How He Blesses Them!
Isaiah 63; Isaiah 64; Psalm 107; John 2
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Scripture
Psalm 107
35 But he also turns deserts into pools of water,
the dry land into springs of water.
36 He brings the hungry to settle there
and to build their cities.
37 They sow their fields, plant their vineyards,
and harvest their bumper crops.
38 How he blesses them!
They raise large families there,
and their herds of livestock increase.
Observation
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
6 “LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble,
and he rescued them from their distress.
13 “LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
19 “LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
28 “LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
The Psalmist is saying that every time the people of Israel turned to their God and cried out for help He was right there helping them. He says in verse 49, “Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the LORD.”
Just look back on your own life and look at how God has helped you! He has always been there for me and He has not changed. In this chapter the same verse is repeated four times, “LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress.”
What is going on in your life right now that is not the way it should be?
Have you cried out yet, “Lord, help”? If not, why not? Look at His promise in verses 35-38 for all those that cry out for help! What is keeping you from looking up and crying out, “LORD, HELP”!
Application
I will apply verses 6, 13, 19, 28 and say to the Lord this morning, “Lord, help”!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me! I am poor and needy. I recognize that you are all powerful and there is not anything too hard for you. I want to experience your blessings. I want our church to experience your blessings and so I cry out to you this morning, “Lord, help”. I know that you hear me and I know that you will respond because you always hear me and You have always responded.
I give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. I praise You for Your great love and for the wonderful things You have done for me! I pray for all of our people that have taken the 30-day challenge to read your Word everyday. I pray that Your Word would burn in their hearts today as they read it and I pray that they would be set on fire for You. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Come, Follow Me!
Isaiah 60; Isaiah 61; Isaiah 62; John 1
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Scripture
John 1
35 The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. 36 As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” 37 When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus.
38 Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them.
They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
39 “Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day.
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. 41 Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”).
42 Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”).
43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.” 44 Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown.
45 Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.”
46 “Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
“Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied.
47 As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.”
48 “How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked.
Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.”
49 Then Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!”
50 Jesus asked him, “Do you believe this just because I told you I had seen you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” 51 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.
Observation
Have you ever felt Jesus say to you, “Come, follow me”? I was 19 years old when I said “Yes” to Jesus when He told me to follow Him. Of course, He had been working in my life for a long time before that but it was at 19 when I said, “Yes” to Him. My life before Christ was a mess. I remember feeling empty inside and I can remember that my life didn’t have any real purpose or meaning and I remember pretty much thinking only about myself. It was also a time when sin dominated/ruled my life.
Are you following Him with your whole heart? If you are reading this devotional blog you probably are pretty serious about following Christ, but I guess it is possible that the Lord had you look at the blog just to speak to your heart one more time about following Him!
The best decision of my life was to say “Yes” to Jesus Christ and join the worldwide ranks of Christ Followers. It is an exciting adventure and everyday I learn more about what is involved in following Christ. I like the portion of today’s scripture that says, “Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said…” Can you imagine what Christ must have been thinking about as He looked intently at Simon Peter? Jesus was probably thinking of how Simon Peter would become the leader of the church, but He also probably saw in that same moment a Simon Peter that would one day deny Him … and yet He said to Simon Peter, “Come, follow me.”
Jesus calls us to follow Him even though He knows that we are jars of clay. He knows how fragile and weak we are and yet Christ wants to be our Rock, and our Strength. The Apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13)
Application
I can do all things through Christ who has called me to join Him in this great, but challenging adventure called life!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me encourage other men and women to follow Christ. Give me the boldness and the love I need to be a faithful witness for you. Thank you for sending people into my life at just the right time to help me find the way to Christ and salvation. I pray for the people that need to say, “Yes” to Jesus and I pray that they would be obedient this week to that call. I pray for our people that you might use them as your witnesses where ever they travel today. I pray that many will come to Christ through the ministry of our church. Help me to bring someone to Christ. Use me as your witness today! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Isaiah 60; Isaiah 61; Isaiah 62; John 1
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Scripture
John 1
35 The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. 36 As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” 37 When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus.
38 Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them.
They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
39 “Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day.
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. 41 Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”).
42 Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”).
43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.” 44 Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown.
45 Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.”
46 “Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
“Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied.
47 As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.”
48 “How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked.
Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.”
49 Then Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!”
50 Jesus asked him, “Do you believe this just because I told you I had seen you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” 51 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.
Observation
Have you ever felt Jesus say to you, “Come, follow me”? I was 19 years old when I said “Yes” to Jesus when He told me to follow Him. Of course, He had been working in my life for a long time before that but it was at 19 when I said, “Yes” to Him. My life before Christ was a mess. I remember feeling empty inside and I can remember that my life didn’t have any real purpose or meaning and I remember pretty much thinking only about myself. It was also a time when sin dominated/ruled my life.
Are you following Him with your whole heart? If you are reading this devotional blog you probably are pretty serious about following Christ, but I guess it is possible that the Lord had you look at the blog just to speak to your heart one more time about following Him!
The best decision of my life was to say “Yes” to Jesus Christ and join the worldwide ranks of Christ Followers. It is an exciting adventure and everyday I learn more about what is involved in following Christ. I like the portion of today’s scripture that says, “Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said…” Can you imagine what Christ must have been thinking about as He looked intently at Simon Peter? Jesus was probably thinking of how Simon Peter would become the leader of the church, but He also probably saw in that same moment a Simon Peter that would one day deny Him … and yet He said to Simon Peter, “Come, follow me.”
Jesus calls us to follow Him even though He knows that we are jars of clay. He knows how fragile and weak we are and yet Christ wants to be our Rock, and our Strength. The Apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13)
Application
I can do all things through Christ who has called me to join Him in this great, but challenging adventure called life!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me encourage other men and women to follow Christ. Give me the boldness and the love I need to be a faithful witness for you. Thank you for sending people into my life at just the right time to help me find the way to Christ and salvation. I pray for the people that need to say, “Yes” to Jesus and I pray that they would be obedient this week to that call. I pray for our people that you might use them as your witnesses where ever they travel today. I pray that many will come to Christ through the ministry of our church. Help me to bring someone to Christ. Use me as your witness today! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Chief Hurry Up and Wait
Isaiah 57; Isaiah 58; Isaiah 59; Psalm 103; 2 Peter 3
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Scripture
2 Peter 3
8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 15 And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.
Observation
On mission trips that I lead I let groups know that my name on trips is “Chief Hurry Up and Wait”. I will rush the team to get somewhere like the airport and get them there early only to have them have to wait. But if I didn’t rush them to get there we would run the risk of missing our plane. And when you have a group of people to get from point “a” to point “b” you don’t want to miss the chance to arrive on time. Even getting the team to the airport hours early we have still almost missed our connection on some trips. So I don’t worry about being called “Chief Hurry Up and Wait” as long as I get the team where they are supposed to be!
God is an “On Time God”; He does not rush, He is very patient with us. A thousand years to the Lord is like a day and a day is like a thousand years to Him, but He does have a limit. He doesn’t want anyone to perish. He wants everyone to come to repentance and He wants everyone in a right relationship with Him. So He puts up with a lot of garbage from people, but there is a cut-off. One day He will say, “Enough is enough” and we will no longer have another chance to repent.
Be patient with the people around you that do not know Christ. Keep praying for them. Keep witnessing to them. Keep inviting them to church. God is constantly working in their lives. He is constantly working in my life and in your life.
Psalm 103
8 The LORD is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.
10 He does not punish us for all our sins;
he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
12 He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.
Application
I will be patient with those that need to get right with God and I will not give up on them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to quit trying to move people closer to you. I know that you are patient and I know that you are working in their lives. Use other people in the lives of the ones that I love to help them come to you. Thank you for taking my sins and removing them as far as the east is from the west. Thank you for being patient with me. Help us to minister to people in your Mighty Name today. I pray for Lois Conner and her family as they go through this time of grief. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Isaiah 57; Isaiah 58; Isaiah 59; Psalm 103; 2 Peter 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Peter 3
8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 15 And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.
