Why should I fear when evil days come!

Judges 9; Judges 10; Psalm 49; 1 Corinthians 16
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Scripture

Psalm 49

5 Why should I fear when evil days come,
when wicked deceivers surround me-

6 those who trust in their wealth
and boast of their great riches?

7 No man can redeem the life of another
or give to God a ransom for him-

8 the ransom for a life is costly,
no payment is ever enough-

9 that he should live on forever
and not see decay.

10 For all can see that wise men die;
the foolish and the senseless alike perish
and leave their wealth to others.

11 Their tombs will remain their houses forever,
their dwellings for endless generations,
though they had named lands after themselves.

12 But man, despite his riches, does not endure;
he is like the beasts that perish.

13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves,
and of their followers, who approve their sayings.
Selah

14 Like sheep they are destined for the grave,
and death will feed on them.
The upright will rule over them in the morning;
their forms will decay in the grave,
far from their princely mansions.

15 But God will redeem my life from the grave;
he will surely take me to himself.

Selah

16 Do not be overawed when a man grows rich,
when the splendor of his house increases;

17 for he will take nothing with him when he dies,
his splendor will not descend with him.

18 Though while he lived he counted himself blessed—
and men praise you when you prosper-

19 he will join the generation of his fathers,
who will never see the light of life .

20 A man who has riches without understanding
is like the beasts that perish.

Observation

With everything going on in our country today, with a government that seems completely out of control, and with each day we seem to be spinning further and further away from the basic core values of God’s Word, it is encouraging to read Psalm 49 and be reminded “not to fear”.

I love verse fifteen, “But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself.” The Psalmist tells us not to worry about those that are wealthy in this life because they aren’t taking it with them.

This is not our home. We have a mansion waiting for us that we will live in forever. We are rich. Our riches are not for this life, this is life is so short that we don’t won’t to waste them here. I hope that you are sending your riches on up ahead and not stacking them up down here on this earth.

Application

In both passages today, I have been told not to “fear”. So I will not be afraid today.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that He will carry me to glory when I die. Help me not to fret over what other people have. Help me to be a giver. Show me where and how to give. I pray that You continue to bless our people. Use our church today all over this city.

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Therefore!

Judges 8; Psalm 42; 1 Corinthians 15
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Scripture

1 Corinthians 15

58Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Observation

“Therefore” when you see a “therefore” you need to look and see what it is “there for” and this therefore goes back to the fact that Jesus is no longer in the grave He is alive. And since (therefore) He is alive we should stand firm, we shouldn’t let anything move us, and we should give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord.

I am struggling today not with the work of the Lord, but with clutter and with things that are out of focus. Things that tend to pull us away from the work of the Lord, the Devil knows how to try to get us off track, off focus, and it always seems to be from folks within the fellowship not with the lost that we need to reach.

Application

But…I will still focus on the work of the Lord.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me not to lose focus with the nit picking little stuff that bombards us every time we start making headway to be what You want us to be as a church. I pray for victory over the small stuff that the Devil elevates way out of proportion. Lord, help our people walk in victory today. Give them victories and don’t let them be defeated by the Evil one. You conquered him. He is finished. Don’t let him mess with us.

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Mighty Warrior

Judges 6; Judges 7; Psalm 52; 1 Corinthians 14
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Scripture

Judges 6

11 The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. 12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior."

Observation

It is obvious that God sees more in the life of Gideon than Gideon sees himself. Gideon was hiding in a winepress threshing wheat when God called him a mighty warrior! I am sure that Gideon thought that he must have been dreaming. I am sure that he didn’t feel like a mighty warrior. He was hiding.

God sees our potential. He tries to get us to see it. He wants us to be mighty warriors and not wimps. He wants us to be living sacrifices for Him. He wants us to trust Him 100% and He wants us engaged in battle.

What do you say? Are you up to the challenge? Are you ready to be a mighty warrior? It took quite a bit of convincing for Gideon to be the mighty warrior that God saw him to be, but he finally came around. His life wasn’t perfect, but it was good enough to get into the hall of faith chapter in Hebrews 11. So he did pretty well.

