My Kind of Fishing!
2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17
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Scripture
Matthew 17
24 On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the Temple tax?”
25 “Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house.
But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?”
26 “They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied.
“Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free! 27 However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”
Observation
Ok…this was definitely a lesson directed squarely at the fisherman Peter. Can you imagine how Peter must have felt when he heard his master tell him this? He probably thought, “oh yea sure I am just going to throw out my line and the first fish I catch is going to have a coin in its mouth, right.” Then can you imagine what happened when Peter threw out that line and brought in that first fish and sure enough it had a silver coin in its mouth just as Jesus said it would! I have to wonder if he didn’t throw his line out a second a third and a fourth time just to see if he would get any more money. I probably would have. Jesus could have told Peter to go and throw out his nets on the right side of the boat and He could have caused Peter to catch a huge catch number of fish and then had Peter sell them to pay the tax, but that could have been possibly thought of as a lucky catch. But to catch not just a fish, but the first fish and to catch the fish on hook and line and that fish would have the money in its mouth to pay the tax could only be interpreted as a God thing.
Application
God has millions of ways to take care of my needs. He wants me to trust Him to do just that.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for putting fishing stories in the Bible. I love reading about your kind of fishing. Help me trust you today with every need that Kathy and I have. You are a Wonderful Provider and we have not lacked one good thing our entire lives. We are so blessed. I pray for those that are sick today and those that are grieving. I pray that you take care of them and give them the strength to make it through these tough times. I pray for those that still need to turn their hearts to you. Help them to do that today. Nothing, absolutely nothing is too hard for you. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
God’s Thoughts About You and Me
2 Samuel 4; 2 Samuel 5; Psalm 139; Matthew 16
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Scripture
Psalm 139
1 O LORD, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, LORD.
5 You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
7 I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
11 I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
18 I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
Observation
God knows all about us and yet He still loves us and His thoughts about us are so many that they cannot even be numbered. This is a wonderful chapter! If you are feeling down then you need Psalm 139; if you are feeling unloved turn to Psalm 139; if you think that God doesn’t care about you just take a minute and read Psalm 139. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and so are you!
Application
I will Praise God today because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of and! And when I wake up, you are still with me! Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! In Jesus Name Amen.
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2 Samuel 4; 2 Samuel 5; Psalm 139; Matthew 16
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Scripture
Psalm 139
1 O LORD, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, LORD.
5 You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
7 I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
11 I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
18 I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
Observation
God knows all about us and yet He still loves us and His thoughts about us are so many that they cannot even be numbered. This is a wonderful chapter! If you are feeling down then you need Psalm 139; if you are feeling unloved turn to Psalm 139; if you think that God doesn’t care about you just take a minute and read Psalm 139. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and so are you!
Application
I will Praise God today because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of and! And when I wake up, you are still with me! Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Monday, April 28, 2008
Can You Imagine!
2 Samuel 3; 1 Chronicles 12; Matthew 15
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Scripture
Jesus Heals Many People
Matthew 15
29 Jesus returned to the Sea of Galilee and climbed a hill and sat down. 30 A vast crowd brought to him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who couldn’t speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and he healed them all. 31 The crowd was amazed! Those who hadn’t been able to speak were talking, the crippled were made well, the lame were walking, and the blind could see again! And they praised the God of Israel.
Observation
I would have liked to be on that hill the day Jesus healed all of these people. The lame, the blind, the crippled, the mutes, and many others were all healed that day! It must have been amazing. It seems to me as I read the scriptures that the general practice of Jesus was to heal one person at a time, but can you imagine having them all healed at the same time at the same place! All of them were probably running around and leaping and giving God praise! Those who hadn’t been able to speak were talking, the crippled were made well, the lame were walking, and the blind could see again! Close your eyes and picture that for just a minute! Amazing!
Application
I believe that Jesus is the same today as He was then and He can and wants to heal today just like He did then.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are amazing. I believe today that you can heal those that I am praying for. Nothing is too hard for you! I will not stop praying for those that need to be healed until I see them walking, and talking and giving you Praise! I would have liked to have been in that crowd that day when you healed all of the people of all of their diseases and just watched them praise You. I pray for my two nephews that are in comas that you wake them up so they can praise you too! In Jesus Name Amen.
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2 Samuel 3; 1 Chronicles 12; Matthew 15
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Scripture
Jesus Heals Many People
Matthew 15
29 Jesus returned to the Sea of Galilee and climbed a hill and sat down. 30 A vast crowd brought to him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who couldn’t speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and he healed them all. 31 The crowd was amazed! Those who hadn’t been able to speak were talking, the crippled were made well, the lame were walking, and the blind could see again! And they praised the God of Israel.
Observation
I would have liked to be on that hill the day Jesus healed all of these people. The lame, the blind, the crippled, the mutes, and many others were all healed that day! It must have been amazing. It seems to me as I read the scriptures that the general practice of Jesus was to heal one person at a time, but can you imagine having them all healed at the same time at the same place! All of them were probably running around and leaping and giving God praise! Those who hadn’t been able to speak were talking, the crippled were made well, the lame were walking, and the blind could see again! Close your eyes and picture that for just a minute! Amazing!
Application
I believe that Jesus is the same today as He was then and He can and wants to heal today just like He did then.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are amazing. I believe today that you can heal those that I am praying for. Nothing is too hard for you! I will not stop praying for those that need to be healed until I see them walking, and talking and giving you Praise! I would have liked to have been in that crowd that day when you healed all of the people of all of their diseases and just watched them praise You. I pray for my two nephews that are in comas that you wake them up so they can praise you too! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Sunday, April 27, 2008
Take Courage “I AM” is here!
2 Samuel 2; 1 Chronicles 11; Psalm 142; Matthew 14
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Scripture
Jesus Walks on Water
Matthew 14
22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
Observation
What are you going through today? Take courage “I AM” is here! A few blogs back we read about David hiding in the shelter of God’s presence and today we find the disciples getting the same lesson. If you are a Christ-follower then take heart, take courage, because “I AM” is here and He will walk with you through any and every storm or circumstance. Take courage! As rough as that storm was that night it was not a problem for Jesus to walk on the water to rescue His disciples. No matter how bad it is right now for you it is not too rough or too tough for Jesus. You and I are not alone this morning. He wants to be our strength. He wants to walk through the difficult times with us. Will we let Him?
Application
I will keep my eyes on Jesus today and not on my circumstances.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love storms and you must love them too! I love the storms that thunder out your Greatness. I don’t like the storms that come into my life that bring grief and sadness, but you are Lord over both kinds. Help me to see you at work today in our church, in the lives of our people. I pray that our people will experience victory today. Set them free. I pray that you move in the hearts of everyone that is in our worship services. I pray that Satan would have no power or influence at church this entire day. In Jesus Name Amen.
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2 Samuel 2; 1 Chronicles 11; Psalm 142; Matthew 14
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Scripture
Jesus Walks on Water
Matthew 14
22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
Observation
What are you going through today? Take courage “I AM” is here! A few blogs back we read about David hiding in the shelter of God’s presence and today we find the disciples getting the same lesson. If you are a Christ-follower then take heart, take courage, because “I AM” is here and He will walk with you through any and every storm or circumstance. Take courage! As rough as that storm was that night it was not a problem for Jesus to walk on the water to rescue His disciples. No matter how bad it is right now for you it is not too rough or too tough for Jesus. You and I are not alone this morning. He wants to be our strength. He wants to walk through the difficult times with us. Will we let Him?
Application
I will keep my eyes on Jesus today and not on my circumstances.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love storms and you must love them too! I love the storms that thunder out your Greatness. I don’t like the storms that come into my life that bring grief and sadness, but you are Lord over both kinds. Help me to see you at work today in our church, in the lives of our people. I pray that our people will experience victory today. Set them free. I pray that you move in the hearts of everyone that is in our worship services. I pray that Satan would have no power or influence at church this entire day. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Saturday, April 26, 2008
Power of Stories!
2 Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matthew 13
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Scripture
Matthew 13
34 Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables.
Observation
In Matthew 13, Jesus told the following stories: the story of the farmer scattering seed, the story of the wheat and weeds, the story of the Mustard seed, the parable or story of the yeast, the wheat and the weeds, the hidden treasure, the pearl, and the fishing net. It is said of Jesus in Matthew 13:34 that He always used stories and illustrations when talking to a crowd.
