This is an Evil World “Godless Living & Sinful Pleasures”
Amos 7; Amos 8; Amos 9; Psalm 104; Titus 2
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Scripture
Titus 2
12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
Observation
We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.
We have been set free from every kind of sin. We have been made His very own people. He did that so we could be totally committed to doing good deeds.
We should stand out in this evil world as something so very different!
We have been taught to turn from godless living, and sinful pleasures. Godless living is what makes this world so evil.
Application
I will review and meditate on Titus 2:14 today: “He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for setting me free from every kind of sin. Thank You for cleansing me, and making me a part of Your family. Help me to be totally committed to doing good deeds today.
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Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Got Trouble … Pray!
Amos 4; Amos 5; Amos 6; Psalm 86; Titus 1
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Scripture
Psalm 86
1 Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer;
answer me, for I need your help.
2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
You are my God.
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord,
for I am calling on you constantly.
4 Give me happiness, O Lord,
for I give myself to you.
5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
6 Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD;
hear my urgent cry.
7 I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble,
and you will answer me.
Observation
How is your prayer life?
Did you pray when you woke up during the night? Did you talk to God when you woke up this morning? Will you pray throughout the day? What about whenever you are in trouble will you pray?
David shows us how to pray in this Psalm. In verse five he says that we can call on the Lord because He is a God that is, “so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.” He is so ready to help you and so ready to help me this morning if we will just call on him.
Application
I will call on the Lord whenever I’m in trouble, and He will answer me!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are so wonderful. This is my prayer to You this morning:
1 Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer;
answer me, for I need your help.
2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
You are my God.
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord,
for I am calling on you constantly.
4 Give me happiness, O Lord,
for I give myself to you.
5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
6 Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD;
hear my urgent cry.
7 I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble,
and you will answer me. Amen. Psalm 86:1-7
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Amos 4; Amos 5; Amos 6; Psalm 86; Titus 1
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Scripture
Psalm 86
1 Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer;
answer me, for I need your help.
2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
You are my God.
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord,
for I am calling on you constantly.
4 Give me happiness, O Lord,
for I give myself to you.
5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
6 Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD;
hear my urgent cry.
7 I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble,
and you will answer me.
Observation
How is your prayer life?
Did you pray when you woke up during the night? Did you talk to God when you woke up this morning? Will you pray throughout the day? What about whenever you are in trouble will you pray?
David shows us how to pray in this Psalm. In verse five he says that we can call on the Lord because He is a God that is, “so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.” He is so ready to help you and so ready to help me this morning if we will just call on him.
Application
I will call on the Lord whenever I’m in trouble, and He will answer me!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are so wonderful. This is my prayer to You this morning:
1 Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer;
answer me, for I need your help.
2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
You are my God.
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord,
for I am calling on you constantly.
4 Give me happiness, O Lord,
for I give myself to you.
5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
6 Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD;
hear my urgent cry.
7 I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble,
and you will answer me. Amen. Psalm 86:1-7
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Sunday, June 28, 2009
Patiently Correct, Rebuke, and Encourage!
Amos 1; Amos 2; Amos 3; Psalm 80; 2 Timothy 4
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Scripture
2 Timothy 4
2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
Observation
This verse is loaded with important stuff for us. Preach the word of God whether the time is perfect or not so perfect. Then we have to correct, but we have to do it with patience. We have to rebuke and we have to encourage people using the word of God to do it.
People need to be encouraged and as much as we hate to do it they also need to be told “no” even when you know that they are not going to like it.
Application
I will be prepared to patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage people today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the strength and wisdom I need to patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people today.
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Amos 1; Amos 2; Amos 3; Psalm 80; 2 Timothy 4
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Scripture
2 Timothy 4
2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
Observation
This verse is loaded with important stuff for us. Preach the word of God whether the time is perfect or not so perfect. Then we have to correct, but we have to do it with patience. We have to rebuke and we have to encourage people using the word of God to do it.
People need to be encouraged and as much as we hate to do it they also need to be told “no” even when you know that they are not going to like it.
Application
I will be prepared to patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage people today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the strength and wisdom I need to patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people today.
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Saturday, June 27, 2009
The Power of God’s Word
2 Kings 13; 2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 25; 2 Timothy 3
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Scripture
2 Timothy 3
15 You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Observation
The Word of God corrects us, it teaches us, and God uses it to prepare and equip us for doing good works or deeds. It brings us to salvation. It shows us what is wrong in our lives.
Timothy was taught the scriptures from childhood and Paul says that is what helped Timothy to be saved. We need to teach our children and our grandchildren the Word of God so they can be saved.
Vacation Bible School is an intense week in God’s word for kids. Last night we have our VBS family fun night and our kids got to show their parents what they had learned. One of the key things that they learn every year is the ABC’s of salvation: Admit that you are a sinner; Believe that Jesus is God’s Son and that He died on the cross for our sins; Confess that you need to surrender your life to Jesus Christ and ask Him to come into your life to save you.
Application
I will follow up and visit some of those families this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all those that helped with VBS. Thank for all the children that attended and I pray that they will all have the chance to attend church and grow in their knowledge of you. I pray that some of those families would visit our church or some other church because of what has happened in the lives of their children this week in VBS.
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2 Kings 13; 2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 25; 2 Timothy 3
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Scripture
2 Timothy 3
15 You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Observation
The Word of God corrects us, it teaches us, and God uses it to prepare and equip us for doing good works or deeds. It brings us to salvation. It shows us what is wrong in our lives.
Timothy was taught the scriptures from childhood and Paul says that is what helped Timothy to be saved. We need to teach our children and our grandchildren the Word of God so they can be saved.
Vacation Bible School is an intense week in God’s word for kids. Last night we have our VBS family fun night and our kids got to show their parents what they had learned. One of the key things that they learn every year is the ABC’s of salvation: Admit that you are a sinner; Believe that Jesus is God’s Son and that He died on the cross for our sins; Confess that you need to surrender your life to Jesus Christ and ask Him to come into your life to save you.
Application
I will follow up and visit some of those families this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all those that helped with VBS. Thank for all the children that attended and I pray that they will all have the chance to attend church and grow in their knowledge of you. I pray that some of those families would visit our church or some other church because of what has happened in the lives of their children this week in VBS.
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Friday, June 26, 2009
A Snapshot of the Heart of God
Jonah 1; Jonah 2; Jonah 3; Jonah 4; 2 Timothy 2
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Scripture
Jonah 4
1 This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. 2 So he complained to the LORD about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, LORD? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. 3 Just kill me now, LORD! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”
4 The LORD replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?”
5 Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 And the LORD God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. This eased his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant.
7 But God also arranged for a worm! The next morning at dawn the worm ate through the stem of the plant so that it withered away. 8 And as the sun grew hot, God arranged for a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah. The sun beat down on his head until he grew faint and wished to die. “Death is certainly better than living like this!” he exclaimed.
9 Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?”
“Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry enough to die!”
10 Then the LORD said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. 11 But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”
Observation
God provided the shade, God provided the sun, and God provided the worm, all to teach Jonah and us a valuable lesson. Jonah hated the people that lived in Nineveh, but God loved both Jonah and those that lived in Ninevah. God went to great lengths and used tremendous patience in dealing with Jonah and in dealing with the evil people of Ninevah. Jonah wanted them destroyed and God wanted to save them.
