A Reality Check As We Near The Elections!
Job 13; Job 14; Acts 17; Acts 18
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Scripture
Acts 17
24 “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, 25 and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need.
26 From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.
27 “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us.
Observation
If you think that the United States will always be strong and powerful you might want to take a look again at what the Bible has to say about that!
“His purpose was for the nations to seek after God …” Nations rise and nations fall and God decides all of that not us. But He blesses those nations that seek after Him … which definitely put us in the danger of falling zone doesn’t it because we are definitely no longer a nation seeking after Him.
Someone has made the point that you don’t find America listed anywhere in the Bible and there is no promise in the Bible that America will always be a nation.
All of that is a little unsettling except for the fact that my Heavenly Father is going to take care of me and anyone else that follows Him no matter what happens to our nation. I am concerned about the elections, but I know Who is ultimately in charge of it all – and believe me it is neither presidential candidate!
Application
I will not be shaken no matter who wins the White House!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I recognize that even though this world seems out of control I know that nothing gets by You unnoticed. And You have decided beforehand when nations should rise and fall, and You have determined their boundaries. So I am trusting in you.
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Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
“Sirs, What Must I Do To Be Saved?”
Job 11; Job 12; Acts 15; Acts 16
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Scripture
Acts 16
22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.
25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”
29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.
Observation
I hear people all the time wanting to put the word “Do” in the Gospel! They always seem to want to add something to what Christ did on the cross. Sometimes the way they do it is very subtle and you almost think what they are saying is right, but when they get through it is not the Gospel.
In Acts 15 some Pharisees wanted Christians to be circumcised and they wanted it taught that if a person wasn’t circumcised then they were not Christians. This group followed Paul from town to town and caused major trouble for him. Paul had to go back to Jerusalem and meet with the Church leaders on this issue and they all agreed that salvation is by Grace and Grace alone.
The Gospel is simply what we find in 1 Cor. 15:1-4
“Now let me remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then and still do now, for your faith is built on this wonderful message. And it is this Good News that saves you if you firmly believe it—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place.
I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me—that Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said."
“ …That Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said.” This is the Gospel in a “nutshell”, as my pastor Dr. Waylon B. Moore used to say!
The jailer heard this message, that night after Paul and Silas sang up and prayed down and earthquake, he heard it and he believed it and he has his entire household were saved!
The only thing that the jailer and his family did that night was that they believed in God! Period! It was enough for their salvation!
Application
I will never let someone add to the Gospel message without telling them that I think that they are wrong.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you know how much I love this story. I put myself in that jail wondering what kind of praying and singing Paul and Silas must have done to bring down an earthquake. I know the earthquake was not to set them free. It was to set the jailer free.
Thank you for showing me today how powerful You are. There is nothing too hard for You. I pray that many men would understand the Gospel and believe in Christ. Help me to make the Gospel message clear so people can understand it. Help me today to bring you Glory and Honor.
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Job 11; Job 12; Acts 15; Acts 16
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Scripture
Acts 16
22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.
25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”
29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.
Observation
I hear people all the time wanting to put the word “Do” in the Gospel! They always seem to want to add something to what Christ did on the cross. Sometimes the way they do it is very subtle and you almost think what they are saying is right, but when they get through it is not the Gospel.
In Acts 15 some Pharisees wanted Christians to be circumcised and they wanted it taught that if a person wasn’t circumcised then they were not Christians. This group followed Paul from town to town and caused major trouble for him. Paul had to go back to Jerusalem and meet with the Church leaders on this issue and they all agreed that salvation is by Grace and Grace alone.
The Gospel is simply what we find in 1 Cor. 15:1-4
“Now let me remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then and still do now, for your faith is built on this wonderful message. And it is this Good News that saves you if you firmly believe it—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place.
I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me—that Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said."
“ …That Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said.” This is the Gospel in a “nutshell”, as my pastor Dr. Waylon B. Moore used to say!
The jailer heard this message, that night after Paul and Silas sang up and prayed down and earthquake, he heard it and he believed it and he has his entire household were saved!
The only thing that the jailer and his family did that night was that they believed in God! Period! It was enough for their salvation!
Application
I will never let someone add to the Gospel message without telling them that I think that they are wrong.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you know how much I love this story. I put myself in that jail wondering what kind of praying and singing Paul and Silas must have done to bring down an earthquake. I know the earthquake was not to set them free. It was to set the jailer free.
Thank you for showing me today how powerful You are. There is nothing too hard for You. I pray that many men would understand the Gospel and believe in Christ. Help me to make the Gospel message clear so people can understand it. Help me today to bring you Glory and Honor.
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Tuesday, October 21, 2008
One Mediator Between God and Men – Jesus!
Job 9; Job 10; Acts 13; Acts 14
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Scripture
Job 9
32 “God is not a mortal like me,
so I cannot argue with him or take him to trial.
33 If only there were a mediator between us,
someone who could bring us together.
34 The mediator could make God stop beating me,
and I would no longer live in terror of his punishment.
35 Then I could speak to him without fear,
but I cannot do that in my own strength.”
Observation
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" 1 Timothy 2:5
Job was saying in his complaint about the way God was treating him, if only I had a mediator between God and me – well today we do enjoy having the mediator that Job could only hope for and that Mediator has a Name and His Name is Jesus!
The scriptures say that Jesus is interceding for us 24/7 so that we might have Eternal Life. We can go boldly to the Throne of Grace because of Jesus. He has provided us, through His death on the cross that privilege.
Application
I will boldly approach God’s throne this morning because Jesus has made the way!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for providing me the mediator that Job didn’t have. What a man of faith even though he didn’t have our Bible and he didn’t have the opportunity to experience Jesus Christ.
We are so blessed. I pray today that I would be able to boldly talk to men like Paul did in the scriptures that I read today. I pray for men to respond. I pray that you prepare our team that will be going to Cuba this Friday. I pray that we would all be right with You and full of Your Holy Spirit.
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Job 9; Job 10; Acts 13; Acts 14
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Job 9
32 “God is not a mortal like me,
so I cannot argue with him or take him to trial.
33 If only there were a mediator between us,
someone who could bring us together.
34 The mediator could make God stop beating me,
and I would no longer live in terror of his punishment.
35 Then I could speak to him without fear,
but I cannot do that in my own strength.”
Observation
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" 1 Timothy 2:5
Job was saying in his complaint about the way God was treating him, if only I had a mediator between God and me – well today we do enjoy having the mediator that Job could only hope for and that Mediator has a Name and His Name is Jesus!
The scriptures say that Jesus is interceding for us 24/7 so that we might have Eternal Life. We can go boldly to the Throne of Grace because of Jesus. He has provided us, through His death on the cross that privilege.
Application
I will boldly approach God’s throne this morning because Jesus has made the way!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for providing me the mediator that Job didn’t have. What a man of faith even though he didn’t have our Bible and he didn’t have the opportunity to experience Jesus Christ.
We are so blessed. I pray today that I would be able to boldly talk to men like Paul did in the scriptures that I read today. I pray for men to respond. I pray that you prepare our team that will be going to Cuba this Friday. I pray that we would all be right with You and full of Your Holy Spirit.
