The Face of an Angel

Exodus 25; Exodus 26; Exodus 27; Acts 6
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Scripture

Acts 6

15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Observation

I hope that you took time to read all of chapter 6 this morning. I have to admit that when I read this last verse of the chapter I had to go on and look at chapter 7. It seems like that when we get to the end of chapter 6 everything has stopped and we find everyone staring into the face of Stephen. They were looking intently into his face. And what they saw was the face of an angel. For a few moments time must have stopped and the entire group of men had their eyes fixed on the face of Stephen and there was something about his face that made him look like an angel.

Here is what I think they saw in the face of Stephen, I don’t think it was an angel I think it was Jesus!

The scriptures say in verse 8 “Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.” When you and I are full of God’s Holy Spirit we are going to shine and we are going to look like His children. We are going to be different. Have you ever been around people that just glowed and you could sense God’s presence? I have. And I love to be around people at church that are like that. I love it when I bump into a Christ-follower out somewhere in a public place and it is so evident that this person has been with Jesus.

It was a guy like Stephen that God used to change my life. His name is Dr. Charles Hartwig. He now lives in Jacksonville, Florida and continues to serve as a deacon at First Baptist Church Jacksonville. He was my Sunday School teacher when I first started attending Tampa Baptist Church, which was then called Spencer Memorial Baptist. There was something different about him. At first I couldn’t put my finger on what made him so different, but now I know that it was because he was a man filled with the Holy Spirit. Today I still rank him right up there with guys like Stephen. God used him to change my life. I am eternally grateful to him.

Application

It is my desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit today so people can see Jesus in me.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, may others see Jesus in me. Amen

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Don’t Mess With God’s Anointed

Exodus 23; Exodus 24; Psalm 14; Acts 5
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Scripture

Acts 5

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

Did you read the entire chapter this morning? Take a second and click on the link and read the entire chapter it will only take a minute. In the beginning of the chapter we find a husband and wife named Ananias and Sapphira who come up with a crazy scheme to lie about the gift they were bringing to the Lord. The couple said to Peter and church leaders that they were giving all the proceeds from the sale of a certain piece of property to God and they told Peter that the amount of the sale was such and such. God somehow let Peter know that the husband and wife are lying about the amount and when Peter asked the husband to tell him once again how much the selling price was Ananias once again repeated the same lie and he then fell down dead. The wife came in a few hours later and Peter asked her to repeat to him how much the land was sold for and she lied and she fell down dead.

Then Peter and some other Apostles were arrested and put in prison but an angel brought them out of the jail and they were found the very next day preaching and teaching back at the temple courts. The high priest again arrested them and gave them strict orders not to preach or teach in the Name of Jesus anymore and then he had them flogged.

After Peter and the others were flogged they left that place…rejoicing…rejoicing…rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer for the Name of Jesus! Wow! How could you stop guys like that! You can’t. Don’t mess with God’s anointed.

Application

I will write some words of encouragement this week to some of God’s anointed that have impacted and changed my life.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, this past Sunday it was a joy for me to hear Dr. Waylon Moore preach your Word. He is most definitely anointed. Thank you for using him in my life and in the lives of so many others. I love to hear him preach and teach. God continue to give him good health and strength so he can continue to move men closer in their walk to you. Help me to be like the Jesus I see in him. You are so Worthy of our Praise. Thank you for the power to live this life in victory. May I be counted worthy to suffer for you in any way you choose to help people that are lost know you. Amen.


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The Joy of Giving and Receiving!

Exodus 21; Exodus 22; Psalm 12; Acts 4
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Scripture

The Believers Share Their Possessions

Acts 4

32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.

Observation

I meet with for guys every Thursday morning for breakfast. We have been meeting together for over two years every Thursday. These guys are great friends. We have allowed ourselves to be accountable to each other. This past week I mentioned that I was going to buy a used bike rack and I had to drive over all the way over to Treasure Island to get it. One of the guys said, “don’t buy a bike rack I have one in my shed that I never use.” He called me up later that day and told me that he had taken the bike rack out of the shed and told me to come over and pick it up. While I was there he showed me a bicycle in the shed and told me to take that too. So I left his house with a bike rack and a bike and Kathy and I rode bikes on Friday afternoon.

As I left his house with my new found treasures I felt the love that was shared with me by my friend. I saw him Sunday and he asked me if we had used the bicycle yet and I got to tell him about our Friday bike ride. It made him very glad. And it was a joy for both of us. It was putting Acts 4:32 into action.