Observation
On mission trips that I lead I let groups know that my name on trips is “Chief Hurry Up and Wait”. I will rush the team to get somewhere like the airport and get them there early only to have them have to wait. But if I didn’t rush them to get there we would run the risk of missing our plane. And when you have a group of people to get from point “a” to point “b” you don’t want to miss the chance to arrive on time. Even getting the team to the airport hours early we have still almost missed our connection on some trips. So I don’t worry about being called “Chief Hurry Up and Wait” as long as I get the team where they are supposed to be!
God is an “On Time God”; He does not rush, He is very patient with us. A thousand years to the Lord is like a day and a day is like a thousand years to Him, but He does have a limit. He doesn’t want anyone to perish. He wants everyone to come to repentance and He wants everyone in a right relationship with Him. So He puts up with a lot of garbage from people, but there is a cut-off. One day He will say, “Enough is enough” and we will no longer have another chance to repent.
Be patient with the people around you that do not know Christ. Keep praying for them. Keep witnessing to them. Keep inviting them to church. God is constantly working in their lives. He is constantly working in my life and in your life.
Psalm 103
8 The LORD is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.
10 He does not punish us for all our sins;
he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
12 He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.
Application
I will be patient with those that need to get right with God and I will not give up on them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to quit trying to move people closer to you. I know that you are patient and I know that you are working in their lives. Use other people in the lives of the ones that I love to help them come to you. Thank you for taking my sins and removing them as far as the east is from the west. Thank you for being patient with me. Help us to minister to people in your Mighty Name today. I pray for Lois Conner and her family as they go through this time of grief. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Monday, July 28, 2008
Need to be Rescued?
Isaiah 53; Isaiah 54; Isaiah 55; Isaiah 56; 2 Peter 2
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Scripture
2 Peter 2
9 So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.
Observation
Do you remember Lot? Do you remember how evil the city of Sodom was? The scriptures say in 2 Peter 2:7-8 “But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. 8 Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day.”
I couldn’t imagine living in Sodom like Lot did. Of course, he made a bad choice as to where he was going to live when he and Abraham parted company, but still the scriptures say that he was a righteous man living in a city so evil that God destroyed it but God rescued him.
God watches over the righteous every day and he is continually rescuing them. We don’t know how many times in a day that God comes to our rescue do we? We live in a wicked world and that is getting worse everyday, but we have a God that can rescue us and protect us from its destructive power.
God knows how to rescue us from our trials. What are you going through today? Why not trust God to rescue you? Isaiah 43:1-3 “… Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. [2] When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. [3] For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.”
Application
God is my strong tower. He will rescue me from any trial that comes my way today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me your Word that I can depend on today. You are my strength. You are my Savior. Thank you for always rescuing me from the trials that I find myself in. I pray that you help me be a strong witness today. I want to please you with my actions and with the attitude of my heart. I pray that you would continue to raise up leaders within our church. Bless those that are now leading and help them to do their jobs well. I pray for those that are sick, especially those that are battling cancer. I pray that you would be their strength. Touch and heal them today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Isaiah 53; Isaiah 54; Isaiah 55; Isaiah 56; 2 Peter 2
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Scripture
2 Peter 2
9 So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.
Observation
Do you remember Lot? Do you remember how evil the city of Sodom was? The scriptures say in 2 Peter 2:7-8 “But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. 8 Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day.”
I couldn’t imagine living in Sodom like Lot did. Of course, he made a bad choice as to where he was going to live when he and Abraham parted company, but still the scriptures say that he was a righteous man living in a city so evil that God destroyed it but God rescued him.
God watches over the righteous every day and he is continually rescuing them. We don’t know how many times in a day that God comes to our rescue do we? We live in a wicked world and that is getting worse everyday, but we have a God that can rescue us and protect us from its destructive power.
God knows how to rescue us from our trials. What are you going through today? Why not trust God to rescue you? Isaiah 43:1-3 “… Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. [2] When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. [3] For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.”
Application
God is my strong tower. He will rescue me from any trial that comes my way today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me your Word that I can depend on today. You are my strength. You are my Savior. Thank you for always rescuing me from the trials that I find myself in. I pray that you help me be a strong witness today. I want to please you with my actions and with the attitude of my heart. I pray that you would continue to raise up leaders within our church. Bless those that are now leading and help them to do their jobs well. I pray for those that are sick, especially those that are battling cancer. I pray that you would be their strength. Touch and heal them today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Sunday, July 27, 2008
Eyewitnesses Of His Glory!
Isaiah 50; Isaiah 51; Isaiah 52; Psalm 92; 2 Peter 1
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Scripture
2 Peter 1
16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
Observation
Can you imagine what it must have been like to be an eyewitness of the ministry of Jesus Christ and to be able to walk, eat, and sleep in the presence of the King of King and the Lord of Lords? To actually be in his presence on the mount of transfiguration when Elijah and Moses visited with Jesus and to have heard the Father’s voice, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Even though today I don’t get to physically walk with Jesus and I don’t get to experience exactly what the disciples got to experience what I am getting to experience is pretty incredible. I sense His presence in my life stronger everyday. I am an eyewitness to what God is doing in my life and in the lives of those around me. He changed my life and I will never be the same!
Application
I want to live my life in such a way that my Heavenly Father can say about me, “This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for letting me experience your power and your love. You are an Awesome God. I pray today as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper at church that you would be pleased with us. I pray that you visit us with us with your Mighty Power. I pray that people’s hearts would be turned toward you and that people would be saved. Be honored and be glorified in my life today and in the lives of those that come to worship today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Isaiah 50; Isaiah 51; Isaiah 52; Psalm 92; 2 Peter 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Peter 1
16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
Observation
Can you imagine what it must have been like to be an eyewitness of the ministry of Jesus Christ and to be able to walk, eat, and sleep in the presence of the King of King and the Lord of Lords? To actually be in his presence on the mount of transfiguration when Elijah and Moses visited with Jesus and to have heard the Father’s voice, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Even though today I don’t get to physically walk with Jesus and I don’t get to experience exactly what the disciples got to experience what I am getting to experience is pretty incredible. I sense His presence in my life stronger everyday. I am an eyewitness to what God is doing in my life and in the lives of those around me. He changed my life and I will never be the same!
Application
I want to live my life in such a way that my Heavenly Father can say about me, “This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for letting me experience your power and your love. You are an Awesome God. I pray today as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper at church that you would be pleased with us. I pray that you visit us with us with your Mighty Power. I pray that people’s hearts would be turned toward you and that people would be saved. Be honored and be glorified in my life today and in the lives of those that come to worship today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Saturday, July 26, 2008
Commands “Give…Stay…Watch…Stand”!
Isaiah 46; Isaiah 47; Isaiah 48; Isaiah 49; 1 Peter 5
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Scripture
1 Peter 5
7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters, all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
Observation
Tommy Cox and I do a Bible study on Wednesdays called a chapter analysis and part of the study each week calls for finding the commands in the chapter. This chapter is full of commands. I really like the one in verse 7 where Peter tells us to give all our worries and cares to God. And he says that we should do that because God cares about us. He put the word “ALL” in that verse for a reason. God doesn’t want us to worry about anything, but rather He wants us to pray about everything! Have you ever noticed that you tend to worry about the same old things? Maybe the things we worry about give the devil a foothold in our lives and the reason I say that is because the very next verse tells us to watch out for the Devil and tells us that we need to stay alert. Then we are reminded to stand firm against him and for us to be strong in our faith. We can’t do that if we are worrying!
Application
When I catch myself worrying today I will take that worry to the Lord in prayer.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to worry about anything. Help me to pray about everything. Help me to be alert and to watch out for the devil. Help me to stand firm and to be strong in my faith today. I pray for my Christian brothers around the world and especially in China that are suffering today. Help them to stand firm today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Isaiah 46; Isaiah 47; Isaiah 48; Isaiah 49; 1 Peter 5
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Scripture
1 Peter 5
7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters, all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
Observation
Tommy Cox and I do a Bible study on Wednesdays called a chapter analysis and part of the study each week calls for finding the commands in the chapter. This chapter is full of commands. I really like the one in verse 7 where Peter tells us to give all our worries and cares to God. And he says that we should do that because God cares about us. He put the word “ALL” in that verse for a reason. God doesn’t want us to worry about anything, but rather He wants us to pray about everything! Have you ever noticed that you tend to worry about the same old things? Maybe the things we worry about give the devil a foothold in our lives and the reason I say that is because the very next verse tells us to watch out for the Devil and tells us that we need to stay alert. Then we are reminded to stand firm against him and for us to be strong in our faith. We can’t do that if we are worrying!