Author Max Lucado in When God Whispers Your Name, (Word 1994) reminds readers that Jesus’ great sermon can be read in eight minutes. His best known story can be read in ninety seconds. He summarized prayer in five phrases. He silenced accusers with one challenge. He rescued a soul with one sentence. He summarized the Law in three verses and reduced all his teaching to one command.
He made his point and went home.
Application
I have to use some good stories tomorrow in my sermon.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be a good storyteller tomorrow as I share Your Word. Help me communicate clearly and I pray that men and women would respond to your Word. I pray for just the right stories that will make the point unforgettable. In Jesus Name Amen.
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2 Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matthew 13
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Scripture
Matthew 13
34 Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables.
Observation
In Matthew 13, Jesus told the following stories: the story of the farmer scattering seed, the story of the wheat and weeds, the story of the Mustard seed, the parable or story of the yeast, the wheat and the weeds, the hidden treasure, the pearl, and the fishing net. It is said of Jesus in Matthew 13:34 that He always used stories and illustrations when talking to a crowd.
Author Max Lucado in When God Whispers Your Name, (Word 1994) reminds readers that Jesus’ great sermon can be read in eight minutes. His best known story can be read in ninety seconds. He summarized prayer in five phrases. He silenced accusers with one challenge. He rescued a soul with one sentence. He summarized the Law in three verses and reduced all his teaching to one command.
He made his point and went home.
Application
I have to use some good stories tomorrow in my sermon.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be a good storyteller tomorrow as I share Your Word. Help me communicate clearly and I pray that men and women would respond to your Word. I pray for just the right stories that will make the point unforgettable. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Friday, April 25, 2008
Finishing Well!
1 Samuel 30; 1 Samuel 31; 1 Chronicles 10; Matthew 12
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Scripture
1 Samuel 31
13 Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14 and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
Observation
He finished well! That is what I want people to say about my life. How about you? I don’t want to finish like Saul with final words about my life summed up with terms like unfaithful, disobedient, and that Eddy searched for help at the end of his life consulting a fortune teller.
Application
I will seek the Lord with my whole heart and I choose to put Him first in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to finish well. Help me to bring you glory and honor. In Jesus Name Amen.
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1 Samuel 30; 1 Samuel 31; 1 Chronicles 10; Matthew 12
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Scripture
1 Samuel 31
13 Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14 and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
Observation
He finished well! That is what I want people to say about my life. How about you? I don’t want to finish like Saul with final words about my life summed up with terms like unfaithful, disobedient, and that Eddy searched for help at the end of his life consulting a fortune teller.
Application
I will seek the Lord with my whole heart and I choose to put Him first in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to finish well. Help me to bring you glory and honor. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Thursday, April 24, 2008
Because I am in deep trouble!
1 Samuel 28; 1 Samuel 29; Psalm 109; Matthew 11
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Scripture
1 Samuel 28
Saul Consults a Medium
1 About that time the Philistines mustered their armies for another war with Israel. King Achish told David, “You and your men will be expected to join me in battle.”
2 “Very well!” David agreed. “Now you will see for yourself what we can do.”
Then Achish told David, “I will make you my personal bodyguard for life.”
3 Meanwhile, Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him. He was buried in Ramah, his hometown. And Saul had banned from the land of Israel all mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead.
4 The Philistines set up their camp at Shunem, and Saul gathered all the army of Israel and camped at Gilboa. 5 When Saul saw the vast Philistine army, he became frantic with fear. 6 He asked the LORD what he should do, but the LORD refused to answer him, either by dreams or by sacred lots or by the prophets. 7 Saul then said to his advisers, “Find a woman who is a medium, so I can go and ask her what to do.”
His advisers replied, “There is a medium at Endor.”
8 So Saul disguised himself by wearing ordinary clothing instead of his royal robes. Then he went to the woman’s home at night, accompanied by two of his men.
“I have to talk to a man who has died,” he said. “Will you call up his spirit for me?”
9 “Are you trying to get me killed?” the woman demanded. “You know that Saul has outlawed all the mediums and all who consult the spirits of the dead. Why are you setting a trap for me?”
10 But Saul took an oath in the name of the LORD and promised, “As surely as the LORD lives, nothing bad will happen to you for doing this.”
11 Finally, the woman said, “Well, whose spirit do you want me to call up?”
“Call up Samuel,” Saul replied.
12 When the woman saw Samuel, she screamed, “You’ve deceived me! You are Saul!”
13 “Don’t be afraid!” the king told her. “What do you see?”
“I see a god coming up out of the earth,” she said.
14 “What does he look like?” Saul asked.
“He is an old man wrapped in a robe,” she replied. Saul realized it was Samuel, and he fell to the ground before him.
15 “Why have you disturbed me by calling me back?” Samuel asked Saul.
“Because I am in deep trouble,” Saul replied. “The Philistines are at war with me, and God has left me and won’t reply by prophets or dreams. So I have called for you to tell me what to do.”
16 But Samuel replied, “Why ask me, since the LORD has left you and has become your enemy? 17 The LORD has done just as he said he would. He has torn the kingdom from you and given it to your rival, David. 18 The LORD has done this to you today because you refused to carry out his fierce anger against the Amalekites. 19 What’s more, the LORD will hand you and the army of Israel over to the Philistines tomorrow, and you and your sons will be here with me. The LORD will bring down the entire army of Israel in defeat.”
20 Saul fell full length on the ground, paralyzed with fright because of Samuel’s words. He was also faint with hunger, for he had eaten nothing all day and all night.
Observation
What is your first response when you find yourself in deep trouble? What you and I do when trouble hits will really reveal our character. Do you run to God or do you run to something or someone else? I wish that I could say that every time I have been in a crisis that I ran to God first.
God allows trouble to come into our lives many times just so that we will be drawn closer to him. Adversity has a way of bringing us to our knees doesn’t it! Once when Kathy and I were first married Kathy had become very sick and I can remember crying out to God (literally) and pleading with Him to heal Kathy. The doctors were about out of ideas on how help her. In fact, the doctor told me that we are going to try removing her spleen and if that doesn’t help then we don’t know what we are going to do. And that is just what a young 21 year old needs to hear about his wife! But God responded and today even though she has been diagnosed with Lupus she has had very few problems with the disease. It was a wake up call for me. I wouldn’t want to repeat the experience, but it was definitely something that God used to show me that I could depend on Him.
Application
I will claim and apply Jeremiah 33:3 today “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are my help today. I will put my faith and my trust in you. Thank you for always taking care of me. Thank you for so many answers to prayer. You are Worthy to be Praised. Help me talk to you about everything that comes into my life today. I pray for Jean and Dean Hansen today that you bless them for opening up their home to us when we go to California in a few weeks. May you richly bless Wayne Varnes today for taking care of Mac Butler’s yard yesterday as Mac deals with a son very sick with cancer. Thank you Lord for being so faithful to my family, our church, and me.
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1 Samuel 28; 1 Samuel 29; Psalm 109; Matthew 11
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Scripture
1 Samuel 28
Saul Consults a Medium
1 About that time the Philistines mustered their armies for another war with Israel. King Achish told David, “You and your men will be expected to join me in battle.”
2 “Very well!” David agreed. “Now you will see for yourself what we can do.”
Then Achish told David, “I will make you my personal bodyguard for life.”
3 Meanwhile, Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him. He was buried in Ramah, his hometown. And Saul had banned from the land of Israel all mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead.
4 The Philistines set up their camp at Shunem, and Saul gathered all the army of Israel and camped at Gilboa. 5 When Saul saw the vast Philistine army, he became frantic with fear. 6 He asked the LORD what he should do, but the LORD refused to answer him, either by dreams or by sacred lots or by the prophets. 7 Saul then said to his advisers, “Find a woman who is a medium, so I can go and ask her what to do.”
His advisers replied, “There is a medium at Endor.”
8 So Saul disguised himself by wearing ordinary clothing instead of his royal robes. Then he went to the woman’s home at night, accompanied by two of his men.
“I have to talk to a man who has died,” he said. “Will you call up his spirit for me?”
9 “Are you trying to get me killed?” the woman demanded. “You know that Saul has outlawed all the mediums and all who consult the spirits of the dead. Why are you setting a trap for me?”
10 But Saul took an oath in the name of the LORD and promised, “As surely as the LORD lives, nothing bad will happen to you for doing this.”
11 Finally, the woman said, “Well, whose spirit do you want me to call up?”
“Call up Samuel,” Saul replied.