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Monday, October 20, 2008
Trouble, Trouble, Trouble!
Job 6; Job 7; Job 8; Acts 12
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Scripture
Job 6
1 Then Job spoke again:
2 “If my misery could be weighed
and my troubles be put on the scales,
3 they would outweigh all the sands of the sea.
Observation
Today is Monday and let me ask, “How is your Monday going?” It could be like Job’s day as he replied to one of his three friends he said, “If my misery could be weighed and my troubles be put on the scales they would outweigh all the sands of the sea.” Now there is a word picture!
Do your troubles or my troubles compare to Job’s – probably not, but they seem just as heavy! Jesus said in John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
So if life is handing you a bunch of lemons today I suggest that you smile and make yourself some lemonade! In other words, “Take heart” because we (if you are a Christian like me) belong to the One Who has overcome this world!
Application
I will thank God in advance for healing me of this aching back!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for showing me what Job experienced. I can’t imagine my body being covered with maggots and scabs like his was when he voiced this complaint about his situation. His life was indeed filled with trouble and misery.
Thank you for showing me that no matter what happens to me I still have much to praise you for. I will experience victory over everything that life throws at me because of my relationship with You. Thank you for taking care of me and Kathy through many tough times. We are so blessed and we are very thankful for how good You have been to us.
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Job 6; Job 7; Job 8; Acts 12
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
Job 6
1 Then Job spoke again:
2 “If my misery could be weighed
and my troubles be put on the scales,
3 they would outweigh all the sands of the sea.
Observation
Today is Monday and let me ask, “How is your Monday going?” It could be like Job’s day as he replied to one of his three friends he said, “If my misery could be weighed and my troubles be put on the scales they would outweigh all the sands of the sea.” Now there is a word picture!
Do your troubles or my troubles compare to Job’s – probably not, but they seem just as heavy! Jesus said in John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
So if life is handing you a bunch of lemons today I suggest that you smile and make yourself some lemonade! In other words, “Take heart” because we (if you are a Christian like me) belong to the One Who has overcome this world!
Application
I will thank God in advance for healing me of this aching back!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for showing me what Job experienced. I can’t imagine my body being covered with maggots and scabs like his was when he voiced this complaint about his situation. His life was indeed filled with trouble and misery.
Thank you for showing me that no matter what happens to me I still have much to praise you for. I will experience victory over everything that life throws at me because of my relationship with You. Thank you for taking care of me and Kathy through many tough times. We are so blessed and we are very thankful for how good You have been to us.
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Sunday, October 19, 2008
The Privilege of Repenting of Your Sins and Receiving Eternal Life
Job 5; Psalm 108; Acts 10; Acts 11
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Scripture
Acts 11
1 Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God. 2 But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers criticized him. 3 “You entered the home of Gentiles and even ate with them!” they said.
4 Then Peter told them exactly what had happened. 5 “I was in the town of Joppa,” he said, “and while I was praying, I went into a trance and saw a vision. Something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners from the sky. And it came right down to me. 6 When I looked inside the sheet, I saw all sorts of small animals, wild animals, reptiles, and birds. 7 And I heard a voice say, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.’
8 “‘No, Lord,’ I replied. ‘I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure or unclean’
9 “But the voice from heaven spoke again: ‘Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.’ 10 This happened three times before the sheet and all it contained was pulled back up to heaven.
11 “Just then three men who had been sent from Caesarea arrived at the house where we were staying. 12 The Holy Spirit told me to go with them and not to worry that they were Gentiles. These six brothers here accompanied me, and we soon entered the home of the man who had sent for us. 13 He told us how an angel had appeared to him in his home and had told him, ‘Send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. 14 He will tell you how you and everyone in your household can be saved!’
15 “As I began to speak,” Peter continued, “the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning. 16 Then I thought of the Lord’s words when he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?”
18 When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.”
Observation
A person is saved by turning from their sins (repenting) and receiving Eternal life. A person is not saved by the doing of good works or by being a good person. But when a person is saved God’s Holy Spirit comes to live within that person and that person will be a disciple of Christ.
It is true today that some people are holding on to some past event in their life to show that they have salvation. When you ask them about their relationship to Jesus they will sometimes respond saying, “I went forward in church when I was young, or I prayed that prayer when I was a kid” and they are basing their hope of Eternal Life on the wrong thing. Have you ever repented of your sins and received Eternal Life. Jesus is Eternal Life. Have you received Jesus and does His Holy Spirit live in you. I don’t care when you went to church last or when you walked down the aisle of some church I want to know if Jesus is Lord of your life.
Application
I will talk about this as we meet for church this morning.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for a revival in the hearts of the men of our church. Set them on fire Lord. I pray that you will speak to each heart and put a desire in their hearts to draw close to You. Thank you for the Power of Your Holy Spirit in my life!
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Job 5; Psalm 108; Acts 10; Acts 11
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Scripture
Acts 11
1 Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God. 2 But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers criticized him. 3 “You entered the home of Gentiles and even ate with them!” they said.
4 Then Peter told them exactly what had happened. 5 “I was in the town of Joppa,” he said, “and while I was praying, I went into a trance and saw a vision. Something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners from the sky. And it came right down to me. 6 When I looked inside the sheet, I saw all sorts of small animals, wild animals, reptiles, and birds. 7 And I heard a voice say, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.’
8 “‘No, Lord,’ I replied. ‘I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure or unclean’
9 “But the voice from heaven spoke again: ‘Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.’ 10 This happened three times before the sheet and all it contained was pulled back up to heaven.
11 “Just then three men who had been sent from Caesarea arrived at the house where we were staying. 12 The Holy Spirit told me to go with them and not to worry that they were Gentiles. These six brothers here accompanied me, and we soon entered the home of the man who had sent for us. 13 He told us how an angel had appeared to him in his home and had told him, ‘Send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. 14 He will tell you how you and everyone in your household can be saved!’
15 “As I began to speak,” Peter continued, “the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning. 16 Then I thought of the Lord’s words when he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?”
18 When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.”
Observation
A person is saved by turning from their sins (repenting) and receiving Eternal life. A person is not saved by the doing of good works or by being a good person. But when a person is saved God’s Holy Spirit comes to live within that person and that person will be a disciple of Christ.
It is true today that some people are holding on to some past event in their life to show that they have salvation. When you ask them about their relationship to Jesus they will sometimes respond saying, “I went forward in church when I was young, or I prayed that prayer when I was a kid” and they are basing their hope of Eternal Life on the wrong thing. Have you ever repented of your sins and received Eternal Life. Jesus is Eternal Life. Have you received Jesus and does His Holy Spirit live in you. I don’t care when you went to church last or when you walked down the aisle of some church I want to know if Jesus is Lord of your life.
Application
I will talk about this as we meet for church this morning.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for a revival in the hearts of the men of our church. Set them on fire Lord. I pray that you will speak to each heart and put a desire in their hearts to draw close to You. Thank you for the Power of Your Holy Spirit in my life!
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Saturday, October 18, 2008
You Have to Share a Profound Experience!
Job 3; Job 4; Acts 8; Acts 9
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Scripture
Acts 9
13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”
15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.