Application

I will be ready to give away something this week as the Lord opens the door.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for friends that you have brought into my life. Thank you for giving me brothers and sisters in Christ and allowing us to be one in heart and mind. The friend that shared with me this past week and gave me the bike rack and the bike I ask that you bless him and bless his family. Thank you for what happened at church yesterday Lord. I am very proud of our people. They did so good yesterday I hope that they caused you to Smile. Help me this week find someone to share with. Allow me to give something away so I can experience the joy it causes. You give us so much. You are always blessing us. Help me to be a blessing to someone else this week. Amen.

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Jesus, There is Just Something About That Name!

Exodus 17; Exodus 18; Exodus 19; Exodus 20; Acts 3
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Scripture

Acts 3

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

16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

Observation

What does the name Jesus mean to you? Do you think of him as just a teacher, philosopher, or prophet that lived a long time ago? Or describe Him by saying, “some people think that He is God come down to earth to save all mankind.”

Or maybe you can say, “He is my Lord and my Savior.” He is the Great Physician. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Maybe you can say with confidence, “I was very sick and Jesus healed me.” Or maybe you could say, “I had a terrible tragedy happen in my life but Jesus helped me get through it.”

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there is just something about that Name! Call on Him today. Call on Him by his powerful Name – Jesus!


Application

Walking, jumping and praising God today because of Jesus!


Prayer

Heavenly Father, I have enjoyed talking with you this morning. I am able to come to your throne because of Jesus. It is in his Name, in the authority of His Name that I can come boldly to your throne. Today is a big day at church. I pray that people will cry out to you today and be saved. I also pray that our people will commit to give sacrificially today to support our Global Evangelization Offering. Do a mighty work today in our church so that you will be glorified. Amen.


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Bread of Heaven

Exodus 14; Exodus 16; Acts 2
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Scripture

Exodus 16

4 Then the LORD said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. 5 On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days."

14 When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. 15 When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was.
Moses said to them, "It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat. 16 This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Each one is to gather as much as he needs. Take an omer for each person you have in your tent.' "

31 The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey. 32 Moses said, "This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Take an omer of manna and keep it for the generations to come, so they can see the bread I gave you to eat in the desert when I brought you out of Egypt.' "

34 As the LORD commanded Moses, Aaron put the manna in front of the Testimony, that it might be kept. 35 The Israelites ate manna forty years, until they came to a land that was settled; they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan.


Observation

God provided bread from Heaven everyday for the people of Israel for forty years. Every day all they had to do was to walk out and gather it up off the ground and they had their food for that day. He also kept their clothes and sandals from wearing out for the entire forty years (Deut. 29:5).

Jesus said in John 6:31 Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.' " 32 Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." 34 Then they said to Him, "Lord, give us this bread always." 35 And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

Jesus, the bread of life, is way better than the manna that Israel experienced in the wilderness. Jesus can satisfy our hunger completely. He can take care of the emptiness that you may feel inside. He can sustain you. He can meet every need that you and I have this Saturday morning. It is God’s desire to take of us just like he took care of the children of Israel as they wandered for forty years in the desert.

Application

Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Today I will trust in God’s promises and I will expect great things!


Prayer

Heavenly Father, you have not given me the spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Help me to depend totally on you today to sustain me and to provide for me the things that I really need. You are the bread of life. You are all that I need. I pray that you do something in our church in such a wonderful and powerful way that only you could get the Glory. I pray that you would be glorified through my life and the lives of the people in our fellowship. Thank you taking care of every need we have and blessing us so much. You are Awesome. Amen.


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For Christ Our Passover Lamb Has Been Sacrificed

Exodus 12; Exodus 13; Psalm 21; Acts 1
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Scripture

Exodus 12

7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.

12 "On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn—both men and animals—and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. 13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.

21 Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, "Go at once and select the animals for your families and slaughter the Passover lamb. 22 Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. Not one of you shall go out the door of his house until morning.

23 When the LORD goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.


Observation

When God had Moses lead the children of Israel out of Egypt he was already thinking about you and about me. The story of the Passover and the Passover Lamb is the story of God rescuing His people from bondage in Egypt. Today God through His Son Jesus Christ is rescuing all of us if we will put our faith and trust in His Word. In the book of Exodus God told the people to apply the blood of a lamb, a lamb that was without defects to the top of their door and to the sides of the door of their homes and if they applied the blood then their house would be passed over by the angel of death (the destroyer) and no one would die in their home. Those that did not apply the blood to their doorposts like God had instructed would experience the death of their oldest son.

That night of the Passover every home in Egypt experienced the judgment of God because when the destroyer passed over he did not see the blood on the doorposts as God had said.

