Grandchildren – What a Great Gift From God!
Proverbs 16; Proverbs 17; Proverbs 18; Romans 12
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Scripture
Proverbs 17
6 Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged;
parents are the pride of their children.
Observation
I love being a Grandpa. I have 9 grandchildren and I love every one of them. Kathy and I love the role of grandparents. If we had known it was going to be so much fun having grandchildren we would have had them first!
I hope that our grandchildren see Jesus in their grandparents. It is our biggest assignment!
Application
I will enjoy spending time with my grandchildren this summer.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for my grandchildren: Lyric, Alyssa, Hailey, Sierra, Chloe, Liliana, Louie, Hughey, and Tori that they would all grow up to love and walk with You. Help them to have a personal relationship with You. Bring strong Christians into their lives. Help their parents walk with You. Draw them into a church family where they can grow up in You. Bless them with Your goodness and Your mercy. Amen.
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Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
For His Glory!
Proverbs 13; Proverbs 14; Proverbs 15; Romans 11
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Scripture
Romans 11
36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.
Observation
All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. John 17:10
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. 2 Corinthians 4:15
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20
So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 2 Timothy 2:10
Application
Everything is intended for His Glory. I will strive to bring Him Glory today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is my desire today to bring You glory and honor by everything I do. Don’t let me do something that will bring You dishonor. Keep me from sin. Help me be Your witness. “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!” Romans 11:33
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Proverbs 13; Proverbs 14; Proverbs 15; Romans 11
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Scripture
Romans 11
36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.
Observation
All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. John 17:10
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. 2 Corinthians 4:15
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20
So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 2 Timothy 2:10
Application
Everything is intended for His Glory. I will strive to bring Him Glory today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is my desire today to bring You glory and honor by everything I do. Don’t let me do something that will bring You dishonor. Keep me from sin. Help me be Your witness. “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!” Romans 11:33
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Friday, May 29, 2009
Does “Everyone” Include You?
Proverbs 10; Proverbs 11; Proverbs 12; Romans 10
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Scripture
And that message is the very message about faith that we preach:
9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.
11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “LORD, who has believed our message?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
Observation
When you read your Bible I hope that you write your name in where ever God uses the words: whosoever, whoever, everyone, all, anyone, world, etc.
Probably one of your favorite passages in the Bible is John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Let’s practice, "For God so loved Eddy that he gave his one and only Son, that if Eddy believes in him Eddy shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Application
I will thank the Lord that I am included in the “Whoever’s” in His Word.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that You included me when you used those words in the Bible. Thank You for my salvation! I pray that You will help me share Your Good News with others.
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Proverbs 10; Proverbs 11; Proverbs 12; Romans 10
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
And that message is the very message about faith that we preach:
9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.
11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “LORD, who has believed our message?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
Observation
When you read your Bible I hope that you write your name in where ever God uses the words: whosoever, whoever, everyone, all, anyone, world, etc.
Probably one of your favorite passages in the Bible is John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Let’s practice, "For God so loved Eddy that he gave his one and only Son, that if Eddy believes in him Eddy shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Application
I will thank the Lord that I am included in the “Whoever’s” in His Word.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that You included me when you used those words in the Bible. Thank You for my salvation! I pray that You will help me share Your Good News with others.
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Thursday, May 28, 2009
Stupid is as Stupid Does!
Proverbs 7; Proverbs 8; Proverbs 9; Romans 9
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Scripture
Proverbs 7
5 Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman,
from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.
6 While I was at the window of my house,
looking through the curtain,
7 I saw some naive young men,
and one in particular who lacked common sense.
8 He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman,
strolling down the path by her house.
9 It was at twilight, in the evening,
as deep darkness fell.
10 The woman approached him,
seductively dressed and sly of heart.
11 She was the brash, rebellious type,
never content to stay at home.
12 She is often in the streets and markets,
soliciting at every corner.
13 She threw her arms around him and kissed him,
and with a brazen look she said,
14 “I’ve just made my peace offerings
and fulfilled my vows.
15 You’re the one I was looking for!
I came out to find you, and here you are!
16 My bed is spread with beautiful blankets,
with colored sheets of Egyptian linen.
17 I’ve perfumed my bed
with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning.
Let’s enjoy each other’s caresses,
19 for my husband is not home.
He’s away on a long trip.
20 He has taken a wallet full of money with him
and won’t return until later this month.”
21 So she seduced him with her pretty speech
and enticed him with her flattery.
22 He followed her at once,
like an ox going to the slaughter.
He was like a stag caught in a trap,
23 awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart.
He was like a bird flying into a snare,
little knowing it would cost him his life.
24 So listen to me, my sons,
and pay attention to my words.
25 Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her.
Don’t wander down her wayward path.
26 For she has been the ruin of many;
many men have been her victims.
27 Her house is the road to the grave.
Her bedroom is the den of death.
Observation
We can’t let our guards down. Satan wants to destroy us and he will use someone to bring us down if we don’t set standards for ourselves and keep them. Do you have some standards or rules that you follow that keep you out of trouble with the opposite sex. Here are a few of mine:
I don’t travel in a car alone with a woman other than my wife. In an emergency I will transport a female but I always call my wife and let her know exactly where I am taking the person so she knows all about it. There has only been a couple of times when I have had to do this.
I don’t eat a meal alone with a woman other than my wife.
I won’t be in my office alone with a woman with the door closed (unless it is my wife)
…and I don’t even stay in the office building if it is only myself and another female staff person left in the building.
I won’t go inside the home of a woman if the husband is not at home or if she is by herself (I break this rule for 80 year olds).
I hug women carefully and avoid hugging the women that want to plaster themselves against me (unless it is my wife).
I don’t watch bedroom scenes on the television or Victoria Secret commercials no matter how silly that may seem to others.
I could go on with a few more rules/boundaries that I have set for myself but you get the idea.
If you don’t set boundaries and keep them then you are setting yourself up for a fall and for destruction. I have watched too many men of God fall because they let their guard down and let their hearts be led astray.
Application
I will guard my heart and not break the standards that I have set.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to guard my heart and keep the commitments that I have made to You. Help me to keep myself pure and not yield to temptations when they come. Give me the words to say at the Memorial service for Pat Murphy today. Be with the family as they grieve and go through this time of loss. I pray that You be the God of all comfort and all compassion to them. Amen
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Proverbs 7; Proverbs 8; Proverbs 9; Romans 9
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Proverbs 7
5 Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman,
from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.
6 While I was at the window of my house,
looking through the curtain,
7 I saw some naive young men,
and one in particular who lacked common sense.
8 He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman,
strolling down the path by her house.
9 It was at twilight, in the evening,
as deep darkness fell.
10 The woman approached him,
seductively dressed and sly of heart.
11 She was the brash, rebellious type,
never content to stay at home.
12 She is often in the streets and markets,
soliciting at every corner.
13 She threw her arms around him and kissed him,
and with a brazen look she said,
14 “I’ve just made my peace offerings
and fulfilled my vows.
15 You’re the one I was looking for!
I came out to find you, and here you are!
16 My bed is spread with beautiful blankets,
with colored sheets of Egyptian linen.
17 I’ve perfumed my bed
with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning.
Let’s enjoy each other’s caresses,
19 for my husband is not home.
He’s away on a long trip.
20 He has taken a wallet full of money with him
and won’t return until later this month.”
21 So she seduced him with her pretty speech
and enticed him with her flattery.
22 He followed her at once,
like an ox going to the slaughter.
He was like a stag caught in a trap,
23 awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart.
He was like a bird flying into a snare,
little knowing it would cost him his life.
24 So listen to me, my sons,
and pay attention to my words.
25 Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her.
Don’t wander down her wayward path.
26 For she has been the ruin of many;
many men have been her victims.
27 Her house is the road to the grave.
Her bedroom is the den of death.