20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”
22 Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.
Observation
When a couple has their first child do they keep it a secret? When you watch the Rays win tonight (hopefully) will you not talk about it? Of course you will and when a person has a profound experience they can’t help but share about it with others!
Saul had a profound experience on the road to Damascus with the Lord Jesus Christ and it changed him from being a hater of Jesus to someone that over and over again would risk his life to share the Good News about Jesus.
Have you ever asked someone about their relationship with Christ and they answer something like this, “Yeah, I did that when I was about nine or ten years old?” I think to myself when I hear a response like that, “wow – you have never met the Jesus that changed my life!”
Becoming and being a child of God is a profound experience and either you know what I am talking about or you don’t and if you don’t know what I am talking about then you have never met the Jesus the Apostle Paul and me encountered.
Application
I will enjoy watching God challenge us men today at the Men’s Cook Out! May it be a profound experience!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to know You and for having the opportunity to encourage other people to get to know you. It is life-changing news that we are allowed to share with others about you. It is a profound and wonderful experience to walk with You. Show me where to walk today!
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Job 3; Job 4; Acts 8; Acts 9
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Scripture
Acts 9
13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”
15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.
20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”
22 Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.
Observation
When a couple has their first child do they keep it a secret? When you watch the Rays win tonight (hopefully) will you not talk about it? Of course you will and when a person has a profound experience they can’t help but share about it with others!
Saul had a profound experience on the road to Damascus with the Lord Jesus Christ and it changed him from being a hater of Jesus to someone that over and over again would risk his life to share the Good News about Jesus.
Have you ever asked someone about their relationship with Christ and they answer something like this, “Yeah, I did that when I was about nine or ten years old?” I think to myself when I hear a response like that, “wow – you have never met the Jesus that changed my life!”
Becoming and being a child of God is a profound experience and either you know what I am talking about or you don’t and if you don’t know what I am talking about then you have never met the Jesus the Apostle Paul and me encountered.
Application
I will enjoy watching God challenge us men today at the Men’s Cook Out! May it be a profound experience!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to know You and for having the opportunity to encourage other people to get to know you. It is life-changing news that we are allowed to share with others about you. It is a profound and wonderful experience to walk with You. Show me where to walk today!
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Friday, October 17, 2008
Are You a Fair Weather Christian?
Job 1; Job 2; Acts 6; Acts 7
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Scripture
Job 2
1 One day the members of the heavenly court came again to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. 2 “Where have you come from?” the LORD asked Satan.
Satan answered the LORD, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.”
3 Then the LORD asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil. And he has maintained his integrity, even though you urged me to harm him without cause.”
4 Satan replied to the LORD, “Skin for skin! A man will give up everything he has to save his life. 5 But reach out and take away his health, and he will surely curse you to your face!”
6 “All right, do with him as you please,” the LORD said to Satan. “But spare his life.” 7 So Satan left the LORD’s presence, and he struck Job with terrible boils from head to foot.
8 Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes. 9 His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.”
10 But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.
Observation
If you had a wife like Job’s then you wouldn't need any enemies, “Curse God and die” she says to Job after losing everything and then having his entire body covered in sores and boils. While scraping his skin with a piece of broken pottery I guess trying to get some relief he has his wife come over to him and ridicule him about his continued trust in God and she says to him, “Curse God and die.”
This passage reminds me of a memory verse that I learned a few weeks back, “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." Psalm 73:25-26
Our trust in our Heavenly Father will take us through the storms of life, just like it did in the life of Job. God allowed all of those bad things to happen to Job, yet Job never lost his faith in God.
Application
My back is not getting well as quickly as I had hoped but my trust remains in the Lord, He remains the strength of my heart.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be strong and help my faith in you not waiver. I put my total trust in You this morning to do everything for my good. You are Mighty. Whom have I in heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth. My health may fail, my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.
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Job 1; Job 2; Acts 6; Acts 7
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Scripture
Job 2
1 One day the members of the heavenly court came again to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. 2 “Where have you come from?” the LORD asked Satan.
Satan answered the LORD, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.”
3 Then the LORD asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil. And he has maintained his integrity, even though you urged me to harm him without cause.”
4 Satan replied to the LORD, “Skin for skin! A man will give up everything he has to save his life. 5 But reach out and take away his health, and he will surely curse you to your face!”
6 “All right, do with him as you please,” the LORD said to Satan. “But spare his life.” 7 So Satan left the LORD’s presence, and he struck Job with terrible boils from head to foot.
8 Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes. 9 His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.”
10 But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.
Observation
If you had a wife like Job’s then you wouldn't need any enemies, “Curse God and die” she says to Job after losing everything and then having his entire body covered in sores and boils. While scraping his skin with a piece of broken pottery I guess trying to get some relief he has his wife come over to him and ridicule him about his continued trust in God and she says to him, “Curse God and die.”
This passage reminds me of a memory verse that I learned a few weeks back, “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." Psalm 73:25-26
Our trust in our Heavenly Father will take us through the storms of life, just like it did in the life of Job. God allowed all of those bad things to happen to Job, yet Job never lost his faith in God.
Application
My back is not getting well as quickly as I had hoped but my trust remains in the Lord, He remains the strength of my heart.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be strong and help my faith in you not waiver. I put my total trust in You this morning to do everything for my good. You are Mighty. Whom have I in heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth. My health may fail, my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.
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Thursday, October 16, 2008
Give the People This Message of Life!
Malachi 3; Malachi 4; Psalm 148; Acts 5
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Scripture
Acts 5
17 The high priest and his officials, who were Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, 20 “Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!”
21 So at daybreak the apostles entered the Temple, as they were told, and immediately began teaching.
When the high priest and his officials arrived, they convened the high council—the full assembly of the elders of Israel. Then they sent for the apostles to be brought from the jail for trial. 22 But when the Temple guards went to the jail, the men were gone. So they returned to the council and reported, 23 “The jail was securely locked, with the guards standing outside, but when we opened the gates, no one was there!”
24 When the captain of the Temple guard and the leading priests heard this, they were perplexed, wondering where it would all end. 25 Then someone arrived with startling news: “The men you put in jail are standing in the Temple, teaching the people!”
26 The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. 27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 “Didn’t we tell you never again to teach in this man’s name?” he demanded. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!”
29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. 31 Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. 32 We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.”
33 When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. 34 But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. 35 Then he said to his colleagues, “Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men! 36 Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. 37 After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered.
38 “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”
40 The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go.
41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. 42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”
Observation
The religious leaders arrest the disciples and put them in prison, but Angels set them free and tell them to go right back to the Temple and preach the message of life to them. The disciples immediately go right back preaching and get arrested again, and would have been killed except one of the Pharisee’s was wise enough to say to the rest that if God was with the disciples that to go against them was futile because they would be fighting against God Himself. They had the disciples flogged and the disciples left rejoicing over the fact that God had counted them worthy to suffer for Him.
People need to hear the message of Life. And we need to share it no matter what.
