Risk It
Exodus 28; Exodus 29; Acts 7
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Scripture
Acts 7
54 The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. 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
Wouldn’t you like to be able to see into Heaven and see Jesus at the right hand of the Father? Men and women that get to see Jesus like Stephen did are getting ready to be martyred or exiled for Him so maybe if you said “yes” you might want to rethink your answer to that question.
I would love to be able to see into Heaven like Stephen, Paul, and John did and maybe one day I will get that opportunity, but if I get that opportunity it will probably be because I am about to die for Christ.
Application
I am willing to die for Christ. In fact, I would love to live out my last years on this earth risking everything for Jesus. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You know my heart. I want to count for You while I am here on this earth. So many people are dying for You as Your witnesses while we are so comfortable in the United States. It is my desire to risk my life for You helping people in a country where they don’t know You so they will have the opportunity to trust in You for their salvation. I understand that it is all within Your time frame so I am just letting You know that I am ready. I am willing.
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Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Do People See Jesus In You…In Me?
Exodus 25; Exodus 26; Exodus 27; Acts 6
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Scripture
Acts 6
15 At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s.
Observation
Wouldn’t it be great if people saw Jesus in us! They should. We should reflect Jesus. When people see us they should see Jesus, but do they? I think it depends on how much time we spend with Him. Have you talked to Him this morning? Have you taken time to read His word this morning? Or are you in a big hurry to get to work and you don’t have time to read God’s word this morning because you stayed up too late watching television last night?
People need to see Jesus in us. Do you remember the story of Peter and Silas that when they spoke it was evident to their enemies that they had spent time with Jesus? Even though they were uneducated they spoke with such authority because they had spent time with Christ.
Stephen was a layman, but he was powerful. He saw Jesus at the right hand of the Father. He was given the awesome privilege of being able to see into Heaven and see Christ seated with His Heavenly Father.
Application
I want Stephen’s faith. I want people to see Jesus in my countenance. I want people to know that I spend time with Jesus because of the way I respond to life’s challenges.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be a reflection of Jesus Christ. Help me be a positive witness today. Give me boldness. Give me a tender heart. Give me a desire to walk close to You today.
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Exodus 25; Exodus 26; Exodus 27; Acts 6
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Scripture
Acts 6
15 At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s.
Observation
Wouldn’t it be great if people saw Jesus in us! They should. We should reflect Jesus. When people see us they should see Jesus, but do they? I think it depends on how much time we spend with Him. Have you talked to Him this morning? Have you taken time to read His word this morning? Or are you in a big hurry to get to work and you don’t have time to read God’s word this morning because you stayed up too late watching television last night?
People need to see Jesus in us. Do you remember the story of Peter and Silas that when they spoke it was evident to their enemies that they had spent time with Jesus? Even though they were uneducated they spoke with such authority because they had spent time with Christ.
Stephen was a layman, but he was powerful. He saw Jesus at the right hand of the Father. He was given the awesome privilege of being able to see into Heaven and see Christ seated with His Heavenly Father.
Application
I want Stephen’s faith. I want people to see Jesus in my countenance. I want people to know that I spend time with Jesus because of the way I respond to life’s challenges.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be a reflection of Jesus Christ. Help me be a positive witness today. Give me boldness. Give me a tender heart. Give me a desire to walk close to You today.
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Friday, January 29, 2010
We Are All Sinners That Need a Savior
Exodus 23; Exodus 24; Psalm 14; Acts 5
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Scripture
Psalm 14
2 The LORD looks down from heaven
on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
if anyone seeks God.
3 But no, all have turned away;
all have become corrupt.
No one does good,
not a single one!
Observation
Romans 3:10-12
10 As the Scriptures say,
“No one is righteous—
not even one.
11 No one is truly wise;
no one is seeking God.
12 All have turned away;
all have become useless.
No one does good,
not a single one.”
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
There are only two types of people in this world: forgiven sinners and un-forgiven sinners
Application
I am a sinner that needs to spend my time showing other sinners where they can find forgiveness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that I am no better than anyone else. I know that I am capable of committing terrible sins just like everyone else is. All I have to do is drift away from being close to You and I will yield to temptations that the Devil will bring my way. Don’t let me get away from Your protection. I don’t want to sin. I want to bring You glory today. Guard my heart. Keep me from doing something that will cause You pain. Help me move someone closer to You today.
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Exodus 23; Exodus 24; Psalm 14; Acts 5
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Scripture
Psalm 14
2 The LORD looks down from heaven
on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
if anyone seeks God.
3 But no, all have turned away;
all have become corrupt.
No one does good,
not a single one!
Observation
Romans 3:10-12
10 As the Scriptures say,
“No one is righteous—
not even one.
11 No one is truly wise;
no one is seeking God.
12 All have turned away;
all have become useless.
No one does good,
not a single one.”
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
There are only two types of people in this world: forgiven sinners and un-forgiven sinners
Application
I am a sinner that needs to spend my time showing other sinners where they can find forgiveness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that I am no better than anyone else. I know that I am capable of committing terrible sins just like everyone else is. All I have to do is drift away from being close to You and I will yield to temptations that the Devil will bring my way. Don’t let me get away from Your protection. I don’t want to sin. I want to bring You glory today. Guard my heart. Keep me from doing something that will cause You pain. Help me move someone closer to You today.
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Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Powerful Name of Jesus
Exodus 21; Exodus 22; Psalm 12; Acts 4
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Scripture
Acts 4
5 The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. 7 They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.
11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says,
‘The stone that you builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.’
12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.
Observation
There is a Name above all other names and that Name is Jesus. There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus there is just something about that Name.
Salvation is in no other name. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life and no man comes unto the Father except by me.” People want to come to God on their own terms and in their own way, but Jesus says that there is only One Way and that Way is though Him.
Application
May I have the boldness and courage that comes from being with Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for boldness to proclaim the Name of Jesus. I pray for opportunities to be Your witness. Help me stay focused on Kingdom business today. Don’t let me get off track. The Name of Jesus is powerful and mighty. I pray that the Name of Jesus would be exalted in our city!
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Exodus 21; Exodus 22; Psalm 12; Acts 4
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Scripture
Acts 4
5 The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. 7 They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.
11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says,
‘The stone that you builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.’
12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.
Observation
There is a Name above all other names and that Name is Jesus. There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus there is just something about that Name.
Salvation is in no other name. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life and no man comes unto the Father except by me.” People want to come to God on their own terms and in their own way, but Jesus says that there is only One Way and that Way is though Him.
Application
May I have the boldness and courage that comes from being with Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for boldness to proclaim the Name of Jesus. I pray for opportunities to be Your witness. Help me stay focused on Kingdom business today. Don’t let me get off track. The Name of Jesus is powerful and mighty. I pray that the Name of Jesus would be exalted in our city!
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Walking, Leaping, and Praising God!
Exodus 17; Exodus 18; Exodus 19; Exodus 20; Acts 3
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Scripture
Acts 3
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
This beggar was walking, leaping, and praising God because he had been set free. There are people all around us that are crippled with sin that need to be set free. We don’t have silver and gold either but we have what they need l- Jesus.
Every person that does not have a personal relationship with Christ is spiritually blind. As you talk with them about the Good News of Jesus Christ you can see that they just don’t quite get it, but if you keep sharing the light will come on in their heart and they will walking, leaping, and praising God too. Don’t give up on them. Pray for them. God is Mighty to save.