Application
When I catch myself worrying today I will take that worry to the Lord in prayer.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to worry about anything. Help me to pray about everything. Help me to be alert and to watch out for the devil. Help me to stand firm and to be strong in my faith today. I pray for my Christian brothers around the world and especially in China that are suffering today. Help them to stand firm today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Friday, July 25, 2008
God Loves Variety! Look How He Created You and Me!
Isaiah 43; Isaiah 44; Isaiah 45; 1 Peter 4
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Scripture
1 Peter 4
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
Observation
God’s church is so colorful. There is so much variety. People are so different. I am amazed at how God has gifted His people to do His work. Our tendency is to try to make everyone conform to what we are comfortable with or we tend to think that everyone should be like us!
Hello…it is never going to happen! Just as God has made us all different in appearance He has also given us different spiritual gifts and talents. I am so glad that He did! Life is never dull! He has gifted us all differently so that the body of Christ might be able minister like it was designed to do. We are gifted to serve one another.
Application
I will use my spiritual gift(s) to serve someone today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for variety. Thank you for making everyone so different. Help those in our church use their spiritual gifts and talents to serve one another. Help me to use the gifts and talents that you have given me to bring you honor and glory. Help me to keep my focus outward and not on myself today. Thank you for the promise that I read today in Isaiah 43 of your presence when I go through rough times, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” In Jesus Name Amen.
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Isaiah 43; Isaiah 44; Isaiah 45; 1 Peter 4
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Scripture
1 Peter 4
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
Observation
God’s church is so colorful. There is so much variety. People are so different. I am amazed at how God has gifted His people to do His work. Our tendency is to try to make everyone conform to what we are comfortable with or we tend to think that everyone should be like us!
Hello…it is never going to happen! Just as God has made us all different in appearance He has also given us different spiritual gifts and talents. I am so glad that He did! Life is never dull! He has gifted us all differently so that the body of Christ might be able minister like it was designed to do. We are gifted to serve one another.
Application
I will use my spiritual gift(s) to serve someone today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for variety. Thank you for making everyone so different. Help those in our church use their spiritual gifts and talents to serve one another. Help me to use the gifts and talents that you have given me to bring you honor and glory. Help me to keep my focus outward and not on myself today. Thank you for the promise that I read today in Isaiah 43 of your presence when I go through rough times, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” In Jesus Name Amen.
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Thursday, July 24, 2008
Do You Not Know? Have You Not Heard?
Isaiah 40; Isaiah 41; Isaiah 42; 1 Peter 3
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Scripture
Isaiah 40
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 41:10
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Observation
In these chapters one of the things that Isaiah was writing about was the futility of trusting in man made idols, idols that you had to nail down to the floor to keep them for toppling over when you and I can trust in the Creator God who never grows weary and never gets tired. Do you not know? Have you not heard? Listen to this verse, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” That is God’s promise to everyone that puts their faith and trust in Him. Do not be afraid!
Application
I will not be afraid today. I will trust the Lord to renew my strength and I will trust Him to help me soar as an eagle!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for these promises in Isaiah. I will trust you today. I am hearing you and I know that you are promising to take care of me. Help me to soar today like an eagle. Help me not to be weary, renew my strength today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Isaiah 40; Isaiah 41; Isaiah 42; 1 Peter 3
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
Isaiah 40
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 41:10
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Observation
In these chapters one of the things that Isaiah was writing about was the futility of trusting in man made idols, idols that you had to nail down to the floor to keep them for toppling over when you and I can trust in the Creator God who never grows weary and never gets tired. Do you not know? Have you not heard? Listen to this verse, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” That is God’s promise to everyone that puts their faith and trust in Him. Do not be afraid!
Application
I will not be afraid today. I will trust the Lord to renew my strength and I will trust Him to help me soar as an eagle!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for these promises in Isaiah. I will trust you today. I am hearing you and I know that you are promising to take care of me. Help me to soar today like an eagle. Help me not to be weary, renew my strength today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Wounded For Us!
2 Kings 20; Isaiah 38; Isaiah 39; Psalm 75; 1 Peter 2
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Scripture
1 Peter 2
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Observation
We do not deserve to go to heaven. We cannot heal ourselves of the spiritual disease called sin. But Jesus suffered and died on the cross and laid down his life in our place. Jesus was wounded and bruised, tortured and beaten so that we could be healed of the consequences of our sins. He took on the cross the suffering that we deserve so that now we can die to sins and we can live everyday in victory for Him.
19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Application
Today I will live for Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for paying for my sins on the cross so that I may live a life committed to you. Help me to follow Christ’s example in his suffering and not complain when I experience a little bit of what He experienced for me. Thank you for healing me and giving me the power to live a victorious life. I pray for our students today as they minister to the homeless in Clearwater. Use this week in their lives to change them forever. In Jesus Name Amen.
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2 Kings 20; Isaiah 38; Isaiah 39; Psalm 75; 1 Peter 2
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Scripture
1 Peter 2
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Observation
We do not deserve to go to heaven. We cannot heal ourselves of the spiritual disease called sin. But Jesus suffered and died on the cross and laid down his life in our place. Jesus was wounded and bruised, tortured and beaten so that we could be healed of the consequences of our sins. He took on the cross the suffering that we deserve so that now we can die to sins and we can live everyday in victory for Him.
19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Application
Today I will live for Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for paying for my sins on the cross so that I may live a life committed to you. Help me to follow Christ’s example in his suffering and not complain when I experience a little bit of what He experienced for me. Thank you for healing me and giving me the power to live a victorious life. I pray for our students today as they minister to the homeless in Clearwater. Use this week in their lives to change them forever. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Therefore…You Need to Look and See What It is Therefore
Isaiah 36; Isaiah 37; Psalm 76; 1 Peter 1
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Scripture
1 Peter 1
13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Observation
Whenever you see a “Therefore” in scripture you need to look and see what it is “Therefore”! You would need to go back to verse three where Peter says, “3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,
5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls… “Therefore…” prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Application
I will pay careful attention to everything that comes before all “Therefore’s” I find in scripture!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me prepare my mind for action. Help me to be self-controlled. You have saved me and I have such a rich inheritance waiting for me in heaven. Help me remember that this is not my home. I am just passing through this world and time is flying by. Thank you for an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for me by you. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Isaiah 36; Isaiah 37; Psalm 76; 1 Peter 1
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Scripture
1 Peter 1
13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Observation
Whenever you see a “Therefore” in scripture you need to look and see what it is “Therefore”! You would need to go back to verse three where Peter says, “3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,
5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls… “Therefore…” prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Application
I will pay careful attention to everything that comes before all “Therefore’s” I find in scripture!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me prepare my mind for action. Help me to be self-controlled. You have saved me and I have such a rich inheritance waiting for me in heaven. Help me remember that this is not my home. I am just passing through this world and time is flying by. Thank you for an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for me by you. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Monday, July 21, 2008
This Is A Test!
2 Kings 18; 2 Kings 19; 2 Chronicles 32; James 5
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Scripture
2 Chronicles 32:31b
…God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart.
Observation
Last night when I got home from church I turned on the television and was clicking through the channels trying to see if there was anything on worth looking at. Kathy had not gotten home yet from church. I was home alone. It seemed like every channel I clicked on had girls on that were dressed to distract this preacher. Yes, I was tempted to click back over and look at those channels. It was definitely a test.
What you do when no one is around is a true test of your character. What would you do if you knew that no one would see what you did and you knew that you would not be caught? You see last night I was home alone…but I really wasn’t.
God does not tempt us, but He does allow us to be tempted. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that with every temptation God provides a way for us to escape. Are you being tempted these days? You and I don’t have to yield to the temptation; God has made a way for us to escape!