Application
I will obey God today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me share the message of life with someone today. Give me the opportunity to be a witness. I pray for our men today, as they get ready for the Men’s event on Saturday. I pray that men will be drawn to this event and that You do a Mighty Work in every heart. May the message of life penetrate every life. I also pray for our President today and government leaders that you give them wisdom and that you bring conviction of sin and that You would bring correction where correction is needed and many leaders would repent and get right with You.
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Malachi 3; Malachi 4; Psalm 148; Acts 5
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Scripture
Acts 5
17 The high priest and his officials, who were Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, 20 “Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!”
21 So at daybreak the apostles entered the Temple, as they were told, and immediately began teaching.
When the high priest and his officials arrived, they convened the high council—the full assembly of the elders of Israel. Then they sent for the apostles to be brought from the jail for trial. 22 But when the Temple guards went to the jail, the men were gone. So they returned to the council and reported, 23 “The jail was securely locked, with the guards standing outside, but when we opened the gates, no one was there!”
24 When the captain of the Temple guard and the leading priests heard this, they were perplexed, wondering where it would all end. 25 Then someone arrived with startling news: “The men you put in jail are standing in the Temple, teaching the people!”
26 The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. 27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 “Didn’t we tell you never again to teach in this man’s name?” he demanded. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!”
29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. 31 Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. 32 We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.”
33 When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. 34 But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. 35 Then he said to his colleagues, “Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men! 36 Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. 37 After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered.
38 “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”
40 The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go.
41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. 42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”
Observation
The religious leaders arrest the disciples and put them in prison, but Angels set them free and tell them to go right back to the Temple and preach the message of life to them. The disciples immediately go right back preaching and get arrested again, and would have been killed except one of the Pharisee’s was wise enough to say to the rest that if God was with the disciples that to go against them was futile because they would be fighting against God Himself. They had the disciples flogged and the disciples left rejoicing over the fact that God had counted them worthy to suffer for Him.
People need to hear the message of Life. And we need to share it no matter what.
Application
I will obey God today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me share the message of life with someone today. Give me the opportunity to be a witness. I pray for our men today, as they get ready for the Men’s event on Saturday. I pray that men will be drawn to this event and that You do a Mighty Work in every heart. May the message of life penetrate every life. I also pray for our President today and government leaders that you give them wisdom and that you bring conviction of sin and that You would bring correction where correction is needed and many leaders would repent and get right with You.
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Wednesday, October 15, 2008
God Hates Divorce! God Loves Obedience!
Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1; Malachi 2; Acts 4
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Scripture
Malachi 2
14 You cry out, “Why doesn’t the LORD accept my worship?” I’ll tell you why! Because the LORD witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young. But you have been unfaithful to her, though she remained your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows.
15 Didn’t the LORD make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth. 16 “For I hate divorce!” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”
Acts 4
19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”
Observation
I had to share both of these passages this morning. They are both so powerful. In fact everything I read this morning was loaded with good stuff for my life. Nehemiah goes back to Jerusalem and finds the people involved in the same sins that caused God to punish them and send them into captivity earlier so Nehemiah cracked the whip and got them back on track once again.
Malachi 2 reveals God’s heart and how strong God feels about marriage and how much He hates divorce. And He warns us men to guard our hearts and He warns us not to be unfaithful to our wives.
In Acts 4 we have Peter and John standing before the religious leaders after spending a night in jail for healing a crippled man that had been crippled since birth. The religious leaders told Peter and John to quit preaching using the Name of Jesus, but they responded, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”
Three great passages this morning with 3 messages all showing us how important it is to obey God.
Application
It is my plan today to obey God with all my heart.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the courage of Nehemiah, Malachi, Peter and John to live a life of obedience to You. I pray for the men of our church that they would also be men desiring to please you and that they would be men that keep Your Word. Help all of us strengthen our marriages and love our wives like You want us to.
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Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1; Malachi 2; Acts 4
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Scripture
Malachi 2
14 You cry out, “Why doesn’t the LORD accept my worship?” I’ll tell you why! Because the LORD witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young. But you have been unfaithful to her, though she remained your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows.
15 Didn’t the LORD make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth. 16 “For I hate divorce!” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”
Acts 4
19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”
Observation
I had to share both of these passages this morning. They are both so powerful. In fact everything I read this morning was loaded with good stuff for my life. Nehemiah goes back to Jerusalem and finds the people involved in the same sins that caused God to punish them and send them into captivity earlier so Nehemiah cracked the whip and got them back on track once again.
Malachi 2 reveals God’s heart and how strong God feels about marriage and how much He hates divorce. And He warns us men to guard our hearts and He warns us not to be unfaithful to our wives.
In Acts 4 we have Peter and John standing before the religious leaders after spending a night in jail for healing a crippled man that had been crippled since birth. The religious leaders told Peter and John to quit preaching using the Name of Jesus, but they responded, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”
Three great passages this morning with 3 messages all showing us how important it is to obey God.
Application
It is my plan today to obey God with all my heart.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the courage of Nehemiah, Malachi, Peter and John to live a life of obedience to You. I pray for the men of our church that they would also be men desiring to please you and that they would be men that keep Your Word. Help all of us strengthen our marriages and love our wives like You want us to.
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Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Chew On Scripture Day and Night!
Nehemiah 11; Nehemiah 12; Psalm 1; Acts 3
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Scripture
Psalm 1
Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Observation
Do you want the Lord to bless you? I do!
And if we want to be people that are blessed then we need to follow what Psalm 1 says for us not to do and do what Psalm 1 says we should do. First we shouldn’t walk, stand, or sit with evil folks. If we do they are going to influence us to towards sin.
Instead if we want to be blessed by God we should chew on the word of God day and night. That is what the word meditates means – like a cow chews its cud.
During the night when you can’t sleep do you find yourself meditating on God’s word and during the day do you catch yourself thinking about the scriptures that you read before you left the house?
God’s promise to those that put into practice verses one and two is found in verse three, “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”
Application
It is my desire to be like the tree God describes in verse 3! So I will continue to meditate on His Word day and night.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to continue to grow in your Word. I pray that I would be like the man you described in Psalm 1:3. Bless me so that I can bless others. Thank you for your Word today. You are a Mighty Savior and You are Worthy to be Praised!
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Nehemiah 11; Nehemiah 12; Psalm 1; Acts 3
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Scripture
Psalm 1
Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Observation
Do you want the Lord to bless you? I do!
And if we want to be people that are blessed then we need to follow what Psalm 1 says for us not to do and do what Psalm 1 says we should do. First we shouldn’t walk, stand, or sit with evil folks. If we do they are going to influence us to towards sin.
Instead if we want to be blessed by God we should chew on the word of God day and night. That is what the word meditates means – like a cow chews its cud.
During the night when you can’t sleep do you find yourself meditating on God’s word and during the day do you catch yourself thinking about the scriptures that you read before you left the house?
God’s promise to those that put into practice verses one and two is found in verse three, “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”
Application
It is my desire to be like the tree God describes in verse 3! So I will continue to meditate on His Word day and night.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to continue to grow in your Word. I pray that I would be like the man you described in Psalm 1:3. Bless me so that I can bless others. Thank you for your Word today. You are a Mighty Savior and You are Worthy to be Praised!
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Monday, October 13, 2008
Rich In Unfailing Love!
