Seeing Things From God’s Point of View
Job 22; Mark 7; Mark 8
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Scripture
Mark 8
14 But the disciples had forgotten to bring any food. They had only one loaf of bread with them in the boat. 15 As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.”
16 At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. 17 Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “Why are you arguing about having no bread?
Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in?
18 ‘You have eyes—can’t you see? You have ears—can’t you hear?’ Don’t you remember anything at all? 19 When I fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread, how many baskets of leftovers did you pick up afterward?” “Twelve,” they said.
20 “And when I fed the 4,000 with seven loaves, how many large baskets of leftovers did you pick up?”
“Seven,” they said.
21 “Don’t you understand yet?” he asked them.
Observation
Don’t you get it yet? When we look at things there is always two ways to look at our circumstances, from our human perspective or from God’s point of view and most of the time we look at things from our perspective and not God’s.
The disciples were arguing because they had forgotten to bring food with them, but they were sitting in the boat with the Bread of Life. Jesus had just performed the miracle of the feeding of the four thousand (and this was the second time he had fed thousands with a few fish and a few loaves of bread). He was more than able to take care of their physical hunger. He was talking to them from God’s point of view, but they just didn’t get it. They began to think about “yeast” from a human perspective. We do it all the time and I am sure that God sighs a deep sigh with us too just like Jesus I am sure with His disciples.
Seeing things from the Divine perspective should be our goal in life. Getting our eyes off of our circumstances and placing our eyes on the Lord is what we need to do today.
Application
I will work hard at thinking and looking at things from God’s point of view.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to keep my focus on You, on Your will for my life, and not on my circumstances. Give me the ability to see things for how they really are and not how I tend to see them.
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Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Give Me a Soft Tender Heart!
Job 21; Mark 5; Mark 6
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Scripture
Mark 6
45 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. 46 After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.
47 Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. 48 He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 50 They were all terrified when they saw him.
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, 52 for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.
Observation
Do you understand Who Jesus is? The disciples were amazed when Jesus walked on water, stepped into their boat and calmed the wind and the waves. They couldn’t grasp it because their hearts were too hard to take it in.
You and I need hearts that are soft and teachable, but I am afraid that our hearts are too hard just like the disciples, to hard to understand all that Jesus can do and wants to do with us, in us, and through us. Pray for a teachable heart.
Application
I will pray for a soft, tender, teachable heart. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that You give me a heart that is teachable, a heart that is sensitive so I can grasp everything that You are doing around me. Give me that kind of heart. I pray for our family today that as they wake up that they would think about You. Thank You for those that ministered to our family last night. I pray that You bless them for their kindness.
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Job 21; Mark 5; Mark 6
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Scripture
Mark 6
45 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. 46 After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.
47 Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. 48 He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 50 They were all terrified when they saw him.
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, 52 for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.
Observation
Do you understand Who Jesus is? The disciples were amazed when Jesus walked on water, stepped into their boat and calmed the wind and the waves. They couldn’t grasp it because their hearts were too hard to take it in.
You and I need hearts that are soft and teachable, but I am afraid that our hearts are too hard just like the disciples, to hard to understand all that Jesus can do and wants to do with us, in us, and through us. Pray for a teachable heart.
Application
I will pray for a soft, tender, teachable heart. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that You give me a heart that is teachable, a heart that is sensitive so I can grasp everything that You are doing around me. Give me that kind of heart. I pray for our family today that as they wake up that they would think about You. Thank You for those that ministered to our family last night. I pray that You bless them for their kindness.
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Thursday, October 29, 2009
Demons – Where Are They Today?
Job 20; Mark 3; Mark 4
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Scripture
Mark 3
9 Jesus instructed his disciples to have a boat ready so the crowd would not crush him. 10 He had healed many people that day, so all the sick people eagerly pushed forward to touch him. 11 And whenever those possessed by evil spirits caught sight of him, the spirits would throw them to the ground in front of him shrieking, “You are the Son of God!” 12 But Jesus sternly commanded the spirits not to reveal who he was.
Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles
13 Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him. 14 Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach, 15 giving them authority to cast out demons.
Observation
I believe that we have been the power to cast out the demonic, but I believe that our hearts are too hard to even recognize the demonic when we are right next to them. Demons didn’t disappear from this planet. They are still at work today. Some of those that are sick with crippling diseases could very well be demon possessed. Our problem is how do we recognize the work of Satan and his cronies. I believe our hearts need an overhaul. We need to be in tune with the Father so we can see and hear with His eyes and His ears.
Application
The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy. Lets not let him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, open my eyes to the spiritual world around me. Make me sensitive to spiritual things. Help me see the evil one at work. Give me the discernment and the wisdom to know how to pray so that the demonic will not have power over the people that I try to help.
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Job 20; Mark 3; Mark 4
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Scripture
Mark 3
9 Jesus instructed his disciples to have a boat ready so the crowd would not crush him. 10 He had healed many people that day, so all the sick people eagerly pushed forward to touch him. 11 And whenever those possessed by evil spirits caught sight of him, the spirits would throw them to the ground in front of him shrieking, “You are the Son of God!” 12 But Jesus sternly commanded the spirits not to reveal who he was.
Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles
13 Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him. 14 Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach, 15 giving them authority to cast out demons.
Observation
I believe that we have been the power to cast out the demonic, but I believe that our hearts are too hard to even recognize the demonic when we are right next to them. Demons didn’t disappear from this planet. They are still at work today. Some of those that are sick with crippling diseases could very well be demon possessed. Our problem is how do we recognize the work of Satan and his cronies. I believe our hearts need an overhaul. We need to be in tune with the Father so we can see and hear with His eyes and His ears.
Application
The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy. Lets not let him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, open my eyes to the spiritual world around me. Make me sensitive to spiritual things. Help me see the evil one at work. Give me the discernment and the wisdom to know how to pray so that the demonic will not have power over the people that I try to help.
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Wednesday, October 28, 2009
My Redeemer Lives!
Job 19; Mark 1; Mark 2
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Scripture
Job 19
25 “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
and he will stand upon the earth at last.
26 And after my body has decayed,
yet in my body I will see God!
27 I will see him for myself.
Yes, I will see him with my own eyes.
I am overwhelmed at the thought!
Observation
My Redeemer lives … do you have a Redeemer? One day I will see Him for myself. Do you have that confidence, that assurance of your salvation?
One day I will have a new body, a body that will never wear out! It is amazing that God allowed Job to understand this huge truth about eternal life. Job held onto his faith even without the help of his so called friends and somehow God showed him his future. Job didn’t have the Bible to give him strength or guidance.
What does your future look like? Do you have a Redeemer? Do you know Him by name? Is His name Jesus? Have you surrendered your life to Him?
Application
I have been redeemed for a purpose and that purpose is to spend my life sharing the Good News that Christ is the Redeemer.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my Redeemer lives and I want to thank You for saving me. Thank You for redeeming me from a life of sin and destruction. Help me share that Good News with the people that You bring into my life. I pray for wisdom today, wisdom to know how to lead. Wisdom to know the direction that You want me to walk.
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Job 19; Mark 1; Mark 2
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Scripture
Job 19
25 “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
and he will stand upon the earth at last.
26 And after my body has decayed,
yet in my body I will see God!
27 I will see him for myself.
Yes, I will see him with my own eyes.
I am overwhelmed at the thought!
Observation
My Redeemer lives … do you have a Redeemer? One day I will see Him for myself. Do you have that confidence, that assurance of your salvation?
One day I will have a new body, a body that will never wear out! It is amazing that God allowed Job to understand this huge truth about eternal life. Job held onto his faith even without the help of his so called friends and somehow God showed him his future. Job didn’t have the Bible to give him strength or guidance.
What does your future look like? Do you have a Redeemer? Do you know Him by name? Is His name Jesus? Have you surrendered your life to Him?
Application
I have been redeemed for a purpose and that purpose is to spend my life sharing the Good News that Christ is the Redeemer.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my Redeemer lives and I want to thank You for saving me. Thank You for redeeming me from a life of sin and destruction. Help me share that Good News with the people that You bring into my life. I pray for wisdom today, wisdom to know how to lead. Wisdom to know the direction that You want me to walk.