God says in 1Corinthians 5:7 “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” and in

Ephesians 1:7 He says, “Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people - free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free!”

Application

The blood of Jesus Christ has set me free from sin and because of that today I enjoy a special relationship with Christ.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you that you allowed me to be born at this time in history and I am so glad that I wasn’t born during the time of Moses. The children of Israel always wanted to go back to Egypt every time things got rough. Help me never to go back to being a slave to any of the sins that enslaved me before I trusted in Christ. Don’t let me yield to sin’s temptation. I want to bring you Glory. It is my desire to honor you and not to bring you shame. Show me your will today so that I can do it. Amen.

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An Emmaus Road Experience

Exodus 9; Exodus 10; Exodus 11; Luke 24
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Scripture

On the Road to Emmaus

Luke 24

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. 32They 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

Have you ever had an Emmaus Road experience?

In my Christian life I have experienced a few of those special times where God’s Word burned within me in an unusual way. I traveled to Washington D.C. several years ago with a bunch of other guys, in fact about one million guys tagged along with me on that trip. It was a Promise Keepers Rally. I can remember that all of us were on the ground praying lying face down to the ground and there was dead silence. It was an incredible experience. And in other PK Rallies when men by the thousands are singing praises to their God it stirred up an Emmaus Road experience.

I have participated in Campus Crusade for Christ Conferences, Navigator Conferences, and in some very special worship services that produced this kind of emotional experience. It was like Moses at the burning bush you knew that you were on holy ground. The other night at the Winter Jam concert it was that kind of experience when “Mercy Me” closed out the concert by having all 8,000+ sing a song of praise without any music, without the band, just the 8,000 voices. It was awesome.

I have worshipped with nationals in their countries: Mexico, Paraguay, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Antigua, and Cuba and sensed that burning in my heart.

Some mornings when I am alone during my daily Bible reading my heart burns within me like that. And I sense His presence! It is like Jesus is right here with me. And you know what? He is!

Application

I will encourage men to meet with God everyday by getting into His Word.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, today I sense your presence. Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world. May our hearts burn within us today as we meditate on your word. Lord, I pray that you do a mighty work in the hearts of men today. I pray for men that are strong, men that will lead at home and in the work place, men that will not be ashamed to live for Christ. Amen.

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Theology for Dummies 101

Exodus 6; Exodus 7; Exodus 8; Luke 23
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Scripture

The Crucifixion

Luke 23

26 As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. 28 Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For the time will come when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!'
30 Then
" 'they will say to the mountains, "Fall on us!"
and to the hills, "Cover us!" ' 31 For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."
38 There was a written notice above him, which read:|sc THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
40 But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

Observation

I don’t know what you believe about end time’s stuff. I don’t know if you are a pre-tribulation, a mid-tribulation, or a post-trib. I don’t know if you are Premillennial, Amillennial, or Postmillennial, or if you even understood any of the terms I just mentioned.

The bottom line of my eschatology (end times stuff) is this: when I die, the moment I die, I am going to be with Jesus. Where ever Jesus is at that moment that is where I am going to be and it will be paradise! End of discussion (at least for me).

Application

I will focus on extending His Kingdom and not arguing over stuff that I don’t know about.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for letting us see how you handled the two men on the cross. We deserve the cross just like they did and worse but your death gives us the privilege to be with you in paradise. Thank you for dying on the cross in my place. Thank you for taking the penalty of my sin away by suffering on the cross for me. I don’t deserve the life I have today. You are Wonderful and you are Worthy to be Praised! Amen.

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Why Swords?

Exodus 3; Exodus 4; Exodus 5; Luke 22
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Scripture

Jesus Arrested

Luke 22

47 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
49 When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
51 But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.

Observation

Ok. Am I the only one that ever asks why certain things are mentioned in the Bible? Have you ever wondered why Jesus said to his disciples in Luke 22:36 "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” Have you ever wondered why Jesus wanted his disciples to have swords?
Remember this conversation about the need for swords took place was when he and his disciples had just finished taking the Lord’s Supper and he had shared with Peter that Peter would deny him. When Jesus told the disciples that they should buy swords they responded that they had two swords in their possession. He told them that two was enough. Interesting to me that if they were going to need swords then how could two swords be enough, but Jesus knew what he was doing.

The scene then moves to the Mount of Olives where we find Jesus praying in such agony that the scripture says that His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. After he finishes praying the high priest, temple guards, and Romans soldiers led by Judas approach Jesus and his disciples to arrest them. In one of the other Gospel accounts it says that a cohort of Roman soldiers came with Judas to arrest Jesus. A cohort would consist of at least 300 soldiers.