12 When the woman saw Samuel, she screamed, “You’ve deceived me! You are Saul!”
13 “Don’t be afraid!” the king told her. “What do you see?”
“I see a god coming up out of the earth,” she said.
14 “What does he look like?” Saul asked.
“He is an old man wrapped in a robe,” she replied. Saul realized it was Samuel, and he fell to the ground before him.
15 “Why have you disturbed me by calling me back?” Samuel asked Saul.
“Because I am in deep trouble,” Saul replied. “The Philistines are at war with me, and God has left me and won’t reply by prophets or dreams. So I have called for you to tell me what to do.”
16 But Samuel replied, “Why ask me, since the LORD has left you and has become your enemy? 17 The LORD has done just as he said he would. He has torn the kingdom from you and given it to your rival, David. 18 The LORD has done this to you today because you refused to carry out his fierce anger against the Amalekites. 19 What’s more, the LORD will hand you and the army of Israel over to the Philistines tomorrow, and you and your sons will be here with me. The LORD will bring down the entire army of Israel in defeat.”
20 Saul fell full length on the ground, paralyzed with fright because of Samuel’s words. He was also faint with hunger, for he had eaten nothing all day and all night.
Observation
What is your first response when you find yourself in deep trouble? What you and I do when trouble hits will really reveal our character. Do you run to God or do you run to something or someone else? I wish that I could say that every time I have been in a crisis that I ran to God first.
God allows trouble to come into our lives many times just so that we will be drawn closer to him. Adversity has a way of bringing us to our knees doesn’t it! Once when Kathy and I were first married Kathy had become very sick and I can remember crying out to God (literally) and pleading with Him to heal Kathy. The doctors were about out of ideas on how help her. In fact, the doctor told me that we are going to try removing her spleen and if that doesn’t help then we don’t know what we are going to do. And that is just what a young 21 year old needs to hear about his wife! But God responded and today even though she has been diagnosed with Lupus she has had very few problems with the disease. It was a wake up call for me. I wouldn’t want to repeat the experience, but it was definitely something that God used to show me that I could depend on Him.
Application
I will claim and apply Jeremiah 33:3 today “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are my help today. I will put my faith and my trust in you. Thank you for always taking care of me. Thank you for so many answers to prayer. You are Worthy to be Praised. Help me talk to you about everything that comes into my life today. I pray for Jean and Dean Hansen today that you bless them for opening up their home to us when we go to California in a few weeks. May you richly bless Wayne Varnes today for taking care of Mac Butler’s yard yesterday as Mac deals with a son very sick with cancer. Thank you Lord for being so faithful to my family, our church, and me.
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Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Accepting and Sharing Hospitality!
1 Samuel 27; Psalm 141; 1 Chronicles 9; Matthew 10
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Scripture
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles
Matthew 10
10 Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.
Observation
Do you have trouble accepting someone’s hospitality? My problem is that I don’t offer hospitality enough to other people. It is something that I would love to be, more hospitable and more generous. It is something to work on for me. Jesus sent his disciples out without anything on this mission trip and they were totally dependent on God’s provision through unbelievers. These unbelievers are called in scripture “Sons of peace” and God has prepared people like this all over the world waiting for missionaries as they arrive in new towns and villages. It reminds me of how hospitable the Muslim people were in Morocco. We would meet someone on the street, a total stranger, and immediately they would invite us to drink tea with them and then they would invite us to come stay with them in their home. It was humbling to experience their gift of hospitality. The people in Cuba and Mexico were and are the same way, so hospitable.
Application
I will look for a way to practice this gift of hospitality today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be more like you. And more like the people that were so hospitable and generous to us when we served you in other countries, and like the people you have now surrounded us with that have helped us so much. Show me where I need to do an act of kindness as I go through the day today. Soften my heart and make it sensitive to the people around me. I want a heart like yours today Lord, a heart like yours. In Jesus Name Amen.
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1 Samuel 27; Psalm 141; 1 Chronicles 9; Matthew 10
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Scripture
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles
Matthew 10
10 Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.
Observation
Do you have trouble accepting someone’s hospitality? My problem is that I don’t offer hospitality enough to other people. It is something that I would love to be, more hospitable and more generous. It is something to work on for me. Jesus sent his disciples out without anything on this mission trip and they were totally dependent on God’s provision through unbelievers. These unbelievers are called in scripture “Sons of peace” and God has prepared people like this all over the world waiting for missionaries as they arrive in new towns and villages. It reminds me of how hospitable the Muslim people were in Morocco. We would meet someone on the street, a total stranger, and immediately they would invite us to drink tea with them and then they would invite us to come stay with them in their home. It was humbling to experience their gift of hospitality. The people in Cuba and Mexico were and are the same way, so hospitable.
Application
I will look for a way to practice this gift of hospitality today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be more like you. And more like the people that were so hospitable and generous to us when we served you in other countries, and like the people you have now surrounded us with that have helped us so much. Show me where I need to do an act of kindness as I go through the day today. Soften my heart and make it sensitive to the people around me. I want a heart like yours today Lord, a heart like yours. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Follow Me…
1 Samuel 25; 1 Samuel 26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9
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Scripture
Matthew 9
9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.
Observation
Called to be a Christ-Follower, called to be a disciple this is the invitation that Christ extends to men today. Yes, it is all about a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, but the call is first a call to follow. The call is for us to become devoted Christ-Followers.
David had his followers as you many have read in 1 Samuel 25; 26 this morning and they were willing to die for him. In the passage this morning David asked his men who wanted to follow him right into King Saul’s camp and he had a volunteer! He probably had several volunteers even though this adventure had all the appearance of a suicide mission. They were devoted followers of David. They were willing to die for and with David. Jesus is calling us today to follow Him; He is calling us to be devoted Christ-Followers. He is calling us to lay down our lives for Him. Are you up for the challenge?
Application
I will wholeheartedly follow Jesus today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I agree with David when he said in Psalm 63 “I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. It is my desire to follow you with my whole heart. Help me not disappoint you today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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1 Samuel 25; 1 Samuel 26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 9
9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.
Observation
Called to be a Christ-Follower, called to be a disciple this is the invitation that Christ extends to men today. Yes, it is all about a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, but the call is first a call to follow. The call is for us to become devoted Christ-Followers.
David had his followers as you many have read in 1 Samuel 25; 26 this morning and they were willing to die for him. In the passage this morning David asked his men who wanted to follow him right into King Saul’s camp and he had a volunteer! He probably had several volunteers even though this adventure had all the appearance of a suicide mission. They were devoted followers of David. They were willing to die for and with David. Jesus is calling us today to follow Him; He is calling us to be devoted Christ-Followers. He is calling us to lay down our lives for Him. Are you up for the challenge?
Application
I will wholeheartedly follow Jesus today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I agree with David when he said in Psalm 63 “I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. It is my desire to follow you with my whole heart. Help me not disappoint you today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Monday, April 21, 2008
Help From Heaven!
1 Samuel 24; Psalm 57; Psalm 58; 1 Chronicles 8; Matthew 8
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Scripture
Psalm 57
1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy!
I look to you for protection.
I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings
until the danger passes by.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.
3 He will send help from heaven to rescue me,
disgracing those who hound me.
7 My heart is confident in you, O God;
my heart is confident.
No wonder I can sing your praises!
8 Wake up, my heart!
Wake up, O lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song.
9 I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
10 For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth.
Observation
David has been hiding in a cave with his six hundred men because King Saul is hunting for him to kill him. As Saul is hunting for David he has to go to the restroom so he goes into a cave by himself to relieve himself. David just happens to be hiding in that very cave. His men try to get David to kill King Saul but David will not hurt his King. He does sneak up and cut off the corner of the king’s robe but which in a few minutes he even regrets. To David the King is God’s anointed leader who David is to respect and not harm. As King Saul leaves the cave David calls out to him and lets the King know that he could have killed him. Saul realizes that David has allowed him to live and begins to cry. He gets David to promise him that when David takes the throne that he would not kill all of Saul’s family to which David agrees. And then Saul rides off with his army and leaves David safely in the cave. Is that not amazing! After this encounter David writes about God’s protection, which we read about in Psalm 57. He realized that he was safe; he was secure beneath the shadow of God’s wings. God brought David’s enemy right to him and showed David that he didn’t need to fear his enemies when he was safe beneath the shadow of His wings.