Application
I will keep sharing with people week after week because I know that they can be set free.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, open the eyes of their hearts so that they can come to You. Show them that the Good News is for them. Give them spiritual understanding. I pray for the people that I share with that they might be saved. Help me communicate clearly the Gospel so they can be saved.
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Exodus 17; Exodus 18; Exodus 19; Exodus 20; Acts 3
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Scripture
Acts 3
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
This beggar was walking, leaping, and praising God because he had been set free. There are people all around us that are crippled with sin that need to be set free. We don’t have silver and gold either but we have what they need l- Jesus.
Every person that does not have a personal relationship with Christ is spiritually blind. As you talk with them about the Good News of Jesus Christ you can see that they just don’t quite get it, but if you keep sharing the light will come on in their heart and they will walking, leaping, and praising God too. Don’t give up on them. Pray for them. God is Mighty to save.
Application
I will keep sharing with people week after week because I know that they can be set free.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, open the eyes of their hearts so that they can come to You. Show them that the Good News is for them. Give them spiritual understanding. I pray for the people that I share with that they might be saved. Help me communicate clearly the Gospel so they can be saved.
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Give Us Our Daily Bread
Exodus 14; Exodus 16; Acts 2
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Scripture
Exodus 16
35 So the people of Israel ate manna for forty years until they arrived at the land where they would settle. They ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.
Observation
If God can provide food every day for forty years for the people of Israel I know that He can provide for my family and me. In fact, God has always provided for us. We have never gone without. He promises to provide for our needs as we put Him first.
If you are a Christ follower and you find yourself struggling today with a need that has not yet been met I would encourage you to look back at your life and think about how many times God has provided for you in the past and He will provide for you in the future. I would also look and evaluate my priorities to make sure that the Kingdom of God is your number one priority.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
Application
I will trust the Lord today to provide for the needs of my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are an Awesome God. You are the Great Provider. I have never gone without. You have cared for me everyday of my life. Help me to continue to put You and Your Kingdom first in my life. Don’t let me get side tracked by sin. Guard my heart today. I pray that You use me today to be Your witness. Give me energy today to carry out Your work. I pray for our staff today. Bless them. Give them the desires of their hearts, answer their prayers and make their plans successful.
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Exodus 14; Exodus 16; Acts 2
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Scripture
Exodus 16
35 So the people of Israel ate manna for forty years until they arrived at the land where they would settle. They ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.
Observation
If God can provide food every day for forty years for the people of Israel I know that He can provide for my family and me. In fact, God has always provided for us. We have never gone without. He promises to provide for our needs as we put Him first.
If you are a Christ follower and you find yourself struggling today with a need that has not yet been met I would encourage you to look back at your life and think about how many times God has provided for you in the past and He will provide for you in the future. I would also look and evaluate my priorities to make sure that the Kingdom of God is your number one priority.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
Application
I will trust the Lord today to provide for the needs of my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are an Awesome God. You are the Great Provider. I have never gone without. You have cared for me everyday of my life. Help me to continue to put You and Your Kingdom first in my life. Don’t let me get side tracked by sin. Guard my heart today. I pray that You use me today to be Your witness. Give me energy today to carry out Your work. I pray for our staff today. Bless them. Give them the desires of their hearts, answer their prayers and make their plans successful.
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Monday, January 25, 2010
We Exist To Make Jesus Famous One Life at Time
Exodus 12; Exodus 13; Psalm 21; Acts 1
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Scripture
Acts 1
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Observation
Not only do we exist to make Jesus famous one life at a time, but we have also been given the power to carry out this task! Everyday we should be looking for opportunity to let someone know about Jesus. We should invest and invite and we should also share. We have the power!
Application
I will be an Acts 1:8 Christian. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is my desire to be Your witness here where I live and everywhere else in this world too. Help me to focus on telling people about Your love. I pray today for the people in our church. I pray for the moving of Your Holy Spirit during our worship service. I pray for the people in Haiti that You continue to work through believers on that island to save. I pray for those that are wounded and hurt that You heal them. You are Mighty to save.
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Exodus 12; Exodus 13; Psalm 21; Acts 1
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Scripture
Acts 1
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Observation
Not only do we exist to make Jesus famous one life at a time, but we have also been given the power to carry out this task! Everyday we should be looking for opportunity to let someone know about Jesus. We should invest and invite and we should also share. We have the power!
Application
I will be an Acts 1:8 Christian. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is my desire to be Your witness here where I live and everywhere else in this world too. Help me to focus on telling people about Your love. I pray today for the people in our church. I pray for the moving of Your Holy Spirit during our worship service. I pray for the people in Haiti that You continue to work through believers on that island to save. I pray for those that are wounded and hurt that You heal them. You are Mighty to save.
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Sunday, January 24, 2010
The Good News is For You
Exodus 9; Exodus 10; Exodus 11; Luke 24
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Scripture
Luke 24
35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. 36 And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!
38 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he ate it as they watched.
44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.
Observation
The Good News is this: “There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.” Have you heard the Good News? Has there been a time in your life when you realized that you were a sinner and that your sin separated you from God? Have you ever repented or turned from your sin and asked Jesus to be Lord of your life? Have you ever heard and personally received this Good News? People around the world are hearing this Good News everyday and more and more people everyday are becoming Christ-followers. How about you?
Application
I will look for someone to share the Good News with today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the opportunity to share the Good News with someone. Help me not over look an opportunity today.
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Exodus 9; Exodus 10; Exodus 11; Luke 24
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Scripture
Luke 24
35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. 36 And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!
38 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he ate it as they watched.
44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.
Observation
The Good News is this: “There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.” Have you heard the Good News? Has there been a time in your life when you realized that you were a sinner and that your sin separated you from God? Have you ever repented or turned from your sin and asked Jesus to be Lord of your life? Have you ever heard and personally received this Good News? People around the world are hearing this Good News everyday and more and more people everyday are becoming Christ-followers. How about you?
Application
I will look for someone to share the Good News with today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the opportunity to share the Good News with someone. Help me not over look an opportunity today.
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Saturday, January 23, 2010
Paradise
Exodus 6; Exodus 7; Exodus 8; Luke 23
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Scripture
Luke 23
39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Observation
If you were to die today where would you spend eternity – Paradise or Hell? If you were to stand at the gate of Paradise and God asked you, “Why should I let you in?” What would you tell him?
If you said Paradise as your answer to the first question, but your reply to the second question included that it would require some sore of human effort like for example: being good; doing more good things than bad things; obeying God’s commandments, doing God’s will etc then I am afraid that you are on the wrong path to ever get into Paradise or Heaven.
This criminal on the cross next to Jesus definitely didn’t live a good life; in fact, he admits that he deserves to be nailed to a cross. He looks to Jesus. He realizes that Jesus is the Messiah. In that moment on the cross that repentant criminal places his faith and his trust in Jesus and Jesus lets him know that on that day he would be in Paradise with Him.
I wonder if the other criminal heard their conversation? I wonder why the other criminal didn’t cry out and ask Jesus for the same privilege? Both were so close to Paradise and yet one was able to enter in and the other was not. It had nothing to do with their goodness. It had all to do with placing faith and trust in the Savior.