Application
I will guard myself from the temptations that are sure to come at me today by filling my heart with God’s Word. “Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against thee.” Ps. 119:11
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the strength last night to say “no” to my eyes when they desired to yield to what came across the television. Give me the strength that I need today to have victory over sin. I realize that I cannot live for you today without your help. I pray that you would help us prepare for the new church year. Give us your vision for our church. Give us your ideas. Give us energy to carry out your plans. Help us to do your will. In Jesus Name Amen.
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2 Kings 18; 2 Kings 19; 2 Chronicles 32; James 5
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Scripture
2 Chronicles 32:31b
…God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart.
Observation
Last night when I got home from church I turned on the television and was clicking through the channels trying to see if there was anything on worth looking at. Kathy had not gotten home yet from church. I was home alone. It seemed like every channel I clicked on had girls on that were dressed to distract this preacher. Yes, I was tempted to click back over and look at those channels. It was definitely a test.
What you do when no one is around is a true test of your character. What would you do if you knew that no one would see what you did and you knew that you would not be caught? You see last night I was home alone…but I really wasn’t.
God does not tempt us, but He does allow us to be tempted. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that with every temptation God provides a way for us to escape. Are you being tempted these days? You and I don’t have to yield to the temptation; God has made a way for us to escape!
Application
I will guard myself from the temptations that are sure to come at me today by filling my heart with God’s Word. “Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against thee.” Ps. 119:11
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the strength last night to say “no” to my eyes when they desired to yield to what came across the television. Give me the strength that I need today to have victory over sin. I realize that I cannot live for you today without your help. I pray that you would help us prepare for the new church year. Give us your vision for our church. Give us your ideas. Give us energy to carry out your plans. Help us to do your will. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Sunday, July 20, 2008
Our Problem is Not a Lack of Biblical Knowledge!
2 Chronicles 29; 2 Chronicles 30; 2 Chronicles 31; James 4
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Scripture
James 4
17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
Observation
Our problem is not that we don’t know the Bible our problem is that we know a lot more of the Bible than we put into practice. Our problem is applying the Word of God that we already know to our daily lives.
Remember a few days ago I wrote about this verse in Hebrews 13:17, “Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this joyfully and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.”
James 4:17 says, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”
Application
This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it! I know that is what I ought to do today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. Help me to please you today in my actions, in my thoughts, and with my attitude. You are Worthy to receive Praise! In Jesus Name Amen.
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2 Chronicles 29; 2 Chronicles 30; 2 Chronicles 31; James 4
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
James 4
17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
Observation
Our problem is not that we don’t know the Bible our problem is that we know a lot more of the Bible than we put into practice. Our problem is applying the Word of God that we already know to our daily lives.
Remember a few days ago I wrote about this verse in Hebrews 13:17, “Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this joyfully and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.”
James 4:17 says, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”
Application
This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it! I know that is what I ought to do today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. Help me to please you today in my actions, in my thoughts, and with my attitude. You are Worthy to receive Praise! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Saturday, July 19, 2008
The Heart and Tongue Connection!
2 Kings 17; 2 Chronicles 28; Psalm 46; James 3
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Scripture
2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.
3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.
But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.
Observation
Psalm 19:14 “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 26:2 “Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;”
Proverbs 16:23 “A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.”
Psalm 139:4 “Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.”
Proverbs 21:23 “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
1 John 3:18 “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
We need to fill our hearts and minds with the Word of God because what is in our hearts is going to come out! I am shocked at my own thoughts that are in my heart sometimes and the words that often come out of my mouth. Scripture says that we need to guard our mouths and tongues to keep us from calamity!
Once those words leave our mouths there is no pulling them back in … the damage is done! Most of the problems that I encounter within the church come from careless and thoughtless remarks made by one brother or sister in Christ to another that leave them hurt and injured. Proverbs 18:19 “An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.”
Application
I will guard what goes into my heart so what comes out of my mouth will be pleasing to God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind. Help me to guard my mouth and my tongue so that I can please you. In Jesus Name Amen.
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2 Kings 17; 2 Chronicles 28; Psalm 46; James 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.
3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.
But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.
Observation
Psalm 19:14 “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 26:2 “Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;”
Proverbs 16:23 “A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.”
Psalm 139:4 “Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.”
Proverbs 21:23 “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
1 John 3:18 “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
We need to fill our hearts and minds with the Word of God because what is in our hearts is going to come out! I am shocked at my own thoughts that are in my heart sometimes and the words that often come out of my mouth. Scripture says that we need to guard our mouths and tongues to keep us from calamity!
Once those words leave our mouths there is no pulling them back in … the damage is done! Most of the problems that I encounter within the church come from careless and thoughtless remarks made by one brother or sister in Christ to another that leave them hurt and injured. Proverbs 18:19 “An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.”
Application
I will guard what goes into my heart so what comes out of my mouth will be pleasing to God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind. Help me to guard my mouth and my tongue so that I can please you. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Friday, July 18, 2008
Jesus Loves The Little Children “Red and Yellow, Black and White”
Isaiah 32; Isaiah 33; Isaiah 34; Isaiah 35; James 2
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Scripture
James 2
1 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?
2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?
5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? 6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?
8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.
Observation
Jesus loves the little children all the children of the world, red and yellow black and white they are precious in his sight! Our Christian academy is so diverse. We have children attending our Tampa Bay Christian Academy from all types of backgrounds. We have children coming from very wealthy families to many families struggling just to have money for food and clothes. They come from all over this world. Some come from families that are Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian and some come with no religious background at all. Racially and culturally our academy is so diverse. It is a true reflection of the world that we live in.
I am very proud of our academy staff. This was all done intentionally.
Not everyone is happy that our school is so open, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Just this week I heard about a comment that came from a person in leadership within our church saying that our school lets in the wrong kind of kids! Hmm…I wonder if this person was referring to the color of skin, or to the economic situation of the family, or maybe it was the family’s religious background. I wonder what they dislike about our kids or dislike about our kid’s parents.
It doesn’t matter what they dislike about our kids. The attitude is so wrong and no matter what they say or how they rationalize their prejudice it is an indication to me of a severe heart problem. I am so glad that 99.9% of our people in our church do not feel this way!
The few that do need to memorize, meditate on, and then live out James 2:1-9.
Application
I will continue to strongly support our academy in their mission to reach children for Christ regardless of the color of their skin and regardless of the economic situation that life finds them in.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to discriminate. Help me not to favor one person over another because of their appearance. Help me to see past their appearance to their heart. Give me your eyes and your heart for the people around me! I pray for our academy staff, for our academy families. I pray that you richly bless them this coming school year. I pray for the funding needed to keep our school reaching out to our community. Touch the hearts of people that can help our school financially. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Isaiah 32; Isaiah 33; Isaiah 34; Isaiah 35; James 2
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
James 2
1 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?
2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?
5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? 6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?
8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.
Observation
Jesus loves the little children all the children of the world, red and yellow black and white they are precious in his sight! Our Christian academy is so diverse. We have children attending our Tampa Bay Christian Academy from all types of backgrounds. We have children coming from very wealthy families to many families struggling just to have money for food and clothes. They come from all over this world. Some come from families that are Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian and some come with no religious background at all. Racially and culturally our academy is so diverse. It is a true reflection of the world that we live in.
I am very proud of our academy staff. This was all done intentionally.
Not everyone is happy that our school is so open, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Just this week I heard about a comment that came from a person in leadership within our church saying that our school lets in the wrong kind of kids! Hmm…I wonder if this person was referring to the color of skin, or to the economic situation of the family, or maybe it was the family’s religious background. I wonder what they dislike about our kids or dislike about our kid’s parents.
It doesn’t matter what they dislike about our kids. The attitude is so wrong and no matter what they say or how they rationalize their prejudice it is an indication to me of a severe heart problem. I am so glad that 99.9% of our people in our church do not feel this way!
The few that do need to memorize, meditate on, and then live out James 2:1-9.
Application
I will continue to strongly support our academy in their mission to reach children for Christ regardless of the color of their skin and regardless of the economic situation that life finds them in.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to discriminate. Help me not to favor one person over another because of their appearance. Help me to see past their appearance to their heart. Give me your eyes and your heart for the people around me! I pray for our academy staff, for our academy families. I pray that you richly bless them this coming school year. I pray for the funding needed to keep our school reaching out to our community. Touch the hearts of people that can help our school financially. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Thursday, July 17, 2008
Doers of His Word!