I think that the disciples must have still been asleep because then they asked Jesus what seems at first to be a very dumb question or was it? They said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” Remember what they were actually saying was, “Lord, should we strike with our two swords?” Before the Lord answered their question Simon Peter takes out his sword and whacks off the servant of the high priest’s ear!

OK. These are the disciples that had seen Jesus take a few small fish and a few small pieces of bread and feed over 5,000. And they had watched Jesus miraculously heal people probably on a daily basis. They watched him walk on water. He said to make sure that they had swords and he said that two swords were enough. I believe that they thought that with two swords and Jesus that they could win the fight in the garden that night. They were half way right. Jesus wanted to show them that they didn’t really need two swords and Jesus. He was going to show them that all they needed was Jesus.

When Peter whacked off that ear and that ear fell to the ground I imagine that for just a few seconds the disciples must have realized how stupid that action was and how helpless they suddenly were. I imagine that they instantly counted up the number of swords that Judas’ team had and realized that their two swords were not going to be enough. I am sure that at that very moment the disciples had a sick feeling in the pit of their stomachs.

It doesn’t say it here in Luke but I believe in the Gospel of John Jesus tells Peter to put up his sword and when he tells him Jesus uses a Greek word that means “little sword or dagger”. Then the scripture says that Jesus reached up and healed the servant’s ear and says, "No more of this!” At that moment all of the soldiers that came to arrest Jesus realized that Jesus was in charge and he had the power to protect his disciples and swords were no match for him.

Application

I will apply Philippians 4:13 “I can do everything through him who gives me strength”.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I see your Power and Majesty in this passage today. Those men did not have the power within themselves to come and arrest Jesus. He could have called ten thousand angels down to rescue him, but he wanted to suffer and die in my place instead. I serve such a Powerful God. Absolutely nothing is too hard for you. Thank you for showing me that nothing, nothing, nothing is too hard for you. Amen.


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What in Your Past is Holding You Back?

Exodus 1; Exodus 2; Psalm 88; Luke 21
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Scripture

Moses Flees to Midian

Exodus 2

11 One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. 12 Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 13 The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, "Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?"

14 The man said, "Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid and thought, "What I did must have become known."
15 When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well.

Observation

If you murder someone and are convicted of that crime in our country it automatically disqualifies you from voting in the election of a president. A person with a felony would not get to vote. And for sure if you murdered someone it would disqualify you from running for president of the United States. But Moses murdered the Egyptian and yet God still used him to lead His people out of Egypt. In fact, God used King David even after he had killed Uriah and had committed adultery Uriah’s wife Bathsheba. God took the Christian killing Paul and made him a missionary to reach the world.

So do you have a past that keeps getting in the way of you being used by God?

If you do then you need to wake up to the fact that God wants to forgive and forget your past sin and He wants to use you in his kingdom’s work. Two of God’s promises come to my mind as I write this, 1John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

I had a friend while I was in Seminary in Ft. Worth and this friend had his marriage fail right in the middle of his seminary studies. His wife had left him for another seminary student taking his 3 children and he never saw his children again. When I met him he had already remarried a girl that had a young child and they adopted another. This friend told me that because of his failed marriage he could never be used again to pastor a church and he told me that he was going to dedicate his life to working at a Gospel tract publishing company and in that way he would still be serving God.

My friend couldn’t forgive himself for this past sin of his failed marriage. I told him that God could still use him to pastor churches and with a little encouragement he took a pastorate up in the state of Ohio. After serving for many years faithfully and successfully in Ohio he once again returned to serve as pastor in Texas until he recently retired. He thought that his past sin had disqualified him for service. But God had other plans for this humble man. All of us have a past. All of us live with failures and all of us have made mistakes, but God is in the business of taking broken and humbled men and women to reach others for Christ. Little wonder why the Bible says that Moses was the most humble man to ever walk the earth.

Application

I will look for someone today that needs to be encouraged to be all that God wants them to be.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for bringing people into my life that helped me know your plan for my life. Thank you for not giving me what I deserve. I am a sinner, but my past sin has been forgiven and forgotten by you and my future sin even though it will make you sad will not keep me from having a Father-son relationship with you. I am your child. Lord, use me to help someone else understand your great love and forgiveness. Amen.


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Out of The Mouths of Babes

Genesis 49; Genesis 50; Psalm 8; Luke 20
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Scripture

Psalm 8

1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise

Observation

I am sure that you have heard a child talk about God. Children know how to praise Him. It is not forced. They don’t make up stuff that sounds nice like we adults can do when we are asked to pray out loud.