Application
Me plus God is everything I need for today’s battles.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident.
No wonder I can sing your praises! Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is as high as the Heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth. In Jesus Name Amen.
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1 Samuel 24; Psalm 57; Psalm 58; 1 Chronicles 8; Matthew 8
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 57
1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy!
I look to you for protection.
I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings
until the danger passes by.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.
3 He will send help from heaven to rescue me,
disgracing those who hound me.
7 My heart is confident in you, O God;
my heart is confident.
No wonder I can sing your praises!
8 Wake up, my heart!
Wake up, O lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song.
9 I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
10 For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth.
Observation
David has been hiding in a cave with his six hundred men because King Saul is hunting for him to kill him. As Saul is hunting for David he has to go to the restroom so he goes into a cave by himself to relieve himself. David just happens to be hiding in that very cave. His men try to get David to kill King Saul but David will not hurt his King. He does sneak up and cut off the corner of the king’s robe but which in a few minutes he even regrets. To David the King is God’s anointed leader who David is to respect and not harm. As King Saul leaves the cave David calls out to him and lets the King know that he could have killed him. Saul realizes that David has allowed him to live and begins to cry. He gets David to promise him that when David takes the throne that he would not kill all of Saul’s family to which David agrees. And then Saul rides off with his army and leaves David safely in the cave. Is that not amazing! After this encounter David writes about God’s protection, which we read about in Psalm 57. He realized that he was safe; he was secure beneath the shadow of God’s wings. God brought David’s enemy right to him and showed David that he didn’t need to fear his enemies when he was safe beneath the shadow of His wings.
Application
Me plus God is everything I need for today’s battles.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident.
No wonder I can sing your praises! Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is as high as the Heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Sunday, April 20, 2008
Hidden in the shelter of God’s presence!
1 Samuel 23; Psalm 31; Psalm 54; Matthew 7
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Scripture
Psalm 31
19 How great is the goodness
you have stored up for those who fear you.
You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,
blessing them before the watching world.
20 You hide them in the shelter of your presence,
safe from those who conspire against them.
You shelter them in your presence,
far from accusing tongues.
21 Praise the LORD,
for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love.
He kept me safe when my city was under attack.
22 In panic I cried out,
“I am cut off from the LORD!”
But you heard my cry for mercy
and answered my call for help.
23 Love the LORD, all you godly ones!
For the LORD protects those who are loyal to him,
but he harshly punishes the arrogant.
24 So be strong and courageous,
all you who put your hope in the LORD!
Observation
When you were a small child did you ever hide behind your Mom or your Dad because your brother or your sister was about to beat up on you? Or have you ever had a friend that was a very tough guy that stood in front of you to protect you from someone that was about to smash your head? Oh I have! Or have you ever experienced a tragedy like the death of a loved one or a loss of a job and had friends that stood there with you during the time of loss. It was their presence in the time of trouble that meant so much to you. David says, “that God will hide us in the shelter of His presence.” He did it for David. He did it for the children of Israel and He will also hide us in the shelter of His presence. You can’t get any better protection than to be hidden in the presence of God. They were hunting for David everyday but they couldn’t find him. It is interesting that Jonathan David’s best friend had no trouble finding David, but David’s enemies had no success! Godly obedience puts us in the shelter of His presence. Disobedience moves us out from under the shelter of His presence and away from His protective love. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!
Application
It is my desire and my plan today to stay in the shelter of God’s presence today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be as obedient and trusting as David and keep me from making a stupid mistake like he did with Bathsheba. Help me to stay pure. Help me to guard my heart. Help me to be strong and courageous. Help me to put my trust totally in you today. I pray for the men of our church that they would be strong and courageous. Do a Mighty work in our church today for your glory and for your honor. In Jesus Name Amen.
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1 Samuel 23; Psalm 31; Psalm 54; Matthew 7
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Scripture
Psalm 31
19 How great is the goodness
you have stored up for those who fear you.
You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,
blessing them before the watching world.
20 You hide them in the shelter of your presence,
safe from those who conspire against them.
You shelter them in your presence,
far from accusing tongues.
21 Praise the LORD,
for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love.
He kept me safe when my city was under attack.
22 In panic I cried out,
“I am cut off from the LORD!”
But you heard my cry for mercy
and answered my call for help.
23 Love the LORD, all you godly ones!
For the LORD protects those who are loyal to him,
but he harshly punishes the arrogant.
24 So be strong and courageous,
all you who put your hope in the LORD!
Observation
When you were a small child did you ever hide behind your Mom or your Dad because your brother or your sister was about to beat up on you? Or have you ever had a friend that was a very tough guy that stood in front of you to protect you from someone that was about to smash your head? Oh I have! Or have you ever experienced a tragedy like the death of a loved one or a loss of a job and had friends that stood there with you during the time of loss. It was their presence in the time of trouble that meant so much to you. David says, “that God will hide us in the shelter of His presence.” He did it for David. He did it for the children of Israel and He will also hide us in the shelter of His presence. You can’t get any better protection than to be hidden in the presence of God. They were hunting for David everyday but they couldn’t find him. It is interesting that Jonathan David’s best friend had no trouble finding David, but David’s enemies had no success! Godly obedience puts us in the shelter of His presence. Disobedience moves us out from under the shelter of His presence and away from His protective love. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!
Application
It is my desire and my plan today to stay in the shelter of God’s presence today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be as obedient and trusting as David and keep me from making a stupid mistake like he did with Bathsheba. Help me to stay pure. Help me to guard my heart. Help me to be strong and courageous. Help me to put my trust totally in you today. I pray for the men of our church that they would be strong and courageous. Do a Mighty work in our church today for your glory and for your honor. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Saturday, April 19, 2008
Don’t Worry!
1 Samuel 22; Psalm 17; Psalm 35; Matthew 6
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Scripture
Matthew 6
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Observation
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? What a great statement and yet it is hard to put this truth into practice. We know it is true, but we still worry. I like what Paul says in the book of Philippians, “don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything.” In other words don’t worry about anything, but talk to God about everything.” Young David understood the importance of prayer just listen to his prayer to God as he was hiding from King Saul probably while he was in his cave stronghold, “I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings (Psalm 17:6-8). He had plenty to worry about but he knew that prayer rather than worry was the thing to do.
Did you pick up from this passage in Matthew 6 why we should pray and not worry? Jesus says, “look at the birds in the air, look at the lilies in the field and if God takes care of them he will take even better care of you.” And finally Jesus says, “seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Don’t miss the word “everything” in Matthew 6:33! The key is seeking first His Kingdom then He will provide everything we need.
Application
Every time today I catch myself worrying about something I will talk to God about it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love Matthew 6 and you know how many times I have gone to this passage when I needed to be reminded of your Divine care for me and Kathy. The word “everything” is huge in Matthew 6:33. It is big. You are 100% Faithful and what You say in your Word I can trust. I know that you are aware of every need I have in my life and I don’t need to worry any one of them. In fact when I do worry it is a lack of faith in You. Help me see your hand in my life today and in the lives of those around me. You are a Wonderful Provider. You have been so good to me. You have taken care of my every need since the day I first trusted in you. In Jesus Name Amen.
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1 Samuel 22; Psalm 17; Psalm 35; Matthew 6
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Scripture
Matthew 6
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Observation
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? What a great statement and yet it is hard to put this truth into practice. We know it is true, but we still worry. I like what Paul says in the book of Philippians, “don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything.” In other words don’t worry about anything, but talk to God about everything.” Young David understood the importance of prayer just listen to his prayer to God as he was hiding from King Saul probably while he was in his cave stronghold, “I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings (Psalm 17:6-8). He had plenty to worry about but he knew that prayer rather than worry was the thing to do.
Did you pick up from this passage in Matthew 6 why we should pray and not worry? Jesus says, “look at the birds in the air, look at the lilies in the field and if God takes care of them he will take even better care of you.” And finally Jesus says, “seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Don’t miss the word “everything” in Matthew 6:33! The key is seeking first His Kingdom then He will provide everything we need.
Application
Every time today I catch myself worrying about something I will talk to God about it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love Matthew 6 and you know how many times I have gone to this passage when I needed to be reminded of your Divine care for me and Kathy. The word “everything” is huge in Matthew 6:33. It is big. You are 100% Faithful and what You say in your Word I can trust. I know that you are aware of every need I have in my life and I don’t need to worry any one of them. In fact when I do worry it is a lack of faith in You. Help me see your hand in my life today and in the lives of those around me. You are a Wonderful Provider. You have been so good to me. You have taken care of my every need since the day I first trusted in you. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Friday, April 18, 2008
Are You a Second Mile Kind of Person?