How are you doing in this life of faith? How am I doing?

Application

God has called me to be a mighty warrior. I will not retreat. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, show me the battlefield for today. I am ready to be a mighty warrior for You. Give me the energy and the desire to battle for You today.

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My Hope Is In You!

Judges 4; Judges 5; Psalm 39; Psalm 41; 1 Corinthians 13
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Scripture

Psalm 39

7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.

Psalm 41

11 I know that you are pleased with me,
for my enemy does not triumph over me.

12 In my integrity you uphold me
and set me in your presence forever.

13 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen.

Observation

My hope is in God. I know that He is pleased with me. In my integrity You uphold me and set me in Your presence forever! Where is your hope? I hope that it is not in the stuff that you have accumulated. I hope it is not in your job or in a relationship.

It is smart to put Your hope in God. Live a life of integrity so that you know that the Lord is pleased with you. And then give Him praise!

Application

I will put my hope in the Lord because He loves me and He is pleased with me.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, my hope is in You. Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen

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Worth Ship = Worship

Judges 1; Judges 2; Judges 3; 1 Corinthians 12
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Scripture

I used my Sunday’s sermon text to journal on rather than one of the other passages.

John 12:1-19

Six days before the Passover ceremonies began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. [2] A dinner was prepared in Jesus' honor. Martha served, and Lazarus sat at the table with him. [3] Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus' feet with it and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with fragrance.

[4] But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples—the one who would betray him—said, [5] "That perfume was worth a small fortune. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor." [6] Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief who was in charge of the disciples' funds, and he often took some for his own use.

[7] Jesus replied, "Leave her alone. She did it in preparation for my burial. [8] You will always have the poor among you, but I will not be here with you much longer."

[9] When all the people heard of Jesus' arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. [10] Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, [11] for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.

[12] The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A huge crowd of Passover visitors [13] took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted,

"Praise God!
Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hail to the King of Israel!"

[14] Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said:

[15] "Don't be afraid, people of Israel.
Look, your King is coming,
sitting on a donkey's colt."

[16] His disciples didn't realize at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered that these Scriptures had come true before their eyes.

[17] Those in the crowd who had seen Jesus call Lazarus back to life were telling others all about it. [18] That was the main reason so many went out to meet him—because they had heard about this mighty miracle. [19] Then the Pharisees said to each other, "We've lost. Look, the whole world has gone after him!"

Observation

Two stories are found in these nineteen verses and both are filled with drama and emotion and both help us to understand true worship! You would think that what the Pharisees say at the end of this story is true if we didn’t have chapters 18 and 19 to show us differently. It would seem that the whole world had gone after Jesus but that was not the case, at least, not at that point in history

I can feel the excitement of the crowd when they are crying out, "Praise God! Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!"

But we only have to read in Luke 19 to see that Jesus knew their hearts,

“But as they came closer to Jerusalem and he saw the city ahead, he began to cry. [42] "Eternal peace was within your reach and you turned it down," he wept, "and now it is too late. [43] Your enemies will pile up earth against your walls and encircle you and close in on you, [44] and crush you to the ground, and your children within you; your enemies will not leave one stone upon another--for you have rejected the opportunity God offered you." He knew that they didn’t know who He was! They were blinded to the truth.

Mary got it. She understood worship. She had the insight. She knew that Jesus was the Messiah and that He would die for her sins. She sacrificed something very costly.

Application

Worship is costly. It demands sacrifice. It is not about us. It is all about Him. I will worship Him today.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to understand Your word. I want to get it. I don’t want to miss it. Help me share this passage tomorrow with our people in a way that will help them to worship.

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God Gives Us The Victory

Joshua 23; Joshua 24; Psalm 44; 1 Corinthians 11
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Scripture

Psalm 44

3 It was not by their sword that they won the land,
nor did their arm bring them victory;
it was your right hand, your arm,
and the light of your face, for you loved them.