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Tuesday, October 27, 2009
“So their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear” Why don’t people understand and accept the Gospel message?
Job 18; Psalm 114; Acts 27; Acts 28
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Scripture
Acts 28
25 And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: “The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet,
26 ‘Go and say to this people:
When you hear what I say,
you will not understand.
When you see what I do,
you will not comprehend.
27 For the hearts of these people are hardened,
and their ears cannot hear,
and they have closed their eyes—
so their eyes cannot see,
and their ears cannot hear,
and their hearts cannot understand,
and they cannot turn to me
and let me heal them.’
Observation
Have you ever wondered how people can come to church and hear the Word of God preached week after week and still not believe? It puzzles me.
At Mission Tampa I see many of the same people each month. I ask them the same two questions each time I see them: 1. If you were to die today where would you spend eternity? And they usually respond to that question with the answer -“Heaven”. Then my follow up question is this, “If you were standing at Heaven’s gate and God said to you, why should I let you into my Heaven what would you say to Him? Month after month the people respond the same way with a works answer even though I had shared the Gospel with them the month before. You would have thought that they would have given me the answer that they thought that I wanted them to say, but no it is like they never ever heard the Gospel before.
I believe the key to their being able to hear the Gospel is prayer. I had a lady yesterday at Mission Tampa tell me when I asked her what she wanted me to pray with her about say to me that she wanted to be able to understand what I was sharing with her. Wow…that was so huge! God open her spiritual eyes and her spiritual ears and let her understand the Gospel message!
Application
As I share the Gospel with people I will pray that their spiritual eyes and ears be opened so they can be saved.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, at Mission Tampa we offer the people the Bread of Life. I pray that as we share with them that you open up their hearts and give them spiritual understanding so they can be saved.
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Job 18; Psalm 114; Acts 27; Acts 28
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Scripture
Acts 28
25 And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: “The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet,
26 ‘Go and say to this people:
When you hear what I say,
you will not understand.
When you see what I do,
you will not comprehend.
27 For the hearts of these people are hardened,
and their ears cannot hear,
and they have closed their eyes—
so their eyes cannot see,
and their ears cannot hear,
and their hearts cannot understand,
and they cannot turn to me
and let me heal them.’
Observation
Have you ever wondered how people can come to church and hear the Word of God preached week after week and still not believe? It puzzles me.
At Mission Tampa I see many of the same people each month. I ask them the same two questions each time I see them: 1. If you were to die today where would you spend eternity? And they usually respond to that question with the answer -“Heaven”. Then my follow up question is this, “If you were standing at Heaven’s gate and God said to you, why should I let you into my Heaven what would you say to Him? Month after month the people respond the same way with a works answer even though I had shared the Gospel with them the month before. You would have thought that they would have given me the answer that they thought that I wanted them to say, but no it is like they never ever heard the Gospel before.
I believe the key to their being able to hear the Gospel is prayer. I had a lady yesterday at Mission Tampa tell me when I asked her what she wanted me to pray with her about say to me that she wanted to be able to understand what I was sharing with her. Wow…that was so huge! God open her spiritual eyes and her spiritual ears and let her understand the Gospel message!
Application
As I share the Gospel with people I will pray that their spiritual eyes and ears be opened so they can be saved.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, at Mission Tampa we offer the people the Bread of Life. I pray that as we share with them that you open up their hearts and give them spiritual understanding so they can be saved.
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Monday, October 26, 2009
Forgiveness
Job 17; Acts 24; Acts 25; Acts 26
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Scripture
Acts 26
12 “One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests. 13 About noon, Your Majesty, as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. 14 We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.’
15 “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked.
“And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. 16 Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. You are to tell the world what you have seen and what I will show you in the future. 17 And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles 18 to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’
Observation
Only Christianity provides forgiveness for our sins other religions have no remedy for sin. Have your sins been forgiven? Only if you have turned from darkness to light, from sin and self to God, only if you have asked for Christ to save you have you received forgiveness.
Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus and his sins were forgiven. Have you met Jesus on the road of life yet? If you have not turned your life over to Christ then you are a dead man or woman walking down the road of life to an eternity of Hell.
Are you a dead man walking? Or have you repented of your sins and found life in Christ?
It is sad that King Agrippa and Festus heard Paul’s testimony but decided to reject God’s plan for salvation. As far as we know both of these men heard the Good News of God’s salvation but rejected Christ. Maybe they became believers later we will never know. Many came to Christ because Paul was a prisoner. Many soldiers and many prisoners I am sure came to Christ because of Paul’s witness during the time he was under arrest. Could you imagine being a guard 27/7 around Paul and not coming to faith in Christ?
Application
I will help people understand that they can find forgiveness in Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, guide me to people that are open to hear about Your forgiveness. Open people’s hearts today to the Gospel message as I share with them at Mission Tampa.
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Job 17; Acts 24; Acts 25; Acts 26
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Scripture
Acts 26
12 “One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests. 13 About noon, Your Majesty, as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. 14 We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.’
15 “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked.
“And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. 16 Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. You are to tell the world what you have seen and what I will show you in the future. 17 And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles 18 to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’
Observation
Only Christianity provides forgiveness for our sins other religions have no remedy for sin. Have your sins been forgiven? Only if you have turned from darkness to light, from sin and self to God, only if you have asked for Christ to save you have you received forgiveness.
Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus and his sins were forgiven. Have you met Jesus on the road of life yet? If you have not turned your life over to Christ then you are a dead man or woman walking down the road of life to an eternity of Hell.
Are you a dead man walking? Or have you repented of your sins and found life in Christ?
It is sad that King Agrippa and Festus heard Paul’s testimony but decided to reject God’s plan for salvation. As far as we know both of these men heard the Good News of God’s salvation but rejected Christ. Maybe they became believers later we will never know. Many came to Christ because Paul was a prisoner. Many soldiers and many prisoners I am sure came to Christ because of Paul’s witness during the time he was under arrest. Could you imagine being a guard 27/7 around Paul and not coming to faith in Christ?
Application
I will help people understand that they can find forgiveness in Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, guide me to people that are open to hear about Your forgiveness. Open people’s hearts today to the Gospel message as I share with them at Mission Tampa.
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Sunday, October 25, 2009
Ready to Share Your Testimony!
Job 16; Acts 21; Acts 22; Acts 23
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Scripture
Acts 22
3 Then Paul said, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today. 4 And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison. 5 The high priest and the whole council of elders can testify that this is so. For I received letters from them to our Jewish brothers in Damascus, authorizing me to bring the Christians from there to Jerusalem, in chains, to be punished.
6 “As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’
8 “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked.
“And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.’ 9 The people with me saw the light but didn’t understand the voice speaking to me.
10 “I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’
“And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.’
11 “I was blinded by the intense light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus by my companions. 12 A man named Ananias lived there. He was a godly man, deeply devoted to the law, and well regarded by all the Jews of Damascus. 13 He came and stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.’ And that very moment I could see him!
14 “Then he told me, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. 15 For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard. 16 What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.’
17 “After I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple and fell into a trance. 18 I saw a vision of Jesus saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem, for the people here won’t accept your testimony about me.’
19 “‘But Lord,’ I argued, ‘they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.’
21 “But the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!’”
Observation
Do you have a testimony? If you are a Christian then you do have a testimony and God wants us to share that testimony with everyone that we can. When was the last time you told someone how you got saved? Maybe it is something you need to do this week? Lets pray and ask God to give us a chance to share our testimonies with someone this week. People can’t argue about something that God has done in your life.
Application
I will look for someone to share my God story with this week. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me from a life of sin and destruction. I feel so sad for people that are living without You and all they have to enjoy is that old life of sin. Help me share with someone this week Your love and Your story of how much You love him or her.
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Job 16; Acts 21; Acts 22; Acts 23
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Scripture
Acts 22
3 Then Paul said, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today. 4 And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison. 5 The high priest and the whole council of elders can testify that this is so. For I received letters from them to our Jewish brothers in Damascus, authorizing me to bring the Christians from there to Jerusalem, in chains, to be punished.