Some things never change do they … prejudice … is still with us today. Just look at our world or just look in your city or neighborhood. If people are different either by their race or in that they speak a different language we have a tendency to not like them. It is a serious heart condition that causes this … a sinful heart condition!
Application
I will show attention today to someone that might normally get slighted.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to have a hard heart like Jonah had. Give me love for people that maybe aren’t too easy to love. Help me have compassion for people that are in need. Give me a bigger heart!
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Jonah 1; Jonah 2; Jonah 3; Jonah 4; 2 Timothy 2
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Scripture
Jonah 4
1 This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. 2 So he complained to the LORD about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, LORD? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. 3 Just kill me now, LORD! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”
4 The LORD replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?”
5 Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 And the LORD God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. This eased his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant.
7 But God also arranged for a worm! The next morning at dawn the worm ate through the stem of the plant so that it withered away. 8 And as the sun grew hot, God arranged for a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah. The sun beat down on his head until he grew faint and wished to die. “Death is certainly better than living like this!” he exclaimed.
9 Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?”
“Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry enough to die!”
10 Then the LORD said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. 11 But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”
Observation
God provided the shade, God provided the sun, and God provided the worm, all to teach Jonah and us a valuable lesson. Jonah hated the people that lived in Nineveh, but God loved both Jonah and those that lived in Ninevah. God went to great lengths and used tremendous patience in dealing with Jonah and in dealing with the evil people of Ninevah. Jonah wanted them destroyed and God wanted to save them.
Some things never change do they … prejudice … is still with us today. Just look at our world or just look in your city or neighborhood. If people are different either by their race or in that they speak a different language we have a tendency to not like them. It is a serious heart condition that causes this … a sinful heart condition!
Application
I will show attention today to someone that might normally get slighted.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to have a hard heart like Jonah had. Give me love for people that maybe aren’t too easy to love. Help me have compassion for people that are in need. Give me a bigger heart!
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Thursday, June 25, 2009
Our Faith … Let’s Pass it on!
Joel 1; Joel 2; Joel 3; 2 Timothy 1
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Scripture
2 Timothy 1
5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Observation
I credit my Grandmother with me coming to faith in Christ. She gave me my first Bible. I walked with her to church. I remember her talking about Billy Graham. I know that she prayed for me. And I know that I know Jesus because of her faith. My Mom and Dad never took me to church. So I know that if it hadn’t have been for my Grandmother I wouldn’t have known Jesus.
Application
I will continue to try to share my faith with my children and my grandchildren.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be Your hands and Your feet to my grandchildren. I pray that they all trust in You for their salvation.
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Joel 1; Joel 2; Joel 3; 2 Timothy 1
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Scripture
2 Timothy 1
5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Observation
I credit my Grandmother with me coming to faith in Christ. She gave me my first Bible. I walked with her to church. I remember her talking about Billy Graham. I know that she prayed for me. And I know that I know Jesus because of her faith. My Mom and Dad never took me to church. So I know that if it hadn’t have been for my Grandmother I wouldn’t have known Jesus.
Application
I will continue to try to share my faith with my children and my grandchildren.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be Your hands and Your feet to my grandchildren. I pray that they all trust in You for their salvation.
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Wednesday, June 24, 2009
A Man of God
2 Kings 11; 2 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6
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Scripture
1 Timothy 6
11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.
Observation
If you are a Christian then you are a man or woman of God and you should act like it. You and I should live godly lives. We need to fight the good fight for the true faith. We are in a battle but it is a good battle; it is a good fight!
So as a man or woman of God we should run from evil things. There is the temptation to hang around sin until it grabs hold of us, but Paul says, “RUN”.
Are you a man or woman of God? If you answered, “yes” then act like it today!
Application
As a man of God I will run from evil. I will fight the good fight today. I will pursue righteousness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to live a godly life today. Help me run from evil. Give me the strength to fight the good fight!
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2 Kings 11; 2 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6
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Scripture
1 Timothy 6
11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.
Observation
If you are a Christian then you are a man or woman of God and you should act like it. You and I should live godly lives. We need to fight the good fight for the true faith. We are in a battle but it is a good battle; it is a good fight!
So as a man or woman of God we should run from evil things. There is the temptation to hang around sin until it grabs hold of us, but Paul says, “RUN”.
Are you a man or woman of God? If you answered, “yes” then act like it today!
Application
As a man of God I will run from evil. I will fight the good fight today. I will pursue righteousness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to live a godly life today. Help me run from evil. Give me the strength to fight the good fight!
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Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sins and Good Deeds
2 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 22; 2 Chronicles 23; 1 Timothy 5
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Scripture
1 Timothy 5
24 Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. 25 In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.
Observation
There is a lot of evil being done that we are not aware of and there is a lot of good that is being done that is also going unnoticed, but one day it will all come out in the open.
God will recognize both sins and good deeds and will reward them both. Even if they go unnoticed by the people around us our heavenly father will reward both our good deeds and our sins! No sin that we are doing in secret is ever in secret because we can’t keep anything from our God and no good deed goes unnoticed because He doesn’t miss anything!
Application
I will strive to do good today. Any unconfessed sin that comes to my mine today I will confess immediately.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that I can’t keep anything from You. I know that You love me and You are not about to let any sin in my life go unnoticed. I pray that you would show me anytime I sin so that I can confess it and keep things right with You.
I pray for Vacation Bible School today. I pray that the older children that are attending will put their faith and their trust in Jesus for their salvation this week. Give our teachers strength. Help them reflect Jesus in their attitudes. May the children see Jesus in their lives.
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2 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 22; 2 Chronicles 23; 1 Timothy 5
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Scripture
1 Timothy 5
24 Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. 25 In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.
Observation
There is a lot of evil being done that we are not aware of and there is a lot of good that is being done that is also going unnoticed, but one day it will all come out in the open.
God will recognize both sins and good deeds and will reward them both. Even if they go unnoticed by the people around us our heavenly father will reward both our good deeds and our sins! No sin that we are doing in secret is ever in secret because we can’t keep anything from our God and no good deed goes unnoticed because He doesn’t miss anything!
Application
I will strive to do good today. Any unconfessed sin that comes to my mine today I will confess immediately.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that I can’t keep anything from You. I know that You love me and You are not about to let any sin in my life go unnoticed. I pray that you would show me anytime I sin so that I can confess it and keep things right with You.
I pray for Vacation Bible School today. I pray that the older children that are attending will put their faith and their trust in Jesus for their salvation this week. Give our teachers strength. Help them reflect Jesus in their attitudes. May the children see Jesus in their lives.
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Monday, June 22, 2009
Train Yourself to be Godly
2 Kings 8; 2 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 21; 1 Timothy 4
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Scripture
1 Timothy 4
6 If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. 7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
Observation
Training for godliness promises benefits in this life and in the life to come. So what we do here on earth can prepare us for what we will be doing for eternity! So one huge reason to train ourselves to be godly is for the eternal benefits. This is not our home; our home is in heaven with Christ. So it makes sense to train here for where we are going to live forever.
Application
I will think about this I as I dig into God’s word this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me how to train myself for godliness. I want to use my time on this earth to become more godly, to become more like you. Amen.
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2 Kings 8; 2 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 21; 1 Timothy 4
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Scripture
1 Timothy 4
6 If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. 7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
Observation
Training for godliness promises benefits in this life and in the life to come. So what we do here on earth can prepare us for what we will be doing for eternity! So one huge reason to train ourselves to be godly is for the eternal benefits. This is not our home; our home is in heaven with Christ. So it makes sense to train here for where we are going to live forever.