Observation
We can’t let our guards down. Satan wants to destroy us and he will use someone to bring us down if we don’t set standards for ourselves and keep them. Do you have some standards or rules that you follow that keep you out of trouble with the opposite sex. Here are a few of mine:
I don’t travel in a car alone with a woman other than my wife. In an emergency I will transport a female but I always call my wife and let her know exactly where I am taking the person so she knows all about it. There has only been a couple of times when I have had to do this.
I don’t eat a meal alone with a woman other than my wife.
I won’t be in my office alone with a woman with the door closed (unless it is my wife)
…and I don’t even stay in the office building if it is only myself and another female staff person left in the building.
I won’t go inside the home of a woman if the husband is not at home or if she is by herself (I break this rule for 80 year olds).
I hug women carefully and avoid hugging the women that want to plaster themselves against me (unless it is my wife).
I don’t watch bedroom scenes on the television or Victoria Secret commercials no matter how silly that may seem to others.
I could go on with a few more rules/boundaries that I have set for myself but you get the idea.
If you don’t set boundaries and keep them then you are setting yourself up for a fall and for destruction. I have watched too many men of God fall because they let their guard down and let their hearts be led astray.
Application
I will guard my heart and not break the standards that I have set.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to guard my heart and keep the commitments that I have made to You. Help me to keep myself pure and not yield to temptations when they come. Give me the words to say at the Memorial service for Pat Murphy today. Be with the family as they grieve and go through this time of loss. I pray that You be the God of all comfort and all compassion to them. Amen
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Wednesday, May 27, 2009
What Dominates You?
Proverbs 4; Proverbs 5; Proverbs 6; Romans 8
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Scripture
Romans 8
5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.
Observation
What do you catch yourself thinking about?
What have you been thinking about over the past hour or during the night or in your free time? Is there some secret sin that dominates your thought life? If you are dominated by the sinful nature then you will think about sinful things, but if you are controlled or dominated by the Holy Spirit then you will be thinking about things that please the Spirit of God.
Looking back over what I have been thinking about over the past 24 hours I realize I have been under the control of God’s Holy Spirit. My thoughts have mainly been concerns about our church and the people that make up our church and for those that we need to reach. Over the past 24 hours I have not spent time thinking about sinful things. Surrendering control of my life to the Holy Spirit is a daily thing and I realize that I can choose to entertain sinful thoughts and I can choose to allow my sinful nature to take control of my life. It is a constant choice.
I wish that I could say that God’s Holy Spirit always has control of my life and that my thought life is always pure and on things that please Him but I can’t. No I have to admit that the Holy Spirit is not always in control of my life.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Application
For the next 24 hours I am going to try to keep track of what dominates my thought life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is my desire today to think about only things that please You. Don’t let me be drawn into thinking sinful thoughts. May the Holy Spirit pray for me when I don’t know what to pray because there are so many things that I deal with that are beyond me and I don’t even know how to pray about them.
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Proverbs 4; Proverbs 5; Proverbs 6; Romans 8
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Scripture
Romans 8
5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.
Observation
What do you catch yourself thinking about?
What have you been thinking about over the past hour or during the night or in your free time? Is there some secret sin that dominates your thought life? If you are dominated by the sinful nature then you will think about sinful things, but if you are controlled or dominated by the Holy Spirit then you will be thinking about things that please the Spirit of God.
Looking back over what I have been thinking about over the past 24 hours I realize I have been under the control of God’s Holy Spirit. My thoughts have mainly been concerns about our church and the people that make up our church and for those that we need to reach. Over the past 24 hours I have not spent time thinking about sinful things. Surrendering control of my life to the Holy Spirit is a daily thing and I realize that I can choose to entertain sinful thoughts and I can choose to allow my sinful nature to take control of my life. It is a constant choice.
I wish that I could say that God’s Holy Spirit always has control of my life and that my thought life is always pure and on things that please Him but I can’t. No I have to admit that the Holy Spirit is not always in control of my life.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Application
For the next 24 hours I am going to try to keep track of what dominates my thought life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is my desire today to think about only things that please You. Don’t let me be drawn into thinking sinful thoughts. May the Holy Spirit pray for me when I don’t know what to pray because there are so many things that I deal with that are beyond me and I don’t even know how to pray about them.
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Let’s Get Caught Doing Something Good For Someone!
Proverbs 1; Proverbs 2; Proverbs 3; Romans 7
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Scripture
Proverbs 3
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.
28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,
“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
Observation
Doing something good for someone even when it is not convenient. If someone asks us for a ride, or if someone needs our help moving, or our help with a broken car, or whatever the need is we should do it and not make excuses why we can’t help.
Application
I will say “yes” when someone asks for help this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be generous this week with my time and with my finances to be able to help someone that may come asking for my help or that I see needs my help whether they ask for it or not. Give me energy and strength for today and help me to stay focused on Your will for my life today. Encourage our entire staff and me with men and women that have a desire to follow You with all their hearts and that are willing to serve You in our church.
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Proverbs 1; Proverbs 2; Proverbs 3; Romans 7
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Scripture
Proverbs 3
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.
28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,
“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
Observation
Doing something good for someone even when it is not convenient. If someone asks us for a ride, or if someone needs our help moving, or our help with a broken car, or whatever the need is we should do it and not make excuses why we can’t help.
Application
I will say “yes” when someone asks for help this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be generous this week with my time and with my finances to be able to help someone that may come asking for my help or that I see needs my help whether they ask for it or not. Give me energy and strength for today and help me to stay focused on Your will for my life today. Encourage our entire staff and me with men and women that have a desire to follow You with all their hearts and that are willing to serve You in our church.
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Monday, May 25, 2009
What is Controlling The Way You Live?
1 Kings 10; 1 Kings 11; 2 Chronicles 9; Romans 6
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Scripture
Romans 6
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.
13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.
Observation
Chapter 6 of Romans is full of great teaching that we could spend weeks on it just going word by word verse-by-verse through the entire chapter. Romans 6:23 is one of my favorite verses and I am sure that if you are a Christian it has to be one of your favorites also.
God offers us an abundant life, full of meaning, full of purpose and He offers it to us as a gift. Sin on the other hand is not a gift from God and when we sin we are earning something and what we are earning is death, spiritual death, we are earning a reserved place in Hell.
It is interesting that a person can’t earn a place in Heaven, but they can earn a place in Hell. In fact, you can’t earn Heaven by doing good deeds, but you can earn a spot in Hell by doing bad stuff.
Hell is earned, but the entrance into Heaven is by receiving a free gift. God offers the gift to us, but we have to receive it.
Don’t let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin, not your eyes, not your mind, not your hands, not any part of your body. Instead, give every part of your body to serving God. Do not give in to sinful desires.
Application
I will not let sin control the way I live. I will not give in to sinful desires.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of eternal life that I received when I put my faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the power of the Gospel to save. I pray for those serving in the military to keep us free. I pray for their protection and I pray that many of those soldiers would place their faith in Christ and come home different men. Use our military chaplains to be a strong witness for You.
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1 Kings 10; 1 Kings 11; 2 Chronicles 9; Romans 6
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Scripture
Romans 6
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.
13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.
Observation
Chapter 6 of Romans is full of great teaching that we could spend weeks on it just going word by word verse-by-verse through the entire chapter. Romans 6:23 is one of my favorite verses and I am sure that if you are a Christian it has to be one of your favorites also.
God offers us an abundant life, full of meaning, full of purpose and He offers it to us as a gift. Sin on the other hand is not a gift from God and when we sin we are earning something and what we are earning is death, spiritual death, we are earning a reserved place in Hell.
It is interesting that a person can’t earn a place in Heaven, but they can earn a place in Hell. In fact, you can’t earn Heaven by doing good deeds, but you can earn a spot in Hell by doing bad stuff.
Hell is earned, but the entrance into Heaven is by receiving a free gift. God offers the gift to us, but we have to receive it.