6 “As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’
8 “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked.
“And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.’ 9 The people with me saw the light but didn’t understand the voice speaking to me.
10 “I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’
“And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.’
11 “I was blinded by the intense light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus by my companions. 12 A man named Ananias lived there. He was a godly man, deeply devoted to the law, and well regarded by all the Jews of Damascus. 13 He came and stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.’ And that very moment I could see him!
14 “Then he told me, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. 15 For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard. 16 What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.’
17 “After I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple and fell into a trance. 18 I saw a vision of Jesus saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem, for the people here won’t accept your testimony about me.’
19 “‘But Lord,’ I argued, ‘they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.’
21 “But the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!’”
Observation
Do you have a testimony? If you are a Christian then you do have a testimony and God wants us to share that testimony with everyone that we can. When was the last time you told someone how you got saved? Maybe it is something you need to do this week? Lets pray and ask God to give us a chance to share our testimonies with someone this week. People can’t argue about something that God has done in your life.
Application
I will look for someone to share my God story with this week. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me from a life of sin and destruction. I feel so sad for people that are living without You and all they have to enjoy is that old life of sin. Help me share with someone this week Your love and Your story of how much You love him or her.
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Saturday, October 24, 2009
What Work Has God Assigned to You?
Job 15; Acts 19; Acts 20
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Scripture
Acts 20
24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Observation
I agree with Paul that my life is worth nothing unless I finish it doing what He has assigned for me to do – the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. I don’t care ever to retire and do nothing. I want to die doing what God has called me to do.
Application
I will keep my focus on the task that God has called me to do.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, the life of the Apostle Paul is a huge encouragement to me. He never stopped doing what You called him to do even though You let him know that he would suffer persecution and trouble as he headed for Jerusalem. Give me the ability to stay true to You no matter what happens in my life. Don’t let me let You down. I want to finish my life well.
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Job 15; Acts 19; Acts 20
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Scripture
Acts 20
24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Observation
I agree with Paul that my life is worth nothing unless I finish it doing what He has assigned for me to do – the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. I don’t care ever to retire and do nothing. I want to die doing what God has called me to do.
Application
I will keep my focus on the task that God has called me to do.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, the life of the Apostle Paul is a huge encouragement to me. He never stopped doing what You called him to do even though You let him know that he would suffer persecution and trouble as he headed for Jerusalem. Give me the ability to stay true to You no matter what happens in my life. Don’t let me let You down. I want to finish my life well.
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Friday, October 23, 2009
Don’t be Afraid! Speak Out!
Job 13; Job 14; Acts 17; Acts 18
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Scripture
Acts 18
9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” 11 So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.
Observation
When you share about Jesus you don’t need to be afraid. Speak out! Don’t be silent! You wouldn’t think that the Lord would have to speak to Paul about being bold but he did. You wouldn’t think that fear would be a problem for Paul but it was. We forget that Paul and others in the Bible were men and women just like we are.
Do you need to be encouraged today to share your faith? Who needs to hear about Jesus?
Application
I will speak out about Jesus today every chance I get.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am saved and still here on this earth so that others can hear about Jesus. You could have already taken me to Heaven, but You left me here so I could be a witness for You. Give me boldness. Don’t let me be afraid to share my faith. Guide me to people that need to hear about You.
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Job 13; Job 14; Acts 17; Acts 18
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Scripture
Acts 18
9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” 11 So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.
Observation
When you share about Jesus you don’t need to be afraid. Speak out! Don’t be silent! You wouldn’t think that the Lord would have to speak to Paul about being bold but he did. You wouldn’t think that fear would be a problem for Paul but it was. We forget that Paul and others in the Bible were men and women just like we are.
Do you need to be encouraged today to share your faith? Who needs to hear about Jesus?
Application
I will speak out about Jesus today every chance I get.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am saved and still here on this earth so that others can hear about Jesus. You could have already taken me to Heaven, but You left me here so I could be a witness for You. Give me boldness. Don’t let me be afraid to share my faith. Guide me to people that need to hear about You.
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Thursday, October 22, 2009
Set Free!
Job 11; Job 12; Acts 15; Acts 16
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Scripture
Acts 16
22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.
25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”
29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.
Observation
Paul and Silas were severely beaten with wooden rods. I guess that would be like getting hit with baseball bats. Then they were thrown in jail. After be severely beaten and thrown into the darkest part of the jail Paul and Silas began to sing hymns and pray to God at around midnight. The other prisoners were listening.
Then God caused a massive earthquake to set the prisoners free; no He sent the mighty earthquake to set the jailer free. You see even though the gates on the prison were opened not one of the prisoners escaped. The earthquake and how Paul and Silas controlled the situation made the jailer realize that he was standing on holy ground and he fell on his knees at Paul and Silas’ feet and cried out, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
This jailer thought that his world had come to an end when he saw the gates and the doors of the jail all open, but then when he realized that no one dared go out the gates (because they must have known that God was at work) then he realized that God had caused all of this. Paul’s answer to the jailer is the answer for everyone that is seeking a relationship with God.
“Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved…”
That night the jailer and his entire family were set free by a couple of prisoners. It is an incredible story. It shows you the heart of God. God wants to set us all free. You can have true freedom even if you are behind bars and are being held prisoner if you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Many of those guarding prisoners in our jails and prisons don’t have the freedom that some of the inmates have. If you don’t have Jesus in your life as Lord and Savior then you are a prisoner to sin. If you have Christ as Lord of your life then you have been set free no matter where you are.
Application
I will continue to share the Gospel so people can be set free.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for those that are in bondage to sin that they be set free. Give me the chance to share the Good News with someone today. I pray for Kathy’s niece that needs Your healing touch. I pray for others that are depending on you. I pray for one very close to me that is trapped in sin. I pray Lord that You set him free.
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Job 11; Job 12; Acts 15; Acts 16
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Scripture
Acts 16
22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.
25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”
29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.
Observation
Paul and Silas were severely beaten with wooden rods. I guess that would be like getting hit with baseball bats. Then they were thrown in jail. After be severely beaten and thrown into the darkest part of the jail Paul and Silas began to sing hymns and pray to God at around midnight. The other prisoners were listening.
Then God caused a massive earthquake to set the prisoners free; no He sent the mighty earthquake to set the jailer free. You see even though the gates on the prison were opened not one of the prisoners escaped. The earthquake and how Paul and Silas controlled the situation made the jailer realize that he was standing on holy ground and he fell on his knees at Paul and Silas’ feet and cried out, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
This jailer thought that his world had come to an end when he saw the gates and the doors of the jail all open, but then when he realized that no one dared go out the gates (because they must have known that God was at work) then he realized that God had caused all of this. Paul’s answer to the jailer is the answer for everyone that is seeking a relationship with God.
“Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved…”
That night the jailer and his entire family were set free by a couple of prisoners. It is an incredible story. It shows you the heart of God. God wants to set us all free. You can have true freedom even if you are behind bars and are being held prisoner if you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Many of those guarding prisoners in our jails and prisons don’t have the freedom that some of the inmates have. If you don’t have Jesus in your life as Lord and Savior then you are a prisoner to sin. If you have Christ as Lord of your life then you have been set free no matter where you are.
Application
I will continue to share the Gospel so people can be set free.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for those that are in bondage to sin that they be set free. Give me the chance to share the Good News with someone today. I pray for Kathy’s niece that needs Your healing touch. I pray for others that are depending on you. I pray for one very close to me that is trapped in sin. I pray Lord that You set him free.
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Wednesday, October 21, 2009
If Only There was a Mediator Between God and Us … There is and His Name is “Jesus”
Job 9; Job 10; Acts 13; Acts 14
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Scripture
Job 9
32 “God is not a mortal like me,
so I cannot argue with him or take him to trial.
33 If only there were a mediator between us,
someone who could bring us together.
34 The mediator could make God stop beating me,
and I would no longer live in terror of his punishment.
35 Then I could speak to him without fear,
but I cannot do that in my own strength.