Application
I will continue to show people that salvation is by faith and trust in Jesus Christ and has nothing to do with their good works.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me. I am like the criminal on the cross. I am a sinner and I know that I don’t deserve to go to Paradise. I know that I will go to Paradise on day not because of my being good but because of my faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my Lord and my Savior.
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Exodus 6; Exodus 7; Exodus 8; Luke 23
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Scripture
Luke 23
39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Observation
If you were to die today where would you spend eternity – Paradise or Hell? If you were to stand at the gate of Paradise and God asked you, “Why should I let you in?” What would you tell him?
If you said Paradise as your answer to the first question, but your reply to the second question included that it would require some sore of human effort like for example: being good; doing more good things than bad things; obeying God’s commandments, doing God’s will etc then I am afraid that you are on the wrong path to ever get into Paradise or Heaven.
This criminal on the cross next to Jesus definitely didn’t live a good life; in fact, he admits that he deserves to be nailed to a cross. He looks to Jesus. He realizes that Jesus is the Messiah. In that moment on the cross that repentant criminal places his faith and his trust in Jesus and Jesus lets him know that on that day he would be in Paradise with Him.
I wonder if the other criminal heard their conversation? I wonder why the other criminal didn’t cry out and ask Jesus for the same privilege? Both were so close to Paradise and yet one was able to enter in and the other was not. It had nothing to do with their goodness. It had all to do with placing faith and trust in the Savior.
Application
I will continue to show people that salvation is by faith and trust in Jesus Christ and has nothing to do with their good works.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me. I am like the criminal on the cross. I am a sinner and I know that I don’t deserve to go to Paradise. I know that I will go to Paradise on day not because of my being good but because of my faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my Lord and my Savior.
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Friday, January 22, 2010
What is in Your Hand?
Exodus 3; Exodus 4; Exodus 5; Luke 22
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Scripture
Exodus 4
1 But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The LORD never appeared to you’?”
2 Then the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?”
“A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied.
3 “Throw it down on the ground,” the LORD told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back.
4 Then the LORD told him, “Reach out and grab its tail.” So Moses reached out and grabbed it, and it turned back into a shepherd’s staff in his hand.
5 “Perform this sign,” the LORD told him. “Then they will believe that the LORD, the God of their ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—really has appeared to you.”
Observation
What is in your hand? Give it to the Lord and watch how He can use it. Something that may be small and insignificant when we give it to the Lord can become something powerful. Give your business to the Lord and watch Him bless it. Give your talents to the Lord and watch how He can use them.
Moses had plenty of excuses, but God let him know that it didn’t matter God would be the One doing the miracles anyway not Moses. Moses just had to be available and willing for God to use him. Are you available? Am I willing to yield everything to God for Him to use? Are you?
Application
I am weak but God is strong. I want God to use me and I want Him to work miracles through my obedience to Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that You will use me like You used Moses. Just as You used Moses to lead Your people I pray that You will use me. Help me to be as humble and as meek as Moses. He realized that it was You and that it was not him that had the power. Help me not to forget that it is You that is All-Powerful and that when I am weak You are strong. There is nothing too hard for You. Nothing…not one thing is too hard for You.
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Exodus 3; Exodus 4; Exodus 5; Luke 22
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Scripture
Exodus 4
1 But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The LORD never appeared to you’?”
2 Then the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?”
“A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied.
3 “Throw it down on the ground,” the LORD told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back.
4 Then the LORD told him, “Reach out and grab its tail.” So Moses reached out and grabbed it, and it turned back into a shepherd’s staff in his hand.
5 “Perform this sign,” the LORD told him. “Then they will believe that the LORD, the God of their ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—really has appeared to you.”
Observation
What is in your hand? Give it to the Lord and watch how He can use it. Something that may be small and insignificant when we give it to the Lord can become something powerful. Give your business to the Lord and watch Him bless it. Give your talents to the Lord and watch how He can use them.
Moses had plenty of excuses, but God let him know that it didn’t matter God would be the One doing the miracles anyway not Moses. Moses just had to be available and willing for God to use him. Are you available? Am I willing to yield everything to God for Him to use? Are you?
Application
I am weak but God is strong. I want God to use me and I want Him to work miracles through my obedience to Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that You will use me like You used Moses. Just as You used Moses to lead Your people I pray that You will use me. Help me to be as humble and as meek as Moses. He realized that it was You and that it was not him that had the power. Help me not to forget that it is You that is All-Powerful and that when I am weak You are strong. There is nothing too hard for You. Nothing…not one thing is too hard for You.
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Thursday, January 21, 2010
Stand and Look Up!
Exodus 1; Exodus 2; Psalm 88; Luke 21
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Scripture
Luke 21
25 “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. 26 People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. 28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”
Observation
When bad things happen like what has been happening to the Nation of Haiti what should we do? I think verse twenty-eight tells us what we should do, “So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” Our help comes from the Lord.
I think of the Psalmist when he wrote Psalm 121
“ I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”
Application
I will pray to the Lord because my help comes from Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my help comes from You . I must stop, stand, and look up and depend on You today. You are my strength. You are my refuge. You are my very present help in trouble. I pray for those that are helping in Haiti that you be with them today. I pray that they would continue to find people in the rubble and rescue them today.
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Exodus 1; Exodus 2; Psalm 88; Luke 21
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Scripture
Luke 21
25 “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. 26 People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. 28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”
Observation
When bad things happen like what has been happening to the Nation of Haiti what should we do? I think verse twenty-eight tells us what we should do, “So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” Our help comes from the Lord.
I think of the Psalmist when he wrote Psalm 121
“ I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”
Application
I will pray to the Lord because my help comes from Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my help comes from You . I must stop, stand, and look up and depend on You today. You are my strength. You are my refuge. You are my very present help in trouble. I pray for those that are helping in Haiti that you be with them today. I pray that they would continue to find people in the rubble and rescue them today.
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Who Are We That You Should Think About Us?
Genesis 49; Genesis 50; Psalm 8; Luke 20
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Scripture
1 O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
2 You have taught children and infants
to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.
3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?
5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God
and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You gave them charge of everything you made,
putting all things under their authority—
7 the flocks and the herds
and all the wild animals,
8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents.
9 O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Observation
Who are we that God should think about us? We don’t deserve His concern. We don’t deserve His love. He is the Creator of the entire universe so why should He be concerned about us? I don’t know why, but I am glad that He is. I am glad that we are the focus of His love. We are the apple(s) of His eye. He delights in caring for us. It is amazing. He is amazing.
Application
I will praise Him today for His unfailing love toward me.
Prayer
O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. Thank You for loving me. You are worthy to be praised.
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Genesis 49; Genesis 50; Psalm 8; Luke 20
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Scripture
1 O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
2 You have taught children and infants
to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.
3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?
5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God
and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You gave them charge of everything you made,
putting all things under their authority—
7 the flocks and the herds
and all the wild animals,
8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents.
9 O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Observation
Who are we that God should think about us? We don’t deserve His concern. We don’t deserve His love. He is the Creator of the entire universe so why should He be concerned about us? I don’t know why, but I am glad that He is. I am glad that we are the focus of His love. We are the apple(s) of His eye. He delights in caring for us. It is amazing. He is amazing.
Application
I will praise Him today for His unfailing love toward me.
Prayer
O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. Thank You for loving me. You are worthy to be praised.
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Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Zacchaeus You Come Down!