Don’t let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin, not your eyes, not your mind, not your hands, not any part of your body. Instead, give every part of your body to serving God. Do not give in to sinful desires.
Application
I will not let sin control the way I live. I will not give in to sinful desires.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of eternal life that I received when I put my faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the power of the Gospel to save. I pray for those serving in the military to keep us free. I pray for their protection and I pray that many of those soldiers would place their faith in Christ and come home different men. Use our military chaplains to be a strong witness for You.
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Sunday, May 24, 2009
Friends of God ---God is An On Time God!
1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8; Psalm 136; Romans 5
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Scripture
Romans 5
6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.
8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
Observation
Do you have many friends? Friendship is all about relationships. You can’t be a friend of God unless you have a relationship with Him. You can only have a relationship with God through Christ.
Christ came at just the right time to die for us. God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Are you a friend of God? Do you have a personal relationship with God through our Lord Jesus Christ? If not, then you are an enemy of God.
I would not want to be an enemy of God.
Application
I will serve the Lord with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength and I will serve him as a friend serves a friend.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am Your friend because of what Christ did for me. He died to allow me to be Your friend. Thank You that I can know that You are always looking out for my best interests and You are never trying to do me harm. To think that the God that created this universe wants to be my friend is overwhelming to me. You are wonderful. You are worthy to be praised!
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1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8; Psalm 136; Romans 5
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Scripture
Romans 5
6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.
8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
Observation
Do you have many friends? Friendship is all about relationships. You can’t be a friend of God unless you have a relationship with Him. You can only have a relationship with God through Christ.
Christ came at just the right time to die for us. God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Are you a friend of God? Do you have a personal relationship with God through our Lord Jesus Christ? If not, then you are an enemy of God.
I would not want to be an enemy of God.
Application
I will serve the Lord with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength and I will serve him as a friend serves a friend.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am Your friend because of what Christ did for me. He died to allow me to be Your friend. Thank You that I can know that You are always looking out for my best interests and You are never trying to do me harm. To think that the God that created this universe wants to be my friend is overwhelming to me. You are wonderful. You are worthy to be praised!
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Saturday, May 23, 2009
Salvation … The Difference Between a Gift and Wages!
2 Chronicles 6; 2 Chronicles 7; Psalm 135; Romans 4
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Scripture
Romans 4
4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. 6 David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:
7 “Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sins are put out of sight.
8 Yes, what joy for those
whose record the LORD has cleared of sin.”
Observation
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephes. 2:8-9
He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5
We can’t be good enough, we can’t work hard enough, and we can’t do enough to have our sins cleared away. Only by placing our faith in Christ and what He did for us on the cross will we have our sins forgiven and only then will our sins be put out of sight.
Are you still trying to work your way to Heaven by being good? Quit trying and start trusting Christ! Need more information on how to become a Christ Follower?
Application
Someone called my oldest son yesterday and asked him about what church he should go to because he wanted to get saved. How would you have answered that young man?
I would love to have the opportunity today to tell someone that Jesus saves!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, there is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them." (Acts 4:12) I pray for people to be saved. I pray that I would have the opportunity to help people come to faith and trust in Christ. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
2 Chronicles 6; 2 Chronicles 7; Psalm 135; Romans 4
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Romans 4
4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. 6 David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:
7 “Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sins are put out of sight.
8 Yes, what joy for those
whose record the LORD has cleared of sin.”
Observation
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephes. 2:8-9
He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5
We can’t be good enough, we can’t work hard enough, and we can’t do enough to have our sins cleared away. Only by placing our faith in Christ and what He did for us on the cross will we have our sins forgiven and only then will our sins be put out of sight.
Are you still trying to work your way to Heaven by being good? Quit trying and start trusting Christ! Need more information on how to become a Christ Follower?
Application
Someone called my oldest son yesterday and asked him about what church he should go to because he wanted to get saved. How would you have answered that young man?
I would love to have the opportunity today to tell someone that Jesus saves!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, there is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them." (Acts 4:12) I pray for people to be saved. I pray that I would have the opportunity to help people come to faith and trust in Christ. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Have You Been Made Right With God? Are You Good Enough To Get Into Heaven?
1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5; Psalm 99; Romans 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Romans 3
21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.
This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. 28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.
29 After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn’t he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. 30 There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. 31 Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.
Observation
Romans 3:23 is probably one of your memory verses, but I think after reading Roman 3 today that we should also memorize Romans 3:22 to go with Romans 3:23. Romans 3:23 tells us that everyone has sinned, but Romans 3:22 tells us that the only way to be made right with God is by faith in Jesus Christ.
When I ask people about whether they are going to go to Heaven or not (and very few believe that they are not) they almost always say that they think they are going to Heaven because they haven’t been bad enough to go to Hell. Almost everyone I talk to thinks that God is going to somehow weigh out their good deeds and as long as they have done more good things than bad things then they will be able to get into Heaven and maybe that is the way you have believed too.
But the Bible says that we have to be made right with God and we can only be made right with God by faith in Christ. The Bible says in Romans 3:23 that all of us have sinned and by sinning (even if it is only one sin – James 2:10) we deserve death and we deserve to go to Hell.
When we put our faith in what Christ did for us on the cross then we are made right with God. Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty of our sins. He paid our way, but we have to accept His gift of eternal life to be made right with God.
So have you been made right with God through faith in Christ or are you still trying to get to Heaven by being good?
Application
If you would like to know more about how to accept Christ write me and I would be glad to talk to you about it. My email address is eddywilliams@tampabaptistchurch.com
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that I have been made right with You through my Lord Jesus Christ. I pray for anyone that reads this blog today that may not have a personal relationship with You that You open up his or her heart so that they may believe.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5; Psalm 99; Romans 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Romans 3
21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.
This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. 28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.
29 After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn’t he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. 30 There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. 31 Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.
Observation
Romans 3:23 is probably one of your memory verses, but I think after reading Roman 3 today that we should also memorize Romans 3:22 to go with Romans 3:23. Romans 3:23 tells us that everyone has sinned, but Romans 3:22 tells us that the only way to be made right with God is by faith in Jesus Christ.
When I ask people about whether they are going to go to Heaven or not (and very few believe that they are not) they almost always say that they think they are going to Heaven because they haven’t been bad enough to go to Hell. Almost everyone I talk to thinks that God is going to somehow weigh out their good deeds and as long as they have done more good things than bad things then they will be able to get into Heaven and maybe that is the way you have believed too.
But the Bible says that we have to be made right with God and we can only be made right with God by faith in Christ. The Bible says in Romans 3:23 that all of us have sinned and by sinning (even if it is only one sin – James 2:10) we deserve death and we deserve to go to Hell.
When we put our faith in what Christ did for us on the cross then we are made right with God. Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty of our sins. He paid our way, but we have to accept His gift of eternal life to be made right with God.
So have you been made right with God through faith in Christ or are you still trying to get to Heaven by being good?
Application
If you would like to know more about how to accept Christ write me and I would be glad to talk to you about it. My email address is eddywilliams@tampabaptistchurch.com
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that I have been made right with You through my Lord Jesus Christ. I pray for anyone that reads this blog today that may not have a personal relationship with You that You open up his or her heart so that they may believe.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
A True Jew! A True Christian!
1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4; Psalm 98; Romans 2
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Scripture
Romans 2
28 For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. 29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.
Observation
Being born Jewess does not make you a true Jew or even if you go through the ceremony of circumcision. The statement by Paul is sort of like the saying, “Pushing a wheel barrow into a garage does not make the wheel barrow a car.” A person simply going to church doesn’t make them a Christian. If you push a wheelbarrow into a church building it is still a wheelbarrow.
So what makes a person a true Jew, or even better for us today what makes a person a Christian. The answer is found in verse 29, “it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit.”