Observation
Job was crying out and asking for a mediator not knowing that God had a Mediator on His way to planet earth! Job is the oldest book in the Bible. Job didn’t have a Bible to guide him like we have today. Today we can read all about this Mediator that Job cried out for. Today we can put our faith and our trust in God’s One and Only Mediator Jesus Christ.
For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 1 Timothy 2:5
4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time. 1 Timothy 2:4-6
You and I have Someone that is on our side Someone that bridges the gap between us and God, the man Christ Jesus. He gave Himself as a ransom for all men!
Application
I will share this Good News with everyone I can.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for providing a Mediator between You and us. Thank You for giving Jesus as a ransom for me. It is very Good News. Thank You for letting me live when a complete Bible was available and thank You for letting me be born in a country where there is freedom to read Your Word. I am blessed and I know it and I know that I don’t deserve it. Help me to be a bridge to help someone else learn about Your Good News for them.
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Job 9; Job 10; Acts 13; Acts 14
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Scripture
Job 9
32 “God is not a mortal like me,
so I cannot argue with him or take him to trial.
33 If only there were a mediator between us,
someone who could bring us together.
34 The mediator could make God stop beating me,
and I would no longer live in terror of his punishment.
35 Then I could speak to him without fear,
but I cannot do that in my own strength.
Observation
Job was crying out and asking for a mediator not knowing that God had a Mediator on His way to planet earth! Job is the oldest book in the Bible. Job didn’t have a Bible to guide him like we have today. Today we can read all about this Mediator that Job cried out for. Today we can put our faith and our trust in God’s One and Only Mediator Jesus Christ.
For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 1 Timothy 2:5
4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time. 1 Timothy 2:4-6
You and I have Someone that is on our side Someone that bridges the gap between us and God, the man Christ Jesus. He gave Himself as a ransom for all men!
Application
I will share this Good News with everyone I can.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for providing a Mediator between You and us. Thank You for giving Jesus as a ransom for me. It is very Good News. Thank You for letting me live when a complete Bible was available and thank You for letting me be born in a country where there is freedom to read Your Word. I am blessed and I know it and I know that I don’t deserve it. Help me to be a bridge to help someone else learn about Your Good News for them.
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009
God Answers Prayer!
Job 6; Job 7; Job 8; Acts 12
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Scripture
Acts 12
1 About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. 2 He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword. 3 When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration.) 4 Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. 5 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
Peter’s Miraculous Escape from Prison
6 The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. 7 Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered.
9 So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening. 10 They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.
11 Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!”
12 When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer. 13 He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!”
15 “You’re out of your mind!” they said. When she insisted, they decided, “It must be his angel.”
16 Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. 17 He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers what happened,” he said. And then he went to another place.
Observation
If men had written the Bible on their own without God they would have left many parts of the Bible out. God wrote the Bible and it is obvious by the details that He deliberately includes. Here we find that Herod had killed James. There is no mention of him being in prison nor is there is any mention of the church praying for him. It seems that the death of James must have been done very quickly. Herod saw how the death of James pleased the Jews so he decided to kill Peter also.
This time he made the fatal mistake of putting Peter in prison and the church went to prayer for Peter. I think it is funny that as the church is having a prayer meeting for Peter that Peter knocks on the door of the house to tell them that their prayers have been answered, but they can’t believe that it is actually Peter. Only God would include this in scripture, men would have left that part out.
God’s plan for Peter was not going to end just because Herod had placed in him a prison. It didn’t matter how many soldiers were guarding him it could have been a million and they still could not have kept Peter in that jail cell. He was coming out no matter what!
God’s hand was on Peter and nothing was going to happen to Peter that God didn’t allow.
It is the same today! Nothing is going to happen to you if you are in the center of God’s will unless it first passes through the Hands of Your Heavenly Father. There is no safer place to be than in the center of God’s will.
I think James was in the center of God’s will and God used him as a martyr. He will receive a martyr’s reward. Peter was also later martyred as well as almost all of Jesus’ disciples with the exception of the Apostle John. Even Paul was probably martyred.
Application
I will not fear. What can mere man do to me? I will trust in the Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in old age our biggest temptation is fear. At least that is what Adrian Rodgers said and I tend to agree. We know that bad things do happen and we know that bad things are going to happen, but You tell us not to be afraid. I will hold on to this verse that Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.” I know that trouble is coming, help me not to be afraid. Help me put my trust in You. Help me to trust You today with all my heart! Help me to stay in the center of Your will.
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Job 6; Job 7; Job 8; Acts 12
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Scripture
Acts 12
1 About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. 2 He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword. 3 When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration.) 4 Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. 5 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
Peter’s Miraculous Escape from Prison
6 The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. 7 Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered.
9 So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening. 10 They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.
11 Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!”
12 When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer. 13 He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!”
15 “You’re out of your mind!” they said. When she insisted, they decided, “It must be his angel.”
16 Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. 17 He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers what happened,” he said. And then he went to another place.
Observation
If men had written the Bible on their own without God they would have left many parts of the Bible out. God wrote the Bible and it is obvious by the details that He deliberately includes. Here we find that Herod had killed James. There is no mention of him being in prison nor is there is any mention of the church praying for him. It seems that the death of James must have been done very quickly. Herod saw how the death of James pleased the Jews so he decided to kill Peter also.
This time he made the fatal mistake of putting Peter in prison and the church went to prayer for Peter. I think it is funny that as the church is having a prayer meeting for Peter that Peter knocks on the door of the house to tell them that their prayers have been answered, but they can’t believe that it is actually Peter. Only God would include this in scripture, men would have left that part out.
God’s plan for Peter was not going to end just because Herod had placed in him a prison. It didn’t matter how many soldiers were guarding him it could have been a million and they still could not have kept Peter in that jail cell. He was coming out no matter what!
God’s hand was on Peter and nothing was going to happen to Peter that God didn’t allow.
It is the same today! Nothing is going to happen to you if you are in the center of God’s will unless it first passes through the Hands of Your Heavenly Father. There is no safer place to be than in the center of God’s will.
I think James was in the center of God’s will and God used him as a martyr. He will receive a martyr’s reward. Peter was also later martyred as well as almost all of Jesus’ disciples with the exception of the Apostle John. Even Paul was probably martyred.
Application
I will not fear. What can mere man do to me? I will trust in the Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, in old age our biggest temptation is fear. At least that is what Adrian Rodgers said and I tend to agree. We know that bad things do happen and we know that bad things are going to happen, but You tell us not to be afraid. I will hold on to this verse that Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.” I know that trouble is coming, help me not to be afraid. Help me put my trust in You. Help me to trust You today with all my heart! Help me to stay in the center of Your will.
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Monday, October 19, 2009
My Heart is Confident!
Job 5; Psalm 108; Acts 10; Acts 11
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Scripture
Psalm 108
1 My heart is confident in you, O God;
no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!
2 Wake up, lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song.
3 I will thank you, LORD, among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
4 For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth.
Observation
Are you singing praises to God this morning? If not maybe it is a sign of a lack of confidence in Him. Of course, it could just be that it is Monday too! I wonder if David ever experience Monday mornings like we do… probably not!
He was cranking out the praises the day he wrote this Psalm. We can do the same thing today. The choice is ours. And it will be easy if our confidence is in the Lord!
Application
I will praise Him today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love Your Word. Thank you for giving me this Psalm on a Monday morning! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! You are worthy to be praised!
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Job 5; Psalm 108; Acts 10; Acts 11
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Scripture
Psalm 108
1 My heart is confident in you, O God;
no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!
2 Wake up, lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song.
3 I will thank you, LORD, among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
4 For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth.
Observation
Are you singing praises to God this morning? If not maybe it is a sign of a lack of confidence in Him. Of course, it could just be that it is Monday too! I wonder if David ever experience Monday mornings like we do… probably not!
He was cranking out the praises the day he wrote this Psalm. We can do the same thing today. The choice is ours. And it will be easy if our confidence is in the Lord!
Application
I will praise Him today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love Your Word. Thank you for giving me this Psalm on a Monday morning! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! You are worthy to be praised!
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Sunday, October 18, 2009
Jesus Christ heals you! Get up!