Genesis 47; Genesis 48; Psalm 10; Luke 19
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Scripture
Luke 19
Jesus and Zacchaeus
Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. 2 There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. 3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.
5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.
8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
9 Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Observation
Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus that day so he climbed up in a tree to be able to get a glimpse of the Savior. Jesus wanted to do more than see Zacchaeus that day He wanted to save him.
God is always pursuing the lost. In fact, God is always pursuing us whether we are lost or saved. He wants a relationship with us. He wants us to walk with Him and He wants to walk with us through this life.
Jesus came to seek and to save those that are lost. Our focus needs to be on the lost. He came to save them. He now uses us as His ambassadors to proclaim the Good News to those that are lost.
Who do you need to tell today about Jesus?
Application
I will look for a Zacchaeus today that needs Jesus!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be about Your business today.
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Genesis 47; Genesis 48; Psalm 10; Luke 19
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Scripture
Luke 19
Jesus and Zacchaeus
Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. 2 There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. 3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.
5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.
8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
9 Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Observation
Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus that day so he climbed up in a tree to be able to get a glimpse of the Savior. Jesus wanted to do more than see Zacchaeus that day He wanted to save him.
God is always pursuing the lost. In fact, God is always pursuing us whether we are lost or saved. He wants a relationship with us. He wants us to walk with Him and He wants to walk with us through this life.
Jesus came to seek and to save those that are lost. Our focus needs to be on the lost. He came to save them. He now uses us as His ambassadors to proclaim the Good News to those that are lost.
Who do you need to tell today about Jesus?
Application
I will look for a Zacchaeus today that needs Jesus!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be about Your business today.
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Monday, January 18, 2010
Pray and Don’t Ever Give Up
Genesis 44; Genesis 45; Genesis 46; Luke 18
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Scripture
Luke 18
1 One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.
Observation
Who have you given up on? Jesus tells us that we should always pray and never give up. What has you defeated? Jesus tells us that we should always pray and never give up. How important is prayer to you? Have you figured out yet that there is nothing more important than prayer?
I know that there is not anything more important than prayer. What are you praying about? What did you pray about during the night? Don’t ever give up…don’t ever quit praying.
Application
This verse has encouraged me to continue praying for some impossible situations. I have some folks that don’t seem like they want to change. They seem to be stuck in their life of self-destruction. I will continue to pray for them knowing that my prayers for them will be heard.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, don’t ever let me give up on the people that I love that are acting out and living lives of self-destruction. I will hold the ropes for them. I pray today knowing that Jesus told me never to quit praying for them. I pray for miracles. I pray that they will one day walk with You and be witnesses to those around them. I believe that You can change their lives because You changed mine.
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Genesis 44; Genesis 45; Genesis 46; Luke 18
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Scripture
Luke 18
1 One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.
Observation
Who have you given up on? Jesus tells us that we should always pray and never give up. What has you defeated? Jesus tells us that we should always pray and never give up. How important is prayer to you? Have you figured out yet that there is nothing more important than prayer?
I know that there is not anything more important than prayer. What are you praying about? What did you pray about during the night? Don’t ever give up…don’t ever quit praying.
Application
This verse has encouraged me to continue praying for some impossible situations. I have some folks that don’t seem like they want to change. They seem to be stuck in their life of self-destruction. I will continue to pray for them knowing that my prayers for them will be heard.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, don’t ever let me give up on the people that I love that are acting out and living lives of self-destruction. I will hold the ropes for them. I pray today knowing that Jesus told me never to quit praying for them. I pray for miracles. I pray that they will one day walk with You and be witnesses to those around them. I believe that You can change their lives because You changed mine.
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Sunday, January 17, 2010
Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD.
Genesis 42; Genesis 43; Psalm 5; Luke 17
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Scripture
Psalm 5
3 Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD.
Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.
Observation
In the morning I will wake up and I will go before the Lord in prayer. I will bring my requests to the Lord and I will wait on Him expectantly.
Application
I can’t wait to wake up in the morning and spend time with the Lord. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I look forward to spending time with You. I will bring my requests to You and I will wait on You expectantly.
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Genesis 42; Genesis 43; Psalm 5; Luke 17
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Scripture
Psalm 5
3 Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD.
Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.
Observation
In the morning I will wake up and I will go before the Lord in prayer. I will bring my requests to the Lord and I will wait on Him expectantly.
Application
I can’t wait to wake up in the morning and spend time with the Lord. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I look forward to spending time with You. I will bring my requests to You and I will wait on You expectantly.
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Saturday, January 16, 2010
Send Your Treasures On Ahead Of You To Heaven
Genesis 39; Genesis 40; Genesis 41; Luke 16
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Scripture
Luke 16
9 Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.
Observation
Use what we have to benefit others and you will be sending them on ahead to Heaven where you can enjoy them forever.
What do you have in your pocket or in your bank account that could help someone else?
Application
Nobody needs help right now more than the people in Haiti. I will give to help those in Haiti. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me how to give. Put on my heart the amount I should give to help those in Haiti. I pray for those that are helping the Haitian’s today. I pray that they would still find people alive today in the rubble. I pray for the sick and the wounded in Haiti that the portable hospitals would be set up in time to save lives. I pray for the Christians to Haiti that You would give them strength and that You would use them as Your Hands and Your Feet.
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Genesis 39; Genesis 40; Genesis 41; Luke 16
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Scripture
Luke 16
9 Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.
Observation
Use what we have to benefit others and you will be sending them on ahead to Heaven where you can enjoy them forever.
What do you have in your pocket or in your bank account that could help someone else?
Application
Nobody needs help right now more than the people in Haiti. I will give to help those in Haiti. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me how to give. Put on my heart the amount I should give to help those in Haiti. I pray for those that are helping the Haitian’s today. I pray that they would still find people alive today in the rubble. I pray for the sick and the wounded in Haiti that the portable hospitals would be set up in time to save lives. I pray for the Christians to Haiti that You would give them strength and that You would use them as Your Hands and Your Feet.
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Friday, January 15, 2010
Who Cares About The Lost?
Genesis 37; Genesis 38; Psalm 7; Luke 15
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Scripture
Luke 15
1 Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. 2 This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!
3 So Jesus told them this story: 4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!
Observation
Do you care about the lost? Do you really? Do I? Are you willing to go after the lost? Where aren’t you willing to go? Would you move? Would you go across the ocean to reach the lost? Would you move to another state, or another city?
It is the lost that need to be found. Those that are already found are already in the Kingdom it is the ones that haven’t heard yet that need to be found. They are lost. They are going to hell.
What excuse will you make for not going after the lost? What excuse will I make? Do we even care?
Are we too comfortable where we are today?
In Haiti they are frantically searching for those that are lost beneath the rubble. It is a race against time. They only have a few hours of time left to be able to find people while they are still alive and that is how we should be about the spiritual lost too.
Application
I will continue to pray for and talk to people that need the Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, break my heart with the things that break Your heart. Help me to have your eyes to see people like you see them. Help me to be able to lead my family like I should lead them.
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Genesis 37; Genesis 38; Psalm 7; Luke 15
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Scripture
Luke 15
1 Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. 2 This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!
3 So Jesus told them this story: 4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!
Observation
Do you care about the lost? Do you really? Do I? Are you willing to go after the lost? Where aren’t you willing to go? Would you move? Would you go across the ocean to reach the lost? Would you move to another state, or another city?
