, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him”.
Application
Everything I read about these days is dealing with the persecution of the Saints. I don’t know if it is something I am getting ready to experience, but I know that I need to make up my mind right now and say with Job, “though he slay me, yet will I hope in Him.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I once again pray for the Christians that at this very moment are dying for their faith. I know that they are very precious to you. I pray for my brothers and sisters in China and in North Korea. I pray that many will place their trust and faith in you through the sacrifice that many persecuted believers are making. Be glorified through them and help me to pray more for these believers and pray more for the spread of the Gospel in these countries. Amen.
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Monday, October 22, 2007
Breaking Free!
Job 11; Job 12; Acts 15; Acts 16
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Scripture
Acts 16
Paul and Silas in Prison
16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." 18 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.
19 When the owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. 20 They brought them before the magistrates and said, "These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar 21 by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice."
22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"
29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.
35 When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: "Release those men." 36 The jailer told Paul, "The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace."
37 But Paul said to the officers: "They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out."
38 The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. 39 They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. 40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left.
Observation
This story is not about how God set Paul and Silas free, but rather it is a story of how God set the Philippian jailor free! Paul and Silas had just been beaten earlier in the day and placed in the darkest most secure part of the jail. It was midnight and Paul and Silas were praying and singing and the scriptures say that the other prisoners were listening to them. What choice did those prisoners have Paul and Silas had a captive audience! I believe that the jailor was also listening!
Why were Paul and Silas thrown into that jail? They were put in jail to set someone free!
Application
Sometimes the hardships that we go through are all a part of God’s bigger plan. He is not so concerned about our comfort, but he is very concerned about our character. If you are experiencing difficulties right now maybe you should look around it could be that someone close to you needs to be set free!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise you this morning because you are so awesome. Your ways are not our ways and your thoughts are not our thoughts. We can’t see your plan and we don’t understand why the circumstances around us are the way they are but Lord I put my trust in you. May your kingdom come and may your will be done in my life today. Open my eyes so that I can see what is really important today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 11; Job 12; Acts 15; Acts 16
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Scripture
Acts 16
Paul and Silas in Prison
16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." 18 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.
19 When the owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. 20 They brought them before the magistrates and said, "These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar 21 by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice."
22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"
29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.
35 When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: "Release those men." 36 The jailer told Paul, "The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace."
37 But Paul said to the officers: "They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out."
38 The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. 39 They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. 40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left.
Observation
This story is not about how God set Paul and Silas free, but rather it is a story of how God set the Philippian jailor free! Paul and Silas had just been beaten earlier in the day and placed in the darkest most secure part of the jail. It was midnight and Paul and Silas were praying and singing and the scriptures say that the other prisoners were listening to them. What choice did those prisoners have Paul and Silas had a captive audience! I believe that the jailor was also listening!
Why were Paul and Silas thrown into that jail? They were put in jail to set someone free!
Application
Sometimes the hardships that we go through are all a part of God’s bigger plan. He is not so concerned about our comfort, but he is very concerned about our character. If you are experiencing difficulties right now maybe you should look around it could be that someone close to you needs to be set free!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise you this morning because you are so awesome. Your ways are not our ways and your thoughts are not our thoughts. We can’t see your plan and we don’t understand why the circumstances around us are the way they are but Lord I put my trust in you. May your kingdom come and may your will be done in my life today. Open my eyes so that I can see what is really important today. Amen.
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Sunday, October 21, 2007
Joy & Hardships Go Hand in Hand!
Job 9; Job 10; Acts 13; Acts 14
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Scripture
Acts 14
21 They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
Observation
I read this mornings Bible reading in Acts and in Job and I realized that the Christian life and the American lifestyle don’t match. Here in the USA whenever we get the least bit uncomfortable we tend to gripe and complain. What would we do if people had a habit of stoning us for our faith? I am amazed at Paul and Barnabas. In this same chapter just a few verses before verse twenty-one we find that Paul has been stoned and left for dead outside the city. Then the scriptures say that Paul gets up after being stoned and goes back into the city. In chapter 13:52 the scriptures say, “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
Application
What do I need to change in my life to be more like Paul and Barnabas?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are an Awesome God. Nothing is too hard for you. I pray that today you draw men unto yourself. I pray that men will be saved today. In church this morning I pray that men and women would be convicted of their sin and that they would turn to you. May you receive Glory and Honor on this Lord’s Day. Amen.
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Job 9; Job 10; Acts 13; Acts 14
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Scripture
Acts 14
21 They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
Observation
I read this mornings Bible reading in Acts and in Job and I realized that the Christian life and the American lifestyle don’t match. Here in the USA whenever we get the least bit uncomfortable we tend to gripe and complain. What would we do if people had a habit of stoning us for our faith? I am amazed at Paul and Barnabas. In this same chapter just a few verses before verse twenty-one we find that Paul has been stoned and left for dead outside the city. Then the scriptures say that Paul gets up after being stoned and goes back into the city. In chapter 13:52 the scriptures say, “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
Application
What do I need to change in my life to be more like Paul and Barnabas?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are an Awesome God. Nothing is too hard for you. I pray that today you draw men unto yourself. I pray that men will be saved today. In church this morning I pray that men and women would be convicted of their sin and that they would turn to you. May you receive Glory and Honor on this Lord’s Day. Amen.