Kids need the opportunity to hear God’s word. They need to have the chance to be in church so they can learn about God. I am so glad that as a young child my grandmother took me to church.

I believe she is the reason that I have a personal relationship with Christ today. God’s word penetrated my young heart and later I responded to a loving Heavenly Father’s call on my life for salvation.

Application

I will personally thank all of my children’s workers this week for the important work they are doing with our children.


Prayer

Heavenly Father, children and infants know how to praise you. It comes naturally for them. Give me that kind of child like faith. I want to praise you from a sincere heart. Search my heart today Lord and show me anything that is not pleasing to you. Be glorified in our church today. I pray for our people that there may be an excitement for you in their hearts. Use people that are on fire for you to fire up the rest of us. Revive us oh Lord. Help us to reach more and more families that have young children. Bless our children’s ministry and bless our children’s workers today.


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Praise God in Loud Voices – A Glimpse of Heaven

Genesis 47; Genesis 48; Psalm 10; Luke 19
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Scripture

Luke 19

37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38 "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"
40 "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

Observation

Last night Kathy and I went to a concert and my head has still not recovered. It was awesome! It was LOUD! It was PRAISE!

I wonder if one of reasons that the Pharisees didn’t like all the people joyfully praising the Lord was the loudness of the praise! We don’t know! Last night when the group “Skillet” played I immediately told myself that the next concert I was bringing my earplugs. It was that loud! But I watched the kids around me, no I watched 8,000+ kids around me and even though I couldn’t even hear the words that were being sung all the kids knew the words and were singing all the songs. I don’t know how they learned the words (because they surely couldn’t have heard the words for the loudness of the music) but somehow they did.

On the last song that the group Mercy Me sang, and by the way that is the group I went to the concert to hear, on that last song Bart the band’s lead singer had all 8,000 sing a praise song with no music and without the band, just the crowd. It was awesome! It was beautiful and yes it too was loud! It was a glimpse of heaven!

Application

I will remember to bring my earplugs to the next concert, but I will not criticize LOUD!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, you are worthy of praise. Last night I believed that you smiled as you watched all of those young people sing praises to you. Over 400 of those teenagers made decisions to accept your offer of salvation. Help me not to have a critical heart about the way others want to give you praise. “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Amen.


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Always Pray and Not Give Up

Genesis 44; Genesis 45; Genesis 46; Luke 18
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Scripture

Luke 18

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'
4 "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "
6 And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

Observation

Have you ever had one of your children beg and beg and beg for something until you finally gave in and got it for them? I don’t think Jesus is telling us to do that in this passage. I don’t think that is the lesson here. So what is the lesson for us today about prayer?

I think Jesus is telling us that we should pray and not give up because we are praying to an all-powerful God who loves us and wants to respond to our requests. We should continue to bring Him what is on our hearts because of our faith in who He is. He is not some mean unjust judge that we have to wear down with our persistence and make him do something that he does not want to do. It is not that way at all!

In verse 27 of this same chapter Jesus the following to his disciples, “What is impossible with men is possible with God." Ok! We are praying to God who loves us and always has our best interest in mind so we should never give up. Our impossible situations that we bring to God are a piece of cake for Him.

In verse 40 of this same chapter a blind beggar cried out to Jesus and Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Lord, I want to see," he replied. Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight;”
God is asking today, “What do you want me to do for you?” And maybe your request is an impossible one like the blind beggar’s request was, “Lord, I want to see.” If it is then that is good, because He can respond to you just like he did to the blind beggar, “Receive your sight.”

Application

I will continue to pray and not give up for my church, my family, unsaved friends, and for those in my life that need to be physically healed.


Prayer

Heavenly Father, today as I read this chapter I have been overwhelmed with your goodness. I marvel at your character … that for some reason you have chosen to love me. You want to not only hear my prayers this morning but you delight in answering them. Changing the impossible things in my life brings you Glory. I don’t deserve this kind of relationship. My love for you does not compare with your love for me. Thank you for this wonderful relationship that I have with you. I realize that you have blessed me so I can bless those around me. Thank you for Smiling on my family and me today.


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In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice

Genesis 42; Genesis 43; Psalm 5; Luke 17
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Scripture

Psalm 5

3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.

Observation

I feel the excitement in this Psalm of King David don’t you! I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. When you prayed today is that how you felt after you prayed? Are you waiting in expectation on God to answer you this morning? What requests did you lay before him this morning? Do you believe He can answer you?

In Luke 17:6 Jesus says, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you. Wow!

David must have had that kind of faith! We need to expectantly wait on the Lord to answer our requests!