When we are born we grow up, we grow up with this bent or tendency towards sin and the Bible says that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” and the Bible says that what we earn by sinning is spiritual death. (Romans 3:23; 6:23) The Good News is that Jesus does not want us to die in our sins. He wants to save us.
He wants to give us a new clean heart; He wants to transform us.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
John 5:24
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."
Romans 10:9-10
"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
Romans 10:13
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
2 Cor. 5:17
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
Application
I will try to share the Good News of Romans 10:13 with someone today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be your mouthpiece today so someone can understand how much you love them. I pray for family members that need to call on the name of Jesus to be saved that You would draw them to salvation.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4; Psalm 98; Romans 2
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Romans 2
28 For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. 29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.
Observation
Being born Jewess does not make you a true Jew or even if you go through the ceremony of circumcision. The statement by Paul is sort of like the saying, “Pushing a wheel barrow into a garage does not make the wheel barrow a car.” A person simply going to church doesn’t make them a Christian. If you push a wheelbarrow into a church building it is still a wheelbarrow.
So what makes a person a true Jew, or even better for us today what makes a person a Christian. The answer is found in verse 29, “it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit.”
When we are born we grow up, we grow up with this bent or tendency towards sin and the Bible says that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” and the Bible says that what we earn by sinning is spiritual death. (Romans 3:23; 6:23) The Good News is that Jesus does not want us to die in our sins. He wants to save us.
He wants to give us a new clean heart; He wants to transform us.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
John 5:24
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."
Romans 10:9-10
"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
Romans 10:13
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
2 Cor. 5:17
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
Application
I will try to share the Good News of Romans 10:13 with someone today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be your mouthpiece today so someone can understand how much you love them. I pray for family members that need to call on the name of Jesus to be saved that You would draw them to salvation.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Light and Joy …Darkness and Sadness!
1 Kings 6; 2 Chronicles 3; Psalm 97; Romans 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 97
11 Light shines on the godly,
and joy on those whose hearts are right.
Observation
It was about 6:30 or 6:45 this morning when I started reading and I looked up and Kathy had already raised the blinds on the windows. She has to have the windows open to let that sunlight come in. She can’t stand a dark house and neither can I. I have visited folks in their homes that complain about being depressed and it is so dark in their house that I leave depressed too! Let the sunshine in!
It rained all day yesterday and it was a gloomy day. We need the rain so I am not complaining, but when the sun has a chance to shine it sure makes you feel a lot better.
When we allow the Son (not sun) to shine into our hearts He brings joy. He is the true light that we need. When our hearts are right, when we are not holding on to sin then we can experience true joy. So open up the windows of your heart today and let the Son light shine in!
Application
I will let my light so shine before men that they may see my good works and glorify the Father, which is in heaven. Matt. 5:16
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me direct someone to the Son light today!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Kings 6; 2 Chronicles 3; Psalm 97; Romans 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 97
11 Light shines on the godly,
and joy on those whose hearts are right.
Observation
It was about 6:30 or 6:45 this morning when I started reading and I looked up and Kathy had already raised the blinds on the windows. She has to have the windows open to let that sunlight come in. She can’t stand a dark house and neither can I. I have visited folks in their homes that complain about being depressed and it is so dark in their house that I leave depressed too! Let the sunshine in!
It rained all day yesterday and it was a gloomy day. We need the rain so I am not complaining, but when the sun has a chance to shine it sure makes you feel a lot better.
When we allow the Son (not sun) to shine into our hearts He brings joy. He is the true light that we need. When our hearts are right, when we are not holding on to sin then we can experience true joy. So open up the windows of your heart today and let the Son light shine in!
Application
I will let my light so shine before men that they may see my good works and glorify the Father, which is in heaven. Matt. 5:16
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me direct someone to the Son light today!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Wandering Eyes!
1 Kings 4; 1 Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 2; Psalm 101; 2 Thessalonians 3
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Scripture
Psalm 101
3 I will refuse to look at
anything vile and vulgar.
Observation
David didn’t have the Internet, television, or all of the magazines down at the local convenience store filled with photos of stuff that was vile and vulgar. I don’t know what he had to actually look at back then, but he made a decision not to look. I also don’t know if this Psalm was written pre or post Bathsheba and I am not sure that looking at Bathsheba would fall into this category either.
There is stuff that we need to not look at and we have to make the decision ahead of time that we are not going to watch or look at stuff that takes our minds in the wrong direction like bedroom scenes on the television or women on the television that are barely covering themselves. And if you are a man I would suggest that you don’t even look at the Victoria Secret ads when and if they come to your home. Don’t click on that Internet ad or email that would draw you to a porno site, or to a site where your eyes cause you to sin.
Application
I am making a decision to look at only things that would please God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me keep my eyes focused on the right things today and not things that would cause me to sin.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Kings 4; 1 Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 2; Psalm 101; 2 Thessalonians 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 101
3 I will refuse to look at
anything vile and vulgar.
Observation
David didn’t have the Internet, television, or all of the magazines down at the local convenience store filled with photos of stuff that was vile and vulgar. I don’t know what he had to actually look at back then, but he made a decision not to look. I also don’t know if this Psalm was written pre or post Bathsheba and I am not sure that looking at Bathsheba would fall into this category either.
There is stuff that we need to not look at and we have to make the decision ahead of time that we are not going to watch or look at stuff that takes our minds in the wrong direction like bedroom scenes on the television or women on the television that are barely covering themselves. And if you are a man I would suggest that you don’t even look at the Victoria Secret ads when and if they come to your home. Don’t click on that Internet ad or email that would draw you to a porno site, or to a site where your eyes cause you to sin.
Application
I am making a decision to look at only things that would please God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me keep my eyes focused on the right things today and not things that would cause me to sin.
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Monday, May 18, 2009
Give Me an Understanding Heart!
1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 78; 2 Thessalonians 2
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Scripture
1 Kings 3
9 Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong.
Observation
If you could have anything what would you want? Solomon could have asked God for anything and God would have given it to him, but he asked for wisdom. This request caused God to pour out His blessings on Solomon even though he didn’t ask for them. God said that Solomon would be the wisest man that ever lived and He said that there would never be a man again as wise as Solomon.
I need wisdom today. How about you? I need to have an understanding heart. In the world that we live in wisdom seems to be in short supply. People seem to be doing the craziest things. Our government seems to completely lack wisdom. I need wisdom to try to see where all of this is going. I desire to see the big picture on where we as a nation are headed. Give me wisdom Lord give me an understanding heart.
"If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking." James 1:5
Application
I am asking God for wisdom.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me an understanding heart. Help me to know what to do. Help me to see the big picture. Thank you for Your promise to give me wisdom when I ask You for it. I am asking right now! Thank You for hearing my prayer. You are worthy of praise.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 78; 2 Thessalonians 2
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
1 Kings 3
9 Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong.
Observation
If you could have anything what would you want? Solomon could have asked God for anything and God would have given it to him, but he asked for wisdom. This request caused God to pour out His blessings on Solomon even though he didn’t ask for them. God said that Solomon would be the wisest man that ever lived and He said that there would never be a man again as wise as Solomon.
I need wisdom today. How about you? I need to have an understanding heart. In the world that we live in wisdom seems to be in short supply. People seem to be doing the craziest things. Our government seems to completely lack wisdom. I need wisdom to try to see where all of this is going. I desire to see the big picture on where we as a nation are headed. Give me wisdom Lord give me an understanding heart.
"If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking." James 1:5
Application
I am asking God for wisdom.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me an understanding heart. Help me to know what to do. Help me to see the big picture. Thank you for Your promise to give me wisdom when I ask You for it. I am asking right now! Thank You for hearing my prayer. You are worthy of praise.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
His Second Coming is Way Different Than the First!