Nehemiah 9; Nehemiah 10; Acts 2
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Scripture
Nehemiah 9
17 … But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love.
Observation
My memory verse last week was Psalm 143:8 “Let me hear of your unfailing love to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I have come to you in prayer.” God’s love is unfailing. Your love and my love may come up short on some days, but not our Lord’s Love. You can depend on it. It is a sure thing.
Application
I will depend on God’s unfailing Love for me today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have been reading about Your love today as I have been preparing for a message for this coming Sunday. Your love is huge; it is meteoric! You are always thinking about those You love. I pray that I may show Your love to those around me this week. Help me to love people with Your Agape love!
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Nehemiah 9; Nehemiah 10; Acts 2
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Scripture
Nehemiah 9
17 … But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love.
Observation
My memory verse last week was Psalm 143:8 “Let me hear of your unfailing love to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I have come to you in prayer.” God’s love is unfailing. Your love and my love may come up short on some days, but not our Lord’s Love. You can depend on it. It is a sure thing.
Application
I will depend on God’s unfailing Love for me today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have been reading about Your love today as I have been preparing for a message for this coming Sunday. Your love is huge; it is meteoric! You are always thinking about those You love. I pray that I may show Your love to those around me this week. Help me to love people with Your Agape love!
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Sunday, October 12, 2008
Heaven – Where Is It?
Nehemiah 7; Nehemiah 8; Acts 1
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Scripture
Acts 1
9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”
Observation
When Jesus ascended into Heaven He went up and up and up until the disciples no longer could see Him. He could have just disappeared, but no He ascended into a cloud and they watched him until they could no longer see Him any more. Where did Jesus go? He went to Heaven. Where is Heaven? We don’t know do we.
We do know that when Jesus returns He will return the same way. So where is Heaven? We don’t know. Or do we? Yes we do know. Heaven is whereever Jesus is right now - that is where Heaven is. One day He is going to return to take us all where He is right now. And I know that when we go to Heaven we will ascend into heaven just like Jesus did! All the rest doesn’t matter a whole lot to me.
Application
Come Lord Jesus! Come!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for preparing a place for us a place where we will live forever. It is going to be wonderful. A place where there is no more pain, no more sickness, no more death, and no more Presidential elections. Thank you for preparing a better place for us to live for eternity than here on earth. Thank you for giving us a place to look forward to.
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Nehemiah 7; Nehemiah 8; Acts 1
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Scripture
Acts 1
9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”
Observation
When Jesus ascended into Heaven He went up and up and up until the disciples no longer could see Him. He could have just disappeared, but no He ascended into a cloud and they watched him until they could no longer see Him any more. Where did Jesus go? He went to Heaven. Where is Heaven? We don’t know do we.
We do know that when Jesus returns He will return the same way. So where is Heaven? We don’t know. Or do we? Yes we do know. Heaven is whereever Jesus is right now - that is where Heaven is. One day He is going to return to take us all where He is right now. And I know that when we go to Heaven we will ascend into heaven just like Jesus did! All the rest doesn’t matter a whole lot to me.
Application
Come Lord Jesus! Come!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for preparing a place for us a place where we will live forever. It is going to be wonderful. A place where there is no more pain, no more sickness, no more death, and no more Presidential elections. Thank you for preparing a better place for us to live for eternity than here on earth. Thank you for giving us a place to look forward to.
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Saturday, October 11, 2008
People Will Let You Down – Put Your Trust In The Lord!
Nehemiah 5; Nehemiah 6; Psalm 146; Luke 24
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Scripture
Psalm 146
1 Praise the LORD!
Let all that I am praise the LORD.
2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live.
I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.
3 Don’t put your confidence in powerful people;
there is no help for you there.
4 When they breathe their last, they return to the earth,
and all their plans die with them.
5 But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
whose hope is in the LORD their God.
6 He made heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them.
He keeps every promise forever.
7 He gives justice to the oppressed
and food to the hungry.
The LORD frees the prisoners.
8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down.
The LORD loves the godly.
9 The LORD protects the foreigners among us.
He cares for the orphans and widows,
but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.
10 The LORD will reign forever.
He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations.
Praise the LORD!
Observation
“Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them.”
Isn’t this so true especially thinking about the elections that are just a few weeks away? Don’t put your confidence in any of the presidential candidates to keep the promises that they are making because they probably won’t. It would be wonderful if we had someone that was running for public office that really would be a person of integrity that we could put our confidence in.
But the truth is that people will at some point always let us down because they are not perfect, they are sinners just like we are. So we need to put our confidence in Someone Who will not let us down.
We need to put our trust, our confidence in the God that created us, the God that made everything that is around us He will never let us down. He always keeps His promises. He lifts up those that are weighed down and He loves the godly. He is Powerful enough to take care of every need we have.
Are you weighed down today? Why not put your confidence in the Lord right now?
Application
I will praise the Lord. I will praise the Lord as long as I live!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am not putting my trust today in powerful people. I am putting my trust in You!
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Nehemiah 5; Nehemiah 6; Psalm 146; Luke 24
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Scripture
Psalm 146
1 Praise the LORD!
Let all that I am praise the LORD.
2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live.
I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.
3 Don’t put your confidence in powerful people;
there is no help for you there.
4 When they breathe their last, they return to the earth,
and all their plans die with them.
5 But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
whose hope is in the LORD their God.
6 He made heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them.
He keeps every promise forever.
7 He gives justice to the oppressed
and food to the hungry.
The LORD frees the prisoners.
8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down.
The LORD loves the godly.
9 The LORD protects the foreigners among us.
He cares for the orphans and widows,
but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.
10 The LORD will reign forever.
He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations.
Praise the LORD!
Observation
“Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them.”
Isn’t this so true especially thinking about the elections that are just a few weeks away? Don’t put your confidence in any of the presidential candidates to keep the promises that they are making because they probably won’t. It would be wonderful if we had someone that was running for public office that really would be a person of integrity that we could put our confidence in.
But the truth is that people will at some point always let us down because they are not perfect, they are sinners just like we are. So we need to put our confidence in Someone Who will not let us down.
We need to put our trust, our confidence in the God that created us, the God that made everything that is around us He will never let us down. He always keeps His promises. He lifts up those that are weighed down and He loves the godly. He is Powerful enough to take care of every need we have.
Are you weighed down today? Why not put your confidence in the Lord right now?
Application
I will praise the Lord. I will praise the Lord as long as I live!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am not putting my trust today in powerful people. I am putting my trust in You!
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Friday, October 10, 2008
Heaven or Hell – The Choice is Yours
Nehemiah 3; Nehemiah 4; Luke 23
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Scripture
Luke 23
39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Observation
Two criminals hanging on each side of Jesus, both were equally evil, both had committed terrible crimes and yet one would end up in Paradise and the other would go to Hell.
What makes the difference in whether someone goes to Heaven or Hell? The answer isn’t found in the number of good works someone has done or how evil a person has been in his or her past.
This is a remarkable story, this story of two thieves crucified beside our Savior and their conversation with Him before they died. One realized that he was being crucified next to Someone Who could save him and that thief asked Jesus to save him and Jesus did just that. This evil criminal was changed in an instant from criminal to saint and when we get to Heaven we will be able to hear his account of the whole life changing moment.