Job 3; Job 4; Acts 8; Acts 9
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Scripture
Acts 9
32 Meanwhile, Peter traveled from place to place, and he came down to visit the believers in the town of Lydda. 33 There he met a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. 34 Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up, and roll up your sleeping mat!” And he was healed instantly. 35 Then the whole population of Lydda and Sharon saw Aeneas walking around, and they turned to the Lord.
Observation
It must have been very exciting for the people of Lydda and Sharon. They saw Aeneas walking around and the entire towns got saved. They all turned to the Lord. I would love to say to someone, “Jesus Christ heals you! Get up, and make your bed!” I would love to say that to someone and then watch him or her get up completely healed.
Jesus has not changed. He still heals. And I will not give on praying for him to heal those that need his touch.
Application
I will continue to pray for my two nephews and my niece that need God’s healing. I will not give up.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I do pray for those that are sick and I pray specifically for my nephew Jonathan and my nephew Bobby Bear and our niece Shelly. I pray for their healing. Nothing is too hard for you.
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Job 3; Job 4; Acts 8; Acts 9
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Scripture
Acts 9
32 Meanwhile, Peter traveled from place to place, and he came down to visit the believers in the town of Lydda. 33 There he met a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. 34 Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up, and roll up your sleeping mat!” And he was healed instantly. 35 Then the whole population of Lydda and Sharon saw Aeneas walking around, and they turned to the Lord.
Observation
It must have been very exciting for the people of Lydda and Sharon. They saw Aeneas walking around and the entire towns got saved. They all turned to the Lord. I would love to say to someone, “Jesus Christ heals you! Get up, and make your bed!” I would love to say that to someone and then watch him or her get up completely healed.
Jesus has not changed. He still heals. And I will not give on praying for him to heal those that need his touch.
Application
I will continue to pray for my two nephews and my niece that need God’s healing. I will not give up.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I do pray for those that are sick and I pray specifically for my nephew Jonathan and my nephew Bobby Bear and our niece Shelly. I pray for their healing. Nothing is too hard for you.
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Saturday, October 17, 2009
Heaven is a Very Real Place!
Job 1; Job 2; Acts 6; Acts 7
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Scripture
Job 1
6 One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. 7 “Where have you come from?” the LORD asked Satan.
Satan answered the LORD, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.”
8 Then the LORD asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job?
20 Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship.
21 He said,
“I came naked from my mother’s womb,
and I will be naked when I leave.
The LORD gave me what I had,
and the LORD has taken it away.
Praise the name of the LORD!”
Acts 7
48 However, the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands. As the prophet says,
49 ‘Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
Could you build me a temple as good as that?’
asks the LORD.
‘Could you build me such a resting place?
50 Didn’t my hands make both heaven and earth?’
55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand.
56 And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”
Observation
Have you ever asked God to let you see Heaven? I have but so far He has not said yes to that request. And it is probably better for me that I haven’t had the chance to look into Heaven. Every person in scripture that has had that opportunity went through terrible trials first, Job, John, Stephen, and Paul are just a few examples. So maybe it is best if that request gets put on the back burner for a while.
Heaven is a very real place. Jesus said to his disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them (and us) and He would return again to take us to that place! It took God only 6 days to create all of creation but He has been working on our eternal home a lot longer than that … that’s how I know that it is going to be out of this world … way better than we could ever imagine or think!
Application
Acts 7:38 “Moses was with our ancestors, the assembly of God’s people in the wilderness, when the angel spoke to him at Mount Sinai. And there Moses received life-giving words to pass on to us.”
I have been given life-giving words (just like Moses received from the angel) to pass on to others and that is what I plan to do!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for a glimpse of Heaven this morning. Thank You for seeing through Your word this morning how much You love us. I look forward to seeing Heaven. Guide me to someone that needs to hear about You and about Your plan. Help me glorify You with my life today.
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Job 1; Job 2; Acts 6; Acts 7
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Scripture
Job 1
6 One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. 7 “Where have you come from?” the LORD asked Satan.
Satan answered the LORD, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.”
8 Then the LORD asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job?
20 Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship.
21 He said,
“I came naked from my mother’s womb,
and I will be naked when I leave.
The LORD gave me what I had,
and the LORD has taken it away.
Praise the name of the LORD!”
Acts 7
48 However, the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands. As the prophet says,
49 ‘Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
Could you build me a temple as good as that?’
asks the LORD.
‘Could you build me such a resting place?
50 Didn’t my hands make both heaven and earth?’
55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand.
56 And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”
Observation
Have you ever asked God to let you see Heaven? I have but so far He has not said yes to that request. And it is probably better for me that I haven’t had the chance to look into Heaven. Every person in scripture that has had that opportunity went through terrible trials first, Job, John, Stephen, and Paul are just a few examples. So maybe it is best if that request gets put on the back burner for a while.
Heaven is a very real place. Jesus said to his disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them (and us) and He would return again to take us to that place! It took God only 6 days to create all of creation but He has been working on our eternal home a lot longer than that … that’s how I know that it is going to be out of this world … way better than we could ever imagine or think!
Application
Acts 7:38 “Moses was with our ancestors, the assembly of God’s people in the wilderness, when the angel spoke to him at Mount Sinai. And there Moses received life-giving words to pass on to us.”
I have been given life-giving words (just like Moses received from the angel) to pass on to others and that is what I plan to do!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for a glimpse of Heaven this morning. Thank You for seeing through Your word this morning how much You love us. I look forward to seeing Heaven. Guide me to someone that needs to hear about You and about Your plan. Help me glorify You with my life today.
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Friday, October 16, 2009
Put God to the Test!
Malachi 3; Malachi 4; Psalm 148; Acts 5
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Scripture
Malachi 3
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!
Observation
This is the only place in scripture I think where God says, “Put Me to the test!” God says to us today that if we will give to Him what belongs to Him then He will bless us more than we can even imagine! And He says, “Just try it, put Me to the test!”
How about this verse in Luke:
If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you." Luke 6:38
Application
I will trust Him by giving Him more. I will look for where He wants me to give more.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we cannot out give You …period…end of story. Help me give more and more away and spend less and less on myself.
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Malachi 3; Malachi 4; Psalm 148; Acts 5
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Malachi 3
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!
Observation
This is the only place in scripture I think where God says, “Put Me to the test!” God says to us today that if we will give to Him what belongs to Him then He will bless us more than we can even imagine! And He says, “Just try it, put Me to the test!”
How about this verse in Luke:
If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you." Luke 6:38
Application
I will trust Him by giving Him more. I will look for where He wants me to give more.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we cannot out give You …period…end of story. Help me give more and more away and spend less and less on myself.
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Thursday, October 15, 2009
There is salvation in no one else!
Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1; Malachi 2; Acts 4
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Scripture
Acts 4
12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
Observation
When I talk to most people and ask them this question if you were standing at Heaven’s gate and God asked you, “Why should I let you into My Heaven what would you say?” They almost all say, “Oh I would tell Him that He should let me in because I am a good person or some say because I have done more good things than bad things.” What they are saying is that they are going to save themselves, but there is no mention most of the time in the person’s response to that question of knowing and having a personal relationship with Jesus.
And without a personal relationship with Jesus, if Jesus is not Lord and Savior of your life, if you have never surrendered your life to Him and turned from sin and self, then you do not have salvation. You are lost and going to a place of eternal separation and torment a place the Bible calls Hell.
Time is short and Hell is hot! And Jesus is the only way to Heaven. There are not many ways. There is only one way to be saved and that way is Jesus. Do you know Him? Is He your Lord and your Savior?
Application
I will share the Good News of Acts 4 every chance I get!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, people hear the Gospel and yet they don’t hear it. People at church hear the Gospel preached but they don’t really hear it. Give spiritual understanding to those at our church who think that they are going to Heaven by doing good works. Show them their need for a Savior. Open their eyes so that they can see Jesus!