Observation

We need to be reminded that God is the One who is fighting our battles and God is the One who will give us victory. If we think it is by our own power then we are in for a big disappointment and failure.

Application

I want God to continue doing what He is doing in our church. I want Him to get all the glory. I want Him to continue to use our people to build His church.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is You Who is at work in our church. I pray that You continue doing what You are doing. I pray that our people continue to be transformed into a powerful body of Christ. Use them in the lives of those around them. Do a mighty work through them and in them. Be gloried through our church I pray.

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Whatever You Do … Do It For God’s Glory

Joshua 21; Joshua 22; Psalm 47; 1 Corinthians 10
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Scripture

1 Corinthians 10

31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

Observation

If you are asking the question about whether you should do something or not here is a good way to know whether or not you should do it …does it bring God glory? Looking at that scene on your television, or that image on your computer, or taking a drink whether it is beer, wine, or something stronger, smoking that cigar or cigarette, eating that second or third plate of food at dinner, do any of these things bring God glory?

And is what you are doing just for your own good or is what you are doing going to help others be saved? These are two good tests about the use and stewardship of our time.

Application

I will focus on bringing God glory by doing the things that make Him smile. I will also strive to do things for others rather than for myself so that they will be saved.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me please You by making good choices and choosing things that would bring You glory. Don’t let me be so self centered that others aren’t coming to Christ. Help me focus on them and not myself.

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Self Control … Why It Is So Important

Joshua 18; Joshua 19; Joshua 20; 1 Corinthians 9
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Scripture

1 Corinthians 9

19 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.

21To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.


24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Observation

We need to exercise self-control so other people can see Jesus in us. We need to discipline our bodies so they do not become stumbling blocks to our sharing the Gospel. If our bodies reflect that food is our god then it is very difficult for people to believe that Jesus is our God. We must keep our bodies under control so we are not stumbling blocks to those around us.

Food addiction is just as bad as being a drug addict, but in our culture we don’t dare say anything because it has become like the drug of choice for so many people. When you are stressed, or happy, or when you are having a hard time it is so easy to go to the refrigerator and find comfort. It is a daily struggle for me. How about you?

Application

I will exercise self-control today in what and how I eat. I will also look for ways to be a witness to someone today.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.

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Don’t Pig Out …Unless It Is On God’s Word

Joshua 15; Joshua 16; Joshua 17; 1 Corinthians 8
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Scripture

1 Corinthians 8

8But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

Observation

God has made food very enjoyable for us, but food does not draw us near to God. In fact, food in this passage had become a stumbling block for the Christians in the city of Corinth. We have made food an idol or a god in our country. We over indulge ourselves with food and other stuff.
The Apostle Paul talks about keeping his body under subjection; keeping it under control and not letting himself give in to the cravings of the flesh.

I think that the real issue here is not letting anything take God’s place in our lives. Don’t make something divisive that doesn’t really matter. Food is food and nothing more. The Word of God on the other hand is a spiritual banquet and we need to feast on it. We should indulge ourselves in the Word of God, devouring it. It is easy to get off track. It is so easy to get distracted.

Application

I will focus, meditate, and feast on God’s Word today.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is so true that I tend to spend time and energy on things that are not important. I can get distracted so easily. Help me to focus today on You and what You want me to do.

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Time Is Short … Invest and Invite

Joshua 12; Joshua 13; Joshua 14; 1 Corinthians 7
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Scripture

1 Corinthians 7

29What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; 30those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

Observation

Whether Jesus returns soon or not time is still short for you and me isn’t it! My life is getting towards the end … time is short. So lets make the most of it. Don’t let a toy grab all of your time and attention, whether it is a boat, a fishing pole, a gun, a golf bag, or anything else that could take all of your time. Don’t become engrossed in them. Lets use our time for the kingdom. Lets focus on Kingdom business let’s focus on people. Easter is only a few weeks a way. Who can you invite to your church. Who needs a relationship with the Savior? Focus on His business because time is short.