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Saturday, October 20, 2007
Eaten Alive … by Worms!
Job 6; Job 7; Job 8; Acts 12 Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Job 7
1 "Does not man have hard service on earth? Are not his days like those of a hired man? 2 Like a slave longing for the evening shadows, or a hired man waiting eagerly for his wages, 3 so I have been allotted months of futility, and nights of misery have been assigned to me. 4 When I lie down I think, 'How long before I get up?' The night drags on, and I toss till dawn. 5 My body is clothed with worms and scabs, my skin is broken and festering.
Acts 12
Herod's Death
Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there a while. 20 He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. Having secured the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king's country for their food supply. 21 On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. 22 They shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man." 23 Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.
Observation
Have you ever seen a dead animal that was full of worms? Seeing a dead animal full of worms is gross, but can you imagine being alive and being eaten alive by worms. Both these men, Job and Herod were being eaten alive by worms. That is worse than the “Super Bug” the staff infection that is going around right now. Job was being tested and Herod was being punished. Job was restored to complete health and Herod died. It appeared that both men were being punished by God and even Job’s so called friends believed that Job was suffering because he had sinned. Job’s sickness wasn’t because of sinful life. When I visit people in the hospital many times it looks like the disease that is killing them is a result of an ungodly lifestyle like the results of alcohol, drugs, gluttony, or sexual immorality. But like I had someone tell me this week when he was telling me about the different times he had been arrested, “God told me while I was in jail that I was in jail because He was trying to get my attention.” Sometimes an illness or going to jail is just an opportunity to turn our lives over to Him. I don’t know if you are being eaten by worms this morning, but maybe you are dealing with something just as bad; is God testing you or maybe He is trying to get your attention? Job and Herod could have been bitten by something like the Human Botfly. Click here to read all about it, but only if you have a strong stomach!
Application
Job’s friends judged Job and insisted that he was suffering because of sin. I need to show more compassion to folks that are suffering and not worry about what caused them to be in such need and just show them love.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are a God of Mercy and Kindness. Give me your heart for people. Give me your compassion for those that are suffering. You are completely just and good. I don’t deserve the life I enjoy today and I realize that life is short and the creature comforts that surround me are temporary and most of the world doesn’t experience what I take for granted. I love you Lord. Amen.
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Friday, October 19, 2007
The Powerful Gift of Encouragement!
Job 5; Psalm 108; Acts 10; Acts 11
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Scripture
Acts 11
19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
22 News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Observation
Have you ever had someone say an encouraging word just when you needed it? Isn’t it great to have people who believe in you? There are no “Pauls” without a Barnabas! Barnabas stood up for Paul when no one else would and then when Barnabas realized that the church in Antioch needed the leadership of Paul Barnabas went to Tarsus and came back with Paul. How many pastors will go out and find someone more gifted than themselves for the sake of their church and allow that person to become senior leader/pastor? Wow! There is a message in this for me today! How about you?
Application
I will look for a man that needs for me to be a Barnabas to him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, your Word is so full of examples for us to follow. You are so mighty in Power! Help me live today in that power and might. Don’t let me be afraid. I pray that you show me who I need to help. Show me who needs encouraging today. Put that person on my heart and help me be a Barnabas to them. Amen.
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Job 5; Psalm 108; Acts 10; Acts 11
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Scripture
Acts 11
19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
22 News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Observation
Have you ever had someone say an encouraging word just when you needed it? Isn’t it great to have people who believe in you? There are no “Pauls” without a Barnabas! Barnabas stood up for Paul when no one else would and then when Barnabas realized that the church in Antioch needed the leadership of Paul Barnabas went to Tarsus and came back with Paul. How many pastors will go out and find someone more gifted than themselves for the sake of their church and allow that person to become senior leader/pastor? Wow! There is a message in this for me today! How about you?
Application
I will look for a man that needs for me to be a Barnabas to him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, your Word is so full of examples for us to follow. You are so mighty in Power! Help me live today in that power and might. Don’t let me be afraid. I pray that you show me who I need to help. Show me who needs encouraging today. Put that person on my heart and help me be a Barnabas to them. Amen.
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Wednesday, October 17, 2007
I Want to See Jesus!
Job 1; Job 2; Acts 6; Acts 7
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Scripture
Acts 7
The Stoning of Stephen
54 When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Observation
Do you want to see Jesus? Maybe this is weird but there have been times when I have asked God to let me see into Heaven. Other believers have had that opportunity, the opportunity to see Jesus, the chance to peek into Heaven. So far He hasn’t given me that opportunity but maybe one day He will. Many Muslims see visions of Jesus before they come to know Him personally. Because they lack the Word of God in these countries that are predominately Muslim God uses dreams and visions to bring men to a relationship with him.