It is the lost that need to be found. Those that are already found are already in the Kingdom it is the ones that haven’t heard yet that need to be found. They are lost. They are going to hell.
What excuse will you make for not going after the lost? What excuse will I make? Do we even care?
Are we too comfortable where we are today?
In Haiti they are frantically searching for those that are lost beneath the rubble. It is a race against time. They only have a few hours of time left to be able to find people while they are still alive and that is how we should be about the spiritual lost too.
Application
I will continue to pray for and talk to people that need the Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, break my heart with the things that break Your heart. Help me to have your eyes to see people like you see them. Help me to be able to lead my family like I should lead them.
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Thursday, January 14, 2010
If You Want to Be My Disciple…
Genesis 34; Genesis 35; Genesis 36; Luke 14
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Scripture
Luke 14
The Cost of Being a Disciple
25 A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, 26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.
Observation
Here is how to reduce a crowd quickly …just give them verse twenty-six, “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.” I wonder how many quit following Jesus the day He gave them this lesson on discipleship. Are you willing to put Christ before all of your other relationships? Are you willing to serve Him any place on this planet? Are you willing to leave all of those that you love and go to a place where you don’t know a soul so they can know Christ? Are you willing? There is a cost to discipleship!
Application
I am willing to serve Him even in some of the worst, some of the most dangerous places on this earth if He calls me to do so.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me count the cost and help me be willing to serve You anywhere. I pray for those in Haiti. I pray for those making plans to go over and help. I pray for the leadership of the Florida Baptist Convention and the International Mission Board as they make plans to help care for the Haitian people. I pray for people to still be alive in the rubble. I pray that tomorrow more will be recovered alive.
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Genesis 34; Genesis 35; Genesis 36; Luke 14
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Scripture
Luke 14
The Cost of Being a Disciple
25 A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, 26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.
Observation
Here is how to reduce a crowd quickly …just give them verse twenty-six, “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.” I wonder how many quit following Jesus the day He gave them this lesson on discipleship. Are you willing to put Christ before all of your other relationships? Are you willing to serve Him any place on this planet? Are you willing to leave all of those that you love and go to a place where you don’t know a soul so they can know Christ? Are you willing? There is a cost to discipleship!
Application
I am willing to serve Him even in some of the worst, some of the most dangerous places on this earth if He calls me to do so.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me count the cost and help me be willing to serve You anywhere. I pray for those in Haiti. I pray for those making plans to go over and help. I pray for the leadership of the Florida Baptist Convention and the International Mission Board as they make plans to help care for the Haitian people. I pray for people to still be alive in the rubble. I pray that tomorrow more will be recovered alive.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
What is The Kingdom of God Like?
Genesis 31; Genesis 32; Genesis 33; Luke 13
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Scripture
Luke 13
18 Then Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? 19 It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches.”
Parable of the Yeast
20 He also asked, “What else is the Kingdom of God like? 21 It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”
Observation
What is the Kingdom of God like? It is like something very small that grows and grows and grows. What is the Kingdom of God like? It is like a little tiny bit of yeast that changes whatever you put it in.
The Kingdom of God is advancing. It is powerful. God is constantly at work and although we sometimes may think that the Gospel is making little difference in a country or nation the truth is that the country is being changed just like yeast changes the flour in dough. Nations are being changed.
I have been watching the news about the earthquake in Haiti. As rescue and disaster relief teams go into Haiti to save lives and rebuild there will be an army of Christ – Followers that will go in to help. It may seem like a small seed compared to the response from governments, but the lasting help will come from the army of believers that God sends to Haiti.
Haiti desperately needs physical help right now but they also need to turn to God during this time of need.
Application
I will be ready to go to Haiti if God opens the door. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help the people of Haiti. Now is the time for Your people to respond. I pray that those in Haiti will turn to you by the thousands. I pray that revival will break out on that island nation. May the people of Haiti have the chance to meet Christ followers through this crisis and may they never be the same. I pray for those trapped in the rubble, for those that are injured, for those children that are now left orphaned by this earthquake that You take care of them. Work miracles on that island so that the people can see Your power.
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Genesis 31; Genesis 32; Genesis 33; Luke 13
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 13
18 Then Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? 19 It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches.”
Parable of the Yeast
20 He also asked, “What else is the Kingdom of God like? 21 It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”
Observation
What is the Kingdom of God like? It is like something very small that grows and grows and grows. What is the Kingdom of God like? It is like a little tiny bit of yeast that changes whatever you put it in.
The Kingdom of God is advancing. It is powerful. God is constantly at work and although we sometimes may think that the Gospel is making little difference in a country or nation the truth is that the country is being changed just like yeast changes the flour in dough. Nations are being changed.
I have been watching the news about the earthquake in Haiti. As rescue and disaster relief teams go into Haiti to save lives and rebuild there will be an army of Christ – Followers that will go in to help. It may seem like a small seed compared to the response from governments, but the lasting help will come from the army of believers that God sends to Haiti.
Haiti desperately needs physical help right now but they also need to turn to God during this time of need.
Application
I will be ready to go to Haiti if God opens the door. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help the people of Haiti. Now is the time for Your people to respond. I pray that those in Haiti will turn to you by the thousands. I pray that revival will break out on that island nation. May the people of Haiti have the chance to meet Christ followers through this crisis and may they never be the same. I pray for those trapped in the rubble, for those that are injured, for those children that are now left orphaned by this earthquake that You take care of them. Work miracles on that island so that the people can see Your power.
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Don’t Worry About Everyday Life!
Genesis 29; Genesis 30; Luke 12
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Scripture
Luke 12
22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
33 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. 34 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Observation
31 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.” Don’t worry about everyday life…that is what Jesus is telling us. Seek His Kingdom first and He will give you everything you need…period.
So I guess if we find ourselves in need of everyday kind of stuff we might do a quick check to see if we are seeking His Kingdom above all else or maybe the “kingdom of me” has taken over our hearts. Maybe we will have to step down from the throne of our lives and once again allow Jesus to be Lord of our lives.
So don’t worry about everyday life … instead focus on His Kingdom above all else.
Application
I will seek the Kingdom of God above all else.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to worry about everyday life. Help me keep your Kingdom as my number one priority. I am confident that You will take care of my daily needs. You have since the day I gave my life to You and I know that You will continue to meet my needs as I keep You first in my life.
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Genesis 29; Genesis 30; Luke 12
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Scripture
Luke 12
22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
33 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. 34 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Observation
31 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.” Don’t worry about everyday life…that is what Jesus is telling us. Seek His Kingdom first and He will give you everything you need…period.
So I guess if we find ourselves in need of everyday kind of stuff we might do a quick check to see if we are seeking His Kingdom above all else or maybe the “kingdom of me” has taken over our hearts. Maybe we will have to step down from the throne of our lives and once again allow Jesus to be Lord of our lives.
So don’t worry about everyday life … instead focus on His Kingdom above all else.
Application
I will seek the Kingdom of God above all else.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to worry about everyday life. Help me keep your Kingdom as my number one priority. I am confident that You will take care of my daily needs. You have since the day I gave my life to You and I know that You will continue to meet my needs as I keep You first in my life.
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Monday, January 11, 2010
Teach Us To Pray
Genesis 27; Genesis 28; Psalm 4; Luke 11
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Scripture
Luke 11
1 Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
2 Jesus said, “This is how you should pray:
“Father, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
3 Give us each day the food we need,
4 and forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation.”