Application

I will meditate on this verse today as I wait expectantly on the Lord to answer my requests!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as the disciples said in Luke 17 I say to you this morning, increase my faith. Help my unbelief. Give me the confidence of David this morning as I lay out my requests before you. Give me the faith that you talk about in Luke 17. Put on my heart requests that are part of your will so that when I pray I can expect you to answer them. Give me the ability or discernment to pray according to your will today. I pray for my children and my grandchildren today that they would be filled with your love for the people around them. Amen.


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A Glimpse Into HELL!

Genesis 39; Genesis 40; Genesis 41; Luke 16
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Scripture

The Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16

19 "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'
25 "But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'
27 "He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'
29 "Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'
30 " 'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'
31 "He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' "

Observation

In the Bible we get glimpses of heaven from several different books and probably even more looks into heaven than of hell. But in this passage today we get to see a little of what it is going to be like for those going to spend an eternity there. By the way, I want you to know that I am not going to hell.

I asked someone yesterday if he was at heaven’s gate and God asked him why should I let you into my heaven what would he say. The response was something like, “Well, I don’t know.”

Do you have an answer to that question? If you were to die today where would you spend eternity? If you answer I don’t know or if you answer I am not sure but I hope heaven then you better really pay attention to what it is like in hell because if you don’t know the Way to heaven then you are on your way to hell.

If you click on the word Billy Graham in this sentence you will be taken to a website where the Good News of Jesus Christ is fully explained and you can find out what you need to know to have eternal life.

Here are a couple of bad things about hell that I see from this passage:

1.It is a real place and it is a real place of continual torment.
2.It is a place of regrets.
3. Part of the torment seems to be that you will be able to see family and friends enjoying heaven while you are being tormented. You will be eternally separated from the people that you love.
4. People in hell will think of their family members that are still on earth and will want them to be warned but it is too late because God doesn’t respond to prayers made once a person is in hell.
5. It is going to be very hot! VERY HOT!


Application

I want to talk to someone else about how to get to heaven.


Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me share with someone today that hell is a real place and that he or she doesn’t have to spend an eternity in hell. Bring someone into my life that needs to hear the Good News. I pray that someone searching for you will be led to the blog today and will click over and check out what Billy Graham says about the Bridge of Life. Thank you for allowing me to know you and thank you for giving me eternal life. Make our church a strong witness for you and help our people snatch lives from this place of torment called hell. Amen.


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The Story of the Prodigal Father

Genesis 37; Genesis 38; Psalm 7; Luke 15
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Scripture

The Parable of the Lost Son

Luke 15

11 Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
13 "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20 So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
25 "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'
28 "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'

31 " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "

Observation

This story has been called the story of the Prodigal Son, but it is really a story of a Prodigal Father. Yes while it is true the young son wasted his father’s money on all the wrong things prostitutes and partying, and yes he lavished his father’s money on all the wrong things. And yes he was extravagant and wasteful but look what the father did he lavished extravagant love and attention on a son that didn’t deserve it.

When the son returned to him after wasting all of his inheritance the Father poured out his love and affection toward this scoundrel of a son. "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate.For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate”

That is how the Heavenly Father feels about every one of us that turn from our lives of sin and self and turn to Him. When we come to our senses like the prodigal son did we are welcomed into the arms of our Extravagant Heavenly Father who lavishes his love on us.

Application

I learned last night in our small group study that I need to be a 3D Christ-Follower: 1. Develop friendships 2. Discover stories 3. Discern next steps.

I need to be intentional about developing deep friendships with people that are far from God. I need to take time to get to know about them. Then I need to discern what are the next steps to help them in their journey toward God!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to be extravagant in my love toward people in my life that don’t deserve it. I didn’t deserve it when you opened up your arms to welcome me as your son. I don’t deserve the love that you pour out and lavish on me every day. Help me live out the 3D’s and bring people closer to you. Psalm 7:17 “I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.” Amen.


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Fully Devoted Christ-Followers = Salty

Genesis 34; Genesis 35; Genesis 36; Luke 14
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Scripture

The Cost of Being a Disciple

25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. 27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'
31 "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

34 "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

Observation

Jesus is laying out the cost of being one of his disciples and it is costly. Christ says in verses 25-27 that He has to come first in our relationships if we are going to follow Him.

He uses two illustrations to make his point: 1. A person building a tower should count the cost before beginning construction. 2. A king going to war better size up his enemy and negotiate with the opposing force if there is no way to win. In both cases his point is that if you are going to be a Christ-Follower then you need to think about the cost and realize that it is the smart thing to surrender our lives to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The last illustration he uses is found in verse 34 and it is the importance of being “salty”. Salt when it maintains its saltiness is a powerful thing. But what good is salt if it is not “salty”. A fully devoted Christ-Follower is powerful and of tremendous value to the kingdom of God, but the believer that has lost his or her focus has become as useless as salt that has lost its saltiness.