Application
I will think about this I as I dig into God’s word this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me how to train myself for godliness. I want to use my time on this earth to become more godly, to become more like you. Amen.
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Sunday, June 21, 2009
The Battle is the Lord’s
2 Kings 6; 2 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 20; 1 Timothy 3
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Scripture
2 Chronicles 20
15 He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!”
Observation
King Jehoshaphat still had to march out into battle and the army still had to go out and take their positions, but the battle was the Lord’s. We are in a battle today and we are instructed to put on the full armor of God, but the battle is His.
Paul says that the battle that we fight is not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers in heavenly realms. You and I are not prepared to fight battles against powers in heavenly places, but God will fight for us.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”
Application
The Lord is with me today as I go out to battle. I will not be afraid or discouraged.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me see You at work around me today. Help me not to be afraid or discouraged. I pray that You will be glorified and lifted up today as we worship You!
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2 Kings 6; 2 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 20; 1 Timothy 3
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Scripture
2 Chronicles 20
15 He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!”
Observation
King Jehoshaphat still had to march out into battle and the army still had to go out and take their positions, but the battle was the Lord’s. We are in a battle today and we are instructed to put on the full armor of God, but the battle is His.
Paul says that the battle that we fight is not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers in heavenly realms. You and I are not prepared to fight battles against powers in heavenly places, but God will fight for us.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”
Application
The Lord is with me today as I go out to battle. I will not be afraid or discouraged.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me see You at work around me today. Help me not to be afraid or discouraged. I pray that You will be glorified and lifted up today as we worship You!
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Saturday, June 20, 2009
At Just the Right Time!
2 Kings 4; 2 Kings 5; Psalm 83; 1 Timothy 2
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Scripture
1 Timothy 2
1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 7 And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating—just telling the truth.
Observation
Timing is everything isn’t it! I just got back from breakfast and I had a coupon that was good on Monday thru Friday… and of course today is Saturday! I shut the door of my car at the restaurant with my keys still in the ignition. It was poor timing on shutting my car door too because when it closes it automatically locks the door. Timing is everything!
God is an on time God. He is never early, never late, He is always exactly on time!
When God works in your life it will be at just the right time. He sent Christ to this world at just the right time.
Are you running late today? Remember that You serve someone that is always on time. He is never late.
Did you notice that Paul said to pray for all people, to ask God to help them, and to give thanks for them? We need to thank God for the people that we are praying for. Intercede for them and thank God for them. Paul said that it pleases God when we do that! Take time today to pray for someone and then thank God for them too!
Application
I will thank God for His perfect timing in my life. I will pray for people today as God brings them to my mind and I will also thank God for them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the men that I just met with and the positive response from them to keep working with First Baptist Brandon. You are an on time God and I want to thank You for working in my life always at just the right now. Thank You that You are never late. Thank You that you never forget about us. I thank You for our church. I pray that you bless every person in our congregation.
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2 Kings 4; 2 Kings 5; Psalm 83; 1 Timothy 2
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
1 Timothy 2
1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 7 And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating—just telling the truth.
Observation
Timing is everything isn’t it! I just got back from breakfast and I had a coupon that was good on Monday thru Friday… and of course today is Saturday! I shut the door of my car at the restaurant with my keys still in the ignition. It was poor timing on shutting my car door too because when it closes it automatically locks the door. Timing is everything!
God is an on time God. He is never early, never late, He is always exactly on time!
When God works in your life it will be at just the right time. He sent Christ to this world at just the right time.
Are you running late today? Remember that You serve someone that is always on time. He is never late.
Did you notice that Paul said to pray for all people, to ask God to help them, and to give thanks for them? We need to thank God for the people that we are praying for. Intercede for them and thank God for them. Paul said that it pleases God when we do that! Take time today to pray for someone and then thank God for them too!
Application
I will thank God for His perfect timing in my life. I will pray for people today as God brings them to my mind and I will also thank God for them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the men that I just met with and the positive response from them to keep working with First Baptist Brandon. You are an on time God and I want to thank You for working in my life always at just the right now. Thank You that You are never late. Thank You that you never forget about us. I thank You for our church. I pray that you bless every person in our congregation.
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Friday, June 19, 2009
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” … You and I are prime examples!
2 Kings 1; 2 Kings 2; 2 Kings 3; Psalm 82; 1 Timothy 1
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Scripture
1 Timothy 1
15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
Observation
Do we need a reminder today that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners?” Just look into the mirror and you will see why Christ Jesus came into this world, He came to save you and He came to save me! He came to save your neighbors, your co-workers, your friends, and all of your family.
And He has left the job of telling them the Good News; the Good News that Jesus saves … Yes … He has left that job to us!
Application
I will look for someone that needs to hear about Jesus and be ready to share with them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me. Now help me share the plan of salvation with someone else. Give me the opportunity to bring someone closer to You today.
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2 Kings 1; 2 Kings 2; 2 Kings 3; Psalm 82; 1 Timothy 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
1 Timothy 1
15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
Observation
Do we need a reminder today that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners?” Just look into the mirror and you will see why Christ Jesus came into this world, He came to save you and He came to save me! He came to save your neighbors, your co-workers, your friends, and all of your family.
And He has left the job of telling them the Good News; the Good News that Jesus saves … Yes … He has left that job to us!
Application
I will look for someone that needs to hear about Jesus and be ready to share with them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me. Now help me share the plan of salvation with someone else. Give me the opportunity to bring someone closer to You today.
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Thursday, June 18, 2009
Do You Have a Thankful Heart?
1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18; 2 Chronicles 19; Colossians 4
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Scripture
Colossians 4
[2] Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Observation
Talk with God, but do so with a thankful heart. Paul writing to the church at Colossi encourages them to pray with thankful hearts just like he did in his letter to those at Philippi!
I know that when my children thank me for something (anything) it makes me feel great. God wants us to show him that same kind of gratitude. It makes sense to me!
Application
I will search out all references in scripture to having a “thankful heart.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for wanting us to spend time with You in prayer. I have so much to be thankful for. I am so blessed. I pray today for Rapley Armstrong. I pray that You heal him. Show Yourself powerful by touching his life today. Give him strength, Your strength. Give the doctors wisdom to know how to help in getting him well. Thank You for hearing my prayer today.
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1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18; 2 Chronicles 19; Colossians 4
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Scripture
Colossians 4
[2] Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Observation
Talk with God, but do so with a thankful heart. Paul writing to the church at Colossi encourages them to pray with thankful hearts just like he did in his letter to those at Philippi!
I know that when my children thank me for something (anything) it makes me feel great. God wants us to show him that same kind of gratitude. It makes sense to me!
Application
I will search out all references in scripture to having a “thankful heart.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for wanting us to spend time with You in prayer. I have so much to be thankful for. I am so blessed. I pray today for Rapley Armstrong. I pray that You heal him. Show Yourself powerful by touching his life today. Give him strength, Your strength. Give the doctors wisdom to know how to help in getting him well. Thank You for hearing my prayer today.
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Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
1 Kings 20; 1 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3
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Scripture
Colossians 3
2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
Observation
So how do we think about heavenly stuff more than earthly stuff? Paul says, “…Put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.” “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” (Verse 10)
We put on Christ and we begin to be renewed. It sounds like we are to get to know Christ more and more each day and the more we get to know him the more we become like him.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
“…Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.” (verse 5b)
Application
Things of heaven …I believe would definitely involve people. I will think about the people that God has brought into my life and I will think about how to help them in their walk either with Christ or in their walk towards a relationship with Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to move people closer in their relationship to you.