1 Kings 2; 1 Chronicles 29; Psalm 95; 2 Thessalonians 1
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Scripture
2 Thessalonians 1
7 And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.
Observation
The first time Jesus came to this earth He came as a Suffering Servant, but the second time Jesus comes back to this earth He will come back as Judge. He will come back with a sword. He is no longer baby Jesus lying in the manger. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Here is how Revelation describes His appearance now,
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:” Revelation 19:11-16
Application
Come Lord Jesus, come!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, come Lord Jesus, come! I am ready to see You in all Your glory.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Kings 2; 1 Chronicles 29; Psalm 95; 2 Thessalonians 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Thessalonians 1
7 And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.
Observation
The first time Jesus came to this earth He came as a Suffering Servant, but the second time Jesus comes back to this earth He will come back as Judge. He will come back with a sword. He is no longer baby Jesus lying in the manger. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Here is how Revelation describes His appearance now,
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:” Revelation 19:11-16
Application
Come Lord Jesus, come!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, come Lord Jesus, come! I am ready to see You in all Your glory.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Mission Impossible!
1 Kings 1; 1 Chronicles 28; Psalm 91; 1 Thessalonians 5
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Scripture
1 Thessalonians 5
14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Observation
Whenever you use the words “always”, “never” or “all” you are usually messing up. When we say, “he or she always does that, or he or she never does that we are usually not being accurate, we are usually exaggerating. And when we use the word “all” it is usually used when we are exaggerating like when we say, “he does that “all” the time!
But Paul says there are some things that we should always do, like we should always be joyful. There are some things that we should never stop doing …like we should never stop praying. And we should be thankful in “all” circumstances. And we should always try to do good to each other.
Application
I will try to always be joyful, never stop praying, and try to be thankful in all circumstances.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it does seem like mission impossible to apply these verses. We cannot do this on our own. We can only live these verses out by being very close to You. I pray today that I would be able to put into practice these commands. Help me to live them out today. Guide my thoughts and my actions today. Help me to do good to others. And help me to be patient with everyone today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Kings 1; 1 Chronicles 28; Psalm 91; 1 Thessalonians 5
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Scripture
1 Thessalonians 5
14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Observation
Whenever you use the words “always”, “never” or “all” you are usually messing up. When we say, “he or she always does that, or he or she never does that we are usually not being accurate, we are usually exaggerating. And when we use the word “all” it is usually used when we are exaggerating like when we say, “he does that “all” the time!
But Paul says there are some things that we should always do, like we should always be joyful. There are some things that we should never stop doing …like we should never stop praying. And we should be thankful in “all” circumstances. And we should always try to do good to each other.
Application
I will try to always be joyful, never stop praying, and try to be thankful in all circumstances.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it does seem like mission impossible to apply these verses. We cannot do this on our own. We can only live these verses out by being very close to You. I pray today that I would be able to put into practice these commands. Help me to live them out today. Guide my thoughts and my actions today. Help me to do good to others. And help me to be patient with everyone today.
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Friday, May 15, 2009
Do You Fear Death? Here is Some Very Good News!
1 Chronicles 25; 1 Chronicles 26; 1 Chronicles 27; 1 Thessalonians 4
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Scripture
1 Thessalonians 4
13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.
15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves.
17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.
Observation
What is going to happen to you when you die? If you were to die today where would you spend eternity? If you were at Heaven’s gate and God said to you, “Why should l let you into My Heaven what would you say?” Are you afraid of death?
If you have a personal relationship with God through our Lord Jesus Christ then you have nothing to fear. This is what is going to happen, “First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.”
So what you need to do is ask Jesus to come into your life and save you. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and ask Him to come into your life to be your Lord and Savior. Have you done that? If you have surrendered your life to Christ and have become a Christian or a Christ follower then you have nothing to worry about. You are going to live forever with Christ in Heaven … end of story.
Application
I will try to share this Good News with someone today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t like death. I don’t like any part of the dying process, but I know that it is the only way to go to Heaven. I pray for the person that is struggling with what happens to them after they die. Help them to understand that You want them to live forever in Heaven with You. I pray that You save them. Open the eyes of her heart that she might understand Your plan for her life.
I pray for my sister Linda today on her birthday. I pray that you bless her. I pray that You meet the needs of her life. I pray that she would be surrounded by Your love today.
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1 Chronicles 25; 1 Chronicles 26; 1 Chronicles 27; 1 Thessalonians 4
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Scripture
1 Thessalonians 4
13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.
15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves.
17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.
Observation
What is going to happen to you when you die? If you were to die today where would you spend eternity? If you were at Heaven’s gate and God said to you, “Why should l let you into My Heaven what would you say?” Are you afraid of death?
If you have a personal relationship with God through our Lord Jesus Christ then you have nothing to fear. This is what is going to happen, “First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.”
So what you need to do is ask Jesus to come into your life and save you. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and ask Him to come into your life to be your Lord and Savior. Have you done that? If you have surrendered your life to Christ and have become a Christian or a Christ follower then you have nothing to worry about. You are going to live forever with Christ in Heaven … end of story.
Application
I will try to share this Good News with someone today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t like death. I don’t like any part of the dying process, but I know that it is the only way to go to Heaven. I pray for the person that is struggling with what happens to them after they die. Help them to understand that You want them to live forever in Heaven with You. I pray that You save them. Open the eyes of her heart that she might understand Your plan for her life.
I pray for my sister Linda today on her birthday. I pray that you bless her. I pray that You meet the needs of her life. I pray that she would be surrounded by Your love today.
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Thursday, May 14, 2009
Lesson in Prayer
1 Chronicles 22; 1 Chronicles 23; 1 Chronicles 24; 1 Thessalonians 3
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Scripture
1 Thessalonians 3
9 How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. 10 Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.
Observation
Are most of your prayers selfish and concern mainly you and only your own needs? Paul spent most of his prayer time it seems praying for those that he had won to Christ and other believers. I don’t think he had much time to be self-centered. Why was it so important for Paul to pray for other believers? How much of our prayer time should be set aside to pray for others? From the example that Paul gives us we see that intercessory prayer is our biggest task. How much time have you spent this week praying for others?
Application
I will spend more time praying for others this week than myself.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to come to You on the behalf of others. Thank You for hearing me as I pray for them and thank You for working in their lives. I pray for Martha Floyd today and I ask that You heal her. I pray for my pastor friends Michael Miller, Tim Encinosa, Greg Floyd, and Jeff Holley and I ask that You give them the desires of their hearts, that You answer their prayers, and that You make their plans successful. I pray for Kathy that You give her strength and energy for this day and help her as she takes care of her mom.
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1 Chronicles 22; 1 Chronicles 23; 1 Chronicles 24; 1 Thessalonians 3
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Scripture
1 Thessalonians 3
9 How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. 10 Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.
Observation
Are most of your prayers selfish and concern mainly you and only your own needs? Paul spent most of his prayer time it seems praying for those that he had won to Christ and other believers. I don’t think he had much time to be self-centered. Why was it so important for Paul to pray for other believers? How much of our prayer time should be set aside to pray for others? From the example that Paul gives us we see that intercessory prayer is our biggest task. How much time have you spent this week praying for others?
Application
I will spend more time praying for others this week than myself.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to come to You on the behalf of others. Thank You for hearing me as I pray for them and thank You for working in their lives. I pray for Martha Floyd today and I ask that You heal her. I pray for my pastor friends Michael Miller, Tim Encinosa, Greg Floyd, and Jeff Holley and I ask that You give them the desires of their hearts, that You answer their prayers, and that You make their plans successful. I pray for Kathy that You give her strength and energy for this day and help her as she takes care of her mom.
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Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Joy … Joy …Joy!
2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21; Psalm 30; 1 Thessalonians 2
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Scripture
Psalm 30
4 Sing to the LORD, all you godly ones!
Praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime!
Weeping may last through the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
Observation
Joy is one of those imperishable seeds that God plants in the hearts of those that follow Him. Yes, there will be sorrow and sadness, but it will only last for a time then joy will come like every sunrise.