Application

I will continue to think of people to invite to church this week.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me know how to spend my time. Put on my heart people that need to be encouraged in the Lord. I pray for the Baker’s today that You minister to them as they go through this time of loss.

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Honor God With Our Bodies

Joshua 9; Joshua 10; Joshua 11; 1 Corinthians 6
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Scripture

1 Corinthians 6

19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Observation

What we do with these bodies of ours does matter to God. He lives in us and if we misuse our bodies then we dishonor God. It is serious. We are not our own we have been bought with a price. What will you do today with your body that will honor God? Taking our body to church would be a good start and how about watching what we put into our bodies …wouldn’t that be smart?

Application

I will guard what I put in my body today both with my eyes and with my mouth.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that my body is Your temple. I will strive to keep my body clean today. Keep me from letting my eyes roam and focus on things that would not bring You honor. Help me to honor You today with my body.

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Rescue Me, Save Me, Pull Me, Take Care of Me…

Joshua 7; Joshua 8; Psalm 69; 1 Corinthians 5
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Scripture

Psalm 69

14 Rescue me from the mud;
don’t let me sink any deeper!
Save me from those who hate me,
and pull me from these deep waters.

15 Don’t let the floods overwhelm me,
or the deep waters swallow me,
or the pit of death devour me.
16 Answer my prayers, O LORD,
for your unfailing love is wonderful.
Take care of me,
for your mercy is so plentiful.

Observation

Why can I pray for God to rescue me, save me, and pull me from the deep waters that are overwhelming me? Why? Because I serve a God who answers my prayers and I serve a God who loves me with unfailing wonderful love. I serve a God who is full of mercy.
So do you need to be rescued today? Are you sinking in mud today? Are you overwhelmed and drowning today? If you are then may I suggest that you do like the psalmist suggests and pray.

Application

I will pray. I know that God is a God of mercy and He answers my prayers.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to totally rely on You today. I pray that You would help me walk by Your Spirit this entire day. Don’t let me miss anything that has eternal significance. Help me focus on the people that You put in my path today.

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Walk The Talk!

Joshua 3; Joshua 4; Joshua 5; Joshua 6; 1 Corinthians 4
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Scripture

1 Corinthians 4

20 For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.

Observation

We have to “Walk the Talk”…The Kingdom of God is living by God’s power. Do we really believe what we are saying? If we really believe what we profess then our lives should be lived out in a powerful way. How are we doing?

Application

For we walk by faith and not by sight and we just don’t talk the talk but we also walk in God’s power and in His might. I will walk in His power today.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me live my life so that it is not a contradiction to what I say I believe. I pray that I would walk with integrity, that I would walk in faith, that I would walk in Your power today. Help me to do just that. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!

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God Will Provide

Joshua 1; Joshua 2; Psalm 37; 1 Corinthians 3
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Scripture

Psalm 37

39 The LORD rescues the godly;
he is their fortress in times of trouble.
40 The LORD helps them,
rescuing them from the wicked.
He saves them,
and they find shelter in him.

Observation

This is my confidence in my God that though a friend of mine has lost everything and has gone from riches to nothing, God will provide for he and his family. God will provide. Just as my God will provide for my family and me because we trust in Him.

Application

I will pray for my brother that God restores all that he has lost and that God provides him with even more.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am praying for my brother that You restore to him all that he has lost and that You provide even more for him so that he can give it away like he has done in the past. Bless my good friend and use him mightily in Your Kingdom.

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God’s Plan For Us – Indescribable!

Deuteronomy 32; Deuteronomy 33; Deuteronomy 34; 1 Corinthians 2
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Scripture

1 Corinthians 2

7 No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 8 But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. 9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him.”

Observation

This is what kept Paul going knowing that what God has in store for him was way better than anything that the world could offer. What keeps you going? Do you love God? If your answer is yes, then lift up your head and get moving and get going for God. I am wearing a T-shirt today that was given to me yesterday by the IMB that says, Not Just a Mission Trip but Life. Not just us but them. Not just Savior but Lord…pretty good vision statement for us to live by today.