Isaiah 29; Isaiah 30; Isaiah 31; James 1
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Scripture
James 1
19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
Observation
It is 5:18 in the morning, when I got out of bed this morning I went straight to my computer turned it on, then I went straight into the kitchen to make a half a pot of coffee. I have not looked in the mirror yet, but I feel my hair sticking straight up in the back. I go to breakfast with a group of men every Thursday and before I leave the house this morning I need to at least look in the mirror and fix my hair before I go. (The little bit of hair that I have left). But how stupid it would be to look in the mirror and walk off without taking the time to fix what I see needs to be fixed. God’s Word is like a mirror. It shows us stuff that needs to be fixed. Just reading God’s Word is not enough; we have to actually put it into practice. We have to be doers of His Word. Now I have to jump into the shower, shave, fix the huge amount of hair that I have, and get myself to the Men’s Bible study that meets in less than an hour!
I love getting up in the morning and reading my Bible. I love writing a few sentences, a few thoughts about what I have read. I wish that I had been doing this all of my life, but I sure enjoy doing it now. I hope you take the time to start journaling too.
Application
I will be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry today. Give me the discernment I need today and wisdom to make good decisions. I pray for Scott Harding today on his birthday and I ask that you bless him. I thank you for his faithfulness. Bless he and his family today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Isaiah 29; Isaiah 30; Isaiah 31; James 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
James 1
19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
Observation
It is 5:18 in the morning, when I got out of bed this morning I went straight to my computer turned it on, then I went straight into the kitchen to make a half a pot of coffee. I have not looked in the mirror yet, but I feel my hair sticking straight up in the back. I go to breakfast with a group of men every Thursday and before I leave the house this morning I need to at least look in the mirror and fix my hair before I go. (The little bit of hair that I have left). But how stupid it would be to look in the mirror and walk off without taking the time to fix what I see needs to be fixed. God’s Word is like a mirror. It shows us stuff that needs to be fixed. Just reading God’s Word is not enough; we have to actually put it into practice. We have to be doers of His Word. Now I have to jump into the shower, shave, fix the huge amount of hair that I have, and get myself to the Men’s Bible study that meets in less than an hour!
I love getting up in the morning and reading my Bible. I love writing a few sentences, a few thoughts about what I have read. I wish that I had been doing this all of my life, but I sure enjoy doing it now. I hope you take the time to start journaling too.
Application
I will be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry today. Give me the discernment I need today and wisdom to make good decisions. I pray for Scott Harding today on his birthday and I ask that you bless him. I thank you for his faithfulness. Bless he and his family today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Do What They Say!
Isaiah 25; Isaiah 26; Isaiah 27; Isaiah 28; Hebrews 13
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Scripture
Hebrews 13
17 Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.
Observation
Hebrews 13:17 seems pretty clear about doing what those in leadership tell us to do. It says that it is the work of our spiritual leaders to watch over our souls and these leaders are accountable to God. This next part of the verse is especially interesting to me where it says, “Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.”
There is no greater sorrow than to have someone under your leadership deliberately being disobedient. Leaders are accountable to God for how we lead, but followers are also accountable to God for their willingness to follow.
Just as the disobedient and rebellious soul brings sorrow on those in leadership there is no greater joy than to have someone under your leadership that is on fire for the Lord and does what you ask or tell them to do. It is exciting to be a leader of folks that love the Lord with all their hearts!
Application
It is my desire to be so close to God that people can confidently follow my leadership.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Help me to keep my thoughts fixed on you today. Help those in leadership model Christ likeness and help our people be good followers. You are a Mighty God. You are Worthy of all Praise! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Isaiah 25; Isaiah 26; Isaiah 27; Isaiah 28; Hebrews 13
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Hebrews 13
17 Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.
Observation
Hebrews 13:17 seems pretty clear about doing what those in leadership tell us to do. It says that it is the work of our spiritual leaders to watch over our souls and these leaders are accountable to God. This next part of the verse is especially interesting to me where it says, “Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.”
There is no greater sorrow than to have someone under your leadership deliberately being disobedient. Leaders are accountable to God for how we lead, but followers are also accountable to God for their willingness to follow.
Just as the disobedient and rebellious soul brings sorrow on those in leadership there is no greater joy than to have someone under your leadership that is on fire for the Lord and does what you ask or tell them to do. It is exciting to be a leader of folks that love the Lord with all their hearts!
Application
It is my desire to be so close to God that people can confidently follow my leadership.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Help me to keep my thoughts fixed on you today. Help those in leadership model Christ likeness and help our people be good followers. You are a Mighty God. You are Worthy of all Praise! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Keeping Our Eyes On Jesus!
Isaiah 22; Isaiah 23; Isaiah 24; Hebrews 12
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Scripture
Hebrews 12
1 Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne.
Observation
Yesterday I tried to make a phone call while driving down the street and I had only taken my eyes off the road for a second and I suddenly found myself jerking the steering wheel to keep myself from having a wreck. As long as you look down the road the car goes straight, but the minute you begin to look at something inside the car, like a cell phone, your car begins to swerve off the road.
Our default mode is to naturally look at our circumstances rather than looking at Jesus who is the author and finisher of this great race we are running. How are you doing at running the race? How am I doing? Are we going to finish well?
Life is not all about me. It is all about pleasing Jesus. Life is a race that we must run with endurance. We must keep our eyes focused on Jesus who is standing at the finish line. So many people are watching how we run this race. Those that have already run the race and those that maybe that have not entered the race yet, but that are watching our lives to see if it is a race worth running.
Application
I will keep my eyes on Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me run this marathon well. I want to finish well. Give me the energy for today’s part of the race. I am tired. I look to you today for strength. So give me a new grip for my tired hands and strengthen my weak knees. Mark out a straight path for my feet so that I will not fall but I will become strong. You are my strength today. I look to you and to you alone. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Isaiah 22; Isaiah 23; Isaiah 24; Hebrews 12
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Hebrews 12
1 Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne.
Observation
Yesterday I tried to make a phone call while driving down the street and I had only taken my eyes off the road for a second and I suddenly found myself jerking the steering wheel to keep myself from having a wreck. As long as you look down the road the car goes straight, but the minute you begin to look at something inside the car, like a cell phone, your car begins to swerve off the road.
Our default mode is to naturally look at our circumstances rather than looking at Jesus who is the author and finisher of this great race we are running. How are you doing at running the race? How am I doing? Are we going to finish well?
Life is not all about me. It is all about pleasing Jesus. Life is a race that we must run with endurance. We must keep our eyes focused on Jesus who is standing at the finish line. So many people are watching how we run this race. Those that have already run the race and those that maybe that have not entered the race yet, but that are watching our lives to see if it is a race worth running.
Application
I will keep my eyes on Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me run this marathon well. I want to finish well. Give me the energy for today’s part of the race. I am tired. I look to you today for strength. So give me a new grip for my tired hands and strengthen my weak knees. Mark out a straight path for my feet so that I will not fall but I will become strong. You are my strength today. I look to you and to you alone. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Monday, July 14, 2008
Are You Perplexed By Your Life of Problems?
Isaiah 19; Isaiah 20; Isaiah 21; Hebrews 11
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Scripture
Hebrews 11
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Observation
God has planned something better for us than what we are experiencing right now. We are strangers and aliens here on earth. This is not our home! “God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”
One day I will be able to talk to Abraham, Samson, Gideon, Moses, Noah, and compare notes about our walk of faith here on earth. Some of the saints that this chapter mentions that were sawed in two, that were put to death by the sword, those that had to live in caves and holes, we will get to hear their faith stories.
“Without faith it is impossible to please God”, so are you facing something that looks impossible then you are just where you God wants you to be so that you can please Him! Hebrews 11 is not about easy living. It is about life lived out by faith because it was the only way for those saints to survive. None of them had it easy. All of them faced hardships, difficulties, persecution, challenges, and it was all to prepare them for something better…later!
