Taking the “IM” Out of IM Possible!
2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17
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Scripture
Matthew 17
The Healing of a Boy With a Demon
14 hen they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. 15 "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water.
16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him."
17 "O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me."
18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"
20 He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
22 When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. 23 They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life." And the disciples were filled with grief.
Observation
Nothing will be impossible for you. Jesus takes the “im” out of the word “impossible”. And He tells us that everything is “possible” if you have faith and trust in Him. Period … end of story!
What is your “impossible” today? It is possible even though you are thinking right now that it is impossible. What will make your impossible situation a situation that becomes possible…Jesus?
Talk to Him today about your impossible situation.
Application
I will trust the Lord today with a seemingly impossible situation. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t need to move a mountain today, but what needs to happen does seem just about as difficult as moving a mountain. I pray that You would help me do the impossible. I know that others that might read this have things in their lives that seem impossible and I pray right now for them that You show them that there is no such thing as impossible when we have You on our side. Help me to believe and help me to have the faith in You so that the impossible situations in my life get done.
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Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Are You On The Winning Team?
2 Samuel 4; 2 Samuel 5; Psalm 139; Matthew 16
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Scripture
Matthew 16
16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
20 Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
Observation
Church is a team sport and we are going to win. I know that we are going to win because Jesus said so! Nothing is going to defeat the church. Peter got rebuked because he was not thinking about the kingdom when he told Jesus that Jesus was not going to suffer. Jesus had to suffer so that the church could be on the winning side of the battle. He had to go out ahead of us and win the battle for us. The battle has already been won we are just cleaning up!
I think that because we see the condition of the church in America and how it seems to be losing ground everyday that we begin to think that we are losing, but we aren’t. We can’t lose if we have already won.
The outcome is certain when it is all over and done with those that have a personal relationship with Christ will be the winners. But each of us should be racking up rewards everyday as we engage the enemy in battle. Don’t believe his lies. We are not defeated. We are on the winning side. Stay strong and fight the good fight.
Application
I will keep my eyes focused on the team leader – Jesus!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to believe the Devil’s lies. Help me to live today as one that knows You and help me to live like a winner and not a loser. I pray for strength today to accomplish what you want me to accomplish. Give me Your thoughts and Your desires as I walk through this day. Be glorified in and through me today.
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2 Samuel 4; 2 Samuel 5; Psalm 139; Matthew 16
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Scripture
Matthew 16
16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
20 Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
Observation
Church is a team sport and we are going to win. I know that we are going to win because Jesus said so! Nothing is going to defeat the church. Peter got rebuked because he was not thinking about the kingdom when he told Jesus that Jesus was not going to suffer. Jesus had to suffer so that the church could be on the winning side of the battle. He had to go out ahead of us and win the battle for us. The battle has already been won we are just cleaning up!
I think that because we see the condition of the church in America and how it seems to be losing ground everyday that we begin to think that we are losing, but we aren’t. We can’t lose if we have already won.
The outcome is certain when it is all over and done with those that have a personal relationship with Christ will be the winners. But each of us should be racking up rewards everyday as we engage the enemy in battle. Don’t believe his lies. We are not defeated. We are on the winning side. Stay strong and fight the good fight.
Application
I will keep my eyes focused on the team leader – Jesus!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to believe the Devil’s lies. Help me to live today as one that knows You and help me to live like a winner and not a loser. I pray for strength today to accomplish what you want me to accomplish. Give me Your thoughts and Your desires as I walk through this day. Be glorified in and through me today.
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Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Careful What You Take Into Your Heart … It Will Come Out!
2 Samuel 3; 1 Chronicles 12; Matthew 15
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Scripture
Matthew 15
16"Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them. 17"Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20These are what make a man 'unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him 'unclean.' "
Observation
What we look at that is impure goes right into our hearts and it will come out! Guard what goes into your heart! Set some boundaries about what you watch on television, don’t watch movies that are filled with garbage, don’t let your eyes wander because what goes in will come out.
Application
I will guard my eyes today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You know my heart and You know where my weak spots are. Keep me away from anything that would take Your place in my heart. I pray that You would help those in our congregation and in my family that are tempted to look at stuff that would contaminate their hearts. I pray for the men of our church that they could walk in victory today over pornography and other stuff that would bring them down. I pray that our men would be strong that they would be men full of Your Holy Spirit and nothing else.