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Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1; Malachi 2; Acts 4
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Acts 4
12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
Observation
When I talk to most people and ask them this question if you were standing at Heaven’s gate and God asked you, “Why should I let you into My Heaven what would you say?” They almost all say, “Oh I would tell Him that He should let me in because I am a good person or some say because I have done more good things than bad things.” What they are saying is that they are going to save themselves, but there is no mention most of the time in the person’s response to that question of knowing and having a personal relationship with Jesus.
And without a personal relationship with Jesus, if Jesus is not Lord and Savior of your life, if you have never surrendered your life to Him and turned from sin and self, then you do not have salvation. You are lost and going to a place of eternal separation and torment a place the Bible calls Hell.
Time is short and Hell is hot! And Jesus is the only way to Heaven. There are not many ways. There is only one way to be saved and that way is Jesus. Do you know Him? Is He your Lord and your Savior?
Application
I will share the Good News of Acts 4 every chance I get!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, people hear the Gospel and yet they don’t hear it. People at church hear the Gospel preached but they don’t really hear it. Give spiritual understanding to those at our church who think that they are going to Heaven by doing good works. Show them their need for a Savior. Open their eyes so that they can see Jesus!
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009
In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”
Nehemiah 11; Nehemiah 12; Psalm 1; Acts 3
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Scripture
Acts 3
Peter Heals a Crippled Beggar
Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.
4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”
7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.
9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! 11 They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John.
Observation
There is Power in the Name Jesus! Christ lives in us the Hope of Glory! We have, as Christians, what the people around us need. The scripture says that Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up.
There it is…that is our job…taking people by the hand and lifting them up! In the name of Jesus get up and walk! Can you feel the excitement? The man jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.
We sit, we soak, and we sour unless we serve!
Application
I will take time this week to give someone a hand in the name of Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me wisdom to lead our church to be a church that serves. I pray that You give us the ability to organize our church so it is effective in seeing people come to You and seeing their lives be transformed by Your healing power. I pray for our church to become a more vibrant church in the days ahead.
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Nehemiah 11; Nehemiah 12; Psalm 1; Acts 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Acts 3
Peter Heals a Crippled Beggar
Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.
4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”
7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.
9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! 11 They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John.
Observation
There is Power in the Name Jesus! Christ lives in us the Hope of Glory! We have, as Christians, what the people around us need. The scripture says that Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up.
There it is…that is our job…taking people by the hand and lifting them up! In the name of Jesus get up and walk! Can you feel the excitement? The man jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.
We sit, we soak, and we sour unless we serve!
Application
I will take time this week to give someone a hand in the name of Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me wisdom to lead our church to be a church that serves. I pray that You give us the ability to organize our church so it is effective in seeing people come to You and seeing their lives be transformed by Your healing power. I pray for our church to become a more vibrant church in the days ahead.
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
I Will Not Be Shaken!
Nehemiah 9; Nehemiah 10; Acts 2
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Scripture
Acts 2
“I see that the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.”
Psalm 16:1-11
A psalm of David.
Keep me safe, O God,
for I have come to you for refuge.
[2] I said to the Lord, "You are my Master!
All the good things I have are from you."
[3] The godly people in the land
are my true heroes!
I take pleasure in them!
[4] Those who chase after other gods will be filled with sorrow.
I will not take part in their sacrifices
or even speak the names of their gods.
[5] Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
You guard all that is mine.
[6] The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
What a wonderful inheritance!
[7] I will bless the Lord who guides me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
[8] I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
[9] No wonder my heart is filled with joy,
and my mouth shouts his praises!
My body rests in safety.
[10] For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your godly one to rot in the grave.
[11] You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Observation
Peter is using Psalm 16 as he preaches and it is amazing that he is quoting it from memory. He is pointing out that David talked about Jesus, about His resurrection (see verse 10 of Psalm 16) and quoting Joel’s preaching about the coming of the Holy Spirit.
I think Psalm 16:8 was written for me today. “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.”
Application
I will trust my God today. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I agree with David when he said, "The godly people in the land
are my true heroes"! I take pleasure in them! They are my heroes. And I will take pleasure in them. I take pleasure in Your word today. I take pleasure in Your promises. I will not be shaken.
Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.
The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises! My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your godly one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Amen.
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Nehemiah 9; Nehemiah 10; Acts 2
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Acts 2
“I see that the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.”
Psalm 16:1-11
A psalm of David.
Keep me safe, O God,
for I have come to you for refuge.
[2] I said to the Lord, "You are my Master!
All the good things I have are from you."
[3] The godly people in the land
are my true heroes!
I take pleasure in them!
[4] Those who chase after other gods will be filled with sorrow.
I will not take part in their sacrifices
or even speak the names of their gods.
[5] Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
You guard all that is mine.
[6] The land you have given me is a pleasant land.
What a wonderful inheritance!
[7] I will bless the Lord who guides me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
[8] I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
[9] No wonder my heart is filled with joy,
and my mouth shouts his praises!
My body rests in safety.
[10] For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your godly one to rot in the grave.
[11] You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Observation
Peter is using Psalm 16 as he preaches and it is amazing that he is quoting it from memory. He is pointing out that David talked about Jesus, about His resurrection (see verse 10 of Psalm 16) and quoting Joel’s preaching about the coming of the Holy Spirit.
I think Psalm 16:8 was written for me today. “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.”
Application
I will trust my God today. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I agree with David when he said, "The godly people in the land
are my true heroes"! I take pleasure in them! They are my heroes. And I will take pleasure in them. I take pleasure in Your word today. I take pleasure in Your promises. I will not be shaken.
Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.
The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises! My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your godly one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Amen.
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Monday, October 12, 2009
Joy! Do You Have It?
Nehemiah 7; Nehemiah 8; Acts 1
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Scripture
“… For the joy of the LORD is your strength!”
Observation
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Psalm 28:7
Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Psalm 66:1
Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob! Psalm 81:1
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Proverbs 15:30
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16
Application
Happiness comes and goes, but joy for the Christian is something that can sustain us through life’s most difficult situations. The “joy” of the Lord is my strength! Is that true for you?
I will meditate on Psalm 90:14 today. He is my strength!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I will shout with joy to You this morning because You are my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in You, and I am helped. My heart leaps for you and I will give thanks to You in song. Satisfy me in the morning with Your unfailing love, that I may sing for joy and be glad all my days.
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Nehemiah 7; Nehemiah 8; Acts 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
“… For the joy of the LORD is your strength!”
Observation
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Psalm 28:7
Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Psalm 66:1
Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob! Psalm 81:1
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Proverbs 15:30
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16
Application
Happiness comes and goes, but joy for the Christian is something that can sustain us through life’s most difficult situations. The “joy” of the Lord is my strength! Is that true for you?
I will meditate on Psalm 90:14 today. He is my strength!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I will shout with joy to You this morning because You are my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in You, and I am helped. My heart leaps for you and I will give thanks to You in song. Satisfy me in the morning with Your unfailing love, that I may sing for joy and be glad all my days.
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Sunday, October 11, 2009
Weighed Down Today and Need a Lift?
Nehemiah 5; Nehemiah 6; Psalm 146; Luke 24
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Scripture
Psalm 146
8 “…The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down.”
Observation
Maybe you have found yourself weighed down and can’t seem to get picked back up if that describes you then I have just the answer. Read Psalm 146 today.
The Lord is the lifter of my head … how about yours? He will lift me up today. If you need a lift today then may I suggest that you go to the one that specializes in removing that weighed down feeling!
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Psalm 3:3
But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Application
The past couple of weeks have been tough and because of trying to help other people with their struggles and problems Kathy and I have been weighed down. It is overwhelming because we can’t fix other people’s problems only God can do it. And we are not God. But we are called by God to be there for them trying to steer them to where they can get help to the One that can lift them up and that can work miracles. So I come today to the One (and only One) that can lift me up.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the lifter up of my head. Thank You for lifting my head when I am weighed down. You are my Hope. You are my Savior. My trust is in You. I pray for miracles in the lives of those that are struggling. May they turn their hearts towards You. May they trust in You so you can lift them up. I pray that You be glorified today in our worship. I pray that You would be able to work powerfully in the lives of our people today. Nothing is too hard for You.
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Nehemiah 5; Nehemiah 6; Psalm 146; Luke 24
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 146
8 “…The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down.”