I don’t deserve Heaven and you don’t either. I don’t deserve the wonderful life that I have been allowed to live. None of us do. We are all evil just like the two guys that hung next to Jesus. The only way that you and I will ever experience Eternal Life, Heaven, and God’s forgiveness is if we ask Jesus to save us. One criminal died mocking Jesus with his dying breath and the other criminal died having Angels usher him into Heaven.
Which criminal are you? Are you on your way to Heaven or Hell?
Application
I will continue to look for people that are open and ready to hear about Jesus and that are ready to receive His forgiveness!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that today I am beginning to feel better. You are my Healer. Thank you for showing me your unfailing love today. I am blessed. Show me where to walk. Guide and order my steps. Thank you for a wonderful wife and a beautiful family. I don’t deserve Your kindness. I give you my time today. Put things on my heart that You want me to do. I am at Your call. You are the most important thing on earth to me today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Nehemiah 3; Nehemiah 4; Luke 23
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Scripture
Luke 23
39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Observation
Two criminals hanging on each side of Jesus, both were equally evil, both had committed terrible crimes and yet one would end up in Paradise and the other would go to Hell.
What makes the difference in whether someone goes to Heaven or Hell? The answer isn’t found in the number of good works someone has done or how evil a person has been in his or her past.
This is a remarkable story, this story of two thieves crucified beside our Savior and their conversation with Him before they died. One realized that he was being crucified next to Someone Who could save him and that thief asked Jesus to save him and Jesus did just that. This evil criminal was changed in an instant from criminal to saint and when we get to Heaven we will be able to hear his account of the whole life changing moment.
I don’t deserve Heaven and you don’t either. I don’t deserve the wonderful life that I have been allowed to live. None of us do. We are all evil just like the two guys that hung next to Jesus. The only way that you and I will ever experience Eternal Life, Heaven, and God’s forgiveness is if we ask Jesus to save us. One criminal died mocking Jesus with his dying breath and the other criminal died having Angels usher him into Heaven.
Which criminal are you? Are you on your way to Heaven or Hell?
Application
I will continue to look for people that are open and ready to hear about Jesus and that are ready to receive His forgiveness!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that today I am beginning to feel better. You are my Healer. Thank you for showing me your unfailing love today. I am blessed. Show me where to walk. Guide and order my steps. Thank you for a wonderful wife and a beautiful family. I don’t deserve Your kindness. I give you my time today. Put things on my heart that You want me to do. I am at Your call. You are the most important thing on earth to me today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Thursday, October 09, 2008
Jesus is Always Working Ahead of Us!
Nehemiah 1; Nehemiah 2; Psalm 133; Luke 22
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Scripture
Luke 22
7 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread arrived, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John ahead and said, “Go and prepare the Passover meal, so we can eat it together.”
9 “Where do you want us to prepare it?” they asked him.
10 He replied, “As soon as you enter Jerusalem, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. At the house he enters, 11 say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ 12 He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where you should prepare our meal.” 13 They went off to the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover meal there.
Observation
Where should we have the Passover meal the disciples asked Jesus and His answer is amazing, “As soon as you enter Jerusalem, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. At the house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where you should prepare our meal.”
Today as you and I go about our business Jesus is already going before us and is helping plan out our day, if we have taken time with Him and if we have asked Him to show us where to walk. Why don’t you check out my memory verse for this week from Psalm 143:8 “Let me hear of your unfailing love to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I have come to you in prayer. The disciples asked Jesus and Jesus showed them. Why don’t we ask Him to show us where to walk today?
Application
I am trusting in the Lord and I am asking Him to show me where to walk today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Let me hear of your unfailing love to me today, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I have come to you in prayer. Amen.
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Nehemiah 1; Nehemiah 2; Psalm 133; Luke 22
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Scripture
Luke 22
7 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread arrived, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John ahead and said, “Go and prepare the Passover meal, so we can eat it together.”
9 “Where do you want us to prepare it?” they asked him.
10 He replied, “As soon as you enter Jerusalem, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. At the house he enters, 11 say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ 12 He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where you should prepare our meal.” 13 They went off to the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover meal there.
Observation
Where should we have the Passover meal the disciples asked Jesus and His answer is amazing, “As soon as you enter Jerusalem, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. At the house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where you should prepare our meal.”
Today as you and I go about our business Jesus is already going before us and is helping plan out our day, if we have taken time with Him and if we have asked Him to show us where to walk. Why don’t you check out my memory verse for this week from Psalm 143:8 “Let me hear of your unfailing love to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I have come to you in prayer. The disciples asked Jesus and Jesus showed them. Why don’t we ask Him to show us where to walk today?
Application
I am trusting in the Lord and I am asking Him to show me where to walk today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Let me hear of your unfailing love to me today, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I have come to you in prayer. Amen.
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Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Time Well Spent!
Ezra 9; Ezra 10; Psalm 131; Luke 21
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Scripture
Luke 21
37 Every day Jesus went to the Temple to teach, and each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives. 38 The crowds gathered at the Temple early each morning to hear him.
Observation
The Mount of Olives was a favorite spot of Jesus. He made it His place to sleep and pray often by what this verse says. It was for the most part a time for Him to be alone to pray to His Heavenly Father and a time to get off to be with His disciples. All of us need to get away from time to time just to have some one on one time with God.
Everyday Jesus was ready to face the crowds at the Temple because He had spent time with His Heavenly Father. We can face the challenges of today if we have spent time alone with God before jumping into the swirl of our daily schedules.
Application
I will spend time with the Lord first every day.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, continue to give me the desire to put You first in my life. Help me to trust You no matter what. Help me not to complain about the pain that I am having in my body these days, but instead help me to be full of gratefulness towards You for all that You are doing in my life and in the lives around me. Great is Your Faithfulness.
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Ezra 9; Ezra 10; Psalm 131; Luke 21
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Scripture
Luke 21
37 Every day Jesus went to the Temple to teach, and each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives. 38 The crowds gathered at the Temple early each morning to hear him.
Observation
The Mount of Olives was a favorite spot of Jesus. He made it His place to sleep and pray often by what this verse says. It was for the most part a time for Him to be alone to pray to His Heavenly Father and a time to get off to be with His disciples. All of us need to get away from time to time just to have some one on one time with God.
Everyday Jesus was ready to face the crowds at the Temple because He had spent time with His Heavenly Father. We can face the challenges of today if we have spent time alone with God before jumping into the swirl of our daily schedules.
Application
I will spend time with the Lord first every day.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, continue to give me the desire to put You first in my life. Help me to trust You no matter what. Help me not to complain about the pain that I am having in my body these days, but instead help me to be full of gratefulness towards You for all that You are doing in my life and in the lives around me. Great is Your Faithfulness.
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Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Got Ya Questions!
Ezra 7; Ezra 8; Luke 20
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Scripture
Luke 20
27 Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees—religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. 28 They posed this question: “Teacher, Moses gave us a law that if a man dies, leaving a wife but no children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother’s name. 29 Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children. 30 So the second brother married the widow, but he also died. 31 Then the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them, who died without children. 32 Finally, the woman also died. 33 So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her!”