1 Samuel 20; 1 Samuel 21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5
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Scripture
Matthew 5
41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.
Observation
It was the custom back in the time of Jesus that a soldier could require that you carry his gear for a mile. You didn’t have any choice. Jesus says that when you complete the mile that you should keep on carrying the soldier’s load for a second mile. In other words do more than you are required to do. Can you imagine the soldier’s amazement when the person continued to walk along with him for another mile! I am sure that it would have made quite an impression on him. It would be a powerful witness! As Christians we should always go the second mile: We should do more than we are required to do at our work, working harder and longer than anyone else, and doing the job with excellence. At home men should help out their wives around the house, maybe washing the dishes or even vacuuming the floors, or doing the laundry, doing more than what is required. Wives could be at the door (if they are not still at work) ready to greet their husbands when their husbands arrive. How about doing that little something extra that he likes so much. The second mile principle, the church and our world would be a different place if we put into practice.
Application
I will think of some way today to go that second mile.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me do more than what is required of me. Help me go that second mile with people. Help me be a servant to someone. Give me a servant’s heart. I pray for opportunities today to put this verse into practice and help me to see the opportunities when they present themselves. In Jesus Name Amen.
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1 Samuel 20; 1 Samuel 21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5
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Scripture
Matthew 5
41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.
Observation
It was the custom back in the time of Jesus that a soldier could require that you carry his gear for a mile. You didn’t have any choice. Jesus says that when you complete the mile that you should keep on carrying the soldier’s load for a second mile. In other words do more than you are required to do. Can you imagine the soldier’s amazement when the person continued to walk along with him for another mile! I am sure that it would have made quite an impression on him. It would be a powerful witness! As Christians we should always go the second mile: We should do more than we are required to do at our work, working harder and longer than anyone else, and doing the job with excellence. At home men should help out their wives around the house, maybe washing the dishes or even vacuuming the floors, or doing the laundry, doing more than what is required. Wives could be at the door (if they are not still at work) ready to greet their husbands when their husbands arrive. How about doing that little something extra that he likes so much. The second mile principle, the church and our world would be a different place if we put into practice.
Application
I will think of some way today to go that second mile.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me do more than what is required of me. Help me go that second mile with people. Help me be a servant to someone. Give me a servant’s heart. I pray for opportunities today to put this verse into practice and help me to see the opportunities when they present themselves. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Thursday, April 17, 2008
Morning Song!
1 Samuel 19; 1 Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4
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Scripture
Psalm 59
16 But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge,
a place of safety when I am in distress.
17 O my Strength, to you I sing praises,
for you, O God, are my refuge,
the God who shows me unfailing love.
Observation
I cannot sing very well, but that doesn’t matter God wants to hear me sing to Him. Do you have a song in your heart this morning? Are you singing praises to Him in your heart? Is God your Strength? Is He your Refuge? Do you have something to sing about this morning? In this passage we find David being hunted down by his enemies and yet there was a song in his heart. To think that the God that created this universe likes to hear me sing to Him is just amazing. To think that He delights in me and if you are a follower of Christ that He delights in you. How wonderful is that!
Application
I will sing to my Wonderful God today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in my heart there is a song that is just for you. You are my Savior, my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer. I love you. The song in my heart for you is not because I am problem free, but it is because you are my Problem Solver. Nothing is too hard for you! Thank you for allowing me the privilege of knowing you and walking with you. I pray for your direction in my life today. Guide and direct me as I go through this day. I will sing of your wonderful power. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Samuel 19; 1 Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 59
16 But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge,
a place of safety when I am in distress.
17 O my Strength, to you I sing praises,
for you, O God, are my refuge,
the God who shows me unfailing love.
Observation
I cannot sing very well, but that doesn’t matter God wants to hear me sing to Him. Do you have a song in your heart this morning? Are you singing praises to Him in your heart? Is God your Strength? Is He your Refuge? Do you have something to sing about this morning? In this passage we find David being hunted down by his enemies and yet there was a song in his heart. To think that the God that created this universe likes to hear me sing to Him is just amazing. To think that He delights in me and if you are a follower of Christ that He delights in you. How wonderful is that!
Application
I will sing to my Wonderful God today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in my heart there is a song that is just for you. You are my Savior, my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer. I love you. The song in my heart for you is not because I am problem free, but it is because you are my Problem Solver. Nothing is too hard for you! Thank you for allowing me the privilege of knowing you and walking with you. I pray for your direction in my life today. Guide and direct me as I go through this day. I will sing of your wonderful power. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
A Voice Shouting in the Wilderness!
1 Samuel 18; 1 Chronicles 6; Psalm 11; Matthew 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 3
1 In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, 2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” 3 The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said,
“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming!
Clear the road for him!’”
4 John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. 5 People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. 6 And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.
Observation
I would have liked to have seen and heard John the Baptist! He was a true prophet! He was rough. He was a man’s kind of man. His clothes were made out of coarse camel hair and he ate locusts and wild honey. I imagine that he was pretty intimidating don’t you think? He wasn’t scared of the religious leaders or political leaders of his day. He called the Pharisees and Sadducees a “brood of snakes!”
Application
May I be a bold witness like John the Baptist!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be bold like John the Baptist. Help me be a faithful witness. I pray for my sister Linda today as she takes care of her son Jonathan now at home. Send her help for this task. I pray for Jonathan today that you totally heal him for your glory and for your honor. Provide for their every need and I pray that you show yourself Powerful and Mighty in their lives. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Samuel 18; 1 Chronicles 6; Psalm 11; Matthew 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 3
1 In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, 2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” 3 The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said,
“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming!
Clear the road for him!’”
4 John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. 5 People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. 6 And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.
Observation
I would have liked to have seen and heard John the Baptist! He was a true prophet! He was rough. He was a man’s kind of man. His clothes were made out of coarse camel hair and he ate locusts and wild honey. I imagine that he was pretty intimidating don’t you think? He wasn’t scared of the religious leaders or political leaders of his day. He called the Pharisees and Sadducees a “brood of snakes!”
Application
May I be a bold witness like John the Baptist!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be bold like John the Baptist. Help me be a faithful witness. I pray for my sister Linda today as she takes care of her son Jonathan now at home. Send her help for this task. I pray for Jonathan today that you totally heal him for your glory and for your honor. Provide for their every need and I pray that you show yourself Powerful and Mighty in their lives. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Jesus!
1 Samuel 15; 1 Samuel 16; I Chronicles 5; Matthew 1
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
Matthew 1
[22] All of this happened to fulfill the Lord's message through his prophet:
[23] "Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and he will be called Immanuel
(meaning, God is with us)."
Observation
Jesus would be born from a virgin and His name will be called Immanuel. How many other prophecies do you remember concerning His life? It is truly amazing that the Bible stated so many prophecies about the life of Jesus and all of them were hundreds of years before they happened. The Bible is very credible. There is no other book like it in the world.
Application
The Bible is so trustworthy. It is 100% truth. I will continue to memorize His word and guard it in my heart.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word. Thank you for your Word Incarnate, Jesus Christ. I pray that I will be able to share your Word with someone tomorrow. Give me the opportunity to be a witness for you tomorrow. Open the door and open a heart of someone tomorrow to be able to accept your Word as Truth. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Samuel 15; 1 Samuel 16; I Chronicles 5; Matthew 1
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
Matthew 1
[22] All of this happened to fulfill the Lord's message through his prophet:
[23] "Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and he will be called Immanuel
(meaning, God is with us)."
Observation
Jesus would be born from a virgin and His name will be called Immanuel. How many other prophecies do you remember concerning His life? It is truly amazing that the Bible stated so many prophecies about the life of Jesus and all of them were hundreds of years before they happened. The Bible is very credible. There is no other book like it in the world.
Application
The Bible is so trustworthy. It is 100% truth. I will continue to memorize His word and guard it in my heart.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word. Thank you for your Word Incarnate, Jesus Christ. I pray that I will be able to share your Word with someone tomorrow. Give me the opportunity to be a witness for you tomorrow. Open the door and open a heart of someone tomorrow to be able to accept your Word as Truth. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Here is The Test of All Tests!