I do realize that everyday when I read His Word I am getting a peek into Heaven and I get to experience a little taste of His Glory, but I still desire to see Him face to face. How about you?
Application
I will strive to read God’s Word everyday and apply it. This is a powerful passage that shows us the heart of God. At the moment Stephen needed encouragement and strength God opened up Heaven and gave him a peek and reassured him of his eternal destination.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, this morning through your Word I got to see Jesus high and lifted up. Stephen was your servant. He was faithful and yet he suffered. Lord I know that suffering is part of the Christian’s life. Help me serve you today. I want to focus on what is really important today. Help me Lord to see you at work in the lives of the people around me. Give me strength to do your will. I love you Lord. You are worthy to be praised. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 1; Job 2; Acts 6; Acts 7
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Acts 7
The Stoning of Stephen
54 When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Observation
Do you want to see Jesus? Maybe this is weird but there have been times when I have asked God to let me see into Heaven. Other believers have had that opportunity, the opportunity to see Jesus, the chance to peek into Heaven. So far He hasn’t given me that opportunity but maybe one day He will. Many Muslims see visions of Jesus before they come to know Him personally. Because they lack the Word of God in these countries that are predominately Muslim God uses dreams and visions to bring men to a relationship with him.
I do realize that everyday when I read His Word I am getting a peek into Heaven and I get to experience a little taste of His Glory, but I still desire to see Him face to face. How about you?
Application
I will strive to read God’s Word everyday and apply it. This is a powerful passage that shows us the heart of God. At the moment Stephen needed encouragement and strength God opened up Heaven and gave him a peek and reassured him of his eternal destination.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, this morning through your Word I got to see Jesus high and lifted up. Stephen was your servant. He was faithful and yet he suffered. Lord I know that suffering is part of the Christian’s life. Help me serve you today. I want to focus on what is really important today. Help me Lord to see you at work in the lives of the people around me. Give me strength to do your will. I love you Lord. You are worthy to be praised. Amen.
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Tuesday, October 16, 2007
You Will Not Be Able To Stop These Men!
Malachi 3; Malachi 4; Psalm 148; Acts 5
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Scripture
Acts 5
38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Observation
Last week I read in the Baptist Press about the two Chinese attorneys that had been arrested in China and had been tortured. One of them has a 77-year-old Mom that has also been arrested and tortured. I think it would do the Chinese government well to read Acts 5 and realize that they need to leave these people alone! God is God and they will not be able to stop these men. They will end up fighting against God.
I am reminded that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers in the heavenly realm. I don’t understand all of that but I know that it is true. Satan and his army is waging war against us.
I like what it says in verse 42, “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.” It never slowed them down!
Application
Tonight is outreach at our church! I look forward to going out and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, nothing is going to stop your plan to take the Gospel to this World. I pray again for the Christians in China and I ask that you strengthen them. I pray that you raise up an army of believers that will consider it joy to suffer for your Name. Help me to be bold today. Use us tonight as we go out and speak and give witness about you. You are my God. You are worthy of praise. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Malachi 3; Malachi 4; Psalm 148; Acts 5
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Acts 5
38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Observation
Last week I read in the Baptist Press about the two Chinese attorneys that had been arrested in China and had been tortured. One of them has a 77-year-old Mom that has also been arrested and tortured. I think it would do the Chinese government well to read Acts 5 and realize that they need to leave these people alone! God is God and they will not be able to stop these men. They will end up fighting against God.
I am reminded that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers in the heavenly realm. I don’t understand all of that but I know that it is true. Satan and his army is waging war against us.
I like what it says in verse 42, “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.” It never slowed them down!
Application
Tonight is outreach at our church! I look forward to going out and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, nothing is going to stop your plan to take the Gospel to this World. I pray again for the Christians in China and I ask that you strengthen them. I pray that you raise up an army of believers that will consider it joy to suffer for your Name. Help me to be bold today. Use us tonight as we go out and speak and give witness about you. You are my God. You are worthy of praise. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Do Not Break Faith…God Hates Divorce!
Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1; Malachi 2; Acts 4
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Scripture
Malachi 2
13 Another thing you do: You flood the LORD's altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer pays attention to your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. 14 You ask, "Why?" It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.
15 Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.
16 "I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel, "and I hate a man's covering himself with violence as well as with his garment," says the LORD Almighty.
So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.
Observation
How do you think God feels about all the people around us getting divorced? Does it bother Him a little bit? No it bothers Him a lot…in fact, He hates it. Kathy and I will celebrate 38 years of being married on November 1st and our marriage keeps getting better and better. I am not the perfect husband. I still mess up and say stupid and hurtful things sometimes and I can still get mad and pout for a little while, but I have a great wife! I don’t ever want to mess up and break our marriage covenant.
We attended two weddings on Saturday; we listened as the two couples promised God that they would not break faith. The odds are stacked against them being able to keep that important promise and the only way that they will have a successful marriage is to keep God as first priority of their lives.