There is something special about mornings isn’t there. It is always a new day when you wake up in the morning. The joy of the Lord is our strength! God is always willing to start over with us. Each new day is full of God’s promises.
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Ps. 16:11
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Ps. 28:7
Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. Ps. 47:1
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Ps. 90:14
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 1 Th. 2:19
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 5:4
Application
J.O.Y. = Jesus First, Others Second, Yourself Last
I will put Jesus first today; others second, and myself last because I want to experience God’s joy!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me keep You first today, others second, and myself last!
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2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21; Psalm 30; 1 Thessalonians 2
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Scripture
Psalm 30
4 Sing to the LORD, all you godly ones!
Praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime!
Weeping may last through the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
Observation
Joy is one of those imperishable seeds that God plants in the hearts of those that follow Him. Yes, there will be sorrow and sadness, but it will only last for a time then joy will come like every sunrise.
There is something special about mornings isn’t there. It is always a new day when you wake up in the morning. The joy of the Lord is our strength! God is always willing to start over with us. Each new day is full of God’s promises.
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Ps. 16:11
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Ps. 28:7
Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. Ps. 47:1
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Ps. 90:14
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 1 Th. 2:19
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 5:4
Application
J.O.Y. = Jesus First, Others Second, Yourself Last
I will put Jesus first today; others second, and myself last because I want to experience God’s joy!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me keep You first today, others second, and myself last!
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Tuesday, May 12, 2009
How Did He Do That?
2 Samuel 21; 2 Samuel 22; 2 Samuel 23; 1 Thessalonians 1
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Scripture
2 Samuel 23
8 These are the names of David’s mightiest warriors. The first was Jashobeam the Hacmonite, who was leader of the Three—the three mightiest warriors among David’s men. He once used his spear to kill 800 enemy warriors in a single battle.
Observation
We read the Bible sometimes without really thinking about what we are reading don’t we! Jashobeam the Hacmonite was the mightiest warrior of the most famous thirty- seven top warriors in David’s army. How did he kill 800 enemy warriors in a single battle? How could one guy do that?
He could do that the same way David killed Goliath, the same way Eleazar and David stood together against the Philistines when the entire Israelite army had fled. He killed Philistines until his hand was too tired to lift his sword, and the LORD gave him a great victory that day. One guy killed 800 warriors, Eleazar and David stood together fighting against an entire army. How did they do that without getting killed?
Answer: God fought with Jashobeam the Hacmonite. God fought with Eleazar and David. It is a lesson that you better not trust in numbers or in weaponry or in your own strength, but you better trust in the Lord. One + God = victory!
Dependence on God gives us the victory!
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7
“I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory” Psalm 44:6
“When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” Psalm 56:3
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5
Application
I will trust the Lord today to be on my side!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that You are all I need to meet the challenges of today. Sometimes those challenges seem overwhelming, but then I read about a guy that fought and killed 800 warriors by himself in one battle then I realize that I serve a Mighty God. You will fight our battles for us if we will only trust in You. Give me the faith today to trust You to fight my battles. I pray that You would lead me in victory. Thank You for stories like this one that make me think about Your Mighty Power. You are my Rock and my Fortress.
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2 Samuel 21; 2 Samuel 22; 2 Samuel 23; 1 Thessalonians 1
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Scripture
2 Samuel 23
8 These are the names of David’s mightiest warriors. The first was Jashobeam the Hacmonite, who was leader of the Three—the three mightiest warriors among David’s men. He once used his spear to kill 800 enemy warriors in a single battle.
Observation
We read the Bible sometimes without really thinking about what we are reading don’t we! Jashobeam the Hacmonite was the mightiest warrior of the most famous thirty- seven top warriors in David’s army. How did he kill 800 enemy warriors in a single battle? How could one guy do that?
He could do that the same way David killed Goliath, the same way Eleazar and David stood together against the Philistines when the entire Israelite army had fled. He killed Philistines until his hand was too tired to lift his sword, and the LORD gave him a great victory that day. One guy killed 800 warriors, Eleazar and David stood together fighting against an entire army. How did they do that without getting killed?
Answer: God fought with Jashobeam the Hacmonite. God fought with Eleazar and David. It is a lesson that you better not trust in numbers or in weaponry or in your own strength, but you better trust in the Lord. One + God = victory!
Dependence on God gives us the victory!
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7
“I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory” Psalm 44:6
“When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” Psalm 56:3
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5
Application
I will trust the Lord today to be on my side!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that You are all I need to meet the challenges of today. Sometimes those challenges seem overwhelming, but then I read about a guy that fought and killed 800 warriors by himself in one battle then I realize that I serve a Mighty God. You will fight our battles for us if we will only trust in You. Give me the faith today to trust You to fight my battles. I pray that You would lead me in victory. Thank You for stories like this one that make me think about Your Mighty Power. You are my Rock and my Fortress.
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Monday, May 11, 2009
Are You Burdened Down?
2 Samuel 19; 2 Samuel 20; Psalm 55; Matthew 28
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Scripture
Psalm 55
22 Give your burdens to the LORD,
and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
Observation
What are you supposed to do with burdens? All of us have burdens and sometimes the weight of those burdens become so heavy that we don’t have the energy to keep on going especially on Monday mornings. Did you wake up during the night thinking about something that has you bummed out and burdened down? Give it to the Lord. Don’t carry it all day today. Give it to the Lord right now and He will take care of you.
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 (KJV)
Pile your troubles on God's shoulders— he'll carry your load, he'll help you out. He'll never let good people topple into ruin. Psalm 55:22 (Message)
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:29-30
Application
I am casting my burdens on the Lord today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for offering to take my burdens and offering to help me. I accept Your offer.
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2 Samuel 19; 2 Samuel 20; Psalm 55; Matthew 28
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Scripture
Psalm 55
22 Give your burdens to the LORD,
and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
Observation
What are you supposed to do with burdens? All of us have burdens and sometimes the weight of those burdens become so heavy that we don’t have the energy to keep on going especially on Monday mornings. Did you wake up during the night thinking about something that has you bummed out and burdened down? Give it to the Lord. Don’t carry it all day today. Give it to the Lord right now and He will take care of you.
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 (KJV)
Pile your troubles on God's shoulders— he'll carry your load, he'll help you out. He'll never let good people topple into ruin. Psalm 55:22 (Message)
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:29-30
Application
I am casting my burdens on the Lord today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for offering to take my burdens and offering to help me. I accept Your offer.
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Sunday, May 10, 2009
But When I Am Afraid I Will…
2 Samuel 18; Psalm 56; Matthew 27
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Scripture
Psalm 56
3 But when I am afraid,
I will put my trust in you.
4 I praise God for what he has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?
Observation
What makes you afraid? What do you do when you are afraid? David was afraid and evidently was struck with fear a lot, but he knew what to do with his fear.
What are you afraid of? Are you afraid of dying, or maybe your financial situation has struck fear into your heart, or maybe you afraid of losing someone that you are in a relationship with, or maybe you are afraid of failing. What should you do when you are afraid? David tells us what he did; he put his trust in God.
David had people always trying to kill him and he admitted that it sometimes made him afraid. So when he was afraid he trusted in God. He also praised God and trusted in God’s promises and that is exactly what we should do too.
Application
I will trust God and all His promises when I am afraid.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I will praise You for Your promises. I will trust in You, and have no reason to be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
I pray for all Moms today on Mother’s Day. I especially pray for Kathy and her Mom. I pray that You give them both strength today. Touch Kathy’s Mom with health and help her to get well enough to communicate with us. Give Kathy and her brothers and sisters strength to be able to take care of their Mom.
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2 Samuel 18; Psalm 56; Matthew 27
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Scripture
Psalm 56
3 But when I am afraid,
I will put my trust in you.
4 I praise God for what he has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?
Observation
What makes you afraid? What do you do when you are afraid? David was afraid and evidently was struck with fear a lot, but he knew what to do with his fear.