A life without problems, without challenges, without hardships, is a life that requires no faith! If you are experiencing extreme hardships at the moment then count it all as joy because those hardships will increase your faith and your faith is what is pleasing to God.
Sometimes we think that if God was smiling on us then we would be living problem free, but that is not true at all. What will make God smile at us is how we handle the pressures, and stresses of what comes our way today, if we deal with them as people of faith.
Application
I will look up today and live out this day by faith.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be a man of faith. I want to please you by trusting in you. Make me a man of faith. Give me wisdom and discernment today to be able to make wise decisions and right choices. Thank you for guiding me. Thank you for your word of encouragement today in Hebrews 11. I know that you have something better prepared for me. I also know that you have given me an abundant life, which I am enjoying everyday. I pray that you give me the opportunity to share my faith this week. Bring people into my life that need to hear about you and that you have prepared to be saved. You are a Mighty God and You alone are worthy of Praise! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Isaiah 19; Isaiah 20; Isaiah 21; Hebrews 11
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Scripture
Hebrews 11
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Observation
God has planned something better for us than what we are experiencing right now. We are strangers and aliens here on earth. This is not our home! “God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”
One day I will be able to talk to Abraham, Samson, Gideon, Moses, Noah, and compare notes about our walk of faith here on earth. Some of the saints that this chapter mentions that were sawed in two, that were put to death by the sword, those that had to live in caves and holes, we will get to hear their faith stories.
“Without faith it is impossible to please God”, so are you facing something that looks impossible then you are just where you God wants you to be so that you can please Him! Hebrews 11 is not about easy living. It is about life lived out by faith because it was the only way for those saints to survive. None of them had it easy. All of them faced hardships, difficulties, persecution, challenges, and it was all to prepare them for something better…later!
A life without problems, without challenges, without hardships, is a life that requires no faith! If you are experiencing extreme hardships at the moment then count it all as joy because those hardships will increase your faith and your faith is what is pleasing to God.
Sometimes we think that if God was smiling on us then we would be living problem free, but that is not true at all. What will make God smile at us is how we handle the pressures, and stresses of what comes our way today, if we deal with them as people of faith.
Application
I will look up today and live out this day by faith.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be a man of faith. I want to please you by trusting in you. Make me a man of faith. Give me wisdom and discernment today to be able to make wise decisions and right choices. Thank you for guiding me. Thank you for your word of encouragement today in Hebrews 11. I know that you have something better prepared for me. I also know that you have given me an abundant life, which I am enjoying everyday. I pray that you give me the opportunity to share my faith this week. Bring people into my life that need to hear about you and that you have prepared to be saved. You are a Mighty God and You alone are worthy of Praise! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Sunday, July 13, 2008
Encouraging One Another!
Isaiah 15; Isaiah 16; Isaiah 17; Isaiah 18; Hebrews 10
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Scripture
Hebrews 10
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Observation
Lets think about ways to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Lets encourage one another and make a commitment to meet together. Everyone needs encouragement. Everyone needs to be spurred on because we tend to get into a rut and we have a tendency to get down. So lets think about how to get folks moving today. I like these two verses because sometimes I think that if people want to do something they will just do it, but no these verses let us know that it is our job to spur them on! Who needs a gentle kick in the pants this morning?
Application
I will encourage someone today that has been slacking it!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, there are people today that need to be encouraged. Show me who I need to talk to and spur on today. Help me to stay after them until they are where you want them, where they are growing in love and in good deeds. Thank you for encouraging me through people that you bring into my life. You are always working in my life and for that I give you thanks. You deserve all the Praise and Worship today. This is the day that you have made we will rejoice and be glad in it. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Isaiah 15; Isaiah 16; Isaiah 17; Isaiah 18; Hebrews 10
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Scripture
Hebrews 10
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Observation
Lets think about ways to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Lets encourage one another and make a commitment to meet together. Everyone needs encouragement. Everyone needs to be spurred on because we tend to get into a rut and we have a tendency to get down. So lets think about how to get folks moving today. I like these two verses because sometimes I think that if people want to do something they will just do it, but no these verses let us know that it is our job to spur them on! Who needs a gentle kick in the pants this morning?
Application
I will encourage someone today that has been slacking it!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, there are people today that need to be encouraged. Show me who I need to talk to and spur on today. Help me to stay after them until they are where you want them, where they are growing in love and in good deeds. Thank you for encouraging me through people that you bring into my life. You are always working in my life and for that I give you thanks. You deserve all the Praise and Worship today. This is the day that you have made we will rejoice and be glad in it. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Saturday, July 12, 2008
Judgment… Time is Short…Hell is Hot…Repent!
Isaiah 11; Isaiah 12; Isaiah 13; Isaiah 14; Hebrews 9
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Scripture
Hebrews 9
27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
Observation
All of us are going to die and after that we are all going to be judged. We should live every day with that in mind. As believers in Christ we will not face judgment that condemns us to Hell, but we will be judged for our works here on earth. Those that do not have a personal relationship with Christ will be judged and sent to an eternity in Hell.
Application
I will live today seeking to do God’s will.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to redeem the time. Help me take every advantage of the opportunities around me to be a witness. Guide me through this day so I don’t waste it. I pray for those that are sick today that you will be their strength and I pray that you heal them. Help me to please you today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Isaiah 11; Isaiah 12; Isaiah 13; Isaiah 14; Hebrews 9
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Hebrews 9
27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
Observation
All of us are going to die and after that we are all going to be judged. We should live every day with that in mind. As believers in Christ we will not face judgment that condemns us to Hell, but we will be judged for our works here on earth. Those that do not have a personal relationship with Christ will be judged and sent to an eternity in Hell.
Application
I will live today seeking to do God’s will.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to redeem the time. Help me take every advantage of the opportunities around me to be a witness. Guide me through this day so I don’t waste it. I pray for those that are sick today that you will be their strength and I pray that you heal them. Help me to please you today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Friday, July 11, 2008
Prophecy! 100% Accurate!
Isaiah 8; Isaiah 9; Isaiah 10; Hebrews 8
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Scripture
Isaiah 9
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.
Observation
If someone we know made predictions and a few of them came to pass we would think that that person made some pretty good guesses. But Biblical prophecy always comes true because it comes from the Author of Truth. I love this prophecy about the birth of Jesus. Don’t you?
It is amazing to walk thru the Bible and read each prophetic passage and think about them. One day Jesus is going to come back for us, “Are we ready for Christ’s return?”
Application
I will trust the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God to take care of every need that I have.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to have a personal relationship with you. It is unreal that you think that much of me. I know that one day you will return and put everything in order. You are the Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Isaiah 8; Isaiah 9; Isaiah 10; Hebrews 8
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Isaiah 9
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.
Observation
If someone we know made predictions and a few of them came to pass we would think that that person made some pretty good guesses. But Biblical prophecy always comes true because it comes from the Author of Truth. I love this prophecy about the birth of Jesus. Don’t you?
It is amazing to walk thru the Bible and read each prophetic passage and think about them. One day Jesus is going to come back for us, “Are we ready for Christ’s return?”
Application
I will trust the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God to take care of every need that I have.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to have a personal relationship with you. It is unreal that you think that much of me. I know that one day you will return and put everything in order. You are the Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Thursday, July 10, 2008
Saved Completely!
Micah 5; Micah 6; Micah 7; Hebrews 7
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Scripture
Hebrews 7
24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Observation
Jesus completely saves those that put they faith and trust in Him. I feel sorry for those brothers and sisters in Christ that never have the assurance of their salvation. How sad! This scripture says that Jesus is always interceding for us and verse 25 says that He is able to save completely…not halfway…not partially…COMPLETELY! How strait forward is that…and yet I have friends that want to argue and say that someone can lose their salvation.