Application

Not just Church but life. Not just us but them. Not just Savior but Lord.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I look forward to all that You have in store for me, but help me share the Good News of this passage with everyone around me.

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Invited to Partner With Christ

Deuteronomy 30; Deuteronomy 31; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 1
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Scripture

1 Corinthians 1

“7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns.”

9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Observation

You and I have been invited to partner with Christ. Are you up to the challenge? Are you willing to make it your life’s ambition? I would rather do nothing else than be on mission with Christ. God has equipped us to be able to do what He has put before us. He says so in this first chapter of Corinthians.

Application

I will exercise my spiritual gifts as I eagerly wait for the Lord’s return.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word. Thank You for letting me know today that You will keep me strong and that You have given me every spiritual gift that I need to be able to serve You. Come Lord Jesus.

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One Important Law Of The Harvest

Deuteronomy 28; Deuteronomy 29; Galatians 6
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Scripture

Galatians 6

7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

Observation

You will always harvest what you plant…always! It is one of the laws of the harvest! If you plant an orange tree you will harvest oranges, peach tree – peaches, corn – corn etc. So don’t expect to reap good stuff if you plant garbage. Garbage in …garbage out.

Application

I plan to live today to please the Holy Spirit. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me plant stuff today that will last forever. Don’t let me waste my time on things that will only cause me grief and pain. Keep me away from sin today. I pray that You keep my mind focused on kingdom stuff, the things that are on Your agenda for my life today. I want to harvest things that will last forever. Help me do those things today that make You smile. I pray for my staff today. I pray that You bless them. Help them to walk close to You today.

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Insanity of Sin & The Forgiving Love of God

Deuteronomy 25; Deuteronomy 26; Deuteronomy 27; Galatians 5
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Scripture

Parable of the Lost Son

Luke 15

11 To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.

13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.

17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’
20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’

22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.

Observation

I am preaching on this passage this morning so I decided to write about it rather than a passage from my devotional reading. This passage is all about God’s love for us and His love for everyone around us. God wants to embrace every person like He did this rebellious son in this story. God wants everyone to come to his/her senses and turn to Him.

When it happens it is party time in Heaven! God loves these kinds of parties. It is a huge celebration in Heaven over one lost sinner that repents and comes back to the Father.

Application

I want to help people experience this kind of love that our Heavenly Father wants to shower on them. I will continue to pray for people. I will continue to share with people about God’s love. I will continue to motivate our people to invest and invite people to come to church.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for people to come to their senses today and be saved. I pray for the power of Your Holy Spirit to work in the lives of those that are in church today. I pray that you will visit us in all Your glory today.

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Don’t Judge …Instead Be Fruit Inspectors!

Deuteronomy 25; Deuteronomy 26; Deuteronomy 27; Galatians 5
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Scripture

Galatians 5

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control.

Observation

You have heard people say, “oh, you shouldn’t judge!” to that I say, “Ok, but we should be fruit inspectors!”

If someone is being led by the Holy Spirit then the overflow of their life should be the fruit of the Spirit and if that is not what is evident then there is something else flowing out of their life:

Sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these.
You either have the fruit of the Spirit flowing out of your life or the desires of your sinful nature leaking out.

Application

I will inspect fruit today beginning with my life and my heart.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for the men at this men’s conference today. I pray that You work some miracles. I pray that this would bring You honor and Glory. I pray that men would be drawn closer to You. Speak through every person that leads today.

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What if God Treated Us Like This?

Deuteronomy 19; Deuteronomy 20; Deuteronomy 21; Galatians 3
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Scripture

Deuteronomy 21

A Rebellious Son

18 If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him, 19 his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town. 20 They shall say to the elders, "This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a profligate and a drunkard." 21 Then all the men of his town shall stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you. All Israel will hear of it and be afraid.