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2 Samuel 3; 1 Chronicles 12; Matthew 15
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 15
16"Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them. 17"Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20These are what make a man 'unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him 'unclean.' "
Observation
What we look at that is impure goes right into our hearts and it will come out! Guard what goes into your heart! Set some boundaries about what you watch on television, don’t watch movies that are filled with garbage, don’t let your eyes wander because what goes in will come out.
Application
I will guard my eyes today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You know my heart and You know where my weak spots are. Keep me away from anything that would take Your place in my heart. I pray that You would help those in our congregation and in my family that are tempted to look at stuff that would contaminate their hearts. I pray for the men of our church that they could walk in victory today over pornography and other stuff that would bring them down. I pray that our men would be strong that they would be men full of Your Holy Spirit and nothing else.
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Get Out of The Boat
2 Samuel 2; 1 Chronicles 11; Psalm 142; Matthew 14
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Scripture
Matthew 14
22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
24 but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.
26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
29 "Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Observation
You of little faith, that was the description that Jesus used of Peter, as he doubted while walking on water! My question as I read this passage is what kind of faith did the disciples have that stayed in the boat? True Jesus did say that Peter’s faith was small, but he was the only one out walking on water. Even though he struggled with doubt as he walked on water, at least he got out of the boat. Why didn’t all the other disciples jump in behind Peter the moment that they saw Peter walking on the water toward Jesus? I think that this was a teachable moment not only for Peter but also for all of the disciples watching the whole event unfold.
Application
Jesus has taken care of me this far in my life and I don’t need to doubt Him now about my future.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I would love to walk on the water like Peter did that night. It was a lesson of trust. You are still teaching us to trust You. Everyday You are teaching me. Help me be a man of faith. Help me not to doubt You. Show me how to live for You. Show me what is important. Show me what I need to focus on today. Don’t let me doubt You today. Guide me every step of my day today. I don’t want to miss anything that You want me to experience.
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2 Samuel 2; 1 Chronicles 11; Psalm 142; Matthew 14
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Scripture
Matthew 14
22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
24 but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.
26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
29 "Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Observation
You of little faith, that was the description that Jesus used of Peter, as he doubted while walking on water! My question as I read this passage is what kind of faith did the disciples have that stayed in the boat? True Jesus did say that Peter’s faith was small, but he was the only one out walking on water. Even though he struggled with doubt as he walked on water, at least he got out of the boat. Why didn’t all the other disciples jump in behind Peter the moment that they saw Peter walking on the water toward Jesus? I think that this was a teachable moment not only for Peter but also for all of the disciples watching the whole event unfold.
Application
Jesus has taken care of me this far in my life and I don’t need to doubt Him now about my future.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I would love to walk on the water like Peter did that night. It was a lesson of trust. You are still teaching us to trust You. Everyday You are teaching me. Help me be a man of faith. Help me not to doubt You. Show me how to live for You. Show me what is important. Show me what I need to focus on today. Don’t let me doubt You today. Guide me every step of my day today. I don’t want to miss anything that You want me to experience.
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Monday, April 26, 2010
Looking For Good Soil!
2 Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matthew 13
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Scripture
Matthew 13
1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9He who has ears, let him hear."
Observation
Sharing the Good News with lots of folks so that when the seed finds good soil it can explode with growth.
Application
I will look for the opportunity to share the Gospel with everyone around me because I don’t know who will be the good soil that will take off and grow.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, lead me to people that You want me to share my faith with and give me the right words to say, and give me Your love and Your concern for them.
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2 Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matthew 13
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Scripture
Matthew 13
1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9He who has ears, let him hear."
Observation
Sharing the Good News with lots of folks so that when the seed finds good soil it can explode with growth.
Application
I will look for the opportunity to share the Gospel with everyone around me because I don’t know who will be the good soil that will take off and grow.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, lead me to people that You want me to share my faith with and give me the right words to say, and give me Your love and Your concern for them.
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Sunday, April 25, 2010
Here’s How To Be Close To Jesus
1 Samuel 30; 1 Samuel 31; 1 Chronicles 10; Matthew 12
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Scripture
Matthew 12
46 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you."
48 He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. 50For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
Observation
Obedience is the key.