And I pray for Kathy today on her birthday. Bless her! Thank you for bringing her into my life and allowing me to have her as my wife. She is the greatest gift that you could have ever given me. I don’t deserve such a great woman. I am blessed!
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1 Kings 20; 1 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3
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Scripture
Colossians 3
2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
Observation
So how do we think about heavenly stuff more than earthly stuff? Paul says, “…Put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.” “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” (Verse 10)
We put on Christ and we begin to be renewed. It sounds like we are to get to know Christ more and more each day and the more we get to know him the more we become like him.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
“…Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.” (verse 5b)
Application
Things of heaven …I believe would definitely involve people. I will think about the people that God has brought into my life and I will think about how to help them in their walk either with Christ or in their walk towards a relationship with Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to move people closer in their relationship to you.
And I pray for Kathy today on her birthday. Bless her! Thank you for bringing her into my life and allowing me to have her as my wife. She is the greatest gift that you could have ever given me. I don’t deserve such a great woman. I am blessed!
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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Nailed It to the Cross!
1 Kings 17; 1 Kings 18; 1 Kings 19; Colossians 2
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Scripture
Colossians 2
13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.
Observation
Do you have a “record”? Maybe you don’t have a police record, but you and I do have a record. Every sin that we have ever committed is included in our record before God.
Wouldn’t you like to have that record canceled and those sins not held against us? If we put our faith and trust in Christ, in what Christ did for us on the cross we can have our record that is filled with all of our sins canceled. Jesus died on the cross. He was nailed to the cross to cancel out our sins. He died as a gift for us. He died in our place. The nails driven into his hands and into his feet were for us, but he took what we deserved, and now he offers to forgive us and he offers to cancel the charges against us.
We had a death sentence. Our sinful record declared us guilty, but Christ canceled our record. God no longer sees our sins. We have been forgiven if we have asked Christ to be our Lord and our Savior and we have turned from sin and self.
Application
This “Good News” is to be shared. I will look for an opportunity to share Christ today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for canceling my record. I am forgiven. I deserve to go to hell but because of your great love and your great mercy I am not going to get what I deserve and instead I will go to heaven. I pray that you give me the opportunity to share this Good News with someone today.
Thank you for our small group. They are a joy and a blessing. I pray that you bless each one of them today. Give them your strength and your wisdom to live out this day.
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1 Kings 17; 1 Kings 18; 1 Kings 19; Colossians 2
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Scripture
Colossians 2
13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.
Observation
Do you have a “record”? Maybe you don’t have a police record, but you and I do have a record. Every sin that we have ever committed is included in our record before God.
Wouldn’t you like to have that record canceled and those sins not held against us? If we put our faith and trust in Christ, in what Christ did for us on the cross we can have our record that is filled with all of our sins canceled. Jesus died on the cross. He was nailed to the cross to cancel out our sins. He died as a gift for us. He died in our place. The nails driven into his hands and into his feet were for us, but he took what we deserved, and now he offers to forgive us and he offers to cancel the charges against us.
We had a death sentence. Our sinful record declared us guilty, but Christ canceled our record. God no longer sees our sins. We have been forgiven if we have asked Christ to be our Lord and our Savior and we have turned from sin and self.
Application
This “Good News” is to be shared. I will look for an opportunity to share Christ today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for canceling my record. I am forgiven. I deserve to go to hell but because of your great love and your great mercy I am not going to get what I deserve and instead I will go to heaven. I pray that you give me the opportunity to share this Good News with someone today.
Thank you for our small group. They are a joy and a blessing. I pray that you bless each one of them today. Give them your strength and your wisdom to live out this day.
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Monday, June 15, 2009
Fully Committed to Him
1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 15; 2 Chronicles 16; Colossians 1
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Scripture
2 Chronicles 16
9 The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
Observation
King Asa started out trusting in God and God gave him victories in battle but later in life he refused to call on the Lord, he trusted in his own resources and he trusted in his own strength. God called him a fool. He was so much a fool that when he got a terrible foot disease the Bible says that even then he refused to call on the Lord. You have to wonder why he didn’t look up when he looked down at his sore feet! God said this about King Asa, “What a fool you have been!” Hopefully he won’t say that about us!
King Asa was given opportunities, he was given wake up calls, but like a fool he ignored them. We are also given wake up calls. We are given opportunities to trust in the Lord.
Application
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. [6] Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
I will trust the Lord with “all” my heart!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is so easy to try to do things on our own and not take everything to you in prayer. It is too easy to rely on our own strength and not yours. Help me to rely on you today. Show me how powerful you are. It is my desire to trust you in every area of my life today. Help me to do just that!
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1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 15; 2 Chronicles 16; Colossians 1
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Scripture
2 Chronicles 16
9 The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
Observation
King Asa started out trusting in God and God gave him victories in battle but later in life he refused to call on the Lord, he trusted in his own resources and he trusted in his own strength. God called him a fool. He was so much a fool that when he got a terrible foot disease the Bible says that even then he refused to call on the Lord. You have to wonder why he didn’t look up when he looked down at his sore feet! God said this about King Asa, “What a fool you have been!” Hopefully he won’t say that about us!
King Asa was given opportunities, he was given wake up calls, but like a fool he ignored them. We are also given wake up calls. We are given opportunities to trust in the Lord.
Application
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. [6] Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
I will trust the Lord with “all” my heart!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is so easy to try to do things on our own and not take everything to you in prayer. It is too easy to rely on our own strength and not yours. Help me to rely on you today. Show me how powerful you are. It is my desire to trust you in every area of my life today. Help me to do just that!
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Sunday, June 14, 2009
Don’t Worry About Anything!
1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13; 2 Chronicles 14; Philippians 4
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Scripture
Philippians 4
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Observation
We tend to worry about everything and pray about almost nothing so no wonder we don’t have any peace in our lives. Paul says, (as he is sitting in jail) “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything.”
It seems like Paul had plenty to worry about since he was in jail and could have been put to death at any time, but instead he wrote about how you and I can have God’s peace and how we should be filled with his joy.
What was the secret to the Apostle Paul’s life? Answer: He prayed about everything. There is a peace that passes all understanding for us to experience and enjoy if we learn to pray about everything. The key word is: everything!
Tell God what you need, and thank him for what he has done and then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Application
I will pray about everything today. I will tell God what I need and I will thank him for what he has done.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to pray for every person that comes to my mind today. Help me to pray about everything that I normally worry about. Impress upon me today the importance of talking to you about everything. I do want to experience that peace that is beyond understanding. I pray for First Baptist Brandon today and I pray for Tommy Green, as he gets ready to speak to our church this morning. Use him for your glory and for your honor.
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1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13; 2 Chronicles 14; Philippians 4
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Scripture
Philippians 4
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Observation
We tend to worry about everything and pray about almost nothing so no wonder we don’t have any peace in our lives. Paul says, (as he is sitting in jail) “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything.”
It seems like Paul had plenty to worry about since he was in jail and could have been put to death at any time, but instead he wrote about how you and I can have God’s peace and how we should be filled with his joy.
What was the secret to the Apostle Paul’s life? Answer: He prayed about everything. There is a peace that passes all understanding for us to experience and enjoy if we learn to pray about everything. The key word is: everything!