Observation
Maybe you have found yourself weighed down and can’t seem to get picked back up if that describes you then I have just the answer. Read Psalm 146 today.
The Lord is the lifter of my head … how about yours? He will lift me up today. If you need a lift today then may I suggest that you go to the one that specializes in removing that weighed down feeling!
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Psalm 3:3
But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Application
The past couple of weeks have been tough and because of trying to help other people with their struggles and problems Kathy and I have been weighed down. It is overwhelming because we can’t fix other people’s problems only God can do it. And we are not God. But we are called by God to be there for them trying to steer them to where they can get help to the One that can lift them up and that can work miracles. So I come today to the One (and only One) that can lift me up.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the lifter up of my head. Thank You for lifting my head when I am weighed down. You are my Hope. You are my Savior. My trust is in You. I pray for miracles in the lives of those that are struggling. May they turn their hearts towards You. May they trust in You so you can lift them up. I pray that You be glorified today in our worship. I pray that You would be able to work powerfully in the lives of our people today. Nothing is too hard for You.
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Saturday, October 10, 2009
Today you will be with me in Paradise!
Nehemiah 3; Nehemiah 4; Luke 23
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Scripture
Luke 23
32 Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. 33 When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.
34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.
35 The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. 37 They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 A sign was fastened to the cross above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”
39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Observation
Paradise … Where do you think Paradise will be? I know the answer. Where ever Jesus is that is where paradise is!
Why did this criminal get to go to paradise and the other criminal on the other side of Christ obviously did not? What was the difference? What happened? What needs to happen in your heart for you to be able to go to paradise? Let’s look at the thief’s response to the other thief’s words about Jesus.
First he asks the other thief, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” This thief realized that he was nailed to a cross next to the Messiah. He realized that he was sinful and deserved death. Then he called out to Jesus for forgiveness.
This thief did just what you and I must do to be saved. We must admit that we are sinners. We must believe that Jesus can save us. And we must ask Him to save us from our sins.
It doesn’t matter to me where paradise is located. It could be here or on a new earth; it could be anywhere and I don’t really care. As long as I am with Jesus it will be paradise. It will be better than we can even imagine or think and that is one thing that I know for certain.
Application
Most people will not get the opportunity that this thief received to accept Christ at the time of death. The time is now to preach the Word. I will look for every opportunity to share Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me share with everyone the Good News of Jesus. I pray for folks that are struggling with sin. I pray that they will turn to Jesus and I pray that they will turn away from sin.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Nehemiah 3; Nehemiah 4; Luke 23
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 23
32 Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. 33 When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.
34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.
35 The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. 37 They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 A sign was fastened to the cross above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”
39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Observation
Paradise … Where do you think Paradise will be? I know the answer. Where ever Jesus is that is where paradise is!
Why did this criminal get to go to paradise and the other criminal on the other side of Christ obviously did not? What was the difference? What happened? What needs to happen in your heart for you to be able to go to paradise? Let’s look at the thief’s response to the other thief’s words about Jesus.
First he asks the other thief, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” This thief realized that he was nailed to a cross next to the Messiah. He realized that he was sinful and deserved death. Then he called out to Jesus for forgiveness.
This thief did just what you and I must do to be saved. We must admit that we are sinners. We must believe that Jesus can save us. And we must ask Him to save us from our sins.
It doesn’t matter to me where paradise is located. It could be here or on a new earth; it could be anywhere and I don’t really care. As long as I am with Jesus it will be paradise. It will be better than we can even imagine or think and that is one thing that I know for certain.
Application
Most people will not get the opportunity that this thief received to accept Christ at the time of death. The time is now to preach the Word. I will look for every opportunity to share Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me share with everyone the Good News of Jesus. I pray for folks that are struggling with sin. I pray that they will turn to Jesus and I pray that they will turn away from sin.
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Friday, October 09, 2009
“Lord, should we fight? We brought the swords!”
Nehemiah 1; Nehemiah 2; Psalm 133; Luke 22
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Scripture
Luke 22
47 But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. 48 But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”
49 When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed, “Lord, should we fight? We brought the swords!” 50 And one of them struck at the high priest’s slave, slashing off his right ear.
51 But Jesus said, “No more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.
52 Then Jesus spoke to the leading priests, the captains of the Temple guard, and the elders who had come for him. “Am I some dangerous revolutionary,” he asked, “that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me?
53 Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there every day. But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns.”
Observation
I remember from reading in John about the arrest of Jesus that a cohort of soldiers came with the religious leaders to arrest Jesus. They came armed with swords and clubs ready for anything. I remember from the John 18 passage that when Jesus asked the soldiers and Jewish leaders whom they were seeking and He told them that He was Jesus (the person that they were seeking) and the scriptures say that all of the soldiers and religious leaders fell backwards to the ground. They fell to the ground just at the sound of His voice. A cohort of soldiers, 300 to 600 soldiers, fell to the ground and then maybe while they were just getting back to their feet the disciples asked one of the craziest questions and evidently before Jesus could answer one of them did one of the dumbest things imaginable he cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant.
As that ear was falling to the ground do you think Simon Peter felt like someone in one of those Southwest Airlines commercials when after doing something stupid you would hear, “You want to get away?” I think after Peter saw the ear on the ground and looked up at the swords pointed at him, I believe that it was at that moment that it sunk in that he should have waited for an answer about using the two small little swords that the disciples had with them.
I love the story. Jesus reaches down picks up the slashed off ear and then puts it back on the head of the high priest servant completely restored. It was probably at that moment that at least some of the soldiers realized that they were in the presence of Someone far greater and far more powerful than they were. Can you feel the emotion of that moment?
Jesus could have destroyed that cohort of soldiers and all of the Jewish leaders, but He chose not to do that because it was the Father’s will that He suffer for you and for me on the cross. It was the way to the cross.
So when He said, “No more of this,” what He was saying was lets get on with this because it is the way to the cross.
This is one of my favorite Bible passages especially as it is told in John 18 because it shows that Jesus was and is completely in control.
Application
I need to hear God’s voice before I jump out there and do something, because I am liable to do something stupid.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to hear Your voice. Help me to wait on You. Give me a heart that wants to obey You. I love Your Word. I loved reading about Nehemiah and what an example of obedience his life demonstrates for me. Don’t let me do stupid stuff today. Guide me and protect me from sin. I pray for my family today. I pray that they would think about You as they go through their day.
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Nehemiah 1; Nehemiah 2; Psalm 133; Luke 22
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 22
47 But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. 48 But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”
49 When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed, “Lord, should we fight? We brought the swords!” 50 And one of them struck at the high priest’s slave, slashing off his right ear.
51 But Jesus said, “No more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.
52 Then Jesus spoke to the leading priests, the captains of the Temple guard, and the elders who had come for him. “Am I some dangerous revolutionary,” he asked, “that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me?
53 Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there every day. But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns.”
Observation
I remember from reading in John about the arrest of Jesus that a cohort of soldiers came with the religious leaders to arrest Jesus. They came armed with swords and clubs ready for anything. I remember from the John 18 passage that when Jesus asked the soldiers and Jewish leaders whom they were seeking and He told them that He was Jesus (the person that they were seeking) and the scriptures say that all of the soldiers and religious leaders fell backwards to the ground. They fell to the ground just at the sound of His voice. A cohort of soldiers, 300 to 600 soldiers, fell to the ground and then maybe while they were just getting back to their feet the disciples asked one of the craziest questions and evidently before Jesus could answer one of them did one of the dumbest things imaginable he cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant.
As that ear was falling to the ground do you think Simon Peter felt like someone in one of those Southwest Airlines commercials when after doing something stupid you would hear, “You want to get away?” I think after Peter saw the ear on the ground and looked up at the swords pointed at him, I believe that it was at that moment that it sunk in that he should have waited for an answer about using the two small little swords that the disciples had with them.
I love the story. Jesus reaches down picks up the slashed off ear and then puts it back on the head of the high priest servant completely restored. It was probably at that moment that at least some of the soldiers realized that they were in the presence of Someone far greater and far more powerful than they were. Can you feel the emotion of that moment?