If you want to be close to God then you must learn obedience. If you want to be close to Jesus then you must learn to walk in obedience with Him. He pointed to his disciples and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers” and then He said, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
When a family is healthy there is no stronger relationship than that of a Mom and Dad and brothers and sisters. God created the family before He created the church or any other institution. When we have a personal relationship with Christ we become His children; we become family and many times our spiritual family is a lot closer than our physical family. Maybe the reason for that is because it is our forever family.
Application
I need to call some spiritual brothers and sisters today and check on them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be a good shepherd. Put on my heart who I need to call and check on. I pray that this day would bring You honor and glory. I pray for those that are struggling today. I pray that You would be their strength. Help them to trust You. Help them to seek to walk with You. Help them to grow.
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1 Samuel 30; 1 Samuel 31; 1 Chronicles 10; Matthew 12
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Scripture
Matthew 12
46 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you."
48 He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. 50For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
Observation
Obedience is the key.
If you want to be close to God then you must learn obedience. If you want to be close to Jesus then you must learn to walk in obedience with Him. He pointed to his disciples and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers” and then He said, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
When a family is healthy there is no stronger relationship than that of a Mom and Dad and brothers and sisters. God created the family before He created the church or any other institution. When we have a personal relationship with Christ we become His children; we become family and many times our spiritual family is a lot closer than our physical family. Maybe the reason for that is because it is our forever family.
Application
I need to call some spiritual brothers and sisters today and check on them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be a good shepherd. Put on my heart who I need to call and check on. I pray that this day would bring You honor and glory. I pray for those that are struggling today. I pray that You would be their strength. Help them to trust You. Help them to seek to walk with You. Help them to grow.
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Saturday, April 24, 2010
Tired, Weary, Jesus Will Give You Rest…
1 Samuel 28; 1 Samuel 29; Psalm 109; Matthew 11
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Scripture
Matthew 11
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Observation
If you are a Christian and you are tired and weary then I might ask you why don’t you rest in Jesus? Why don’t you get yoked with Jesus? His yoke is easy and His burden is light. So if you are weighted down, burdened by lots of stuff, then maybe you are not yoked to Jesus. Maybe you are carrying everything yourself. Why not cast all of that stuff on Jesus.
Application
I will cast all of my cares on Him, because He cares for me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me insight today I want to learn from You. Show me what I need to learn today. Help me rely on You today and not on my own strength. I want to be yoked with Jesus today.
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1 Samuel 28; 1 Samuel 29; Psalm 109; Matthew 11
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Scripture
Matthew 11
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Observation
If you are a Christian and you are tired and weary then I might ask you why don’t you rest in Jesus? Why don’t you get yoked with Jesus? His yoke is easy and His burden is light. So if you are weighted down, burdened by lots of stuff, then maybe you are not yoked to Jesus. Maybe you are carrying everything yourself. Why not cast all of that stuff on Jesus.
Application
I will cast all of my cares on Him, because He cares for me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me insight today I want to learn from You. Show me what I need to learn today. Help me rely on You today and not on my own strength. I want to be yoked with Jesus today.
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Friday, April 23, 2010
A Cup of Cold Water…Giving Does Not Go Unnoticed!
1 Samuel 27; Psalm 141; 1 Chronicles 9; Matthew 10
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Scripture
Matthew 10
42And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
Observation
Your giving and my giving will not go unnoticed by our Lord. He will reward us no matter how small the gift. When we do things for others, no matter how small, those deeds will not go unnoticed … even a cup of cold water given in His Name.
So what are we going to give someone today? Lets look for opportunities to be generous.
Application
I will look for some way to do something for someone today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I go to this conference today help me help someone else. Guide me to someone that needs help today. You are the Mighty God. Thank You for using someone like me. I pray that You would use our church today to touch the lives of those that live around them.
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1 Samuel 27; Psalm 141; 1 Chronicles 9; Matthew 10
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Scripture
Matthew 10
42And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
Observation
Your giving and my giving will not go unnoticed by our Lord. He will reward us no matter how small the gift. When we do things for others, no matter how small, those deeds will not go unnoticed … even a cup of cold water given in His Name.
So what are we going to give someone today? Lets look for opportunities to be generous.