Tell God what you need, and thank him for what he has done and then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Application
I will pray about everything today. I will tell God what I need and I will thank him for what he has done.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to pray for every person that comes to my mind today. Help me to pray about everything that I normally worry about. Impress upon me today the importance of talking to you about everything. I do want to experience that peace that is beyond understanding. I pray for First Baptist Brandon today and I pray for Tommy Green, as he gets ready to speak to our church this morning. Use him for your glory and for your honor.
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Saturday, June 13, 2009
I Want to Know Christ!
1 Kings 13; 1 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 12; Philippians 3
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Scripture
Philippians 3
10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!
Observation
Have you thought very much about what Paul is saying in verses 10 and 11 of this chapter? The first part of verse 10 I think I understand, but the last part of verse 10 and verse 11 are very difficult for me to grasp.
We tend to think of suffering as punishment and not part of the Christian faith but Paul had a completely different view of suffering. He welcomed it. And he suffered a lot for Christ.
Are we willing to suffer for Christ? Are we willing to die for Him? Would you go to the Sudan and serve Christ there? Would you go to the Congo, Uganda, India or somewhere else in this world where the message of Christ needs to be heard no matter what the cost? Why not? Would you still go with the knowledge that you might suffer and die for Him?
We tend to do what is most comfortable, the most convenient, the least costly to our families, and least costly to ourselves personally, but is that what God has asked us to do or is asking us to do.
Paul said to those at the church at Philippi, “Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.” Can people pattern their lives after ours? What are you not willing to do for Christ? What am I not willing to do for Him?
Application
I want to be able to say this and mean it just like Paul said it and meant it, “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I feel like such a spiritual wimp when I read what Paul writes, but You know that it is my desire to be like him. I want to have faith like Paul’s and I want to be committed to You like Paul was committed to You. I want my life to count for You. I don’t want to be comfortable in my Christian life. Help me to live my life in such a way that others can pattern their lives after mine.
I pray for my son Eddie Jr today that you bless him today on his birthday. May he bring You glory and honor with his life.
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1 Kings 13; 1 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 12; Philippians 3
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Scripture
Philippians 3
10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!
Observation
Have you thought very much about what Paul is saying in verses 10 and 11 of this chapter? The first part of verse 10 I think I understand, but the last part of verse 10 and verse 11 are very difficult for me to grasp.
We tend to think of suffering as punishment and not part of the Christian faith but Paul had a completely different view of suffering. He welcomed it. And he suffered a lot for Christ.
Are we willing to suffer for Christ? Are we willing to die for Him? Would you go to the Sudan and serve Christ there? Would you go to the Congo, Uganda, India or somewhere else in this world where the message of Christ needs to be heard no matter what the cost? Why not? Would you still go with the knowledge that you might suffer and die for Him?
We tend to do what is most comfortable, the most convenient, the least costly to our families, and least costly to ourselves personally, but is that what God has asked us to do or is asking us to do.
Paul said to those at the church at Philippi, “Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.” Can people pattern their lives after ours? What are you not willing to do for Christ? What am I not willing to do for Him?
Application
I want to be able to say this and mean it just like Paul said it and meant it, “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I feel like such a spiritual wimp when I read what Paul writes, but You know that it is my desire to be like him. I want to have faith like Paul’s and I want to be committed to You like Paul was committed to You. I want my life to count for You. I don’t want to be comfortable in my Christian life. Help me to live my life in such a way that others can pattern their lives after mine.
I pray for my son Eddie Jr today that you bless him today on his birthday. May he bring You glory and honor with his life.
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Friday, June 12, 2009
Attitude … It is all about Attitude!
1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10; 2 Chronicles 11; Philippians 2
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Scripture
Philippians 2
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Observation
Could you imagine becoming an “ant”? Take a minute and think about how small ants are compared to human beings.
What God did for us was way more that and it is way beyond our comprehension. We can’t even begin to fully grasp what Jesus did when He left heaven to come to earth to be born as a human being. He left a perfect place to die a criminal’s death on a cross in my place and in your place. You and I deserve death …spiritual death. You and I deserve to go to hell. We don’t deserve to go to heaven and we don’t deserve to have a place in God’s family, but Jesus left heaven to make a way for us to have a personal relationship with him forever!
Today Jesus has been exalted to the highest place of honor and one day every person ever born will kneel before the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you prepared to meet him?
Application
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
I will plan to do something for someone else today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to look out only for my own interests, but help me take an interest in others, too. Help me not to be selfish; help me not try to impress others. Help me to be humble, and help me think of others as better than myself. Help me to have the attitude of Christ today.
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1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10; 2 Chronicles 11; Philippians 2
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Scripture
Philippians 2
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Observation
Could you imagine becoming an “ant”? Take a minute and think about how small ants are compared to human beings.
What God did for us was way more that and it is way beyond our comprehension. We can’t even begin to fully grasp what Jesus did when He left heaven to come to earth to be born as a human being. He left a perfect place to die a criminal’s death on a cross in my place and in your place. You and I deserve death …spiritual death. You and I deserve to go to hell. We don’t deserve to go to heaven and we don’t deserve to have a place in God’s family, but Jesus left heaven to make a way for us to have a personal relationship with him forever!
Today Jesus has been exalted to the highest place of honor and one day every person ever born will kneel before the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you prepared to meet him?
Application
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
I will plan to do something for someone else today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to look out only for my own interests, but help me take an interest in others, too. Help me not to be selfish; help me not try to impress others. Help me to be humble, and help me think of others as better than myself. Help me to have the attitude of Christ today.
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Thursday, June 11, 2009
Where is Your Citizenship?
Song of Solomon 5; Song of Solomon 6; Song of Solomon 7; Song of Solomon 8; Philippians 1
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Scripture
Philippians 1
27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
Observation
Do you and I act like we are citizens of Heaven? I think that most days we don’t think about the fact that this is not our home. We want to get so comfortable here, but we need to be reminded that this is not our real home. Most of our time is going to be spent somewhere else if we know Jesus Christ in a personal way.
What do you own that you would not be willing to give away right now …if something comes to your mind then that possession owns you …you don’t own it. Are we living like this is the only place we are ever going to live? This is not our home. We are citizens of heaven.
Application
What do I have that has me? That is what I am going to think about today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to turn loose of anything and everything that would be considered a possession. Help my priorities be focused more on your kingdom and less on my kingdom. Thank you for helping me this week. You are my rock and my fortress!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Song of Solomon 5; Song of Solomon 6; Song of Solomon 7; Song of Solomon 8; Philippians 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Philippians 1
27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
Observation
Do you and I act like we are citizens of Heaven? I think that most days we don’t think about the fact that this is not our home. We want to get so comfortable here, but we need to be reminded that this is not our real home. Most of our time is going to be spent somewhere else if we know Jesus Christ in a personal way.
What do you own that you would not be willing to give away right now …if something comes to your mind then that possession owns you …you don’t own it. Are we living like this is the only place we are ever going to live? This is not our home. We are citizens of heaven.
Application
What do I have that has me? That is what I am going to think about today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to turn loose of anything and everything that would be considered a possession. Help my priorities be focused more on your kingdom and less on my kingdom. Thank you for helping me this week. You are my rock and my fortress!