5 Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, 6 ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ 7 And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ 8 But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.
9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
11 “You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? 12 Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! 13 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
Observation
Teach us to pray the disciples asked of Jesus. How is your prayer life? What did you pray for during the night last night? Did you wake up during the night? Did you pray while you were waiting to go back to sleep? What did you pray for? Who did you pray for?
I think it is important to realize that God loves for us to pray. It is the most important thing that we can do for ourselves and for the people around us. God wants to answer our prayers. He wants to meet our needs. He wants to take care of us. He wants to work in the lives of the people that we are praying for.
Application
I will continue to pray for people and I will not give up on them. God will work in their lives.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for letting us pray to You. Thank You for hearing us and thank You for answering us too.
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Genesis 27; Genesis 28; Psalm 4; Luke 11
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 11
1 Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
2 Jesus said, “This is how you should pray:
“Father, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
3 Give us each day the food we need,
4 and forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation.”
5 Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, 6 ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ 7 And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ 8 But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.
9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
11 “You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? 12 Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! 13 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
Observation
Teach us to pray the disciples asked of Jesus. How is your prayer life? What did you pray for during the night last night? Did you wake up during the night? Did you pray while you were waiting to go back to sleep? What did you pray for? Who did you pray for?
I think it is important to realize that God loves for us to pray. It is the most important thing that we can do for ourselves and for the people around us. God wants to answer our prayers. He wants to meet our needs. He wants to take care of us. He wants to work in the lives of the people that we are praying for.
Application
I will continue to pray for people and I will not give up on them. God will work in their lives.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for letting us pray to You. Thank You for hearing us and thank You for answering us too.
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Sunday, January 10, 2010
Lost In The Details!
Genesis 25; Genesis 26; Psalm 6; Luke 10
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Scripture
Luke 10
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Observation
We lose out on what is most important when we get lost in the details. It would be a shame to live your whole life and never focus on the most important because you are so busy with the stuff of life that doesn't really matter.
We need to focus on the best and not the good. It was a good thing that Martha was doing. She was fixing a meal for her best friend Jesus. But He was more than a best friend He was her Lord and Savior and she should have been sitting at his feet too and they could have both enjoyed a spiritual feast.
Doing good stuff robs us many times of being able to enjoy the best. What are we doing that is good, but is keeping us away from the best. What are we doing that is keeping us from doing or from focusing on the most important or on the best?
Application
I will focus on what is best today and I will spend my time on that.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me focus on the most important today. Help me to concentrate on people and their needs. Don’t let me get caught up in doing good stuff when I should be doing the best.
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Genesis 25; Genesis 26; Psalm 6; Luke 10
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Scripture
Luke 10
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Observation
We lose out on what is most important when we get lost in the details. It would be a shame to live your whole life and never focus on the most important because you are so busy with the stuff of life that doesn't really matter.
We need to focus on the best and not the good. It was a good thing that Martha was doing. She was fixing a meal for her best friend Jesus. But He was more than a best friend He was her Lord and Savior and she should have been sitting at his feet too and they could have both enjoyed a spiritual feast.
Doing good stuff robs us many times of being able to enjoy the best. What are we doing that is good, but is keeping us away from the best. What are we doing that is keeping us from doing or from focusing on the most important or on the best?
Application
I will focus on what is best today and I will spend my time on that.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me focus on the most important today. Help me to concentrate on people and their needs. Don’t let me get caught up in doing good stuff when I should be doing the best.
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Saturday, January 09, 2010
Do You Want to Follow Christ?
Genesis 23; Genesis 24; Luke 9
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Scripture
Luke 9
23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 25 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? 26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels. 27 I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God.”
Observation
Give me a definition of “selfish” … ok now give me a definition of a servant. Can you be a Christ Follower and not be someone that serves? You may say, “I want to serve God, but I don’t want to serve others”, then you can’t serve God. Serving God is serving others.
It is a contradiction for someone to be called a Christian and that person not also be someone that serves. A Christian is someone that serves others.
Definition of the word selfish “Concerned chiefly or only with oneself”
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45
Jesus came to serve, not to be served. You and I were created to serve, not to be served.
Application
I will gladly be worn out serving those around me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be like Jesus. Help me not to worry about myself. Help me to focus on the needs of those around and show me how to be a servant to them.
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Genesis 23; Genesis 24; Luke 9
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Scripture
Luke 9
23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 25 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? 26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels. 27 I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God.”
Observation
Give me a definition of “selfish” … ok now give me a definition of a servant. Can you be a Christ Follower and not be someone that serves? You may say, “I want to serve God, but I don’t want to serve others”, then you can’t serve God. Serving God is serving others.
It is a contradiction for someone to be called a Christian and that person not also be someone that serves. A Christian is someone that serves others.
Definition of the word selfish “Concerned chiefly or only with oneself”
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45
Jesus came to serve, not to be served. You and I were created to serve, not to be served.
Application
I will gladly be worn out serving those around me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be like Jesus. Help me not to worry about myself. Help me to focus on the needs of those around and show me how to be a servant to them.
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Friday, January 08, 2010
Set Free
Genesis 20; Genesis 21; Genesis 22; Luke 8
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Scripture
Luke 8
26 So they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee. 27 As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in a cemetery outside the town.
28 As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down in front of him. Then he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29 For Jesus had already commanded the evil spirit to come out of him. This spirit had often taken control of the man. Even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and shackles, he simply broke them and rushed out into the wilderness, completely under the demon’s power.
30 Jesus demanded, “What is your name?”
“Legion,” he replied, for he was filled with many demons. 31 The demons kept begging Jesus not to send them into the bottomless pit.
32 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby, and the demons begged him to let them enter into the pigs.
So Jesus gave them permission. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned.
34 When the herdsmen saw it, they fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran.
35 People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. 36 Then those who had seen what happened told the others how the demon-possessed man had been healed. 37 And all the people in the region of the Gerasenes begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone, for a great wave of fear swept over them.
Observation
Just because a man was homeless, naked, and living in a cemetery didn’t stop Jesus from taking the time to clothe him, save him, and send him back home as an evangelist. It is exactly what Jesus wants to do for us today. You may not be homeless, you may not be naked, but you very well might not be in your right mind today.
Jesus wants to set us free from the insanity of selfish-living.
Because of his kindness, you have been saved through trusting Christ. And even trusting is not of your selves; it too is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good we have done, so none of us can take any credit for it. It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others. Ephes. 2:8-10
We were created to serve others. We will not be happy with ourselves if we spend all of our time on ourselves because we were created to serve not be served. The more focused we are on ourselves the more miserable we are to be around.
Application
I will look for where God wants me to serve Him today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not be self-centered today. Help me serve today with my whole heart and not half-heartedly. Show me what I need to do today. What I need to focus on that will help other people. It is so easy to be selfish. It requires no effort. I default back to being selfish so easily. Help me not to do that today.
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Genesis 20; Genesis 21; Genesis 22; Luke 8
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Scripture
Luke 8
26 So they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee. 27 As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in a cemetery outside the town.
28 As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down in front of him. Then he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29 For Jesus had already commanded the evil spirit to come out of him. This spirit had often taken control of the man. Even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and shackles, he simply broke them and rushed out into the wilderness, completely under the demon’s power.