Application
I will look for some way to do something for someone today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I go to this conference today help me help someone else. Guide me to someone that needs help today. You are the Mighty God. Thank You for using someone like me. I pray that You would use our church today to touch the lives of those that live around them.
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Thursday, April 22, 2010
The Problem: Not Enough Workers…Solution…Pray!
1 Samuel 25; 1 Samuel 26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9
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Scripture
Matthew 9
The Workers Are Few
35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Observation
Jesus was moved with compassion as He saw the crowds of people. He told his disciples that the problem was a lack of workers. And He told them to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send more workers.
Application
I will pray for more workers for His harvest.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that the workers are few. I am asking You to send more workers for Your harvest. I pray that You would help us place people where they can be of the most use for the kingdom. Thank You for answering my prayers. You are a Mighty God.
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1 Samuel 25; 1 Samuel 26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9
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Scripture
Matthew 9
The Workers Are Few
35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Observation
Jesus was moved with compassion as He saw the crowds of people. He told his disciples that the problem was a lack of workers. And He told them to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send more workers.
Application
I will pray for more workers for His harvest.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that the workers are few. I am asking You to send more workers for Your harvest. I pray that You would help us place people where they can be of the most use for the kingdom. Thank You for answering my prayers. You are a Mighty God.
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Wednesday, April 21, 2010
My Heart is Steadfast, O God, My Heart is Steadfast!
1 Samuel 24; Psalm 57; Psalm 58; 1 Chronicles 8; Matthew 8
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Scripture
Psalm 57
7 My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.
8 Awake, my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
9 I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
Observation
How steadfast are you? Is your heart steadfast? Is mine? God showed David that he could trust Him. God delivered King Saul into David’s hands and David realized that God was protecting him from Saul. It is an amazing story that we read today in 1 Samuel 24. Take time to read it this morning if you haven’t already. God can take care of you and me just like He took care of David.
We need to learn to praise God like David did then maybe God would do more amazing things in our lives!
Application
My heart will be steadfast today. I will not be controlled by my feelings today because when I am weak He is strong. My God be my strength today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Help me to be steadfast today O God!
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1 Samuel 24; Psalm 57; Psalm 58; 1 Chronicles 8; Matthew 8
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Scripture
Psalm 57
7 My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.
8 Awake, my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
9 I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
Observation
How steadfast are you? Is your heart steadfast? Is mine? God showed David that he could trust Him. God delivered King Saul into David’s hands and David realized that God was protecting him from Saul. It is an amazing story that we read today in 1 Samuel 24. Take time to read it this morning if you haven’t already. God can take care of you and me just like He took care of David.
We need to learn to praise God like David did then maybe God would do more amazing things in our lives!
Application
My heart will be steadfast today. I will not be controlled by my feelings today because when I am weak He is strong. My God be my strength today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Help me to be steadfast today O God!
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Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Be Strong and Take Heart!
1 Samuel 23; Psalm 31; Psalm 54; Matthew 7
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Scripture
Psalm 31
14 But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my God."
23 Love the LORD, all his saints!
The LORD preserves the faithful,
but the proud he pays back in full.
24 Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the LORD.
Observation
You have to read 1 Samuel 23 to understand why David is writing Psalm 31 and why David is praising his God. David has been running and hiding from Saul and God continually delivers David from Saul’s hands. He does this most of the time in his life as he deals with his enemy Saul, but there are low moments when he takes his eyes off the Lord and lets the fear of being killed by Saul take over. This is not one of those moments.
I love verse 24 “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD”; I love it because David includes me in on that word of encouragement.
Application
I will be strong today and I will take heart because my hope is in the Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we read the Psalms but we many times don’t think about what has happened that caused David to write in such a positive powerful way. You rescued him again and again and again just as I know that You will rescue me. You are my Savior. You are my Rock. I do not need to be afraid. I will take heart today.
I will be strong because You love me and You will protect me. I am the apple of Your eye. I am Your delight even though I don’t deserve it. Thank You Lord for loving me today. Help me be Your hands and Your feet today. Help me encourage someone else.
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1 Samuel 23; Psalm 31; Psalm 54; Matthew 7
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Scripture
Psalm 31
14 But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my God."
23 Love the LORD, all his saints!
The LORD preserves the faithful,
but the proud he pays back in full.
24 Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the LORD.