Application
I will guard myself and stay close to the Lord to keep myself from breaking faith with the wife of my youth!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to keep my promise that I made with you about being faithful to Kathy. Help Kathy and I encourage others to have strong, healthy marriages. Thank you for protecting us and keeping us from breaking faith. I realize that if I let my guard down that it could happen tomorrow. Lord, don’t ever let me do that. Keep me strong Lord. Keep me strong. You are my strength, my ever help in trouble. I love you Lord. Amen.
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Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1; Malachi 2; Acts 4
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Scripture
Malachi 2
13 Another thing you do: You flood the LORD's altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer pays attention to your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. 14 You ask, "Why?" It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.
15 Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.
16 "I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel, "and I hate a man's covering himself with violence as well as with his garment," says the LORD Almighty.
So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.
Observation
How do you think God feels about all the people around us getting divorced? Does it bother Him a little bit? No it bothers Him a lot…in fact, He hates it. Kathy and I will celebrate 38 years of being married on November 1st and our marriage keeps getting better and better. I am not the perfect husband. I still mess up and say stupid and hurtful things sometimes and I can still get mad and pout for a little while, but I have a great wife! I don’t ever want to mess up and break our marriage covenant.
We attended two weddings on Saturday; we listened as the two couples promised God that they would not break faith. The odds are stacked against them being able to keep that important promise and the only way that they will have a successful marriage is to keep God as first priority of their lives.
Application
I will guard myself and stay close to the Lord to keep myself from breaking faith with the wife of my youth!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to keep my promise that I made with you about being faithful to Kathy. Help Kathy and I encourage others to have strong, healthy marriages. Thank you for protecting us and keeping us from breaking faith. I realize that if I let my guard down that it could happen tomorrow. Lord, don’t ever let me do that. Keep me strong Lord. Keep me strong. You are my strength, my ever help in trouble. I love you Lord. Amen.
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Sunday, October 14, 2007
Church = Hospital! Right or Wrong?
Nehemiah 11; Nehemiah 12; Psalm 1; Acts 3
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Scripture
Acts 3
Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar
1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
6 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Observation
People without Christ come to our churches wounded and crippled. They come with all their hurts, hang-ups, and habits. God is drawing them to a new life. He desires to set them free! Our church should be the place where they find healing! It has to become a hospital.
Do you feel tension in your church that is created by long time church members who want the church to revolve around them and they want the church to meet their wants and their desires. They seem to come each Sunday trying to find something that isn’t right that they can mumble about. They sometimes even say, “but what about us”, all you think about are people that don’t know Christ.
Let me ask you a question, “If you have been in church for 5, 10, 15, or 20 years or more how many sermons have you listened to, and how many Bible studies have you attended?” The answer is probably thousands! In Matthew 9:12 “Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
Application
What person crippled by the sins of this world needs my attention today? Who needs yours?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be like Peter and John today. Give me compassion for those that are sin sick that need a touch from you. Lord, make me sensitive to the needs of the people around me. Show me what to do. How to really help the people that I see in need. I love you Lord. You are my Strength for today. Lord, may we bring you Glory as we worship you this morning. Touch lives through your Word. Amen.
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Nehemiah 11; Nehemiah 12; Psalm 1; Acts 3
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Scripture
Acts 3
Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar
1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
6 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Observation
People without Christ come to our churches wounded and crippled. They come with all their hurts, hang-ups, and habits. God is drawing them to a new life. He desires to set them free! Our church should be the place where they find healing! It has to become a hospital.
Do you feel tension in your church that is created by long time church members who want the church to revolve around them and they want the church to meet their wants and their desires. They seem to come each Sunday trying to find something that isn’t right that they can mumble about. They sometimes even say, “but what about us”, all you think about are people that don’t know Christ.
Let me ask you a question, “If you have been in church for 5, 10, 15, or 20 years or more how many sermons have you listened to, and how many Bible studies have you attended?” The answer is probably thousands! In Matthew 9:12 “Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
Application
What person crippled by the sins of this world needs my attention today? Who needs yours?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be like Peter and John today. Give me compassion for those that are sin sick that need a touch from you. Lord, make me sensitive to the needs of the people around me. Show me what to do. How to really help the people that I see in need. I love you Lord. You are my Strength for today. Lord, may we bring you Glory as we worship you this morning. Touch lives through your Word. Amen.
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Saturday, October 13, 2007
One Of The Most Positive Words in the English Language!
Nehemiah 9; Nehemiah 10; Acts 2
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Scripture
Nehemiah 9
The Israelites Confess Their Sins
1 On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and having dust on their heads. 2 Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the wickedness of their fathers. 3 They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the LORD their God.
Acts 2
36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Observation
There is no more positive word in the dictionary than the word “REPENT”. For some strange reason we tend to think of it as a negative word but it couldn’t be any more positive. When we are living life for ourselves, it always results in misery and destruction. You can look at the nation of Israel as an example or just read this mornings newspaper or listen to five minutes of news on the television, or just look at the lives of people in your family – self-centered living always leads to misery and destruction!
Application
Have you applied this very positive word to your life today? Where is God? Is He directing your life and are you living for Him? Or do you find yourself going in your own direction and moving away from God?