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Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Stand Your Ground
Song of Solomon 1; Song of Solomon 2; Song of Solomon 3; Song of Solomon 4; Ephesians 6
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Scripture
Ephesians 6
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
Observation
War is terrible. When I hear about truck bombs going off in Iraq like happened yesterday or when I hear that one of our soldiers has been killed like I did on Monday it is a reminder that war is a terrible thing. When I read about what is happening in the Congo where entire churches are being totally destroyed, the elders of the churches murdered, the women of the churches raped, and the children of the churches taken to become slaves or to become soldiers of the Lord’s Resistance Army it makes me sick. It is all so wrong.
We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Wow…no wonder why this week has been so tough!
There is a satanic battle being waged against you and your family and against your church if you are a Christ follower! So what should we do? Paul says that we need to put on the full armor of God and get ready to fight!
“Put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Satan wants to take you and me out of the fight. He will attack your family by helping mess up your closest relationships. He will use something to get you upset with your church and he will finally have you totally sidelined licking your wounds and totally defeated as a Christian if he has his way. Paul says to us today that we need to wake up! We need to put on all of God’s armor so that we will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
The devil has strategies. Have you fallen into one of his traps? Are you putting on the full armor of God? Are you using the sword, the word of God to fight off his attacks? Is the shield of faith up so those fiery darts or fiery arrows can’t penetrate into your heart? Maybe you have allowed some of those fiery darts to enter into your heart and you are hurting today.
If that is the case here is what you should do: PRAY!
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
And pray for me, too.
Application
I will put on every piece of God’s armor today because I know that Satan wants to destroy me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for my friends that are hurting today. They have let Satan pierce them with his fiery darts and I pray that you open up their eyes so they can see that it is not the people around them that are the problem but it is a satanic attack that they have experienced.
It is not flesh-and-blood enemies but the prince of this world that is causing the problem. I pray for healing for them. Help them to see that they can call on You in this time of trouble. Help them stay alert.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Song of Solomon 1; Song of Solomon 2; Song of Solomon 3; Song of Solomon 4; Ephesians 6
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Ephesians 6
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
Observation
War is terrible. When I hear about truck bombs going off in Iraq like happened yesterday or when I hear that one of our soldiers has been killed like I did on Monday it is a reminder that war is a terrible thing. When I read about what is happening in the Congo where entire churches are being totally destroyed, the elders of the churches murdered, the women of the churches raped, and the children of the churches taken to become slaves or to become soldiers of the Lord’s Resistance Army it makes me sick. It is all so wrong.
We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Wow…no wonder why this week has been so tough!
There is a satanic battle being waged against you and your family and against your church if you are a Christ follower! So what should we do? Paul says that we need to put on the full armor of God and get ready to fight!
“Put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Satan wants to take you and me out of the fight. He will attack your family by helping mess up your closest relationships. He will use something to get you upset with your church and he will finally have you totally sidelined licking your wounds and totally defeated as a Christian if he has his way. Paul says to us today that we need to wake up! We need to put on all of God’s armor so that we will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
The devil has strategies. Have you fallen into one of his traps? Are you putting on the full armor of God? Are you using the sword, the word of God to fight off his attacks? Is the shield of faith up so those fiery darts or fiery arrows can’t penetrate into your heart? Maybe you have allowed some of those fiery darts to enter into your heart and you are hurting today.
If that is the case here is what you should do: PRAY!
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
And pray for me, too.
Application
I will put on every piece of God’s armor today because I know that Satan wants to destroy me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for my friends that are hurting today. They have let Satan pierce them with his fiery darts and I pray that you open up their eyes so they can see that it is not the people around them that are the problem but it is a satanic attack that they have experienced.
It is not flesh-and-blood enemies but the prince of this world that is causing the problem. I pray for healing for them. Help them to see that they can call on You in this time of trouble. Help them stay alert.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Carefully Determine What Pleases the Lord!
Ecclesiastes 10; Ecclesiastes 11; Ecclesiastes 12; Psalm 94; Ephesians 5
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Scripture
Ephesians 5
1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.
16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
Observation
God is our heavenly Father for those of us that have been adopted into His family by trusting in Christ as our Lord and our Savior and we should please Him by being obedient children.
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” How do we imitate God? We imitate God by following the example of Christ, in other words, by being Christ-like!
The example of Christ was a life of self-sacrifice, and a life that was ultimately sacrificed for us. He never did something just for Himself. He never did like many of us do when we say, “I am going to do this for myself because I deserve it.” The model of love that Christ showed us was a self-less love and that is the example we are to follow
Application
I will carefully determine what pleases the Lord and focus on doing it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us how we are to live in this world by sending Christ to show us. Give me the kind of heart that is needed to follow Christ’s example. Help me to love people like You want me to love them. Help me make the most of every opportunity and not miss the chance to be like You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Ecclesiastes 10; Ecclesiastes 11; Ecclesiastes 12; Psalm 94; Ephesians 5
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Ephesians 5
1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.
16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
Observation
God is our heavenly Father for those of us that have been adopted into His family by trusting in Christ as our Lord and our Savior and we should please Him by being obedient children.
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” How do we imitate God? We imitate God by following the example of Christ, in other words, by being Christ-like!
The example of Christ was a life of self-sacrifice, and a life that was ultimately sacrificed for us. He never did something just for Himself. He never did like many of us do when we say, “I am going to do this for myself because I deserve it.” The model of love that Christ showed us was a self-less love and that is the example we are to follow
Application
I will carefully determine what pleases the Lord and focus on doing it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us how we are to live in this world by sending Christ to show us. Give me the kind of heart that is needed to follow Christ’s example. Help me to love people like You want me to love them. Help me make the most of every opportunity and not miss the chance to be like You.
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Monday, June 08, 2009
The Trouble with “Always”
Ecclesiastes 7; Ecclesiastes 8; Ecclesiastes 9; Ephesians 4
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Scripture
Ephesians 4
2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
Observation
I would have been ok if Paul hadn’t have used the word “Always” in verse 2! Most of the time I think that I am humble and gentle, but not “Always”! Do you get blindsided sometimes by your own behavior …I do. Last night at church I blew it I knew better than to open my mouth but I still did it.
I wasn’t very patient, I wasn’t very gentle, and I didn’t make allowances for the other person. I am very sorry.
I am grieved in my spirit about it. I am sad about it. I am aggravated and frustrated over my lack of self-control.
The only thing good about last night is that I feel bad about the way I handled or better put the way I didn’t handle myself.
It is never the big things that upset us it is always the little nit picking things that drive us crazy or at least those are things that drive me crazy, but no matter how important or how unimportant something is there is no excuse for my bad behavior.
Application
I will read this blog to our Sunday evening group and ask them to forgive me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be able to “Always” be humble and gentle. And help me to always be patient with others, and help me to always make allowances for other’s faults because of my love for them.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Ecclesiastes 7; Ecclesiastes 8; Ecclesiastes 9; Ephesians 4
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Ephesians 4
2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
Observation
I would have been ok if Paul hadn’t have used the word “Always” in verse 2! Most of the time I think that I am humble and gentle, but not “Always”! Do you get blindsided sometimes by your own behavior …I do. Last night at church I blew it I knew better than to open my mouth but I still did it.
I wasn’t very patient, I wasn’t very gentle, and I didn’t make allowances for the other person. I am very sorry.
I am grieved in my spirit about it. I am sad about it. I am aggravated and frustrated over my lack of self-control.
The only thing good about last night is that I feel bad about the way I handled or better put the way I didn’t handle myself.
It is never the big things that upset us it is always the little nit picking things that drive us crazy or at least those are things that drive me crazy, but no matter how important or how unimportant something is there is no excuse for my bad behavior.