Observation
You have to read 1 Samuel 23 to understand why David is writing Psalm 31 and why David is praising his God. David has been running and hiding from Saul and God continually delivers David from Saul’s hands. He does this most of the time in his life as he deals with his enemy Saul, but there are low moments when he takes his eyes off the Lord and lets the fear of being killed by Saul take over. This is not one of those moments.
I love verse 24 “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD”; I love it because David includes me in on that word of encouragement.
Application
I will be strong today and I will take heart because my hope is in the Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we read the Psalms but we many times don’t think about what has happened that caused David to write in such a positive powerful way. You rescued him again and again and again just as I know that You will rescue me. You are my Savior. You are my Rock. I do not need to be afraid. I will take heart today.
I will be strong because You love me and You will protect me. I am the apple of Your eye. I am Your delight even though I don’t deserve it. Thank You Lord for loving me today. Help me be Your hands and Your feet today. Help me encourage someone else.
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Monday, April 19, 2010
Why Pray?
1 Samuel 22; Psalm 17; Psalm 35; Matthew 6
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Scripture
Matthew 6
8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Observation
Of course our Heavenly Father knows what we need before we ask Him so why pray? For starters we don’t need to focus our prayers on ourselves because our Father already knows what we need. We need to focus our prayers on others and on our Heavenly Father. God wants us to use our prayers on other folks and He doesn’t want us to treat Him like a Santa Claus and only go to Him when we need something.
Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”
When we put God first and others second then God will take care of all of our needs because He is a great provider.
What needs do you have that are going unmet? If you have needs that are going unmet then maybe you need to put into practice Matthew 6:33 and put God's kingdom first in your life. Maybe those things that we think are needs are really not needs but wants…it’s possible.
Application
I will pray for the needs of others and I will thank God for providing for the needs in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for taking such good care of me. I am blessed. But life is not all about me. Help me focus on the lives of those living around me. Help me be a blessing to them. I pray for Jose today. Take care of him and his sister and meet their needs today. I pray that you restore her to complete health and provide for Jose during these difficult days. You are the Great Provider.
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1 Samuel 22; Psalm 17; Psalm 35; Matthew 6
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Scripture
Matthew 6
8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Observation
Of course our Heavenly Father knows what we need before we ask Him so why pray? For starters we don’t need to focus our prayers on ourselves because our Father already knows what we need. We need to focus our prayers on others and on our Heavenly Father. God wants us to use our prayers on other folks and He doesn’t want us to treat Him like a Santa Claus and only go to Him when we need something.
Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”
When we put God first and others second then God will take care of all of our needs because He is a great provider.
What needs do you have that are going unmet? If you have needs that are going unmet then maybe you need to put into practice Matthew 6:33 and put God's kingdom first in your life. Maybe those things that we think are needs are really not needs but wants…it’s possible.
Application
I will pray for the needs of others and I will thank God for providing for the needs in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for taking such good care of me. I am blessed. But life is not all about me. Help me focus on the lives of those living around me. Help me be a blessing to them. I pray for Jose today. Take care of him and his sister and meet their needs today. I pray that you restore her to complete health and provide for Jose during these difficult days. You are the Great Provider.
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Sunday, April 18, 2010
A No Brainer – Seek The Lord
1 Samuel 20; 1 Samuel 21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5
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Scripture
Psalm 34
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Observation
For me to put my faith and trust in Christ is a no brainer, I can’t understand why everyone doesn’t turn to the Lord. Have you ever stopped to think about all the promises that God gives those that put Him first in their lives? Page after page after page in the Bible gives us all the benefits of becoming sold out to Christ.
And for a Christian to live a lukewarm, blah life kind of life doesn’t make sense to me either. I can only figure that people that live half-heartedly for the Lord don’t understand or don’t ever read God’s word. This morning’s Bible reading was full of God’s promises encouraging me to follow the Lord with all my heart.
Why don’t you taste and see that the Lord is good?
Application
I will enjoy thinking about God’s promises today. I will meditate on His word. It is so powerful and exciting.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have tasted You and I agree that You are good. You are very good. It is my desire to serve You today with all my heart and with all my soul. Help me to please You today. Help me encourage those that come to worship You today. I pray that they would come excited about You. I pray that they would have a love for one another and for You. Thank You for providing for me and giving me such a wonderful life. I am blessed.