30 Jesus demanded, “What is your name?”
“Legion,” he replied, for he was filled with many demons. 31 The demons kept begging Jesus not to send them into the bottomless pit.
32 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby, and the demons begged him to let them enter into the pigs.
So Jesus gave them permission. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned.
34 When the herdsmen saw it, they fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran.
35 People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. 36 Then those who had seen what happened told the others how the demon-possessed man had been healed. 37 And all the people in the region of the Gerasenes begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone, for a great wave of fear swept over them.
Observation
Just because a man was homeless, naked, and living in a cemetery didn’t stop Jesus from taking the time to clothe him, save him, and send him back home as an evangelist. It is exactly what Jesus wants to do for us today. You may not be homeless, you may not be naked, but you very well might not be in your right mind today.
Jesus wants to set us free from the insanity of selfish-living.
Because of his kindness, you have been saved through trusting Christ. And even trusting is not of your selves; it too is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good we have done, so none of us can take any credit for it. It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others. Ephes. 2:8-10
We were created to serve others. We will not be happy with ourselves if we spend all of our time on ourselves because we were created to serve not be served. The more focused we are on ourselves the more miserable we are to be around.
Application
I will look for where God wants me to serve Him today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not be self-centered today. Help me serve today with my whole heart and not half-heartedly. Show me what I need to do today. What I need to focus on that will help other people. It is so easy to be selfish. It requires no effort. I default back to being selfish so easily. Help me not to do that today.
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Thursday, January 07, 2010
He Goes Around Forgiving Sins
Genesis 18; Genesis 19; Psalm 3; Luke 7
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Scripture
Luke 7
36 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. 37 When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. 38 Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.
39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!”
40 Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.”
“Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied.
41 Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. 42 But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”
43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.”
“That’s right,” Jesus said. 44 Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
45 You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.
47 “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” 48 Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?”
50 And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Observation
Forgiveness…you will not find forgiveness in any other name than Jesus. He went around forgiving sins then and He still is doing the same thing today. Are your sins forgiven?
Only Jesus Christ can forgive you of your sins. He is the only One that has paid the price that needs to be paid to cover over your sins and my sins. Today we preach the Good News and that Good News is this …God loves you and wants to have a personal relationship with you. We have a problem and that problem is that our sin has separated us from God.
The Good News is that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross. His gave his sinless life in exchange for our sinful lives. He died in our place.
You and I have the opportunity to go around and help others find this kind of forgiveness. It is our mission. Are you up to the task?
Application
I want to be used by God to help someone else experience God’s forgiveness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, use me today to share your love and your forgiveness with someone else. I pray for those that have lost loved ones over these past couple of days. I pray that you will be the God of all comfort and compassion to the families that are experiencing this loss. May You draw them close to Yourself and I pray that if some of them haven’t experienced your forgiveness that they would be able to do that during this time of grief.
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Genesis 18; Genesis 19; Psalm 3; Luke 7
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Scripture
Luke 7
36 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. 37 When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. 38 Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.
39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!”
40 Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.”
“Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied.
41 Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. 42 But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”
43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.”
“That’s right,” Jesus said. 44 Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
45 You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.
47 “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” 48 Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?”
50 And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Observation
Forgiveness…you will not find forgiveness in any other name than Jesus. He went around forgiving sins then and He still is doing the same thing today. Are your sins forgiven?
Only Jesus Christ can forgive you of your sins. He is the only One that has paid the price that needs to be paid to cover over your sins and my sins. Today we preach the Good News and that Good News is this …God loves you and wants to have a personal relationship with you. We have a problem and that problem is that our sin has separated us from God.
The Good News is that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross. His gave his sinless life in exchange for our sinful lives. He died in our place.
You and I have the opportunity to go around and help others find this kind of forgiveness. It is our mission. Are you up to the task?
Application
I want to be used by God to help someone else experience God’s forgiveness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, use me today to share your love and your forgiveness with someone else. I pray for those that have lost loved ones over these past couple of days. I pray that you will be the God of all comfort and compassion to the families that are experiencing this loss. May You draw them close to Yourself and I pray that if some of them haven’t experienced your forgiveness that they would be able to do that during this time of grief.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Give and Watch What Happens!
Genesis 15; Genesis 16; Genesis 17; Luke 6
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Scripture
Luke 6
38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”
Observation
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Malachi 3:10
Look for any other place in the Bible where God says to put Him to a test and I don’t think you will find one if you do let me know. God is saying to us that we can trust Him totally when it comes to finances. He tells us to give and just watch. Give and put me to the test. Have you ever done this? Have you given and put God to the test?
His promise is huge. Can you believe Him for what He promises to do?
In Luke 6:38 Jesus tells us that when we give what we give will return to us but it will not return in the same amount, oh no, when it comes back it will come back to us running over. We will not be able to contain it. God says in Malachi 3:10 to put Him to the test. Will you put God to the test with Your giving?
He is just waiting to show you how much He wants to bless you!
Application
I will give knowing that God is going to give me back way more than I could ever give Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be obedient to give when You prompt me to give. Help me to be generous. Help me to trust You and never let me hold on to what You want me to give away. Thank You for blessing me with so much. You have provided us with everything that we need and way more. You have done that for us so that we could be a blessing to others.
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Genesis 15; Genesis 16; Genesis 17; Luke 6
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 6
38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”
Observation
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Malachi 3:10
Look for any other place in the Bible where God says to put Him to a test and I don’t think you will find one if you do let me know. God is saying to us that we can trust Him totally when it comes to finances. He tells us to give and just watch. Give and put me to the test. Have you ever done this? Have you given and put God to the test?
His promise is huge. Can you believe Him for what He promises to do?
In Luke 6:38 Jesus tells us that when we give what we give will return to us but it will not return in the same amount, oh no, when it comes back it will come back to us running over. We will not be able to contain it. God says in Malachi 3:10 to put Him to the test. Will you put God to the test with Your giving?
He is just waiting to show you how much He wants to bless you!
Application
I will give knowing that God is going to give me back way more than I could ever give Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be obedient to give when You prompt me to give. Help me to be generous. Help me to trust You and never let me hold on to what You want me to give away. Thank You for blessing me with so much. You have provided us with everything that we need and way more. You have done that for us so that we could be a blessing to others.
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Tuesday, January 05, 2010
“Why do you eat and drink with such scum?”
Genesis 12; Genesis 13; Genesis 14; Luke 5
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Scripture
Luke 5
27 Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. 28 So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.
29 Later, Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi’s fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them. 30 But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?”
31 Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. 32 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”
Observation
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other—each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified. Romans 15:5-7
How well do you hang out with people that others may consider “scum”?
Do we accept other people like Jesus accepted us? Or do we reject people because of the way they look, act, smell, or talk? Do we reject people because they are unloving or unkind toward us?
Matthew’s life was changed that day when Jesus took time to go see him and challenged him to become one of his followers. It was only natural for Matthew to gather up his friends for a dinner so they could also have the chance to become Christ followers. When Jesus looked at that group of friends He did not see them as “scum”.
Application
Let’s look around today and try to spend time with someone that might border on what some in this world would call “scum”.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me who I need to accept today. Give me Your heart for people. Help me not judge a person by his or her outward appearance or by the addiction that has taken over their life. Help me to look past all of that and give me a heart of compassion for every person that crosses my path today so I can accept them like You accepted me.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 12; Genesis 13; Genesis 14; Luke 5
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 5
27 Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. 28 So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.