The reason that the word “REPENT” is such a positive word is that once you have “Repented” turning from “sin” and “self” and turning to God and eternal life, once you have done that, then you will live a life that is blessed by God. That is why Jesus said in John 10:10b “I have come that you may have life and have it to its fullest”. Are you experiencing that kind of life today - A life full of meaning and purpose? You can if you will “Repent” today! Click here for more information about making this wonderful decision!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise you because you are a God of mercy and kindness. Thank you for your goodness. Thank you for giving me an abundant life full of purpose and meaning. Help people close to me realize that they need to repent and turn from their lives of sin and self and turn to you. I pray for their salvation today. Amen.
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“REPENT”
Nehemiah 9; Nehemiah 10; Acts 2
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Scripture
Nehemiah 9
The Israelites Confess Their Sins
1 On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and having dust on their heads. 2 Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the wickedness of their fathers. 3 They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the LORD their God.
Acts 2
36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Observation
There is no more positive word in the dictionary than the word “REPENT”. For some strange reason we tend to think of it as a negative word but it couldn’t be any more positive. When we are living life for ourselves, it always results in misery and destruction. You can look at the nation of Israel as an example or just read this mornings newspaper or listen to five minutes of news on the television, or just look at the lives of people in your family – self-centered living always leads to misery and destruction!
Application
Have you applied this very positive word to your life today? Where is God? Is He directing your life and are you living for Him? Or do you find yourself going in your own direction and moving away from God?
The reason that the word “REPENT” is such a positive word is that once you have “Repented” turning from “sin” and “self” and turning to God and eternal life, once you have done that, then you will live a life that is blessed by God. That is why Jesus said in John 10:10b “I have come that you may have life and have it to its fullest”. Are you experiencing that kind of life today - A life full of meaning and purpose? You can if you will “Repent” today! Click here for more information about making this wonderful decision!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise you because you are a God of mercy and kindness. Thank you for your goodness. Thank you for giving me an abundant life full of purpose and meaning. Help people close to me realize that they need to repent and turn from their lives of sin and self and turn to you. I pray for their salvation today. Amen.
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Friday, October 12, 2007
Man of Integrity! Does that Describe You?
Nehemiah 7; Nehemiah 8; Acts 1
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Scripture
Nehemiah 7
1 After the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers and the singers and the Levites were appointed. 2 I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most men do.
Observation
It seems like every week we read about ministers and church leaders being arrested for having sex with a teenager, or with a child, or being caught with pornography. Or if they are not arrested we read about pastors and staff members having to step down because of having committed adultery with someone in their church. As I write this blog a scripture comes to my mind that reminds me I need to be careful because I too could fall. 1 Cor. 10:12 “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!”
Application
Who should we put in places of leadership in our church? We should look for men and women of integrity that fear God more than most men and women do.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, make me a man of integrity. Help me spot those that fear you the most and that are men and women of integrity. Raise them up to places of leadership within our church. Protect us from the evil one that would have us to fall into sin. I pray for the men that I meet with every week. Help them to be men of integrity. Amen.
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Nehemiah 7; Nehemiah 8; Acts 1
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Scripture
Nehemiah 7
1 After the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers and the singers and the Levites were appointed. 2 I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most men do.
Observation
It seems like every week we read about ministers and church leaders being arrested for having sex with a teenager, or with a child, or being caught with pornography. Or if they are not arrested we read about pastors and staff members having to step down because of having committed adultery with someone in their church. As I write this blog a scripture comes to my mind that reminds me I need to be careful because I too could fall. 1 Cor. 10:12 “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!”
Application
Who should we put in places of leadership in our church? We should look for men and women of integrity that fear God more than most men and women do.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, make me a man of integrity. Help me spot those that fear you the most and that are men and women of integrity. Raise them up to places of leadership within our church. Protect us from the evil one that would have us to fall into sin. I pray for the men that I meet with every week. Help them to be men of integrity. Amen.
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Thursday, October 11, 2007
Wouldn’t You Like to Have Been There?
Nehemiah 5; Nehemiah 6; Psalm 146; Luke 24
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Scripture
Luke 24
On the Road to Emmaus
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19 "What things?" he asked.
"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
Observation
Can you imagine how it must have felt for these disciples walking down the road with Jesus and hearing him explain the scriptures about himself?
Application
Reading the scriptures should cause our hearts to burn within and when it doesn’t we need to see what has put the fire out!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love your Word! I love reading about you and I love time with you each day. So many people are on my heart today. So many are struggling and not walking in victory. Lord, help them trust completely in you. Help them walk and stay on the path to recovery! You are my God! Amen.
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Nehemiah 5; Nehemiah 6; Psalm 146; Luke 24
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Scripture
Luke 24
On the Road to Emmaus
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19 "What things?" he asked.
"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
Observation
Can you imagine how it must have felt for these disciples walking down the road with Jesus and hearing him explain the scriptures about himself?
Application
Reading the scriptures should cause our hearts to burn within and when it doesn’t we need to see what has put the fire out!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love your Word! I love reading about you and I love time with you each day. So many people are on my heart today. So many are struggling and not walking in victory. Lord, help them trust completely in you. Help them walk and stay on the path to recovery! You are my God! Amen.