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1 Samuel 20; 1 Samuel 21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5
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Scripture
Psalm 34
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Observation
For me to put my faith and trust in Christ is a no brainer, I can’t understand why everyone doesn’t turn to the Lord. Have you ever stopped to think about all the promises that God gives those that put Him first in their lives? Page after page after page in the Bible gives us all the benefits of becoming sold out to Christ.
And for a Christian to live a lukewarm, blah life kind of life doesn’t make sense to me either. I can only figure that people that live half-heartedly for the Lord don’t understand or don’t ever read God’s word. This morning’s Bible reading was full of God’s promises encouraging me to follow the Lord with all my heart.
Why don’t you taste and see that the Lord is good?
Application
I will enjoy thinking about God’s promises today. I will meditate on His word. It is so powerful and exciting.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have tasted You and I agree that You are good. You are very good. It is my desire to serve You today with all my heart and with all my soul. Help me to please You today. Help me encourage those that come to worship You today. I pray that they would come excited about You. I pray that they would have a love for one another and for You. Thank You for providing for me and giving me such a wonderful life. I am blessed.
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Saturday, April 17, 2010
I Will Sing To The Lord In The Morning!
1 Samuel 19; 1 Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4
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Scripture
Psalm 59
16 But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.
17 O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.
Observation
His enemies are hunting down David and you wouldn’t think that he had much to sing about but he had plenty of reasons to sing to His God. David knew how to praise the Lord.
When was the last time you sang praises to God?
Do you make it a habit to sing praises to Him?
Why not start singing this morning? You can use this part of Psalm 59 and sing it back to God.
Application
I will sing to the Lord this morning. I will give Him praise.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, with my heart I will make known your righteousness! I will sing of the Mercies of the Lord. I will sing of Your strength and I will sing of Your love. You are my Fortress, You are my Strength!
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1 Samuel 19; 1 Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4
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Scripture
Psalm 59
16 But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.
17 O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.
Observation
His enemies are hunting down David and you wouldn’t think that he had much to sing about but he had plenty of reasons to sing to His God. David knew how to praise the Lord.
When was the last time you sang praises to God?
Do you make it a habit to sing praises to Him?
Why not start singing this morning? You can use this part of Psalm 59 and sing it back to God.
Application
I will sing to the Lord this morning. I will give Him praise.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, with my heart I will make known your righteousness! I will sing of the Mercies of the Lord. I will sing of Your strength and I will sing of Your love. You are my Fortress, You are my Strength!
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Friday, April 16, 2010
Baptism of The Holy Spirit – Being Surrendered To the Lord Jesus Christ
1 Samuel 18; 1 Chronicles 6; Psalm 11; Matthew 3
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Scripture
Matthew 3
11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”
Observation
Acts 2 gives us the fulfillment of this promise when the 120 disciples were baptized with the Holy Spirit,
On the day of Pentecost, seven weeks after Jesus' resurrection, the believers were meeting together in one place. [2] Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm in the skies above them, and it filled the house where they were meeting. [3] Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. [4] And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. [5] Godly Jews from many nations were living in Jerusalem at that time. [6] When they heard this sound, they came running to see what it was all about, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
When people are filled with the Holy Spirit they are able to connect heart to heart with people like they did at Pentecost. It is super important that we walk close to the Lord and continually be filled with His Holy Spirit. We need to continually be filled because we leak.
Have you surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus Christ? Would He smile at how you are living your life today? Are you and I making a difference in our world? Are we seeing our lives make a difference in someone else’s life?
Application
It is my desire today to be completely under the control of Your Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, let my life bring You glory and honor today. Help others see Jesus in me because of my being totally surrendered to You. I pray that You would show me any sin in my life as I sin so I can immediately confess them to You.
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1 Samuel 18; 1 Chronicles 6; Psalm 11; Matthew 3
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Scripture
Matthew 3
11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”
Observation
Acts 2 gives us the fulfillment of this promise when the 120 disciples were baptized with the Holy Spirit,
On the day of Pentecost, seven weeks after Jesus' resurrection, the believers were meeting together in one place. [2] Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm in the skies above them, and it filled the house where they were meeting. [3] Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. [4] And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. [5] Godly Jews from many nations were living in Jerusalem at that time. [6] When they heard this sound, they came running to see what it was all about, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
When people are filled with the Holy Spirit they are able to connect heart to heart with people like they did at Pentecost. It is super important that we walk close to the Lord and continually be filled with His Holy Spirit. We need to continually be filled because we leak.