34 Jesus replied, “Marriage is for people here on earth. 35 But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. 36 And they will never die again. In this respect they will be like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection.
37 “But now, as to whether the dead will be raised—even Moses proved this when he wrote about the burning bush. Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, he referred to the Lord as ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 So he is the God of the living, not the dead, for they are all alive to him.”
Observation
The Pharisees and Religious leaders were always trying to trick and trap Jesus into saying something wrong so they could kill Him. Jesus was way too smart for them to be able to trick Him. People today still try to use “Got Ya Questions” on us Christ – Followers to ridicule us about our Faith in the Living God!
Application
I will stand on the Word of God and use it to answer anyone that doubts that there is a Living God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise you this morning for loving me. I know that you love me. I know that you care for me. And I know that you will carry me and that you will save me. Isaiah 46:3-4 is my promise of your love, “… I created you and have cared for you since before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.”
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Ezra 7; Ezra 8; Luke 20
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Scripture
Luke 20
27 Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees—religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. 28 They posed this question: “Teacher, Moses gave us a law that if a man dies, leaving a wife but no children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother’s name. 29 Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children. 30 So the second brother married the widow, but he also died. 31 Then the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them, who died without children. 32 Finally, the woman also died. 33 So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her!”
34 Jesus replied, “Marriage is for people here on earth. 35 But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. 36 And they will never die again. In this respect they will be like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection.
37 “But now, as to whether the dead will be raised—even Moses proved this when he wrote about the burning bush. Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, he referred to the Lord as ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 So he is the God of the living, not the dead, for they are all alive to him.”
Observation
The Pharisees and Religious leaders were always trying to trick and trap Jesus into saying something wrong so they could kill Him. Jesus was way too smart for them to be able to trick Him. People today still try to use “Got Ya Questions” on us Christ – Followers to ridicule us about our Faith in the Living God!
Application
I will stand on the Word of God and use it to answer anyone that doubts that there is a Living God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise you this morning for loving me. I know that you love me. I know that you care for me. And I know that you will carry me and that you will save me. Isaiah 46:3-4 is my promise of your love, “… I created you and have cared for you since before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.”
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Monday, October 06, 2008
Hung on Every Word He Said!
Esther 9; Esther 10; Luke 19
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Scripture
Luke 19
47 After that, he taught daily in the Temple, but the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the other leaders of the people began planning how to kill him. 48 But they could think of nothing, because all the people hung on every word he said.
Observation
Are you tired of all the campaign ads?
I sure am. So much talking about nothing – what a difference with Jesus! I would have loved to have been in the crowds listening to Him or better yet I would have loved to have been one of His close disciples! How about you? Every illustration, every story, every Word was so exciting and so full of meaning that the people hung on every word He said.
As I have been reading through the Gospel of Luke I have found myself hung on His every word too! I think about what I have read during my morning devotional time all day long, hung on every word! This morning in Luke 19 I read about Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus, about our Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem and His driving the moneychangers out of His Father’s Temple! And I also read in the Old Testament about Queen Esther and how God rewarded her courageous stand in taking up for her people – the Jews.
Application
I will continue to encourage our people to read God’s Word every day.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your Word is so powerful and interesting. Help me to learn from Your Word every day.
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Esther 9; Esther 10; Luke 19
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Scripture
Luke 19
47 After that, he taught daily in the Temple, but the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the other leaders of the people began planning how to kill him. 48 But they could think of nothing, because all the people hung on every word he said.
Observation
Are you tired of all the campaign ads?
I sure am. So much talking about nothing – what a difference with Jesus! I would have loved to have been in the crowds listening to Him or better yet I would have loved to have been one of His close disciples! How about you? Every illustration, every story, every Word was so exciting and so full of meaning that the people hung on every word He said.
As I have been reading through the Gospel of Luke I have found myself hung on His every word too! I think about what I have read during my morning devotional time all day long, hung on every word! This morning in Luke 19 I read about Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus, about our Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem and His driving the moneychangers out of His Father’s Temple! And I also read in the Old Testament about Queen Esther and how God rewarded her courageous stand in taking up for her people – the Jews.
Application
I will continue to encourage our people to read God’s Word every day.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your Word is so powerful and interesting. Help me to learn from Your Word every day.
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Sunday, October 05, 2008
“What do you want me to do for you?”
Esther 3; Esther 4; Esther 5; Esther 6; Esther 7; Esther 8; Luke 18
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Scripture
Luke 18
Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar
35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. 36 When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. 38 So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
39 “Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him.
But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
40 When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord,” he said, “I want to see!”
42 And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” 43 Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.
Observation
Jesus wants us to be His Hands and His Feet in this world today. People are crying out for help and we need to ask the question, “What do you want me to do for you?” I have to admit that I have a hard heart and it is difficult for me to help people that God brings to our church during the week that are asking for help.
Most of the time I look at them and think that they are not really wanting the help that they are asking for, but the problem is I don’t have the ability to see into their hearts to make that call. It is probably true that most coming for help don’t need the help that they are requesting, but they do need our help. One day I could be the one knocking at a church door asking for help and then I would love to have someone that is like Jesus to have mercy on me!
Application
I will say “yes” to people’s requests more than I say “no” and I will take more time with people that walk in off the street looking for help.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, soften my heart!
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Esther 3; Esther 4; Esther 5; Esther 6; Esther 7; Esther 8; Luke 18
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Scripture
Luke 18
Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar
35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. 36 When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. 38 So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
39 “Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him.
But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
40 When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord,” he said, “I want to see!”
42 And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” 43 Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.
Observation
Jesus wants us to be His Hands and His Feet in this world today. People are crying out for help and we need to ask the question, “What do you want me to do for you?” I have to admit that I have a hard heart and it is difficult for me to help people that God brings to our church during the week that are asking for help.
Most of the time I look at them and think that they are not really wanting the help that they are asking for, but the problem is I don’t have the ability to see into their hearts to make that call. It is probably true that most coming for help don’t need the help that they are requesting, but they do need our help. One day I could be the one knocking at a church door asking for help and then I would love to have someone that is like Jesus to have mercy on me!
Application
I will say “yes” to people’s requests more than I say “no” and I will take more time with people that walk in off the street looking for help.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, soften my heart!
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Saturday, October 04, 2008
Forgiveness is Not Optional!
Esther 1; Esther 2; Psalm 150; Luke 17
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Scripture
Luke 17
“If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. 4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”
Observation
I have watched in amazement how some Christians that are supposed to be mature have refused to forgive another Christian that has done them wrong. I have watched them leave our church. I have watched them refuse to talk to the person that has hurt them even to the point of turning away from them during the greeting time in the worship service. It has been both the most amazing and the most troubling thing for me to experience as pastor of a church.
They say with their attitude, their actions, their comments and even their body movements and language, “who does this person think that they are to treat me like this” and they are not about to forgive them. It is incredible and it happens way too often.
Some how Jesus’ lessons on forgiveness where missed by these folks. People like this are grumpy and are not fun to be around. Forgiveness is not optional. Jesus says, “You must forgive.”