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Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Remember The Lord, Who is Great an Awesome!
Nehemiah 3; Nehemiah 4; Luke 23
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Scripture
Luke 23
7 But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the men of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem's walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. 8 They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. 9 But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.
10 Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, "The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall."
11 Also our enemies said, "Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work."
12 Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, "Wherever you turn, they will attack us."
13 Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. 14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."
Observation
Have you ever heard a small kid say, “Awesome”? It is a word that can get over used, but it can never be used too much when someone is describing God! Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome! Are you dealing with opposition, or are you dealing with a difficult person or some difficult people like Nehemiah was dealing with then you need to remember that the Lord is great and awesome! This is an incredible story of the great and awesome power of our God. The children of Israel prayed, and then worked with a weapon strapped on their side or with a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other. They didn’t let the opposition stop them.
Application
We have a great and awesome Lord. Today I will meditate on his awesome and great power and the love that he has for me. Psalms 18 “1 I love you, O LORD, my strength. 2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You are my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; in whom I take refuge. You are my shield and the horn of my salvation, and my stronghold. I will call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. Amen.
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Nehemiah 3; Nehemiah 4; Luke 23
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Scripture
Luke 23
7 But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the men of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem's walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. 8 They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. 9 But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.
10 Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, "The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall."
11 Also our enemies said, "Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work."
12 Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, "Wherever you turn, they will attack us."
13 Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. 14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."
Observation
Have you ever heard a small kid say, “Awesome”? It is a word that can get over used, but it can never be used too much when someone is describing God! Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome! Are you dealing with opposition, or are you dealing with a difficult person or some difficult people like Nehemiah was dealing with then you need to remember that the Lord is great and awesome! This is an incredible story of the great and awesome power of our God. The children of Israel prayed, and then worked with a weapon strapped on their side or with a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other. They didn’t let the opposition stop them.
Application
We have a great and awesome Lord. Today I will meditate on his awesome and great power and the love that he has for me. Psalms 18 “1 I love you, O LORD, my strength. 2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You are my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; in whom I take refuge. You are my shield and the horn of my salvation, and my stronghold. I will call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. Amen.
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Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Why Are You Sleeping? Get Up and Pray!
Nehemiah 1; Nehemiah 2; Psalm 133; Luke 22
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Scripture
Luke 22
Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." 41 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 "Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."
Observation
“Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray!” Has the Lord been saying that to you lately? I woke up this morning and I was impressed to pray for two men in China that are being tortured for our faith. It is not just their faith; it is our faith! These two men and thousands of others in China are paying a huge price to take the Gospel to that huge nation while we sleep in comfort. Jesus made a decision to go out and sleep each night in the Mount of Olives while most of Jerusalem slept in the comfort of their homes.
When I wake up like this morning and it is early, when most of our neighbors are still asleep, many times it is because God wants me to pray for folks and He places the names of those folks on my heart. This is the first time I have ever been impressed to pray for specific believers in China. You can read the news release about their plight by just clicking on this sentence. The Olympics are in China in 2008. Did he place these men on my heart because He wants me to be a witness in that place? Would I be willing to go? How about you?
Application
I will begin to read and find out about this event in China and I will seek God’s face. And if He wants me to go to China or somewhere else in this world then I know He will continue to speak to my heart. I just listened to a message this morning by a guy named Mark Cahill on GodTube.com. It is 30 minutes long, but it is a powerful message about reaching this world for Christ. I highly recommend it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are at work in my life and I give you praise. Thank you for challenging me with what I have read about other Christians suffering for your sake in China. Use those believers in a mighty way. God speak to thousands of other Christians just like you did me this morning. When they wake up may they think about your work around the world. Give us your heart today Lord. Give us your heart. Don’t let us continue to sleep. Get us up to seek your face. Amen.
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Nehemiah 1; Nehemiah 2; Psalm 133; Luke 22
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Scripture
Luke 22
Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." 41 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 "Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."
Observation
“Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray!” Has the Lord been saying that to you lately? I woke up this morning and I was impressed to pray for two men in China that are being tortured for our faith. It is not just their faith; it is our faith! These two men and thousands of others in China are paying a huge price to take the Gospel to that huge nation while we sleep in comfort. Jesus made a decision to go out and sleep each night in the Mount of Olives while most of Jerusalem slept in the comfort of their homes.
When I wake up like this morning and it is early, when most of our neighbors are still asleep, many times it is because God wants me to pray for folks and He places the names of those folks on my heart. This is the first time I have ever been impressed to pray for specific believers in China. You can read the news release about their plight by just clicking on this sentence. The Olympics are in China in 2008. Did he place these men on my heart because He wants me to be a witness in that place? Would I be willing to go? How about you?