Have you surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus Christ? Would He smile at how you are living your life today? Are you and I making a difference in our world? Are we seeing our lives make a difference in someone else’s life?
Application
It is my desire today to be completely under the control of Your Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, let my life bring You glory and honor today. Help others see Jesus in me because of my being totally surrendered to You. I pray that You would show me any sin in my life as I sin so I can immediately confess them to You.
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Thursday, April 15, 2010
This is The Lord’s Battle
1 Samuel 17; Psalm 9; Matthew 2
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Scripture
1 Samuel 17
45 David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! 47 And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword and spear.
This is the LORD’s battle, and he will give you to us!”
Observation
David understood spiritual warfare and he knew that the giant Goliath was not match for his God. It is an amazing story how David went out to fight Goliath with only a sling and five smooth stones. He didn’t even have a sword with him.
When God is on our side we will always come out on top. David’s faith in His God stood out and no one in all of Israel had faith like David. Is God calling you to stand out and be a person of faith in the midst of a bunch of unbelieving people? Maybe you are the only believer in your family, or the only believer at work, will you have the faith like David to stand alone and let God fight at your side?
Application
I will trust the Lord to fight my battles and not depend on my own strength.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, this is one of the greatest stories in the entire Bible. It reminds me of what Paul says in Phil. 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” When You are on my side I don’t need anything else. You are enough. You are my Rock and my Fortress. You are my Strong High Tower. I will trust in You. Thank You for the leaders in our church. I pray that You bless them today. I pray that you use them for Your kingdom.
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1 Samuel 17; Psalm 9; Matthew 2
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Scripture
1 Samuel 17
45 David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! 47 And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword and spear.
This is the LORD’s battle, and he will give you to us!”
Observation
David understood spiritual warfare and he knew that the giant Goliath was not match for his God. It is an amazing story how David went out to fight Goliath with only a sling and five smooth stones. He didn’t even have a sword with him.
When God is on our side we will always come out on top. David’s faith in His God stood out and no one in all of Israel had faith like David. Is God calling you to stand out and be a person of faith in the midst of a bunch of unbelieving people? Maybe you are the only believer in your family, or the only believer at work, will you have the faith like David to stand alone and let God fight at your side?
Application
I will trust the Lord to fight my battles and not depend on my own strength.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, this is one of the greatest stories in the entire Bible. It reminds me of what Paul says in Phil. 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” When You are on my side I don’t need anything else. You are enough. You are my Rock and my Fortress. You are my Strong High Tower. I will trust in You. Thank You for the leaders in our church. I pray that You bless them today. I pray that you use them for Your kingdom.
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Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice
1 Samuel 15; 1 Samuel 16; 1 Chronicles 5; Matthew 1
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Scripture
1 Samuel 15:22
…“What is more pleasing to the LORD:
your burnt offerings and sacrifices
or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
Observation
Just going through the motions does not please God. What pleases God is our obedience. Over and over and over again God tells us this in scripture that obedience is what He loves. How have you been disobedient this week? How have I been disobedient? What do we need to DO that He has already told us to do that we haven’t done? Where do we need to obey?
Application
I will search my heart and look for areas of disobedience. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be completely obedient to You. Help me to know Your direction for my life and help me walk in it. Don’t let me sin today. Help me confess my sins as soon as I do them. It is my desire to be obedient to You today. I pray for Jose and his family. Thank You for sparing his life. Thank You for taking care of him and his family. You are a Mighty God.
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1 Samuel 15; 1 Samuel 16; 1 Chronicles 5; Matthew 1
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Scripture
1 Samuel 15:22
…“What is more pleasing to the LORD:
your burnt offerings and sacrifices
or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
Observation
Just going through the motions does not please God. What pleases God is our obedience. Over and over and over again God tells us this in scripture that obedience is what He loves. How have you been disobedient this week? How have I been disobedient? What do we need to DO that He has already told us to do that we haven’t done? Where do we need to obey?