Application
I will read this blog to our Sunday evening group and ask them to forgive me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be able to “Always” be humble and gentle. And help me to always be patient with others, and help me to always make allowances for other’s faults because of my love for them.
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Sunday, June 07, 2009
Boldly and Confidently into God’s Presence!
Ecclesiastes 4; Ecclesiastes 5; Ecclesiastes 6; Psalm 18; Ephesians 3
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Scripture
Ephesians 3
12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. …
14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
20 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. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Observation
Do you ever feel defeated? Do you ever feel like things are not going to change? I believe that the Evil one would want us to believe that what we are doing doesn’t really matter and that we are not really making a difference. But it does matter and we are making a difference if we are trusting in Christ on a daily basis.
Paul says in verses 10 and 11 that God is using his church to display his wisdom to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. “God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
So there is a battle going on all around us in the heavenly places as we do church and those unseen rulers and authorities in heavenly places don’t like for us to win a soul. They don’t like for us to advance God’s kingdom, but we are. It may be only one person at a time, and it may be slow but we are advancing.
Application
Ephesians 3:14-20 is my prayer for you today. It is a prayer for my staff today. It is a prayer for all my brothers and sisters in Christ today.
Prayer
When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
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. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Ecclesiastes 4; Ecclesiastes 5; Ecclesiastes 6; Psalm 18; Ephesians 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Ephesians 3
12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. …
14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
20 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. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Observation
Do you ever feel defeated? Do you ever feel like things are not going to change? I believe that the Evil one would want us to believe that what we are doing doesn’t really matter and that we are not really making a difference. But it does matter and we are making a difference if we are trusting in Christ on a daily basis.
Paul says in verses 10 and 11 that God is using his church to display his wisdom to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. “God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
So there is a battle going on all around us in the heavenly places as we do church and those unseen rulers and authorities in heavenly places don’t like for us to win a soul. They don’t like for us to advance God’s kingdom, but we are. It may be only one person at a time, and it may be slow but we are advancing.
Application
Ephesians 3:14-20 is my prayer for you today. It is a prayer for my staff today. It is a prayer for all my brothers and sisters in Christ today.
Prayer
When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
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. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, June 06, 2009
God’s Masterpiece!
Ecclesiastes 1; Ecclesiastes 2; Ecclesiastes 3; Psalm 45; Ephesians 2
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Scripture
Ephesians 2:10
10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Observation
Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Michelangelo's David, Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace, all of these are considered great masterpieces, but just look in the mirror and you will see a true masterpiece!
Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:4-5
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Cor. 5:17
You may not feel like a masterpiece this morning but if you are a believer in Christ then you certainly are whether you feel like it or not.
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:13-16
Application
Since I was created to do good works. I will work on doing something good today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to actually do the good works that you designed me for. Show me what to do. Give me the energy and the desire and the wisdom to accomplish the things that You have put on my heart to do.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Ecclesiastes 1; Ecclesiastes 2; Ecclesiastes 3; Psalm 45; Ephesians 2
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Ephesians 2:10
10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Observation
Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Michelangelo's David, Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace, all of these are considered great masterpieces, but just look in the mirror and you will see a true masterpiece!
Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:4-5
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Cor. 5:17
You may not feel like a masterpiece this morning but if you are a believer in Christ then you certainly are whether you feel like it or not.
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:13-16
Application
Since I was created to do good works. I will work on doing something good today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to actually do the good works that you designed me for. Show me what to do. Give me the energy and the desire and the wisdom to accomplish the things that You have put on my heart to do.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, June 05, 2009
A Reminder That God is in Control!
Proverbs 30; Proverbs 31; Psalm 33; Ephesians 1
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Scripture
Ephesians 1
9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure.
10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. 11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.
Observation
This is a great chapter to read if you are feeling down or if you are feeling like this world is spinning out of control. No, our world is not spinning out of control; there is ONE that is in total control and He will make sure that everything works out according to his plan. God is in control. You might need to say that a thousand times today!
I love the first part of this chapter where Paul says that we have been given every spiritual blessing in Christ. The word “EVERY” is huge to me. It means to me that I don’t lack anything that I need to live out this life that God has given me. I have all God’s resources at my disposal.
What does “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ” mean to you?
Application
I will rely on God and all of His resources to help me with today’s challenges!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are in control of this crazy world. I know that nothing happening right now even as bad or as crazy as it seems will keep you from executing Your plan at exactly the right time. Thank you for giving me every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Now here is my prayer for anyone reading this blog today,
"Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself." (Ephesians 1:15-23) Amen
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Proverbs 30; Proverbs 31; Psalm 33; Ephesians 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Ephesians 1
9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure.
10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. 11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.
Observation
This is a great chapter to read if you are feeling down or if you are feeling like this world is spinning out of control. No, our world is not spinning out of control; there is ONE that is in total control and He will make sure that everything works out according to his plan. God is in control. You might need to say that a thousand times today!
I love the first part of this chapter where Paul says that we have been given every spiritual blessing in Christ. The word “EVERY” is huge to me. It means to me that I don’t lack anything that I need to live out this life that God has given me. I have all God’s resources at my disposal.
What does “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ” mean to you?
Application
I will rely on God and all of His resources to help me with today’s challenges!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are in control of this crazy world. I know that nothing happening right now even as bad or as crazy as it seems will keep you from executing Your plan at exactly the right time. Thank you for giving me every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Now here is my prayer for anyone reading this blog today,
"Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself." (Ephesians 1:15-23) Amen
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Why Having a Celebrate Recovery Ministry at Your Church is So Important!
Proverbs 28; Proverbs 29; Psalm 60; Romans 16
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Proverbs 28
13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
Observation
Josh McDowell once said, "If your church is healthy, you will have people who are struggling with adultery, pornography, homosexuality, and other sins." He went on to explain, "If your church is healthy, God will send hurting people there to be healed."
Linda Renner, one of our Celebrate Recovery Ministry Leaders remarked about the above quote when I emailed it to her yesterday, “then we must be a very healthy church!”
In the past before churches had recovery ministries church members just kept their hurts, habits, and hang ups secret and had no one to help them in their struggle. Today praise God a lot has changed. People can turn to the church and find help with the stuff that they are struggling with.
Application
I am going to thank God for our very healthy church!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, what Josh McDowell said is very true about Your church. Help our church be a hospital for people that are hurting and people that need to be healed. Thank You for sending us people that have tremendous needs. Give our leadership in CR Your strength. Give them Your wisdom. Give them a huge amount of Your love for all of the people that You are sending our way. Protect our leaders and keep them from sin. Continue to prosper our church with more and more people that are hurting. I pray for someone to help us with the transportation needs of people wanting to come to CR but do not have a way to get to our church.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Proverbs 28; Proverbs 29; Psalm 60; Romans 16
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Proverbs 28
13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
Observation
Josh McDowell once said, "If your church is healthy, you will have people who are struggling with adultery, pornography, homosexuality, and other sins." He went on to explain, "If your church is healthy, God will send hurting people there to be healed."
Linda Renner, one of our Celebrate Recovery Ministry Leaders remarked about the above quote when I emailed it to her yesterday, “then we must be a very healthy church!”
In the past before churches had recovery ministries church members just kept their hurts, habits, and hang ups secret and had no one to help them in their struggle. Today praise God a lot has changed. People can turn to the church and find help with the stuff that they are struggling with.