Application
I will begin to read and find out about this event in China and I will seek God’s face. And if He wants me to go to China or somewhere else in this world then I know He will continue to speak to my heart. I just listened to a message this morning by a guy named Mark Cahill on GodTube.com. It is 30 minutes long, but it is a powerful message about reaching this world for Christ. I highly recommend it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are at work in my life and I give you praise. Thank you for challenging me with what I have read about other Christians suffering for your sake in China. Use those believers in a mighty way. God speak to thousands of other Christians just like you did me this morning. When they wake up may they think about your work around the world. Give us your heart today Lord. Give us your heart. Don’t let us continue to sleep. Get us up to seek your face. Amen.
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Monday, October 08, 2007
Ready to Complain! Don’t Do It!
Ezra 9; Ezra 10; Psalm 131; Luke 21
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Scripture
Luke 21
37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.
Observation
Have you complained lately about your job, your house, your car, maybe your bed, or how about your schedule? Think about what these verses are saying about the schedule of Jesus. This passage says that each day Jesus was teaching in the temple and each evening he slept on the hill called Mount of Olives. No wonder Judas had no problem knowing where to find Jesus the night he betrayed him.
Last night after church I came home to nice house, watched a little of the Packers/Bears game and went to sleep in a nice bed in an air-conditioned room. Jesus went to church everyday and then camped out (without all of our camping equipment) each night after being at church all day.
Have you ever been camping? Do you remember how you felt after sleeping on the hard ground all night? Enough said, whatever you and I face this Monday morning it is nothing compared to what Jesus experienced or what most Christ-followers experience every single day. We are blessed and we are so spoiled living in the USA!
Application
I will write an email today to friends that live in Mexico, Honduras, and Cuba that do not live with all the luxuries that I enjoy today. And I will thank my God for every little creature comfort I enjoy and I will acknowledge to the Lord that they could be gone tomorrow!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am blessed. You are the Great Creator God and you have poured out your blessings on me and I do not deserve your kindness. I pray today for my friends in Cuba, and Mexico especially that lack some of the things that I enjoy. Lord, forgive me for complaining. The things that I enjoy today I realize are temporary and could vanish instantly, but nothing can take what I have stored up for me in Heaven. I am so blessed. Amen.
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Ezra 9; Ezra 10; Psalm 131; Luke 21
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Scripture
Luke 21
37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.
Observation
Have you complained lately about your job, your house, your car, maybe your bed, or how about your schedule? Think about what these verses are saying about the schedule of Jesus. This passage says that each day Jesus was teaching in the temple and each evening he slept on the hill called Mount of Olives. No wonder Judas had no problem knowing where to find Jesus the night he betrayed him.
Last night after church I came home to nice house, watched a little of the Packers/Bears game and went to sleep in a nice bed in an air-conditioned room. Jesus went to church everyday and then camped out (without all of our camping equipment) each night after being at church all day.
Have you ever been camping? Do you remember how you felt after sleeping on the hard ground all night? Enough said, whatever you and I face this Monday morning it is nothing compared to what Jesus experienced or what most Christ-followers experience every single day. We are blessed and we are so spoiled living in the USA!
Application
I will write an email today to friends that live in Mexico, Honduras, and Cuba that do not live with all the luxuries that I enjoy today. And I will thank my God for every little creature comfort I enjoy and I will acknowledge to the Lord that they could be gone tomorrow!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am blessed. You are the Great Creator God and you have poured out your blessings on me and I do not deserve your kindness. I pray today for my friends in Cuba, and Mexico especially that lack some of the things that I enjoy. Lord, forgive me for complaining. The things that I enjoy today I realize are temporary and could vanish instantly, but nothing can take what I have stored up for me in Heaven. I am so blessed. Amen.
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Sunday, October 07, 2007
Safe in His Hand!
"The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him”
Ezra 7; Ezra 8; Luke 20
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Scripture
Ezra 8
21 There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him." 23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
Observation
Tonight (Oct. 6) I received a call from one of our ladies in our church letting me know that someone had just stolen a purse in our gym. Tomorrow we are having a lunch celebrating “Academy Day” and several ladies were up at the gym getting things ready for the lunch tomorrow. They didn’t realize that the purse had been taken until they got ready to leave. When I arrived I discovered a second floor door of the gym had not been locked and the person must have entered from the second floor because the ladies had locked the first floor doors once they were inside.
As they were searching the building looking for the purse and hoping not to find the intruder one of the ladies told me that she prayed for God’s safety for them. God did answer their prayers. We found the ladies purse, minus the money that she had inside, but no credit cards or gift cards or cell phone were taken!
Now I pray that this thief would get caught and would get caught tonight before he harms anyone else!
Application
Ezra admitted that he was ashamed to ask the king for protection when he had just been bragging on the all-powerful God that he served. So he fasted and prayed and asked God to keep them safe. And He did! We also need to pray and not just think that God will protect us without calling out to Him. He wants to be asked!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your protection. Thank you for protecting the ladies tonight and thank you for not allowing the thief to take the credit cards and other valuables in the purse. I pray for this thief that he would get caught and that he would be confronted with the Gospel and I pray that he would repent and turn his life over to you. Don’t allow him to hurt anyone Lord. Protect our church buildings and our people from people that are evil. Nothing is too hard for you! Amen.