Observation

I am working on a message for Sunday about the prodigal son found in Luke 15. What a contrast Luke 15 is compared to Deuteronomy 21! I am glad that I don’t live under the law and I am really glad that I don’t get from God what I deserve. I am like the prodigal son. I have been welcomed back to fellowship with God but it is not because I deserve it. I don’t. I deserve to be stoned to death. I deserve to go to Hell. I am not going to Hell, but it has nothing to do with me. I am going to Heaven because I have a Heavenly Father who has lavished His love upon me. Love that I do not deserve.

Application

I will meditate on God’s Grace all day today.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray today for wisdom. I pray for discernment. Help me Lord to know the right choices to make as I go through this day.

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Come Quickly to Help Me!

Deuteronomy 16; Deuteronomy 17; Deuteronomy 18; Psalm 38; Galatians 2
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Scripture

Psalm 38

22 Come quickly to help me,
O Lord my Savior.

Observation

This is a quick urgent prayer that ends Psalm 38:22. I understand how this Psalmist feels. Have you ever prayed a prayer like this? Lord, come quickly to help me.

There are some days when this is the kind of prayer that we need to pray. I know that God can come quickly and I know that He wants to help us. He is on our side. He is not against us. He is for us. If we are trusting in Christ with all of our hearts then we know that we can depend on Him.

Application

I will wait expectantly for God to answer.

Prayer

Lord, come quickly to help me.

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Chosen! How Does It Feel?

Deuteronomy 13; Deuteronomy 14; Deuteronomy 15; Galatians 1
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Scripture

Galatians 1

15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.

Observation

Even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace! Then it pleased Him to reveal His Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to everyone!

Chosen before I was born … an amazing thing to think about! If you are a Christ follower then you too were chosen before you were born by God and you and I were chosen so that we could proclaim the Good News of Jesus to the rest of the world.

Maybe you don’t feel chosen today. Maybe you don’t feel special, but if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ you should feel special. If you don’t then I would recommend that you dive into His book, the Bible, and look at how much God loves you. Maybe you ought to read Romans 8 for starters I think that would help you a lot.

Application

Today is a wonderful day to serve our Lord. Lets do it with all of our hearts.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me. I had nothing to do with it You chose me before I was even born. But I understand that I have a huge responsibility to please You with the way I live. I pray that today I would make You smile with decisions and the choices that I make. Give me the opportunity to proclaim Your Good News today. Help me to make good decisions according to Your will and Your word.

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How Does God Want Us to Live?

Deuteronomy 10; Deuteronomy 11; Deuteronomy 12; Mark 16
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Scripture

Deuteronomy 10

12 “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.

Observation

And now, Eddy, what does the Lord your God require of you? Put your name in the blank, “And now, ____________, what does the Lord your God require of you?” Here is the answer for us, “He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.”

“Love and serve God with all our heart and soul and live in a way that pleases Him,” if you and I will just do that then we will be blessed beyond all measure! Do you believe it … then live it out!

Application

I plan to live out this verse today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is my desire today to love and serve You with all my heart and soul and live today in a way that pleases You.


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Would You Do This For Someone Else?

Deuteronomy 7; Deuteronomy 8; Deuteronomy 9; Mark 15
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Scripture

Deuteronomy 9

18 “Then, as before, I threw myself down before the LORD for forty days and nights. I ate no bread and drank no water because of the great sin you had committed by doing what the LORD hated, provoking him to anger. 19 I feared that the furious anger of the LORD, which turned him against you, would drive him to destroy you. But again he listened to me. 20 The LORD was so angry with Aaron that he wanted to destroy him, too. But I prayed for Aaron, and the LORD spared him.

25 “That is why I threw myself down before the LORD for forty days and nights—for the LORD said he would destroy you. 26 I prayed to the LORD and said, ‘O Sovereign LORD, do not destroy them. They are your own people. They are your special possession, whom you redeemed from Egypt by your mighty power and your strong hand. 27 Please overlook the stubbornness and the awful sin of these people, and remember instead your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Observation

How many of us have gone one day without eating anything? How about going one day without eating or drinking anything…how about not eating or drinking anything for 40 days? How about doing that two times in a row?