1 Samuel 14; 1 Chronicles 4; 2 Corinthians 13
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 13
5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
Observation
Here is the test: If you were to die today where would you spend eternity? If you say, “I hope heaven” …oops…you failed the test! If you say, “I don’t know”…oops you failed again! Or maybe you might say, “I am trying to be good enough so God will let me in…oops…you failed again. In fact there is only one right answer to that question so that you can pass the test. Have you ever asked Jesus Christ to come into your life as your Lord and Savior? If the answer to that question is “yes” then you have passed the test…if the answer to that question is not yet…you are failing the test…so test yourself right now!
Application
I will be ready to share the Good News of Gospel with the next person that God brings into my life that needs a relationship with Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that I can know for certain that I have eternal life. I have examined myself and I do know that Christ lives in me. Help me share the Good News with so many that believe that they have to work their way to heaven. Help me be sensitive to your Holy Spirit today. I pray for our church today as they meet together. I pray that You work Mightily through Pastor Rapley and Laurel and the rest of our staff. Be Glorified today…this is the Lord’s Day we will rejoice and be glad in it. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Samuel 14; 1 Chronicles 4; 2 Corinthians 13
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 13
5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
Observation
Here is the test: If you were to die today where would you spend eternity? If you say, “I hope heaven” …oops…you failed the test! If you say, “I don’t know”…oops you failed again! Or maybe you might say, “I am trying to be good enough so God will let me in…oops…you failed again. In fact there is only one right answer to that question so that you can pass the test. Have you ever asked Jesus Christ to come into your life as your Lord and Savior? If the answer to that question is “yes” then you have passed the test…if the answer to that question is not yet…you are failing the test…so test yourself right now!
Application
I will be ready to share the Good News of Gospel with the next person that God brings into my life that needs a relationship with Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that I can know for certain that I have eternal life. I have examined myself and I do know that Christ lives in me. Help me share the Good News with so many that believe that they have to work their way to heaven. Help me be sensitive to your Holy Spirit today. I pray for our church today as they meet together. I pray that You work Mightily through Pastor Rapley and Laurel and the rest of our staff. Be Glorified today…this is the Lord’s Day we will rejoice and be glad in it. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Paul’s Heart
1 Samuel 13; 1 Chronicles 2; 1 Chronicles 3; 2 Corinthians 12
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 12
15 So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less?
Observation
I want a heart like Paul’s for the church. The church at Corinth was a church filled with quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder yet Paul loved them and was willing to sacrifice everything for them. He said, “That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Application
I will thank the Lord today for His church and thank Him that I am a part of it!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your church. Thank you for Tampa Baptist Church. Thank you for the men, women, and children that make up our church. I pray that you continue to bless our people and help us to grow spiritually as well as numerically. I pray that you would strengthen our church so we can serve you better! In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Samuel 13; 1 Chronicles 2; 1 Chronicles 3; 2 Corinthians 12
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 12
15 So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less?
Observation
I want a heart like Paul’s for the church. The church at Corinth was a church filled with quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder yet Paul loved them and was willing to sacrifice everything for them. He said, “That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Application
I will thank the Lord today for His church and thank Him that I am a part of it!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your church. Thank you for Tampa Baptist Church. Thank you for the men, women, and children that make up our church. I pray that you continue to bless our people and help us to grow spiritually as well as numerically. I pray that you would strengthen our church so we can serve you better! In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Boasting Rights!
1 Samuel 11; 1 Samuel 12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 11
I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
Observation
Paul didn’t boast about how many churches he had started or how many people had come to Christ because of Him no he boasted in how he had suffered for Christ. I guess that pretty much gives me nothing to boast about today. I have never been flogged or even spanked for sharing my faith, never been beaten with rods, or stoned, or any of the other things Paul talks about. I do share his concern and understand the daily pressure of taking care of the church.
Application
I will pray for my friends today in Cuba and the Sudan that experience persecution for sharing their faith in Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I think of Paul and he seemed so successful in his missionary journeys that I usually don’t think of how he must have suffered for you. It seemed that your hand was always there to deliver him from one angry group or another. But Paul lived in constant danger and it was danger from people, danger from the elements, danger from robbers and bandits, danger from religious folks, and danger from the government leaders. We live in such a protected place. I know that this will one day change, but for right now you have protected us for a reason. And I believe the main reason is because the church in the USA has in the past been where most of your missionaries come from and find their support. I realize that this will not last forever and we must take advantage of this and send out more missionaries while we can. I pray that thousands will heed your call to go out to the fields that are waiting to be reached. I pray that you strengthen and protect our friends that serve you in very difficult and dangerous places. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Samuel 11; 1 Samuel 12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 11
I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
Observation
Paul didn’t boast about how many churches he had started or how many people had come to Christ because of Him no he boasted in how he had suffered for Christ. I guess that pretty much gives me nothing to boast about today. I have never been flogged or even spanked for sharing my faith, never been beaten with rods, or stoned, or any of the other things Paul talks about. I do share his concern and understand the daily pressure of taking care of the church.
Application
I will pray for my friends today in Cuba and the Sudan that experience persecution for sharing their faith in Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I think of Paul and he seemed so successful in his missionary journeys that I usually don’t think of how he must have suffered for you. It seemed that your hand was always there to deliver him from one angry group or another. But Paul lived in constant danger and it was danger from people, danger from the elements, danger from robbers and bandits, danger from religious folks, and danger from the government leaders. We live in such a protected place. I know that this will one day change, but for right now you have protected us for a reason. And I believe the main reason is because the church in the USA has in the past been where most of your missionaries come from and find their support. I realize that this will not last forever and we must take advantage of this and send out more missionaries while we can. I pray that thousands will heed your call to go out to the fields that are waiting to be reached. I pray that you strengthen and protect our friends that serve you in very difficult and dangerous places. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
We are Powerful (in Christ)!
1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 9; 1 Samuel 10; 2 Corinthians 10
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 10
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Observation
Life is a battlefield and war is waged everyday. If you are a Christ follower then you have weapons for this warfare that are out of this world. We have an unfair advantage in this battle because Creator God is on our side. In fact, He has already told us that we will be the victors when it is all over and done with. It is a battle that has already been won. We fight against principalities and powers in heavenly realms that one-day soon will be thrown into the fiery pit for eternal punishment.
It may not seem like you are on the winning side but trust God’s word when he says, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Cor. 15:57-58
Application
I will stand firm today on God’s promises. I will not be moved. I will continue to focus on God’s work because I know that what I do in the Lord is not in vain.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the victory. This world will not win even though it seems like the ungodly gain more and more ground every day. I know that you have a plan for this world and my family and I are included in that plan. Thank you for our church and for every person that you are bringing into our church to help it grow. May it continue to touch the lives of those that live in the community. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 9; 1 Samuel 10; 2 Corinthians 10
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 10
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Observation
Life is a battlefield and war is waged everyday. If you are a Christ follower then you have weapons for this warfare that are out of this world. We have an unfair advantage in this battle because Creator God is on our side. In fact, He has already told us that we will be the victors when it is all over and done with. It is a battle that has already been won. We fight against principalities and powers in heavenly realms that one-day soon will be thrown into the fiery pit for eternal punishment.
It may not seem like you are on the winning side but trust God’s word when he says, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Cor. 15:57-58
Application
I will stand firm today on God’s promises. I will not be moved. I will continue to focus on God’s work because I know that what I do in the Lord is not in vain.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the victory. This world will not win even though it seems like the ungodly gain more and more ground every day. I know that you have a plan for this world and my family and I are included in that plan. Thank you for our church and for every person that you are bringing into our church to help it grow. May it continue to touch the lives of those that live in the community. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Ministry of Giving!
(Our flight got canceled yesterday. It is 5:22 am and in a few minutes we will try to go to the airport to see if we can get to Dallas today!)
1 Samuel 6; 1 Samuel 7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians 9
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 9
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.
13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!
Observation
Did you know that you could have a ministry of giving? Hmm…and what do you do…what is your ministry…oh…I have the ministry of giving. Cool! Two things result when we are generous: 1. The people or organization that we are helping they get the help that they need. 2. God receives glory from their joyful expression of thanks to Him. Very Cool!
Application
I need to see who needs for me to help them today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Gift to me that is too wonderful for words! Wow! You have set the standard of giving very high! There is no way that we can out give you. Thank you for your indescribable Gift. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
(Our flight got canceled yesterday. It is 5:22 am and in a few minutes we will try to go to the airport to see if we can get to Dallas today!)