What are you afraid of? Are you afraid of dying, or maybe your financial situation has struck fear into your heart, or maybe you afraid of losing someone that you are in a relationship with, or maybe you are afraid of failing. What should you do when you are afraid? David tells us what he did; he put his trust in God.
David had people always trying to kill him and he admitted that it sometimes made him afraid. So when he was afraid he trusted in God. He also praised God and trusted in God’s promises and that is exactly what we should do too.
Application
I will trust God and all His promises when I am afraid.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I will praise You for Your promises. I will trust in You, and have no reason to be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
I pray for all Moms today on Mother’s Day. I especially pray for Kathy and her Mom. I pray that You give them both strength today. Touch Kathy’s Mom with health and help her to get well enough to communicate with us. Give Kathy and her brothers and sisters strength to be able to take care of their Mom.
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Saturday, May 09, 2009
He Could Have Called Ten Thousand Angels
2 Samuel 17; Psalm 71; Matthew 26
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Scripture
Matthew 26
Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. 51 But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.
52 “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword.
53 Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? 54 But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”
Observation
We need to remember today that Jesus could have called ten thousand Angels to come and rescue Him but He chose to die for you and for me. Did you notice that He said that He could have called for thousands of angels to protect “us”? He didn’t say to come to protect “me”.
We have angels that do protect us today. At least I believe that we do have their protection. Jesus was probably surrounded by thousands of angels at the moment that He was arrested but they were not permitted to come to His aid.
Angels do God’s bidding. They are not free to do what they want. If they had been free to act on their own they probably would have rescued Jesus and then we would have died in our sins. Jesus wrestled all night with the decision to be obedient to the Father’s will and that obedience was His death on the cross.
When we are asked by God to take up our cross it means to do His will and not our own. He says that we need to take up our cross daily and follow Him.
Application
I will seek to do the Lord’s will today and not my own.
Prayer
" Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
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2 Samuel 17; Psalm 71; Matthew 26
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Scripture
Matthew 26
Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. 51 But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.
52 “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword.
53 Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? 54 But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”
Observation
We need to remember today that Jesus could have called ten thousand Angels to come and rescue Him but He chose to die for you and for me. Did you notice that He said that He could have called for thousands of angels to protect “us”? He didn’t say to come to protect “me”.
We have angels that do protect us today. At least I believe that we do have their protection. Jesus was probably surrounded by thousands of angels at the moment that He was arrested but they were not permitted to come to His aid.
Angels do God’s bidding. They are not free to do what they want. If they had been free to act on their own they probably would have rescued Jesus and then we would have died in our sins. Jesus wrestled all night with the decision to be obedient to the Father’s will and that obedience was His death on the cross.
When we are asked by God to take up our cross it means to do His will and not our own. He says that we need to take up our cross daily and follow Him.
Application
I will seek to do the Lord’s will today and not my own.
Prayer
" Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
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Friday, May 08, 2009
You Are My Hiding Place
2 Samuel 15; 2 Samuel 16; Psalm 32; Matthew 25
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Scripture
Psalm 32
7 For you are my hiding place;
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory.
Observation
Have you ever noticed how much of King David’s life was spent in hiding from his enemies? A good portion of his life was spent hiding from King Saul and then from his son Absalom. Through all of this he learned that his true hiding place was with the Lord.
Have you gone through the Psalms and looked for where David described God as his protector. He described God as his rock, his fortress, and his shield just to name a few. I am sure that you could go on and on with the list because there are many more words that David used to describe God’s protection.
Is God your hiding place? Are you under the protection of His wings? If not why don’t you humble yourself and go to Him right now and ask Him to be your protector.
How foolish not to call on Him when He tells us, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
and He says,
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God” Isaiah 43:1-4
Application
I will allow God to be my hiding place today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are my hiding place you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory. Amen
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2 Samuel 15; 2 Samuel 16; Psalm 32; Matthew 25
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Scripture
Psalm 32
7 For you are my hiding place;
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory.
Observation
Have you ever noticed how much of King David’s life was spent in hiding from his enemies? A good portion of his life was spent hiding from King Saul and then from his son Absalom. Through all of this he learned that his true hiding place was with the Lord.
Have you gone through the Psalms and looked for where David described God as his protector. He described God as his rock, his fortress, and his shield just to name a few. I am sure that you could go on and on with the list because there are many more words that David used to describe God’s protection.
Is God your hiding place? Are you under the protection of His wings? If not why don’t you humble yourself and go to Him right now and ask Him to be your protector.
How foolish not to call on Him when He tells us, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
and He says,
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God” Isaiah 43:1-4
Application
I will allow God to be my hiding place today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are my hiding place you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory. Amen
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Thursday, May 07, 2009
Sin will be rampant everywhere! National Day of Prayer
2 Samuel 13; 2 Samuel 14; Matthew 24
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Scripture
Matthew 24
12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.
Observation
It seems like sin is out of control. This week we have witnessed horrendous crimes, a few months old baby being thrown out of a car on the interstate to its death, a father shooting his five month old child, his seven year old, his wife, and chasing down his thirteen year old son but failing to kill him, and then to only kill himself. These crimes were just a few that happened this week in the Tampa Bay area. Sin is rampant; it seems out of control.
Today is the day of National Prayer. Our country needs prayer like never before. I understand that our President has decided not to support this call to prayer. It is just another sign of how bad things have become.
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land. 2 Chronicles. 7:14
Maybe our President needs to read and take heed to 2 Chronicles 7:14!
Application
I will pray for our country today that God will have mercy on us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we are so far away from You as a Nation. I know it must break Your heart. The terrible crimes that are being committed in our streets just shows us that sin is completely out of control. I pray for our nation. I pray that You would have mercy on us. I pray that You would call out godly leadership to guide us strong men and women of God that would call us to repentance. I pray that our nation would turn back to You and seek Your face.
I pray for our President and his family. Turn his heart towards You. Help him to make wise decisions. Give him the wisdom he needs for guiding our nation. Surround him with godly men that will help him lead and keep him from leading us further away from You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
2 Samuel 13; 2 Samuel 14; Matthew 24
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 24
12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.
Observation
It seems like sin is out of control. This week we have witnessed horrendous crimes, a few months old baby being thrown out of a car on the interstate to its death, a father shooting his five month old child, his seven year old, his wife, and chasing down his thirteen year old son but failing to kill him, and then to only kill himself. These crimes were just a few that happened this week in the Tampa Bay area. Sin is rampant; it seems out of control.
Today is the day of National Prayer. Our country needs prayer like never before. I understand that our President has decided not to support this call to prayer. It is just another sign of how bad things have become.
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land. 2 Chronicles. 7:14
Maybe our President needs to read and take heed to 2 Chronicles 7:14!
Application
I will pray for our country today that God will have mercy on us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we are so far away from You as a Nation. I know it must break Your heart. The terrible crimes that are being committed in our streets just shows us that sin is completely out of control. I pray for our nation. I pray that You would have mercy on us. I pray that You would call out godly leadership to guide us strong men and women of God that would call us to repentance. I pray that our nation would turn back to You and seek Your face.
I pray for our President and his family. Turn his heart towards You. Help him to make wise decisions. Give him the wisdom he needs for guiding our nation. Surround him with godly men that will help him lead and keep him from leading us further away from You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
God’s Love and Protection
2 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23
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Scripture
Matthew 23
37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. 38 And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate. 39 For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!
Observation
This is the same word picture that God used in the Old Testament to describe His love and protection for us.
“How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:7
“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” Psalm 57:1
“I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” Selah Psalm 61:1
“Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 63:7
There is no safer place to be than in the center of His will under the protection of His wings.