Moses went without food or water for 40 days and came down the mountain with the Ten Commandments. He found that the people had made a golden calf and were worshiping it. God wanted to destroy the people and God also wanted to destroy Moses’ brother Aaron who was leading them in this terrible sin, but Moses fell face down before God and prayed and fasted for 40 days - not eating or drinking anything while he interceded for the people.

Hmmm…. what sacrifice are we making so that people can be right with God? Are we praying and fasting…even a meal, a day, a few minutes everyday, are we doing anything so that those around us know Christ? What are we doing to move people closer to our Savior? Who do you need to pray for today?

Application

I will pray today for the people that God has placed on my heart that either need salvation or need to return to the Lord.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me the heart that Moses had for his people. Help me lead with integrity. Help me to pray for and help me not give up on people that You have placed on my heart and that You have placed in my life. Bless them, forgive them, and help them in their walk with You.

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Bummed Out…Down in the Pits?

Deuteronomy 5; Deuteronomy 6; Psalm 43; Mark 14
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Scripture

Psalm 43

5 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!

Observation

If you are bummed out this morning and all depressed why not do like the Psalmist and ask yourself “why”. If you are sad why not ask yourself “why am I so sad?” Then do as the Psalmist did and turn to God. Put your hope in God and begin to praise Him. Even if you don’t feel like it …do it. If He is your Savior and your God then there is no need to be depressed or sad. Praise Him right now!

Application

I will praise the Lord all day today. He is my Lord and my Savior. He is my God. He is the lifter up of my head.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I refuse to be depressed today. I look to You. I praise You. You are my Savior and my Lord. There is no need to be depressed. There is no reason to be sad. You are Mighty. You are my refuge. You are my strength. Mighty is Your Name.

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What is Your God Like? Check This Out!

Deuteronomy 3; Deuteronomy 4; Psalm 36; Mark 13
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Scripture

Psalm 36

5-6 God's love is meteoric,

his loyalty astronomic,

His purpose titanic,

his verdicts oceanic.

Yet in his largeness nothing gets lost;

Not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks.

Observation

How does it make you feel about God when you read this passage? I don’t know about you but I feel really good about my God when I read this. My God is big enough, no, my God is way way big enough to take care of you and me and everything in our lives'. He is so big and yet He cares about me and about you…it is amazing.

Application

I will review and meditate on these verses today.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Your love is meteoric, Your loyalty astronomic, Your purpose titanic, Your verdicts oceanic. Yet in Your largeness nothing gets lost; Not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks.

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Vision Statement = Love God & Love Others

Deuteronomy 1; Deuteronomy 2; Mark 12
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Scripture

Mark 12

29 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. 30 And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

Observation

We as a church are working together to come up with a vision statement that reflects who we should be as a church. Whatever we finally come up with will have to include Love God and Love Others in some form or another because those are the two greatest commandments. It is who we are supposed to be. It should be a huge part of our DNA as believers.

Application

I will put into practice Mark 12:29-31 today.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me practice Mark 12:29-31 today as we drive back to Tampa. I pray for a safe trip. I pray for opportunities to share Your love with someone along the way. You are a mighty God! You are worthy of all praise!

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Have Faith…In God!

Numbers 34; Numbers 35; Numbers 36; Mark 11
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Scripture

Mark 11

22 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. 25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

Observation

Having faith is not enough you and I must have our faith placed in God. The object of our faith is what matters. I can have faith in my car that it will get me home, but if you know my car you would think that I was an idiot to have faith in my car because it is about to completely fall apart. I have no faith in it at all. Right now it is not dependable. The saying, “you got to have faith” is incomplete without adding “in God”.

Application

Faith is a gift. It comes from God. Do you have faith?

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me the faith that I need in You to do the things that You want me to do. Help me be a person of faith a person that can trust You to answer my prayers. I pray for the conference today. Use it in the lives of those that attend. Use it in our lives to help us lead our church in a way that it will grow.

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What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?