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"The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him”
Ezra 7; Ezra 8; Luke 20
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Ezra 8
21 There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him." 23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
Observation
Tonight (Oct. 6) I received a call from one of our ladies in our church letting me know that someone had just stolen a purse in our gym. Tomorrow we are having a lunch celebrating “Academy Day” and several ladies were up at the gym getting things ready for the lunch tomorrow. They didn’t realize that the purse had been taken until they got ready to leave. When I arrived I discovered a second floor door of the gym had not been locked and the person must have entered from the second floor because the ladies had locked the first floor doors once they were inside.
As they were searching the building looking for the purse and hoping not to find the intruder one of the ladies told me that she prayed for God’s safety for them. God did answer their prayers. We found the ladies purse, minus the money that she had inside, but no credit cards or gift cards or cell phone were taken!
Now I pray that this thief would get caught and would get caught tonight before he harms anyone else!
Application
Ezra admitted that he was ashamed to ask the king for protection when he had just been bragging on the all-powerful God that he served. So he fasted and prayed and asked God to keep them safe. And He did! We also need to pray and not just think that God will protect us without calling out to Him. He wants to be asked!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your protection. Thank you for protecting the ladies tonight and thank you for not allowing the thief to take the credit cards and other valuables in the purse. I pray for this thief that he would get caught and that he would be confronted with the Gospel and I pray that he would repent and turn his life over to you. Don’t allow him to hurt anyone Lord. Protect our church buildings and our people from people that are evil. Nothing is too hard for you! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, October 06, 2007
God Pursues Us!
Esther 9; Esther 10; Luke 19
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Scripture
Luke 19
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector
1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.'"
8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."
9 Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
Observation
Yesterday Kathy and I had the joy to go to a birthday celebration of a very close friend that had turned “80” years young! This was not just some ordinary somebody; this was Dr. Waylon B. Moore. Pastor Waylon Moore has been for the past 39 years one of the most powerful spiritual influences in my life! You see he was the pastor when I began attending Tampa Baptist Church (then the church was called Spencer Memorial Baptist) at 17 years of age. At 19 I gave my life to Christ and at the age of 23 I sensed God calling me into full time Christian service.
Kathy and I have served as missionaries since 1984 to the countries of Mexico, Morocco, Spain, and Cuba and Waylon Moore has traveled to each of these countries teaching both the nationals and the missionaries in those countries about the importance of “one on one discipleship” or now what is being called “mentoring”.
A lot of what I do each day has been influenced by Dr. Waylon B. Moore, from my daily quiet time to the way I think about ministry, especially the importance of mentoring other men. God pursued me and caught me when I was a teenager and I am so glad that he placed Waylon B. Moore in my life to make sure that I never veered off course.
I am eternally grateful to Dr. Waylon Moore and his beautiful wife Clemmie!
Yesterday Kathy and I celebrated 39 years since our first date! Tomorrow, which is Sunday, October 7th marks the first time I visited Tampa Baptist Church (Spencer Memorial Baptist Church) also when I was 17 years old! God’s pursuit of my life started with a beautiful blonde named Kathy and at a church called Spencer Memorial!
And as most everyone knows, my motivation to attend church was just so I could sit with her. Now 39 years later I have the awesome privilege of being pastor of this church. God is so good!
Application
May I be a mentor like to others like Dr. Moore has been to me! Bring men into my life that I can help grow in their relationship with you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I must feel like how the disciples of Paul must have felt when they were around Paul. You know that Bro. Moore is right up there on the same level as the Apostle Paul in my book. Thank you for not leaving me by myself after I gave my life to you. You had this all figured out way before I was even born. You are Wonderful! You do more than I can even imagine or think! You are an Awesome God! You are Worthy…You are Worthy…of Glory…of Honor…of Praise! Amen.
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Friday, October 05, 2007
Let the little children come to me!
Esther 3; Esther 4; Esther 5; Esther 6; Esther 7; Esther 8; Luke 18
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Scripture
Luke 18
The Little Children and Jesus
15 People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Observation
On Wednesday evenings I have the opportunity to be with our R.A. boys. R.A. is short for Royal Ambassadors and we teach the boys that they are Ambassadors for Christ! It is pure joy to be involved in this ministry. Richard King and Scott Harding also work with the R.A. boys, actually Scott and I are helpers and Richard leads.
We don’t do near as much as we should do with the boys, but one thing we work on is a scripture memory verse each week and they always say their R.A. pledge. I learned the pledge as a young boy myself and never forgot it.
As a Royal Ambassador I will do my best:
to become a well-informed, responsible follower of Christ;
to have a Christ-like concern for all people;
to learn how to carry the message of Christ around the world;
to work with others in sharing Christ; and
to keep myself clean and healthy in mind and body.
Application
If we had two other men we could have an even better ministry with our R.A. boys because we could separate the younger 1-3 graders (Lads) from the older 4-5 graders (Crusaders) and have age appropriate activities for each group.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with these boys. Help other men see how important this ministry is. Help our R.A. boys grow up to love and walk with you. Amen.
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