Jesus could have destroyed that cohort of soldiers and all of the Jewish leaders, but He chose not to do that because it was the Father’s will that He suffer for you and for me on the cross. It was the way to the cross.
So when He said, “No more of this,” what He was saying was lets get on with this because it is the way to the cross.
This is one of my favorite Bible passages especially as it is told in John 18 because it shows that Jesus was and is completely in control.
Application
I need to hear God’s voice before I jump out there and do something, because I am liable to do something stupid.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to hear Your voice. Help me to wait on You. Give me a heart that wants to obey You. I love Your Word. I loved reading about Nehemiah and what an example of obedience his life demonstrates for me. Don’t let me do stupid stuff today. Guide me and protect me from sin. I pray for my family today. I pray that they would think about You as they go through their day.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Giving … How Much Are We Holding Back?
Ezra 9; Ezra 10; Psalm 131; Luke 21
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Scripture
Luke 21
The Widow’s Offering
1 While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. 2 Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.
3 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them.
4 For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”
Observation
Two coins … how could that be more than what the rich gave that day at the Temple when Jesus watched as people gave their offerings. Two small coins were all that the widow had and when she dropped them into the collection box she was left with nothing … or was she left with nothing?
No, actually she left the Temple as the richest person that day. I can only imagine what those two small coins earned in interest that day. Giving God everything … Wow … now that is a thought. How much of what you have do you spend on yourself? How much of what God blesses me with do I spend on my own desires?
The more I spend on myself the poorer I become. Jesus has a word for people that spend everything on themselves and are poor towards God and that word is “FOOL”.
This is an amazing story told by Jesus in less than one hundred words. Yet this story challenges us down to the very core of who we are.
Are you more like the widow in this story or more like the rich people that dropped in a tiny part of their surplus?
Living life like the rich going to Disney World, Sea World, Busch Gardens, on cruise ships, on dream Vacations, cars, houses, dining out, and then giving to God the leftovers, if this describes you and me then we are very unlike the widow in the story and it makes us very much like the rich that gave God a tiny part of their surplus.
(I am not knocking our trips to Disney or the other stuff, but when those activities take up most of our discretionary income and God gets the leftovers then those activities are wrong and put us in the same camp as the rich folks that were giving in the Temple that day.)
Application
I will re-evaluate how much I am giving away and how much I am spending on myself.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be more like the widow that gave everything that she had to You. Help me to be generous. I want to give more and more away and hold on to less and less. I know that I cannot out give You. And I know that everything I give away returns back to me multiplied and quadrupled. You are a Mighty God worthy to be Praised!
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Ezra 9; Ezra 10; Psalm 131; Luke 21
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 21
The Widow’s Offering
1 While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. 2 Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.
3 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them.
4 For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”
Observation
Two coins … how could that be more than what the rich gave that day at the Temple when Jesus watched as people gave their offerings. Two small coins were all that the widow had and when she dropped them into the collection box she was left with nothing … or was she left with nothing?
No, actually she left the Temple as the richest person that day. I can only imagine what those two small coins earned in interest that day. Giving God everything … Wow … now that is a thought. How much of what you have do you spend on yourself? How much of what God blesses me with do I spend on my own desires?
The more I spend on myself the poorer I become. Jesus has a word for people that spend everything on themselves and are poor towards God and that word is “FOOL”.
This is an amazing story told by Jesus in less than one hundred words. Yet this story challenges us down to the very core of who we are.
Are you more like the widow in this story or more like the rich people that dropped in a tiny part of their surplus?
Living life like the rich going to Disney World, Sea World, Busch Gardens, on cruise ships, on dream Vacations, cars, houses, dining out, and then giving to God the leftovers, if this describes you and me then we are very unlike the widow in the story and it makes us very much like the rich that gave God a tiny part of their surplus.
(I am not knocking our trips to Disney or the other stuff, but when those activities take up most of our discretionary income and God gets the leftovers then those activities are wrong and put us in the same camp as the rich folks that were giving in the Temple that day.)
Application
I will re-evaluate how much I am giving away and how much I am spending on myself.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be more like the widow that gave everything that she had to You. Help me to be generous. I want to give more and more away and hold on to less and less. I know that I cannot out give You. And I know that everything I give away returns back to me multiplied and quadrupled. You are a Mighty God worthy to be Praised!
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Wednesday, October 07, 2009
“…For the gracious hand of his God was on him”
Ezra 7; Ezra 8; Luke 20
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Scripture
Ezra 7
…for the gracious hand of his God was on him. 10 This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the LORD and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.
Observation
Ezra had the gracious hand of his God on him because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and teach the people of Israel.
Do you want the gracious hand of God on you? I do. Will you determine to study and obey the Word of God? I want God’s hand of favor and power on my life.
Application
I will study and obey Your Word and teach Your people.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me a hunger for Your Word and give me the desire to obey what Your Word says. Keep me away from sin. Don’t let me yield to temptation. Help me to be strong today.
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Ezra 7; Ezra 8; Luke 20
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Ezra 7
…for the gracious hand of his God was on him. 10 This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the LORD and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.
Observation
Ezra had the gracious hand of his God on him because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and teach the people of Israel.
Do you want the gracious hand of God on you? I do. Will you determine to study and obey the Word of God? I want God’s hand of favor and power on my life.
Application
I will study and obey Your Word and teach Your people.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me a hunger for Your Word and give me the desire to obey what Your Word says. Keep me away from sin. Don’t let me yield to temptation. Help me to be strong today.
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Tuesday, October 06, 2009
All the people hung on every word he said
Esther 9; Esther 10; Luke 19
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Scripture
Luke 19
41 But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. 42 “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.
43 Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side.
44 They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not accept your opportunity for salvation.”
45 Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people selling animals for sacrifices. 46 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”
47 After that, he taught daily in the Temple, but the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the other leaders of the people began planning how to kill him.
48 But they could think of nothing, because all the people hung on every word he said.
Observation
As you read your Bible this morning will you hang on every word that Jesus says? I hope so! Can you catch and feel the emotion in this passage? Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey with the crowds crying out,
38 “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the LORD!
Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!
Then Jesus sees Jerusalem and begins to weep and says, “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. 43 Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. 44 They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not accept your opportunity for salvation.”
Jesus then goes into the Temple and drives out the money changers full of righteous anger,
“45 Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people selling animals for sacrifices. 46 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”
Joy, sadness, anger, and then excitement, “47 After that, he taught daily in the Temple, but the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the other leaders of the people began planning how to kill him.
48 But they could think of nothing, because all the people hung on every word he said.
Application
Out of all the people mentioned in this chapter I want to be like the people that hung on to every word that Jesus said.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I read Your Word I pray that it would be so exciting to me that I would hang on to every Word. Don’t let me miss anything! I want to catch everything. May Your Word burn in my heart today!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Esther 9; Esther 10; Luke 19
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 19
41 But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. 42 “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.
43 Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side.
44 They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not accept your opportunity for salvation.”
45 Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people selling animals for sacrifices. 46 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”
47 After that, he taught daily in the Temple, but the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the other leaders of the people began planning how to kill him.
48 But they could think of nothing, because all the people hung on every word he said.
Observation
As you read your Bible this morning will you hang on every word that Jesus says? I hope so! Can you catch and feel the emotion in this passage? Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey with the crowds crying out,
38 “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the LORD!
Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!
Then Jesus sees Jerusalem and begins to weep and says, “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. 43 Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. 44 They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not accept your opportunity for salvation.”
Jesus then goes into the Temple and drives out the money changers full of righteous anger,
“45 Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people selling animals for sacrifices. 46 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”
Joy, sadness, anger, and then excitement, “47 After that, he taught daily in the Temple, but the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the other leaders of the people began planning how to kill him.
48 But they could think of nothing, because all the people hung on every word he said.
Application
Out of all the people mentioned in this chapter I want to be like the people that hung on to every word that Jesus said.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I read Your Word I pray that it would be so exciting to me that I would hang on to every Word. Don’t let me miss anything! I want to catch everything. May Your Word burn in my heart today!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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