Application

I want to help more of our people especially our men to become fully devoted Christ-Followers by encouraging them to be a part of accountability groups.

Do you have someone in your life that you are allowing to hold you accountable spiritually?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, today I want to take up my cross and it is my desire to follow you. Take away anything in my life that keeps me from being fully devoted to you. Help me to be like the salt you talk about in this passage that still is useful. I want to influence men and women to be more Christ-like. I pray that you help me to encourage our men to be completely devoted to you. You are Worthy to be Praised. You are Worthy of our complete devotion! Amen.

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One Door and Only One and Yet The Sides are Two
I’m On The Inside on Which Side Are You

Genesis 31; Genesis 32; Genesis 33; Luke 13
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Scripture

Luke 13

The Narrow Door

22 Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"
He said to them, 24 "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25 Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.'
"But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'
26 "Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.'
27 "But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!'
28 "There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. 29 People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. 30 Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last."

Observation

Do you remember this song, “One door and only one and yet the sides are two I’m on the inside on which side are you?” Jesus was asked the question, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?”

Have you ever been in a huge crowd and looked around and thought, “I wonder how many of these people are saved?” You go to a football game and as you look through the stands have you ever wondered how many of the people around you have a personal relationship with Jesus? I have.

One of the most positive words ever shared by Jesus is found at the beginning of this chapter, the word “REPENT”. Jesus said two times in verses three and five that you and I must repent or we will perish. Have you repented of your sins and have you ever turned from your life of sin and self and turned to Jesus. At nineteen years of age I realized that I needed to repent and I needed to turn my life over to Christ. I did and He saved me. One door (Jesus) and only one and yet the sides are two I am on the inside on which side are you?


Application

I want to help someone see Jesus as the Door today.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, so many around me don’t know your Son Jesus as their Savior. Don’t ever let me quit thinking about them and praying for them. I pray that people will be saved today as they hear your word preached in the many churches in our city. I pray that people would be saved in our church today. I pray for Ryan as he preaches today that you would empower him and use him in a mighty way. Amen.


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Do not worry about it!

Genesis 29; Genesis 30; Luke 12
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Scripture

Luke 12

Do Not Worry

22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27 "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Observation

Worry... what are you worrying about today? Jesus says, don’t do it. He gives some good reasons in these few verses why we shouldn’t bother to worry. Did they jump out at you as you read the passage? Here are some He showed me:

1. Don’t worry about stuff like the rest of the world does things like food and clothes, which are the basic necessities of life. If you can’t add a single hour to your life by worrying then why are you worrying.

2. The reason why we shouldn’t worry about those things is that our Heavenly Father cares about us and He is going to provide those needs for us.

3. He says in verse 31 as long as we put his kingdom first then all these needs will be taken care of.

4. He says in verse 32-34 that we should not only not be afraid of being without but that we should give stuff away so that are treasure will be safe in heaven.

5. Are hearts follow after our treasures. Transfer all our treasures to heaven and we don’t have to worry about them. They will be safe. (1 Peter 5:7)


Application

Today I will focus on kingdom stuff and not worry about other stuff!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for this passage. Thank you for letting me know that I don’t have to worry about things because you are concerned about me. Your word says that I am the apple of your eye and that I am delight to you. Help me live in a way today that would bring you Glory and Honor. Help me not to worry. Help me to transfer my treasures to heaven so my heart is on the right thing. Thank you for your healing power. Thank you for taking such good care of me and my family and our church family. Amen.


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Are You Blessed?

Genesis 27; Genesis 28; Psalm 4; Luke 11
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Scripture

Luke 11

27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you."
28 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

Observation

Have you ever asked someone how he or she were doing and the response was, “I’m blessed”? I think that is a very cool way for a Christ-follower to respond to that question. Don’t you!

But…

If you and I want to be truly blessed in this life and live a life filled with purpose and meaning then there is only one way that is going to happen. Just saying, “I’m blessed” doesn’t make it happen, but living out the Word of God is the key to a life that is blessed.

A disobedient Christian is not living a blessed life. A Christian that has made a decision to disregard God’s GPS (Psalms 119:105) for his or her life is miserable. That is why it is so important to read God’s word everyday and then live it.

How are you this morning? Can you say truthfully, “I’m blessed”? Have you made a choice in your life to disobey what God has said in his Word? If you have, then you need to repent, turn from sin and self and turn back to God. Here is a verse that will help you get things right with God (1John 1:9).