1 Samuel 6; 1 Samuel 7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians 9
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 9
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.
13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!
Observation
Did you know that you could have a ministry of giving? Hmm…and what do you do…what is your ministry…oh…I have the ministry of giving. Cool! Two things result when we are generous: 1. The people or organization that we are helping they get the help that they need. 2. God receives glory from their joyful expression of thanks to Him. Very Cool!
Application
I need to see who needs for me to help them today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Gift to me that is too wonderful for words! Wow! You have set the standard of giving very high! There is no way that we can out give you. Thank you for your indescribable Gift. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
In Deep Trouble?
(I may not be able to post anything new until April 16th because of a trip to Texas...not sure I will have access to internet) You can still click on the link below and it will take you to the daily Bible reading!
1 Samuel 3; 1 Samuel 4; 1 Samuel 5; Psalm 77; 2 Corinthians 8
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 77
1 I cry out to God; yes, I shout.
Oh, that God would listen to me!
2 When I was in deep trouble,
I searched for the Lord.
All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven,
but my soul was not comforted.
3 I think of God, and I moan,
overwhelmed with longing for his help.
Interlude
4 You don’t let me sleep.
I am too distressed even to pray!
5 I think of the good old days,
long since ended,
6 when my nights were filled with joyful songs.
I search my soul and ponder the difference now.
7 Has the Lord rejected me forever?
Will he never again be kind to me?
8 Is his unfailing love gone forever?
Have his promises permanently failed?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has he slammed the door on his compassion?
Interlude
10 And I said, “This is my fate;
the Most High has turned his hand against me.”
11 But then I recall all you have done, O LORD;
I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.
12 They are constantly in my thoughts.
I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.
13 O God, your ways are holy.
Is there any god as mighty as you?
14 You are the God of great wonders!
Observation
The Psalmist was in deep trouble and God was not responding, but he held on because he remembered what the Lord had done for him in the past. If you are in deep trouble and it doesn’t seem like God is aware of your predicament then find yourself a quiet place and stop and think back on all the great wonders that God has done in your life. He is the God of great wonders and He will get us through any tough time if we will just trust Him.
Application
I will trust the Lord today for the things in my life that are still unresolved, unanswered, or confusing because He is the God of great wonders!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to trust in you when we don’t see how things are going to work out. When we don’t know you do know and you are constantly at work in our lives. Thank you for always taking care of me. I am so blessed. Thank you that you are the same yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever.
Your arm is not too short that it cannot save and there is nothing too hard for you. O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
(I may not be able to post anything new until April 16th because of a trip to Texas...not sure I will have access to internet) You can still click on the link below and it will take you to the daily Bible reading!
1 Samuel 3; 1 Samuel 4; 1 Samuel 5; Psalm 77; 2 Corinthians 8
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 77
1 I cry out to God; yes, I shout.
Oh, that God would listen to me!
2 When I was in deep trouble,
I searched for the Lord.
All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven,
but my soul was not comforted.
3 I think of God, and I moan,
overwhelmed with longing for his help.
Interlude
4 You don’t let me sleep.
I am too distressed even to pray!
5 I think of the good old days,
long since ended,
6 when my nights were filled with joyful songs.
I search my soul and ponder the difference now.
7 Has the Lord rejected me forever?
Will he never again be kind to me?
8 Is his unfailing love gone forever?
Have his promises permanently failed?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has he slammed the door on his compassion?
Interlude
10 And I said, “This is my fate;
the Most High has turned his hand against me.”
11 But then I recall all you have done, O LORD;
I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.
12 They are constantly in my thoughts.
I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.
13 O God, your ways are holy.
Is there any god as mighty as you?
14 You are the God of great wonders!
Observation
The Psalmist was in deep trouble and God was not responding, but he held on because he remembered what the Lord had done for him in the past. If you are in deep trouble and it doesn’t seem like God is aware of your predicament then find yourself a quiet place and stop and think back on all the great wonders that God has done in your life. He is the God of great wonders and He will get us through any tough time if we will just trust Him.
Application
I will trust the Lord today for the things in my life that are still unresolved, unanswered, or confusing because He is the God of great wonders!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to trust in you when we don’t see how things are going to work out. When we don’t know you do know and you are constantly at work in our lives. Thank you for always taking care of me. I am so blessed. Thank you that you are the same yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever.
Your arm is not too short that it cannot save and there is nothing too hard for you. O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders. Amen.
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Monday, April 07, 2008
Are You an Answer to Someone’s Prayer?
1 Samuel 1; 1 Samuel 2; Psalm 66; 2 Corinthians 7
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Scripture
1 Samuel 1
Hannah’s Prayer for a Son
9 Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance of the Tabernacle. 10 Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the LORD. 11 And she made this vow: “O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the LORD, his hair will never be cut.”
Observation
My grandmother or granny’s name was Hannah and I believe that I know Jesus because my granny prayed for me. I remember walking to church with my granny until she got too old and sick to walk to church. I must have gone to church with her until I was about 9 years old and then I didn’t get to go back to church on a regular basis until I met Kathy at age 17. She gave me my first Bible. It was a big Bible with lots of pictures in it almost the size of a Bible that you might be tempted to place on a coffee table. I can remember when I was very young of her talking about participating in a Billy Graham Crusade. My Mom and Dad were not Christians and I believe that I have a relationship with Christ because my Granny prayed for me and I must have been able to see Jesus in her.
Application
I want my grandchildren all 9 of them to love Jesus because of their grandparents love and witness to them. I want them to see Jesus in us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me do as good with my grandchildren as my granny did in my life. I am certain that I know you because of her. Her love for you was so evident and it is what I desire for my life too. Help me to walk that close to you that I would also be a reflection of you to those around me. I pray that you give me the right words to share at the funeral service I am going to preach in just a couple of hours. I pray for Elmer Toenes and his family as they go through this time of grief. I pray for Kathy today is who must be one of the best grandmother’s this world has ever seen. I pray that you continue to use her in the lives of each one of our grandchildren. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Samuel 1; 1 Samuel 2; Psalm 66; 2 Corinthians 7
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
1 Samuel 1
Hannah’s Prayer for a Son
9 Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance of the Tabernacle. 10 Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the LORD. 11 And she made this vow: “O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the LORD, his hair will never be cut.”
Observation
My grandmother or granny’s name was Hannah and I believe that I know Jesus because my granny prayed for me. I remember walking to church with my granny until she got too old and sick to walk to church. I must have gone to church with her until I was about 9 years old and then I didn’t get to go back to church on a regular basis until I met Kathy at age 17. She gave me my first Bible. It was a big Bible with lots of pictures in it almost the size of a Bible that you might be tempted to place on a coffee table. I can remember when I was very young of her talking about participating in a Billy Graham Crusade. My Mom and Dad were not Christians and I believe that I have a relationship with Christ because my Granny prayed for me and I must have been able to see Jesus in her.
Application
I want my grandchildren all 9 of them to love Jesus because of their grandparents love and witness to them. I want them to see Jesus in us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me do as good with my grandchildren as my granny did in my life. I am certain that I know you because of her. Her love for you was so evident and it is what I desire for my life too. Help me to walk that close to you that I would also be a reflection of you to those around me. I pray that you give me the right words to share at the funeral service I am going to preach in just a couple of hours. I pray for Elmer Toenes and his family as they go through this time of grief. I pray for Kathy today is who must be one of the best grandmother’s this world has ever seen. I pray that you continue to use her in the lives of each one of our grandchildren. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Feeling Sorry for Yourself?
Ruth 3; Ruth 4; Psalm 64; Psalm 65; 2 Corinthians 6
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 6
4 In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. 5 We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. 6 We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. 7 We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. 8 We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. 9 We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. 10 Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.
Observation
Depressed, feeling sorry for myself does that describe you this morning. I know that I was fighting a case of the “oh me’s” this morning and for no apparent reason. So it was good to read about Paul and what he experienced because it gave no room for an Eddy Williams pity party. Let’s see, I have never been beaten, put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights (well maybe this one) and gone without food (except on purpose to try to lose weight)! So what do I have to feel down about…nothing, absolutely nothing and I have plenty to be up about! It is so easy to think more about myself than those around me. It is so easy to take my eyes off the Lord and put them on my circumstances or my imagined circumstances. Most of what I fear never happens because it is only in my thoughts…does that ever happen to you?