Application
The full Gospel is that Jesus lived a sinless life, he died on the cross, and on the third day, He came back to life and He is alive today. He is interceding for me right now so that I can be completely saved! I will never quit preaching this Good News! Jesus Saves…Jesus Saves Completely!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for my salvation. I accepted what Christ did on the cross for me many years ago as a gift and I still have my salvation today because you are not an Indian giver. Thank you for saving me completely 100% Help me preach the Gospel this Sunday and I pray that people will be saved. I pray that our people will excited about sharing their faith and that many people will come to Christ through the ministry of our people. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Micah 5; Micah 6; Micah 7; Hebrews 7
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Scripture
Hebrews 7
24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Observation
Jesus completely saves those that put they faith and trust in Him. I feel sorry for those brothers and sisters in Christ that never have the assurance of their salvation. How sad! This scripture says that Jesus is always interceding for us and verse 25 says that He is able to save completely…not halfway…not partially…COMPLETELY! How strait forward is that…and yet I have friends that want to argue and say that someone can lose their salvation.
Application
The full Gospel is that Jesus lived a sinless life, he died on the cross, and on the third day, He came back to life and He is alive today. He is interceding for me right now so that I can be completely saved! I will never quit preaching this Good News! Jesus Saves…Jesus Saves Completely!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for my salvation. I accepted what Christ did on the cross for me many years ago as a gift and I still have my salvation today because you are not an Indian giver. Thank you for saving me completely 100% Help me preach the Gospel this Sunday and I pray that people will be saved. I pray that our people will excited about sharing their faith and that many people will come to Christ through the ministry of our people. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Anchor For Our Souls
Micah 1; Micah 2; Micah 3; Micah 4; Hebrews 6
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Scripture
Hebrews 6
Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. 20 Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Observation
My kayak is over at Indian Shores Beach at the moment and tomorrow night I will probably kayak out and fish for a few minutes before it gets dark. Before taking my kayak out to the beach I told Kathy that I had to get an anchor for my kayak because last year while I was out at the beach I had lost my anchor when it got hung up on a man made reef out in the Gulf Of Mexico. Without an anchor you get blown around all over the place and you can’t stay close to the spot where you want to fish. Without an anchor for our souls we too wander through life without hope and without purpose and meaning. We have great confidence, and we have hope because Jesus is our high priest. He is the strong and trustworthy anchor of my soul! He is my refuge.
Application
Through the storms of life Jesus will be the strong and trustworthy anchor of my soul.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your promises that I find in your Word. Your Word is sharper than any two edged sword and it is powerful and living! Thank you for giving me hope and confidence today. My soul is anchored and is not tossed about because of Jesus. Thank you that I can go directly to you right into your inner sanctuary because Jesus in my high priest and I know that He is praying for me right now. And it is in His Name I pray Amen.
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Micah 1; Micah 2; Micah 3; Micah 4; Hebrews 6
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Scripture
Hebrews 6
Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. 20 Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Observation
My kayak is over at Indian Shores Beach at the moment and tomorrow night I will probably kayak out and fish for a few minutes before it gets dark. Before taking my kayak out to the beach I told Kathy that I had to get an anchor for my kayak because last year while I was out at the beach I had lost my anchor when it got hung up on a man made reef out in the Gulf Of Mexico. Without an anchor you get blown around all over the place and you can’t stay close to the spot where you want to fish. Without an anchor for our souls we too wander through life without hope and without purpose and meaning. We have great confidence, and we have hope because Jesus is our high priest. He is the strong and trustworthy anchor of my soul! He is my refuge.
Application
Through the storms of life Jesus will be the strong and trustworthy anchor of my soul.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your promises that I find in your Word. Your Word is sharper than any two edged sword and it is powerful and living! Thank you for giving me hope and confidence today. My soul is anchored and is not tossed about because of Jesus. Thank you that I can go directly to you right into your inner sanctuary because Jesus in my high priest and I know that He is praying for me right now. And it is in His Name I pray Amen.
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Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Fourteen “I Wills”
Hosea 13; Hosea 14; Psalm 100; Psalm 101; Psalm 102; Hebrews 5
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Scripture
Psalm 101
1 I will sing of your love and justice, LORD.
I will praise you with songs.
2 I will be careful to live a blameless life—
when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
in my own home.
3 I will refuse to look at
anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
I will have nothing to do with them.
4 I will reject perverse ideas
and stay away from every evil.
5 I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
I will not endure conceit and pride.
6 I will search for faithful people
to be my companions.
Only those who are above reproach
will be allowed to serve me.
7 I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house,
and liars will not stay in my presence.
8 My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked
and free the city of the LORD from their grip.
Observation
This morning I counted 14 things that David said that he will or that he will not do! I may have missed some, but there is around fourteen! I will lead a life of integrity, I will refuse to look at anything vile or vulgar are two that jump out at me. The scriptures say that David shepherded the people with integrity of heart. But the scriptures also reveal that David messed up and the consequences of his sin were terrible. He committed adultery and then committed murder to try to cover up his sin of adultery.
Every day when we wake up we have to make the decision to live for Christ or to live for self. David wrote many of the most worshipful Psalms that we find in the Bible and the scriptures say that he was a man after God’s own heart, but he messed up big time. I don’t want to mess up like David did. Do you?
Application
I will pay attention to the Word of God and will guard it in my heart so the Word of God can keep me from sin. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:9,11
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that I could fall into sin just like David did and I know that the consequences of my sin could be just as terrible as they were for King David. Keep me from sinning like David did. I want to finish my life well. Help me to guard my heart by memorizing your Word. I pray for strength today to live this day in a way that pleases you. Help me to be Christ like today. Impress on my heart the things that I need to focus on so that I don’t miss an opportunity to be used by you. Guide me in the way I should go. Protect me from the evil one. Give me your ideas and your vision for your kingdoms work so I can accomplish things that will last forever.
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Hosea 13; Hosea 14; Psalm 100; Psalm 101; Psalm 102; Hebrews 5
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Scripture
Psalm 101
1 I will sing of your love and justice, LORD.
I will praise you with songs.
2 I will be careful to live a blameless life—
when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
in my own home.
3 I will refuse to look at
anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
I will have nothing to do with them.
4 I will reject perverse ideas
and stay away from every evil.
5 I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
I will not endure conceit and pride.
6 I will search for faithful people
to be my companions.
Only those who are above reproach
will be allowed to serve me.
7 I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house,
and liars will not stay in my presence.
8 My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked
and free the city of the LORD from their grip.
Observation
This morning I counted 14 things that David said that he will or that he will not do! I may have missed some, but there is around fourteen! I will lead a life of integrity, I will refuse to look at anything vile or vulgar are two that jump out at me. The scriptures say that David shepherded the people with integrity of heart. But the scriptures also reveal that David messed up and the consequences of his sin were terrible. He committed adultery and then committed murder to try to cover up his sin of adultery.
Every day when we wake up we have to make the decision to live for Christ or to live for self. David wrote many of the most worshipful Psalms that we find in the Bible and the scriptures say that he was a man after God’s own heart, but he messed up big time. I don’t want to mess up like David did. Do you?
Application
I will pay attention to the Word of God and will guard it in my heart so the Word of God can keep me from sin. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:9,11
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that I could fall into sin just like David did and I know that the consequences of my sin could be just as terrible as they were for King David. Keep me from sinning like David did. I want to finish my life well. Help me to guard my heart by memorizing your Word. I pray for strength today to live this day in a way that pleases you. Help me to be Christ like today. Impress on my heart the things that I need to focus on so that I don’t miss an opportunity to be used by you. Guide me in the way I should go. Protect me from the evil one. Give me your ideas and your vision for your kingdoms work so I can accomplish things that will last forever.
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Monday, July 07, 2008
Reality Check!
Hosea 10; Hosea 11; Hosea 12; Psalm 73; Hebrews 4
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Scripture
Psalm 73
21 Then I realized that my heart was bitter,
and I was all torn up inside.
22 I was so foolish and ignorant—
I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
23 Yet I still belong to you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
leading me to a glorious destiny.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
I desire you more than anything on earth.
26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart;
he is mine forever.
27 Those who desert him will perish,
for you destroy those who abandon you.
28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God!
I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter,
and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.
Observation
Pity parties…it is so easy to have one! You look around at how well others seem to be doing and all you see when you look in the mirror at yourself is a life filled with problems. The psalmist realized that the wicked didn’t really have it so good even if it looked like they did. And he realized that as long as the Lord was His God then he was blessed. I like verses 25-26, “Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” Fixing your thoughts on Jesus is not something easily done is it? It was hard to apply yesterday and even today it is a struggle to focus my thoughts on Jesus.