29 Later, Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi’s fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them. 30 But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?”
31 Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. 32 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”
Observation
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other—each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified. Romans 15:5-7
How well do you hang out with people that others may consider “scum”?
Do we accept other people like Jesus accepted us? Or do we reject people because of the way they look, act, smell, or talk? Do we reject people because they are unloving or unkind toward us?
Matthew’s life was changed that day when Jesus took time to go see him and challenged him to become one of his followers. It was only natural for Matthew to gather up his friends for a dinner so they could also have the chance to become Christ followers. When Jesus looked at that group of friends He did not see them as “scum”.
Application
Let’s look around today and try to spend time with someone that might border on what some in this world would call “scum”.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me who I need to accept today. Give me Your heart for people. Help me not judge a person by his or her outward appearance or by the addiction that has taken over their life. Help me to look past all of that and give me a heart of compassion for every person that crosses my path today so I can accept them like You accepted me.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, January 04, 2010
Preaching The Good News to The Poor
Genesis 9; Genesis 10; Genesis 11; Luke 4
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Scripture
Luke 4
18 “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
19 and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.”
Observation
Poor people do not hear much good news and so when they hear the Good News that Jesus came to this earth to save them they respond with great joy!
People that are rich with the stuff of this world aren’t as interested in hearing the Good News because life is so good for them, but for the down and out Jesus gives hope.
We are to take the Good News to the poor. How can they hear unless we share with them?
Application
I am going to Mission Tampa this morning and I intend to do just that and I plan to use this passage so they can hear it with their own ears what Jesus says about them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, open the ears of the poor this morning. Even if it is just one person that spiritually hears this morning I will give You praise. You are Mighty. You are worthy to be Praised!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 9; Genesis 10; Genesis 11; Luke 4
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 4
18 “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
19 and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.”
Observation
Poor people do not hear much good news and so when they hear the Good News that Jesus came to this earth to save them they respond with great joy!
People that are rich with the stuff of this world aren’t as interested in hearing the Good News because life is so good for them, but for the down and out Jesus gives hope.
We are to take the Good News to the poor. How can they hear unless we share with them?
Application
I am going to Mission Tampa this morning and I intend to do just that and I plan to use this passage so they can hear it with their own ears what Jesus says about them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, open the ears of the poor this morning. Even if it is just one person that spiritually hears this morning I will give You praise. You are Mighty. You are worthy to be Praised!
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Sunday, January 03, 2010
Finding Favor With God
Genesis 6; Genesis 7; Genesis 8; Luke 3
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Scripture
Genesis 6
8 But Noah found favor with the LORD.
Observation
An entire world filled with evil people and yet there in all of that corruption and evil God found a man named Noah that was living a different kind of life. Noah made God smile by the way he lived. I think it is important to catch the importance of what is said about Noah in verse twenty-two of chapter 6 and it is repeated in chapter 7, “So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.”
Do you want to find favor with God…then obey what He tells you to do? If I want God to smile on me then I have to obey His commands. I have to live for Him in obedience if I am to find favor with Him.
Application
I am willing and I want to live in obedience to God’s will. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, when You look down on us from Heaven I want to cause You to smile. I don’t want to live a life of disobedience. Help me to serve You with all of my heart. Help me keep Your word. Help me walk in Your light. Don’t let me fall into sin. I pray for wisdom today. I pray for discernment to know the right actions to take. I pray for our church today that they would come to worship with excitement. I pray that Your Holy Spirit would move in the hearts of our people. Help us to make You smile today. May Your face shine on us!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 6; Genesis 7; Genesis 8; Luke 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Genesis 6
8 But Noah found favor with the LORD.
Observation
An entire world filled with evil people and yet there in all of that corruption and evil God found a man named Noah that was living a different kind of life. Noah made God smile by the way he lived. I think it is important to catch the importance of what is said about Noah in verse twenty-two of chapter 6 and it is repeated in chapter 7, “So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.”
Do you want to find favor with God…then obey what He tells you to do? If I want God to smile on me then I have to obey His commands. I have to live for Him in obedience if I am to find favor with Him.
Application
I am willing and I want to live in obedience to God’s will. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, when You look down on us from Heaven I want to cause You to smile. I don’t want to live a life of disobedience. Help me to serve You with all of my heart. Help me keep Your word. Help me walk in Your light. Don’t let me fall into sin. I pray for wisdom today. I pray for discernment to know the right actions to take. I pray for our church today that they would come to worship with excitement. I pray that Your Holy Spirit would move in the hearts of our people. Help us to make You smile today. May Your face shine on us!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Here is An Example to Follow
Genesis 3; Genesis 4; Genesis 5; Luke 2
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Scripture
Genesis 5
21 When Enoch was 65 years old, he became the father of Methuselah. 22 After the birth of Methuselah, Enoch lived in close fellowship with God for another 300 years, and he had other sons and daughters. 23 Enoch lived 365 years, 24 walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him.
Observation
How close are you to God this morning? Close enough for the Lord to want to take you up to Heaven to be with Him. Wow! Now that is being tight with Your Heavenly Father. Does that happen today? Do people just disappear today because they are so close to the Father that He can’t stand it and just takes them to Heaven? I don’t know but I would love to be one of those people. Enoch had 665 years of walking close to the Lord before the Lord took him up to Heaven.
As far as we know it only happened once, but it could have happened more times than that. I would love to live a life so close to God that He would shorten my stay here on earth to get me to Heaven to be with Him. Enoch must have been some kind of guy.
I do know that if we will live our lives in a way that pleases our Heavenly Father that we will be blessed. Being blessed by God for living a godly life is the best gift we could ever receive. Nothing anyone could give us here on earth would come close to being blessed by our Heavenly Father.
Application
I want to live my life so close to God that He would smile when He thinks about me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I choose to live my life for You today. I want to make You smile by the way I live. Help me to do just that ... make You smile. I pray that You give me wisdom to live a life of obedience and help me to stay in the center of Your will.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 3; Genesis 4; Genesis 5; Luke 2
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Genesis 5
21 When Enoch was 65 years old, he became the father of Methuselah. 22 After the birth of Methuselah, Enoch lived in close fellowship with God for another 300 years, and he had other sons and daughters. 23 Enoch lived 365 years, 24 walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him.
Observation
How close are you to God this morning? Close enough for the Lord to want to take you up to Heaven to be with Him. Wow! Now that is being tight with Your Heavenly Father. Does that happen today? Do people just disappear today because they are so close to the Father that He can’t stand it and just takes them to Heaven? I don’t know but I would love to be one of those people. Enoch had 665 years of walking close to the Lord before the Lord took him up to Heaven.
As far as we know it only happened once, but it could have happened more times than that. I would love to live a life so close to God that He would shorten my stay here on earth to get me to Heaven to be with Him. Enoch must have been some kind of guy.
I do know that if we will live our lives in a way that pleases our Heavenly Father that we will be blessed. Being blessed by God for living a godly life is the best gift we could ever receive. Nothing anyone could give us here on earth would come close to being blessed by our Heavenly Father.
Application
I want to live my life so close to God that He would smile when He thinks about me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I choose to live my life for You today. I want to make You smile by the way I live. Help me to do just that ... make You smile. I pray that You give me wisdom to live a life of obedience and help me to stay in the center of Your will.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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