Application
So I will trust in what God says in verse 16, “ I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have nothing to complain about I am so blessed. Help me to keep my eyes off of myself and focused on the needs of those around me. I pray that you do a Mighty work in our church today. I pray that men and women would be saved. I pray that hearts would be turned to you. Be glorified in your church today Lord. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Ruth 3; Ruth 4; Psalm 64; Psalm 65; 2 Corinthians 6
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 6
4 In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. 5 We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. 6 We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. 7 We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. 8 We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. 9 We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. 10 Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.
Observation
Depressed, feeling sorry for myself does that describe you this morning. I know that I was fighting a case of the “oh me’s” this morning and for no apparent reason. So it was good to read about Paul and what he experienced because it gave no room for an Eddy Williams pity party. Let’s see, I have never been beaten, put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights (well maybe this one) and gone without food (except on purpose to try to lose weight)! So what do I have to feel down about…nothing, absolutely nothing and I have plenty to be up about! It is so easy to think more about myself than those around me. It is so easy to take my eyes off the Lord and put them on my circumstances or my imagined circumstances. Most of what I fear never happens because it is only in my thoughts…does that ever happen to you?
Application
So I will trust in what God says in verse 16, “ I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have nothing to complain about I am so blessed. Help me to keep my eyes off of myself and focused on the needs of those around me. I pray that you do a Mighty work in our church today. I pray that men and women would be saved. I pray that hearts would be turned to you. Be glorified in your church today Lord. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Friendships & Covenants
Ruth 1; Ruth 2; Psalm 53; Psalm 61; 2 Corinthians 5
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Scripture
Ruth 1
16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 17 Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” 18 When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more.
Observation
We use Ruth’s word to her mother–in-law in many wedding ceremonies, but then these words are sadly and quickly forgotten. Divorce, broken relationships, and our world ends up being filled with superficial friendships/relationships.
It seems that people today do not even attempt to build life long friendships. The first little disagreement and church members jump over to another close by church, a husband leaves his wife after only being married a short time, family members not talking to each other over something stupid, it seems that we live life so superficially, with no backbone. Ruth’s promise to her mother-in-law was a serious promise not only to Naomi but also a serious promise to God. When she said, “may the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us” those words showed that she meant business.
David and Jonathan’s friendship was also a deep friendship that most of us men never get to experience.
1 Samuel 18:1-4 After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.
What man (if you are a man) or woman (if you are a woman) do you have that kind of friendship/relationship with? If you were in a desperate situation right now do you have a close friend that would drop everything to be there for you even if it meant traveling from a 1,000 or 2,000 miles away? Do you have that kind of friend?
The relationships of Jonathan and David, and that of Ruth and Naomi are great examples for us. Don’t give up on building strong relationships with the people that God has brought into your life. Yes, you should work hard at making sure that your spouse is your very best friend, but you also need a Jonathan (if you are a man) or a Ruth (if you are a woman) in your life!
Application
I will work on strengthening my friendships with the men that the Lord has brought into my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am challenged as I read what Ruth said to her mother-in-law and she not only said it but she did it. Give me that kind of love for the people in my life. Help me not to be so selfish so self centered. Give me a bigger heart for people. I pray for the married couples in our church that you help them build stronger marriages and I pray for our men especially that they build deep friendships like David and Jonathan had. You are so Wonderful. Thank you for the friends that you have gifted me with! In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Ruth 1; Ruth 2; Psalm 53; Psalm 61; 2 Corinthians 5
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Ruth 1
16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 17 Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” 18 When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more.
Observation
We use Ruth’s word to her mother–in-law in many wedding ceremonies, but then these words are sadly and quickly forgotten. Divorce, broken relationships, and our world ends up being filled with superficial friendships/relationships.
It seems that people today do not even attempt to build life long friendships. The first little disagreement and church members jump over to another close by church, a husband leaves his wife after only being married a short time, family members not talking to each other over something stupid, it seems that we live life so superficially, with no backbone. Ruth’s promise to her mother-in-law was a serious promise not only to Naomi but also a serious promise to God. When she said, “may the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us” those words showed that she meant business.
David and Jonathan’s friendship was also a deep friendship that most of us men never get to experience.
1 Samuel 18:1-4 After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.
What man (if you are a man) or woman (if you are a woman) do you have that kind of friendship/relationship with? If you were in a desperate situation right now do you have a close friend that would drop everything to be there for you even if it meant traveling from a 1,000 or 2,000 miles away? Do you have that kind of friend?
The relationships of Jonathan and David, and that of Ruth and Naomi are great examples for us. Don’t give up on building strong relationships with the people that God has brought into your life. Yes, you should work hard at making sure that your spouse is your very best friend, but you also need a Jonathan (if you are a man) or a Ruth (if you are a woman) in your life!
Application
I will work on strengthening my friendships with the men that the Lord has brought into my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am challenged as I read what Ruth said to her mother-in-law and she not only said it but she did it. Give me that kind of love for the people in my life. Help me not to be so selfish so self centered. Give me a bigger heart for people. I pray for the married couples in our church that you help them build stronger marriages and I pray for our men especially that they build deep friendships like David and Jonathan had. You are so Wonderful. Thank you for the friends that you have gifted me with! In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, April 04, 2008
These Hard Times are Small Potatoes…
Judges 19; Judges 20; Judges 21; 2 Corinthians 4
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 4
16-18 So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.
Observation
Paul said, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.
Then he said, “These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.”
What Paul is saying to me is that I should keep everything in perspective and I have to realize that God is at work even in the hard times of my life and that one day I will experience what He has prepared for me.
1 Corinthians 2:9 “…No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"--
Application
I will write and encourage someone today that has been going through a difficult time.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am looking forward to what you have in store for me. Help me to remember that I am only on this earth a short time and no matter what kind of bad stuff I experience it is small potatoes to what I am going to enjoy forever.
Thank you for Your Word. I pray for Elmer as he deals with the death of his wife and for others that are experiencing difficult times right now. I pray that you comfort them and bring people into their lives that will encourage them. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Judges 19; Judges 20; Judges 21; 2 Corinthians 4
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 4
16-18 So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.
Observation
Paul said, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.
Then he said, “These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.”
What Paul is saying to me is that I should keep everything in perspective and I have to realize that God is at work even in the hard times of my life and that one day I will experience what He has prepared for me.
1 Corinthians 2:9 “…No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"--
Application
I will write and encourage someone today that has been going through a difficult time.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am looking forward to what you have in store for me. Help me to remember that I am only on this earth a short time and no matter what kind of bad stuff I experience it is small potatoes to what I am going to enjoy forever.
Thank you for Your Word. I pray for Elmer as he deals with the death of his wife and for others that are experiencing difficult times right now. I pray that you comfort them and bring people into their lives that will encourage them. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Work in Progress!
Judges 17; Judges 18; Psalm 89; 2 Corinthians 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 3
16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
Observation
Someone has said that dog owners and their dogs look more and more alike over time. I don’t think that is true do you, but a Christ-follower should look more and more like his or her owner, more and more like Jesus. This passage says that the Holy Spirit is making us more and more like the glorious image of Jesus. How is the Holy Spirit doing in your life? Are you making it difficult for Him? Am I allowing Him to work in my life? Do you and I reflect the glory of the Lord?
Application
I will try to be patient with people today because we are all works in progress.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be more like Jesus today. Give me patience with those around me because none of us are what we should be. Give me discernment to be able to see the real needs in people’s lives and not just see their problems, not just see their obvious hurts, hang-ups, and bad habits. Help me to love people that are hard to love. I want to reflect your glory today. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Judges 17; Judges 18; Psalm 89; 2 Corinthians 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 3
16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
Observation
Someone has said that dog owners and their dogs look more and more alike over time. I don’t think that is true do you, but a Christ-follower should look more and more like his or her owner, more and more like Jesus. This passage says that the Holy Spirit is making us more and more like the glorious image of Jesus. How is the Holy Spirit doing in your life? Are you making it difficult for Him? Am I allowing Him to work in my life? Do you and I reflect the glory of the Lord?
Application
I will try to be patient with people today because we are all works in progress.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be more like Jesus today. Give me patience with those around me because none of us are what we should be. Give me discernment to be able to see the real needs in people’s lives and not just see their problems, not just see their obvious hurts, hang-ups, and bad habits. Help me to love people that are hard to love. I want to reflect your glory today. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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