Application
I will take refuge in the shadow of His wings today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that You would love to protect everyone under the protection of your wings just like a hen protects her chicks but not everyone lets You. Thank you for giving me the desire to follow You. It is my desire to stay in the center of Your will. I pray for Rapley today that You comfort him, as he has to do the funeral of his best friend. Give him strength. I pray for energy to do everything I need to do today. May I do them in Your strength. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
2 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 23
37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. 38 And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate. 39 For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!
Observation
This is the same word picture that God used in the Old Testament to describe His love and protection for us.
“How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:7
“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” Psalm 57:1
“I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” Selah Psalm 61:1
“Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 63:7
There is no safer place to be than in the center of His will under the protection of His wings.
Application
I will take refuge in the shadow of His wings today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that You would love to protect everyone under the protection of your wings just like a hen protects her chicks but not everyone lets You. Thank you for giving me the desire to follow You. It is my desire to stay in the center of Your will. I pray for Rapley today that You comfort him, as he has to do the funeral of his best friend. Give him strength. I pray for energy to do everything I need to do today. May I do them in Your strength. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Can You Hear Me Now?
2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 19; 1 Chronicles 20; Psalm 20; Matthew 22
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Scripture
Matthew 22
41 Then, surrounded by the Pharisees, Jesus asked them a question: 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”
They replied, “He is the son of David.”
43 Jesus responded, “Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit, call the Messiah ‘my Lord’? For David said,
44 ‘The LORD said to my Lord,
Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.’
45 Since David called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?”
46 No one could answer him. And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Observation
The Pharisees could never hear Jesus well enough to understand what He was saying. Others in the crowd could understand Him but most of the Pharisees just were never able to really hear Him.
We hear God clearly when we allow Him to be on the throne of our lives. The Pharisees were not willing to do that and so they could not hear the message of Christ. The Messiah was the Son of God. The Messiah was Jesus God Himself come down from Heaven as Man, but the Pharisees did have the spiritual understanding to see the Truth.
God is speaking to us all the time but we don’t always hear Him because we are not in the right position to be able to hear Him. Andy Stanley shared last night on video during our small group time that we need to move off the center of our lives and allow God to be in the center.
When God is at the center of our lives then we will not have a problem hearing Him. When we are able to say “Yes Lord” before we even hear the question or the command then we are in the position to hear from God. “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done…” When we are able to sincerely say, “Thy will be done” then and only then will we be able to hear God’s voice clearly.
Application
I will allow God to be at the center of my life so I can hear Him clearly when He speaks.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I surrender my life to You. I want You to take center stage in my life. It is my desire for You to be number One today in my life. Help me not to allow anything else to take Your place. I want to hear Your voice clearly today as You speak to me. Guide me in everything that I do. Help me be totally obedient to You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 19; 1 Chronicles 20; Psalm 20; Matthew 22
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 22
41 Then, surrounded by the Pharisees, Jesus asked them a question: 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”
They replied, “He is the son of David.”
43 Jesus responded, “Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit, call the Messiah ‘my Lord’? For David said,
44 ‘The LORD said to my Lord,
Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.’
45 Since David called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?”
46 No one could answer him. And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Observation
The Pharisees could never hear Jesus well enough to understand what He was saying. Others in the crowd could understand Him but most of the Pharisees just were never able to really hear Him.
We hear God clearly when we allow Him to be on the throne of our lives. The Pharisees were not willing to do that and so they could not hear the message of Christ. The Messiah was the Son of God. The Messiah was Jesus God Himself come down from Heaven as Man, but the Pharisees did have the spiritual understanding to see the Truth.
God is speaking to us all the time but we don’t always hear Him because we are not in the right position to be able to hear Him. Andy Stanley shared last night on video during our small group time that we need to move off the center of our lives and allow God to be in the center.
When God is at the center of our lives then we will not have a problem hearing Him. When we are able to say “Yes Lord” before we even hear the question or the command then we are in the position to hear from God. “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done…” When we are able to sincerely say, “Thy will be done” then and only then will we be able to hear God’s voice clearly.
Application
I will allow God to be at the center of my life so I can hear Him clearly when He speaks.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I surrender my life to You. I want You to take center stage in my life. It is my desire for You to be number One today in my life. Help me not to allow anything else to take Your place. I want to hear Your voice clearly today as You speak to me. Guide me in everything that I do. Help me be totally obedient to You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, May 04, 2009
Children and Babies Know How To Praise Him!
2 Samuel 8; 2 Samuel 9; 1 Chronicles 18; 1 Chronicles 19; Matthew 21
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Scripture
Matthew 21
14 The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them. 15 The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David.”
But the leaders were indignant. 16 They asked Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?”
“Yes,” Jesus replied. “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants to give you praise.’” 17 Then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight.
Psalm 8:2
“You have taught children and nursing infants to give you praise…”
Observation
Children and babies have been taught by God to give Him praise. It is natural for them. Jesus let the religious leaders know that it shouldn’t surprise them because it was mentioned in Psalm 8.
I am amazed at how many times Jesus would quote scriptures like Psalm 8.
I love to hear children sing about Jesus. How about you?
Application
I will work on scripture memory today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the heart of a child when it comes to worshiping You. Help me to worship You with all of my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength. You are worthy of praise. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
2 Samuel 8; 2 Samuel 9; 1 Chronicles 18; 1 Chronicles 19; Matthew 21
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 21
14 The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them. 15 The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David.”
But the leaders were indignant. 16 They asked Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?”
“Yes,” Jesus replied. “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants to give you praise.’” 17 Then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight.
Psalm 8:2
“You have taught children and nursing infants to give you praise…”
Observation
Children and babies have been taught by God to give Him praise. It is natural for them. Jesus let the religious leaders know that it shouldn’t surprise them because it was mentioned in Psalm 8.
I am amazed at how many times Jesus would quote scriptures like Psalm 8.
I love to hear children sing about Jesus. How about you?
Application
I will work on scripture memory today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the heart of a child when it comes to worshiping You. Help me to worship You with all of my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength. You are worthy of praise. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Jesus is Still Asking, “What Do You Want Me to Do For You?”
2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17; Psalm 2; Matthew 20
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Scripture
Matthew 20
29 As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. 30 Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
31 “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them.
But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
32 When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?”
33 “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” 34 Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.
Observation
These two blind men were smart. They were calling out for help from the only person that could open their eyes. What do you need for Jesus to do for you? Humble yourself and ask Him. He is waiting for you to call out to Him. All of us need help so what is it that you need for Jesus to do for you?
He is my help. I am constantly calling on Him to help me. This morning as soon as I woke up I began to ask Him to help me.
Pride is the only thing that keeps us from getting help. Trying to do everything on our own and not call on Him for help is nothing more than pride and it is also very stupid.
Application
I will continue to call on Him for help all day today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, there are so many places where I have been blinded and I need Your help to be able to see clearly. Help me today as I lead Your people. I pray for people to be saved today and I pray that lives will be changed during our worship service. Be glorified in Your church today. I pray that people will come expecting to meet You. Thank You for being my God and my Savior. You are worthy of praise!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17; Psalm 2; Matthew 20
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 20
29 As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. 30 Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
31 “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them.
But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
32 When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?”
33 “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” 34 Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.
Observation
These two blind men were smart. They were calling out for help from the only person that could open their eyes. What do you need for Jesus to do for you? Humble yourself and ask Him. He is waiting for you to call out to Him. All of us need help so what is it that you need for Jesus to do for you?
He is my help. I am constantly calling on Him to help me. This morning as soon as I woke up I began to ask Him to help me.
Pride is the only thing that keeps us from getting help. Trying to do everything on our own and not call on Him for help is nothing more than pride and it is also very stupid.
Application
I will continue to call on Him for help all day today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, there are so many places where I have been blinded and I need Your help to be able to see clearly. Help me today as I lead Your people. I pray for people to be saved today and I pray that lives will be changed during our worship service. Be glorified in Your church today. I pray that people will come expecting to meet You. Thank You for being my God and my Savior. You are worthy of praise!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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