Application
I will memorize verses 25-28 to help me fix my thoughts on Jesus!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, how easy it is to fix our eyes and our thoughts on the people around us and the problems that seem so overwhelming to us. Help me to fix my eyes, and my thoughts on you today. I desire you more than anything on earth. I have made you my shelter and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Hosea 10; Hosea 11; Hosea 12; Psalm 73; Hebrews 4
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Scripture
Psalm 73
21 Then I realized that my heart was bitter,
and I was all torn up inside.
22 I was so foolish and ignorant—
I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
23 Yet I still belong to you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
leading me to a glorious destiny.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
I desire you more than anything on earth.
26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart;
he is mine forever.
27 Those who desert him will perish,
for you destroy those who abandon you.
28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God!
I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter,
and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.
Observation
Pity parties…it is so easy to have one! You look around at how well others seem to be doing and all you see when you look in the mirror at yourself is a life filled with problems. The psalmist realized that the wicked didn’t really have it so good even if it looked like they did. And he realized that as long as the Lord was His God then he was blessed. I like verses 25-26, “Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” Fixing your thoughts on Jesus is not something easily done is it? It was hard to apply yesterday and even today it is a struggle to focus my thoughts on Jesus.
Application
I will memorize verses 25-28 to help me fix my thoughts on Jesus!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, how easy it is to fix our eyes and our thoughts on the people around us and the problems that seem so overwhelming to us. Help me to fix my eyes, and my thoughts on you today. I desire you more than anything on earth. I have made you my shelter and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Sunday, July 06, 2008
What Are You Thinking About?
Hosea 6; Hosea 7; Hosea 8; Hosea 9; Hebrews 3
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Scripture
Hebrews 3
1 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
Observation
What do you catch yourself thinking about these days? Is something worrying you? Are you constantly thinking about your circumstances or your problems? Maybe you are consumed with some kind of sin and it dominates your thought life!
If you are a Christ Follower and you plan to live in heaven then why not fix your thoughts on Jesus! The writer of Hebrews first compared Christ with Angels and said that He was so much better than Angels and now he compares Christ to Moses. He uses the illustration of a house and a house builder that the builder of the house is much greater than the house because he was the genius behind its formation.
Nothing is more important today for us than focusing on the right thing. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus and nothing else should be on our minds today.
Application
This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it and I will meditate on Jesus today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me focus on Jesus today. When my thoughts drift to concerns and worries may I think of Jesus. When I get down in my spirit may I think of Jesus and His awesome power. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus there is just something about that Name. I want to fix my thoughts on Jesus today. Lord, help me to focus on you! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Hosea 6; Hosea 7; Hosea 8; Hosea 9; Hebrews 3
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Scripture
Hebrews 3
1 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
Observation
What do you catch yourself thinking about these days? Is something worrying you? Are you constantly thinking about your circumstances or your problems? Maybe you are consumed with some kind of sin and it dominates your thought life!
If you are a Christ Follower and you plan to live in heaven then why not fix your thoughts on Jesus! The writer of Hebrews first compared Christ with Angels and said that He was so much better than Angels and now he compares Christ to Moses. He uses the illustration of a house and a house builder that the builder of the house is much greater than the house because he was the genius behind its formation.
Nothing is more important today for us than focusing on the right thing. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus and nothing else should be on our minds today.
Application
This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it and I will meditate on Jesus today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me focus on Jesus today. When my thoughts drift to concerns and worries may I think of Jesus. When I get down in my spirit may I think of Jesus and His awesome power. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus there is just something about that Name. I want to fix my thoughts on Jesus today. Lord, help me to focus on you! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Saturday, July 05, 2008
Jesus Our High Priest!
Hosea 2; Hosea 3; Hosea 4; Hosea 5; Hebrews 2
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Scripture
Hebrews 2
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Observation
Jesus came down from heaven to share in our humanity and He experienced death so He could destroy the one that holds the power of death – that is, the devil. Jesus shared in our humanity and was tempted just like we are yet He did not sin. He understands what it is like to be human and He understands temptation.
He is able to intercede for us as faithful high priest before God the Father. He didn’t do that for angels, He did all of that for us!
Application
Jesus has provided me all that I need to live a Godly life. He intercedes for me today and He is ready to help me as I face temptation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that you give me the strength to overcome the many temptations that come my way. Help me to be Christ like today. Thank you for my family. Thank you for their good health. I pray that my grandchildren will all grow up following you and putting you first in their lives. I pray for our grown children that they too would follow you and not let other stuff come before their relationship with you! Turn their hearts towards you and soften their hearts and make them teachable! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Hosea 2; Hosea 3; Hosea 4; Hosea 5; Hebrews 2
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Scripture
Hebrews 2
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Observation
Jesus came down from heaven to share in our humanity and He experienced death so He could destroy the one that holds the power of death – that is, the devil. Jesus shared in our humanity and was tempted just like we are yet He did not sin. He understands what it is like to be human and He understands temptation.
He is able to intercede for us as faithful high priest before God the Father. He didn’t do that for angels, He did all of that for us!
Application
Jesus has provided me all that I need to live a Godly life. He intercedes for me today and He is ready to help me as I face temptation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that you give me the strength to overcome the many temptations that come my way. Help me to be Christ like today. Thank you for my family. Thank you for their good health. I pray that my grandchildren will all grow up following you and putting you first in their lives. I pray for our grown children that they too would follow you and not let other stuff come before their relationship with you! Turn their hearts towards you and soften their hearts and make them teachable! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Friday, July 04, 2008
JESUS!
2 Kings 15; 2 Kings 16; Hosea 1; Hebrews 1
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Scripture
Hebrews 1
1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
Observation
There is always the tendency to worship something else, even to the point of angel worship rather than the Creator. Jesus created the universe. Creation is amazing, but just as amazing is how His Power sustains everything. We are at the beach this week and it is neat to watch the ocean full of so much life! Our cottage is only about 150 feet from the shoreline, but the water has its place where it stops and today anyone can tell how far the water will rise and fall with the tide. It is all just amazing. Yesterday, I saw a huge tarpon come out of the water twice chasing bait. He was majestic and powerful. He is a small part of Christ’s wonderful creation! Watching storms is one of my favorite things to do while at the beach. God displays His power through the wind, the lightening, the thunder and it is just a small part of Christ’s creation. Only Jesus is worthy of worship and we need to worship the Creator and not stuff that has been created!
Application
I will worship Christ today in the midst of His Creation!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us oceans for us to enjoy! Thank you for the wonders of this world. It is beautiful. It was so much fun watching our grandchildren having fun yesterday at the beach. They are the best gift I could ever receive from you. Thank you for allowing me to personally know you and giving me a life that is so rich and full. I am very grateful this morning for you letting me experience all the beauty and wonder of all that you have created. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
2 Kings 15; 2 Kings 16; Hosea 1; Hebrews 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Hebrews 1
1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
Observation
There is always the tendency to worship something else, even to the point of angel worship rather than the Creator. Jesus created the universe. Creation is amazing, but just as amazing is how His Power sustains everything. We are at the beach this week and it is neat to watch the ocean full of so much life! Our cottage is only about 150 feet from the shoreline, but the water has its place where it stops and today anyone can tell how far the water will rise and fall with the tide. It is all just amazing. Yesterday, I saw a huge tarpon come out of the water twice chasing bait. He was majestic and powerful. He is a small part of Christ’s wonderful creation! Watching storms is one of my favorite things to do while at the beach. God displays His power through the wind, the lightening, the thunder and it is just a small part of Christ’s creation. Only Jesus is worthy of worship and we need to worship the Creator and not stuff that has been created!
Application
I will worship Christ today in the midst of His Creation!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us oceans for us to enjoy! Thank you for the wonders of this world. It is beautiful. It was so much fun watching our grandchildren having fun yesterday at the beach. They are the best gift I could ever receive from you. Thank you for allowing me to personally know you and giving me a life that is so rich and full. I am very grateful this morning for you letting me experience all the beauty and wonder of all that you have created. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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