Application
I will try to forgive people when they hurt me and not let it grow to bitterness and resentment.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to forgive and not hold a grudge. Give me your heart and your ability to forgive. I pray for our G.A.’s as they go to their special event. I pray that each young heart will be moved to serve You as missionaries when they grow up. I pray that you bless their leaders. Bless our academy and every teacher and employee and all of our academy families.
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Esther 1; Esther 2; Psalm 150; Luke 17
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Scripture
Luke 17
“If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. 4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”
Observation
I have watched in amazement how some Christians that are supposed to be mature have refused to forgive another Christian that has done them wrong. I have watched them leave our church. I have watched them refuse to talk to the person that has hurt them even to the point of turning away from them during the greeting time in the worship service. It has been both the most amazing and the most troubling thing for me to experience as pastor of a church.
They say with their attitude, their actions, their comments and even their body movements and language, “who does this person think that they are to treat me like this” and they are not about to forgive them. It is incredible and it happens way too often.
Some how Jesus’ lessons on forgiveness where missed by these folks. People like this are grumpy and are not fun to be around. Forgiveness is not optional. Jesus says, “You must forgive.”
Application
I will try to forgive people when they hurt me and not let it grow to bitterness and resentment.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to forgive and not hold a grudge. Give me your heart and your ability to forgive. I pray for our G.A.’s as they go to their special event. I pray that each young heart will be moved to serve You as missionaries when they grow up. I pray that you bless their leaders. Bless our academy and every teacher and employee and all of our academy families.
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Friday, October 03, 2008
Jesus The Great Story Teller
Ezra 5; Ezra 6; Psalm 138; Luke 16
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Scripture
Luke 16
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
19 Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. 20 At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. 21 As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.
22 “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.
24 “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’
25 “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’
27 “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. 28 For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’
29 “But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’
30 “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’
31 “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Observation
One of the ways that Jesus taught his disciples and the crowds was through story telling. Read this story very slowly and see if you don’t begin to visualize the entire scene. As you read the first few verses don’t you begin to feel compassion for poor Lazarus as he lay on the ground covered with sores longing to have just some of the crumbs from the rich man’s table.
How do you feel when Jesus talks about the dogs coming and licking the open sores of poor Lazarus? Then the story quickly shifts to what it is going to be like after their deaths and suddenly our feelings change about the situation of Lazarus. It is no longer poor Lazarus, but instead it is poor rich guy because we find him in eternal torment begging for a drop of water to cool his tongue because now he is in torment surrounded by flames. So the tables are turned.
In a few seconds Jesus has told a story that once you read it or hear the story told you will never be able to forget it. The message of the story is very clear to you and to me and that message is that we should repent of our sins and turn to God while we have the chance!
Application
I will use this story Sunday in my message.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to share with people the urgency of the Gospel. Help me to take every opportunity to be a witness today.
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Ezra 5; Ezra 6; Psalm 138; Luke 16
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Scripture
Luke 16
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
19 Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. 20 At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. 21 As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.
22 “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.
24 “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’
25 “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’
27 “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. 28 For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’
29 “But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’
30 “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’
31 “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Observation
One of the ways that Jesus taught his disciples and the crowds was through story telling. Read this story very slowly and see if you don’t begin to visualize the entire scene. As you read the first few verses don’t you begin to feel compassion for poor Lazarus as he lay on the ground covered with sores longing to have just some of the crumbs from the rich man’s table.
How do you feel when Jesus talks about the dogs coming and licking the open sores of poor Lazarus? Then the story quickly shifts to what it is going to be like after their deaths and suddenly our feelings change about the situation of Lazarus. It is no longer poor Lazarus, but instead it is poor rich guy because we find him in eternal torment begging for a drop of water to cool his tongue because now he is in torment surrounded by flames. So the tables are turned.
In a few seconds Jesus has told a story that once you read it or hear the story told you will never be able to forget it. The message of the story is very clear to you and to me and that message is that we should repent of our sins and turn to God while we have the chance!
Application
I will use this story Sunday in my message.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to share with people the urgency of the Gospel. Help me to take every opportunity to be a witness today.
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Thursday, October 02, 2008
Lessons Taught By The Master Teacher!
Zechariah 13; Zechariah 14; Psalm 147; Luke 15
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Scripture
Luke 15
1 Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. 2 This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!
Observation
Have you ever heard someone say at church, “The leaders are always talking about reaching new people, but what about us - what are they doing for us?” It was not much different during the days when Jesus walked this earth and spent His time with tax collectors and notorious sinners and He had the religious leaders complaining about it – is there?
I believe that some notorious sinners would love to hear us teach too if we take time to be around them. I know that this is a problem that I have as a pastor of a church is being able to spend time with people that are lost … people that don’t already have a personal relationship with Jesus. This is the lesson for me this morning, “there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”
Application
I will look for someone today that needs to be “found”!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Heaven must be an exciting place if every time someone comes to Christ there is a celebration and a party! Help me to focus on the really important stuff today. I pray for an opportunity to share Christ. I pray for our leadership in our government as they vote. Give them wisdom and may true leaders emerge that have a Word from You for the right direction that our country should take. I pray for our President that you give him wisdom and boldness to do what is right as well as the others that are leading us. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Zechariah 13; Zechariah 14; Psalm 147; Luke 15
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 15
1 Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. 2 This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!
Observation
Have you ever heard someone say at church, “The leaders are always talking about reaching new people, but what about us - what are they doing for us?” It was not much different during the days when Jesus walked this earth and spent His time with tax collectors and notorious sinners and He had the religious leaders complaining about it – is there?
I believe that some notorious sinners would love to hear us teach too if we take time to be around them. I know that this is a problem that I have as a pastor of a church is being able to spend time with people that are lost … people that don’t already have a personal relationship with Jesus. This is the lesson for me this morning, “there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”
Application
I will look for someone today that needs to be “found”!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Heaven must be an exciting place if every time someone comes to Christ there is a celebration and a party! Help me to focus on the really important stuff today. I pray for an opportunity to share Christ. I pray for our leadership in our government as they vote. Give them wisdom and may true leaders emerge that have a Word from You for the right direction that our country should take. I pray for our President that you give him wisdom and boldness to do what is right as well as the others that are leading us. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Do Something For Those That Can’t Pay You Back!
Kathy told me I was crazy putting this picture on my blog, but it is the reason that I haven't been able to write anything for the past few days. The doctor says that I have a "herniated disc" in my lower back. Hopefully all of the pills he has me taking will get me back up and going soon! The pain is better today!
Do Something For Those That Can’t Pay You Back!
Zechariah 10; Zechariah 11; Zechariah 12; Psalm 126; Luke 14
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 14
12 Then he turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. 13 Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.”
Observation
Doing things for people that cannot pay you back is what gets you rewards in Heaven.
Application
This November, the Sunday before Thanksgiving I plan to have our entire church go to Publix and buy out their can good section and non perishables and take all of that food over to a Food Bank for folks in our city that don’t have food to eat.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing us with so much. Help us help others that cannot help are not in the position to return the favor. Thank you for taking such good care of me and my family and thank you for so many friends that have been there for us. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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