Application
I am going to thank God for our very healthy church!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, what Josh McDowell said is very true about Your church. Help our church be a hospital for people that are hurting and people that need to be healed. Thank You for sending us people that have tremendous needs. Give our leadership in CR Your strength. Give them Your wisdom. Give them a huge amount of Your love for all of the people that You are sending our way. Protect our leaders and keep them from sin. Continue to prosper our church with more and more people that are hurting. I pray for someone to help us with the transportation needs of people wanting to come to CR but do not have a way to get to our church.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Friendships are Worth The Effort!
Proverbs 25; Proverbs 26; Proverbs 27; Romans 15
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Proverbs 27
17 As iron sharpens iron,
so a friend sharpens a friend.
Observation
I don’t know why but surveys have shown that most pastors don’t have many close friends. I find that fact, if it is true really strange, but even worse I find that statement very sad.
I meet with a group of men from our church every week for breakfast and they have become very close friends and I meet with four other pastors every week for lunch and have been meeting with them for over 2 years maybe 3. They are my very good friends. I have some other close friends that I don’t meet with very much because they live in another state and some other close friends that live here but their schedule and mine keep us from getting together a lot. (Actually we just don’t schedule our time good enough to make the time to get together).
I can tell you that if I had a crisis or if I had a huge decision to make these are the men that I would talk to. Do you have friends? Do you have close friends? Do you have friends that will get on your case? Do you have friends that will encourage you? Do you have friends that will confront you when you are going off in the wrong direction?
I have learned that friendships take effort. When someone is going through a rough time you go through it with him or her. When someone is stuck and struggling with an addiction you don’t give up on him or her. Friendships change over time. God brings new people into your life. He brings new friends.
Friendships are hard. They take work. They can get messy. People can be frustrating. All of us can be hard to live with and all of us need to be knocked down a notch or two every once in awhile. I thank God for my friends.
Application
I will take time to talk to some of my friends today that I haven’t talked to recently. How about you? Who do you need to call? Who do you need to write? Who needs to hear from you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for my friends. Thank You for surrounding me with such wonderful people. Thank you for the men that hold me accountable each week. I pray that you bless them today. Help me be a friend that people can count on.
I pray for Eloy today that you bless him. It was great seeing him yesterday and talking about old times. Thank You that You never give up on us and that You are constantly working in our lives to bring us to a personal relationship with You.
And thank you for my very best friend Kathy. She is the very best gift You have ever given me. Bless her and give her strength and energy to serve You today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Proverbs 25; Proverbs 26; Proverbs 27; Romans 15
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Proverbs 27
17 As iron sharpens iron,
so a friend sharpens a friend.
Observation
I don’t know why but surveys have shown that most pastors don’t have many close friends. I find that fact, if it is true really strange, but even worse I find that statement very sad.
I meet with a group of men from our church every week for breakfast and they have become very close friends and I meet with four other pastors every week for lunch and have been meeting with them for over 2 years maybe 3. They are my very good friends. I have some other close friends that I don’t meet with very much because they live in another state and some other close friends that live here but their schedule and mine keep us from getting together a lot. (Actually we just don’t schedule our time good enough to make the time to get together).
I can tell you that if I had a crisis or if I had a huge decision to make these are the men that I would talk to. Do you have friends? Do you have close friends? Do you have friends that will get on your case? Do you have friends that will encourage you? Do you have friends that will confront you when you are going off in the wrong direction?
I have learned that friendships take effort. When someone is going through a rough time you go through it with him or her. When someone is stuck and struggling with an addiction you don’t give up on him or her. Friendships change over time. God brings new people into your life. He brings new friends.
Friendships are hard. They take work. They can get messy. People can be frustrating. All of us can be hard to live with and all of us need to be knocked down a notch or two every once in awhile. I thank God for my friends.
Application
I will take time to talk to some of my friends today that I haven’t talked to recently. How about you? Who do you need to call? Who do you need to write? Who needs to hear from you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for my friends. Thank You for surrounding me with such wonderful people. Thank you for the men that hold me accountable each week. I pray that you bless them today. Help me be a friend that people can count on.
I pray for Eloy today that you bless him. It was great seeing him yesterday and talking about old times. Thank You that You never give up on us and that You are constantly working in our lives to bring us to a personal relationship with You.
And thank you for my very best friend Kathy. She is the very best gift You have ever given me. Bless her and give her strength and energy to serve You today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Don’t Argue! Cut People Some Slack!
Proverbs 22; Proverbs 23; Proverbs 24; Romans 14
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Romans 14
1 Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.
Observation
Do you get tired and weary of the constant arguing that goes on in our Southern Baptist Convention? People always wanting to argue and tell other people what they think is right or wrong. It never ends. Most of what they want to argue about is stuff that is not all that important in light of eternity. Give me a break. Leave folks alone!
Paul says that we should accept people and not argue with them over the little stuff. If they are weak in the faith leave them alone. Human nature or our fallen sinful nature always wants to nit pick, always wants to judge, tends to make us look down on others but that is not how God’s Holy Spirit operates in our lives.
“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” Galatians 5:22
Application
I will concentrate on my shortcomings today and not worry about everybody else’s!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to judge others today. Help me to accept other believers even if they don’t agree with me on everything. Give me a servant’s heart.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Proverbs 22; Proverbs 23; Proverbs 24; Romans 14
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Romans 14
1 Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.
Observation
Do you get tired and weary of the constant arguing that goes on in our Southern Baptist Convention? People always wanting to argue and tell other people what they think is right or wrong. It never ends. Most of what they want to argue about is stuff that is not all that important in light of eternity. Give me a break. Leave folks alone!
Paul says that we should accept people and not argue with them over the little stuff. If they are weak in the faith leave them alone. Human nature or our fallen sinful nature always wants to nit pick, always wants to judge, tends to make us look down on others but that is not how God’s Holy Spirit operates in our lives.
“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” Galatians 5:22
Application
I will concentrate on my shortcomings today and not worry about everybody else’s!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to judge others today. Help me to accept other believers even if they don’t agree with me on everything. Give me a servant’s heart.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, June 01, 2009
Debt of Love
Proverbs 19; Proverbs 20; Proverbs 21; Romans 13
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Romans 13
8 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.
9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.
Observation
Owe nothing to anyone …period -- except for your obligation to love him or her! Our country is going further and further into debt every day, but that doesn’t mean that you and I have to follow our government’s example. In fact, it is more reason to make sure that we don’t go any further into debt because the actions of our elected officials are doing enough damage to our families without our help.
But the point here is about loving one another not about bad debt even though it is a reminder that all debt is bad except the debt of love that we owe the people around us. Who needs my love this week? Who needs yours?
Application
I will look for someone to help this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to focus on loving people this week and not stuff. Show me who needs to be loved. Guide me to them and show me how to love them.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Proverbs 19; Proverbs 20; Proverbs 21; Romans 13
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Romans 13
8 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.
9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.
Observation
Owe nothing to anyone …period -- except for your obligation to love him or her! Our country is going further and further into debt every day, but that doesn’t mean that you and I have to follow our government’s example. In fact, it is more reason to make sure that we don’t go any further into debt because the actions of our elected officials are doing enough damage to our families without our help.
But the point here is about loving one another not about bad debt even though it is a reminder that all debt is bad except the debt of love that we owe the people around us. Who needs my love this week? Who needs yours?
Application
I will look for someone to help this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to focus on loving people this week and not stuff. Show me who needs to be loved. Guide me to them and show me how to love them.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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