Numbers 32; Numbers 33; Mark 10
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Scripture

Mark 10

The Rich Man

17 As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’”

20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”

21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.
27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”
28 Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said.
29 “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. 31 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.

Observation

There is something that a person must “do” to inherit eternal life. The word “inherit” helps us find the answer to what a person must “do”! The Philippian jailor asked the Apostle Paul a similar question but under very different circumstances when he asked Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul’s answer was that the jailor needed to “do” one thing and that one thing was “believe” believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.”

This rich young ruler had a big problem with “believing” because he believed and put his trust in the wrong thing. His “god” was his wealth and Jesus told him to get rid of his wealth and trust God and he would have eternal life. You see he did ok keeping some of the 10 commandments but he had failed to keep the main ones that dealt with his relationship with God. He had allowed his wealth to become his god and God said that we are to have no other gods but Him. His love for his possessions kept him out of heaven.

Application

I will inherit eternal life because God is my Heavenly Father. He is my Lord and my Savior and I put my entire trust and all of my faith in Him to save me. I will not be disappointed.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me. Thank You that I don’t have to depend on working my way into Heaven. I will inherit Heaven because I am one of your children. Thank You for giving me eternal life. I pray that You keep us safe as we travel today. I pray that you teach us what we need to help us to help our church to grow.

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Don’t Misuse The Name of Jesus

Numbers 30; Numbers 31; Mark 9
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Scripture

Mark 9

Using the Name of Jesus

38 John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.”

39 “Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. 40 Anyone who is not against us is for us. 41 If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.

42 “But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands. 45 If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one foot than to be thrown into hell with two feet. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It’s better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out.’

49 “For everyone will be tested with fire. 50 Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.”

Observation

Small acts of kindness done in the name of Jesus will not go un-rewarded. Jesus says that even a cup of water given to a follower of Christ in the name of Jesus will have its reward.

There are warnings here too for those that would try to profit by using the name of Jesus. It bothers me that some people in high places of leadership in Baptist circles seem to be doing things that are unethical and other leaders seem to be protecting them or defending them.

But I am reminded by what Jesus says in this passage that there is a pay day someday and those men and women will be tested with fire and what is not of Christ will burn up. I pray that they will be found out. I pray that they will be caught. And I pray that they repent and I pray that God restores them back to fellowship afterwards. And I pray that I would not fall into Satan’s schemes like they seem to have done.

Application

And I pray that I would not fall into Satan’s schemes like they did. I will guard my heart so that I don’t become like the men and women that are living out their lives contrary to the Gospel that they preach.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, this passage is a huge reminder to me that I need to guard my heart. I realize that I too can fall into sin if I don’t stay close to You. I pray for some leaders in national leadership that seem to be living lives that are in direct contradiction to the Gospel that we preach. I pray that if they are innocent that the attacks on them would cease and I pray that if they are guilty that they would repent and admit their sin and get right with You. I know that only by Your grace and Your mercy will I be able to live a life that brings You glory and honor and I know that if I am not careful I could sin just like those I am upset with. So I pray for them today. You know who I am praying for and I pray that today they would come to You in repentance.

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How Important is Our Offerings to God?

Numbers 28; Numbers 29; Mark 8
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Scripture

Numbers 28

The Daily Offerings

1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 “Give these instructions to the people of Israel: The offerings you present as special gifts are a pleasing aroma to me; they are my food. See to it that they are brought at the appointed times and offered according to my instructions.

Observation

When you give your tithes and your offerings this is how God wants to receive them, as a pleasing aroma and as food. So God says that we should bring them as He has instructed us, at the right time and with the right attitude.

As you read chapter twenty-eight of Numbers you can see how God told them exactly how He wanted the offerings presented and what kind of offerings He desired. Done in the right way these offerings became a pleasing aroma and they satisfied God’s Soul or Spirit.

God wants us to present ourselves as living sacrifices today. What kind of offering does He want from us today? He wants us to give everything to Him.

Application

Today I give You 100%.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me be a living sacrifice to You today. Show me where I am not 100% sold out to You. Today I want to live for You and not for myself.

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