Application

I will ask God to show me any disobedience in my life so I can confess it because I want to live a life that is blessed. (Psalm 119:9 &11)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, search my heart today and show me any sin in my life that I need to confess. Show me any area of disobedience. May the Word of God that is in my heart keep me from sinning today. I pray for our church members that they to would have sensitive hearts and would live in obedience to your Word. Help me bring you Glory and Honor today. Thank you for your mercy, for your kindness, for your goodness, for your many blessings. Amen.

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What must I do to inherit eternal life?
Do You Know the Answer?

Genesis 25; Genesis 26; Psalm 6; Luke 10
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Scripture

Luke 10

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Observation

Paul was asked the same question even though it was worded a little bit different in the book of Acts by someone when he was asked, “what must I do to be saved?” Do you remember the story? I asked some men in my accountability group that same question this morning at breakfast. I asked them to search the book of Acts and I asked them to come back next week with the answer. I will now ask you to do the same thing. If you know the answer why don’t you write me and let me know.

Application

Jesus surrounded himself with a small group of men and so did the apostle Paul. I am going to spend even more time mentoring men so they can live victorious lives and impact the lives of other men.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, show me the men that you want me to spend more time with and help me to challenge them spiritually. You have shown us in your Word how important it is to mentor other people. I thank you for the men that you brought into my life over the years, especially Charles Hartwig, Waylon Moore, and Hugh Roberts. Thank you for the guys in our Thursday morning accountability group Zane Edwards, Scott Harding, Sam Cull and Richard King. Father, bless these guys and bless their families. Amen.

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Hearts Grown Cold!

Genesis 23; Genesis 24; Luke 9
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Scripture

Luke 9

Who Will Be the Greatest

46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48 Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest."
49 "Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us."
50 "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you."

Observation

I have no greater joy on Sunday mornings than to greet children as they come to church. There is no greater joy. Those children depend totally on their parents or their grandparents to get them to church.

I want to be the best pastor in the world to those kids and to their parents.

It is sad but some of those kids that I greet on Sunday will become skeptical and will become disillusioned about church because of the attitudes they catch from Dad and Mom.

Negative/critical remarks they hear from their parents about church or about the pastor or someone on the staff go deep into the heart of that child, but I intend to do my best to show them Christ ever time I am in their presence.


Application

It is my plan today to be the “Whoever” in verse 48!


Prayer

Heavenly Father, you know my heart breaks over families that have allowed one thing or another from keeping them from attending church. It is a drift that soon has the family completely out of church. We are under attack. I don’t understand it. Lord, help our people grow strong in you. Give them the desire to be in your church. Help them live lives of joy lives of purpose and meaning. Bring revival to hearts today that have grown cold. Put on my heart those I need to encourage and those that I need to pray for. I love you Lord. Bless our church today. Amen.


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Don’t be Afraid Just Believe!

Genesis 20; Genesis 21; Genesis 22; Luke 8
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Scripture

Luke 8

40 Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years but no one could heal her. 44She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
45 "Who touched me?" Jesus asked.
When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you."
46 But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me."
47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
49 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher any more."
50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."
51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep."
53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Observation

Can you imagine the emotions running through the head and heart of Jairus? He goes to Jesus to get help for his dying daughter and on his way back Jesus who is surrounded by a crowd of people stops to heal a sick woman that touched him. At that moment some people came with news that his daughter had already died and there was no sense bothering Jesus now that she was dead. Can you imagine the feeling of hopelessness that must have swept over Jairus? It was his only daughter and she was dead. He was too late getting Jesus.

Then Jesus says to him what we need to memorize, words that are repeated over and over again in scripture, he says to Jairus, “don’t be afraid; just believe.”

Do you have something going on in your life similar to Jairus? Then it is very good to know that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He has not lost any of his saving or healing power. Don’t be afraid; just believe.

I do need to add that you need to believe in Jesus. It is in his name. It is in his power. Nothing is too hard for him. Nothing.

In Genesis we read today about Abraham being willing to sacrifice his only son Isaac because God told him to do so. Abraham told Isaac when Isaac asked his father where was the sacrifice he was told that God would provide the sacrifice. Do you know the story? Take time to read it today in Genesis 22. Don’t be afraid; just believe!


Application

Today I will not be afraid; I will just believe. I will believe in the Name that is above every name. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus there is just something about that Name!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me not to fear. Help me to believe. Help me rely on Jesus today. I want to share the Good News with someone today. Bring someone into my life that needs to hear about you today. Amen.


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