Application
I will search my heart and look for areas of disobedience. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be completely obedient to You. Help me to know Your direction for my life and help me walk in it. Don’t let me sin today. Help me confess my sins as soon as I do them. It is my desire to be obedient to You today. I pray for Jose and his family. Thank You for sparing his life. Thank You for taking care of him and his family. You are a Mighty God.
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Tuesday, April 13, 2010
We Have To Be Reminded…
1 Samuel 14; 1 Chronicles 4; 2 Corinthians 13
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 13
11 Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
Observation
Have you ever wondered why Jesus and Paul repeated things over and over again like Paul did in these closing words to the Corinthians? We have to be reminded because every day when we wake up we tend to drift or we tend to default to the old mind set of being sad and depressed, spiritual babies, that find fault with each other and that would love to pick a good fight. We must be reminded that we no longer live to please that old nature and every day we must decide to put on the new man – we must put on Christ.
I am fascinated and frustrated at our weak and frail dispositions. I know how prone I am to being just the opposite of what Paul is reminding us to be. I could easily be a grumpy old man, but I am choosing to put on Christ.
Application
It is my desire today to be: joyful, to grow, to encourage someone, to live in harmony and peace with everyone I come in contact with so I can experience God’s peace in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is my desire today to be: joyful, to grow, to encourage someone, to live in harmony and peace with everyone I come in contact with so I can experience Your peace in my life. Remind me during the day today of this passage of scripture whenever I begin to default and drift to my old nature.
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1 Samuel 14; 1 Chronicles 4; 2 Corinthians 13
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 13
11 Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
Observation
Have you ever wondered why Jesus and Paul repeated things over and over again like Paul did in these closing words to the Corinthians? We have to be reminded because every day when we wake up we tend to drift or we tend to default to the old mind set of being sad and depressed, spiritual babies, that find fault with each other and that would love to pick a good fight. We must be reminded that we no longer live to please that old nature and every day we must decide to put on the new man – we must put on Christ.
I am fascinated and frustrated at our weak and frail dispositions. I know how prone I am to being just the opposite of what Paul is reminding us to be. I could easily be a grumpy old man, but I am choosing to put on Christ.
Application
It is my desire today to be: joyful, to grow, to encourage someone, to live in harmony and peace with everyone I come in contact with so I can experience God’s peace in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is my desire today to be: joyful, to grow, to encourage someone, to live in harmony and peace with everyone I come in contact with so I can experience Your peace in my life. Remind me during the day today of this passage of scripture whenever I begin to default and drift to my old nature.
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Monday, April 12, 2010
Thorn in The Flesh …A Messenger From Satan
1 Samuel 13; 1 Chronicles 2; 1 Chronicles 3; 2 Corinthians 12
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 12
1 This boasting will do no good, but I must go on. I will reluctantly tell about visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. 3 Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know 4 that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.
5 That experience is worth boasting about, but I’m not going to do it. I will boast only about my weaknesses. 6 If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, 7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.
8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Observation
Paul’s physical problem was attributed to Satan. Satan has the power to inflict us with ailments if God allows him to do so. Paul says that he was given the thorn in the flesh to keep him focused on God and to keep him from becoming proud and arrogant. Paul got to see and experience Heaven, but he was also tormented by an illness that God refused to take away.
Paul says that he asked God to take it away three times. I would have thought that he would have been asking God to take it away every moment of every day but he didn’t he only asked God to remove it three times…incredible.
Application
I want God to work in my life. I will not complain about my weaknesses because He is my strength.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength. Help me to do all the things that You are leading me to do this week. I need Your strength. You are my Fortress. You are my Rock. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
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1 Samuel 13; 1 Chronicles 2; 1 Chronicles 3; 2 Corinthians 12
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 12
1 This boasting will do no good, but I must go on. I will reluctantly tell about visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. 3 Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know 4 that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.
5 That experience is worth boasting about, but I’m not going to do it. I will boast only about my weaknesses. 6 If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, 7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.
8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Observation
Paul’s physical problem was attributed to Satan. Satan has the power to inflict us with ailments if God allows him to do so. Paul says that he was given the thorn in the flesh to keep him focused on God and to keep him from becoming proud and arrogant. Paul got to see and experience Heaven, but he was also tormented by an illness that God refused to take away.
Paul says that he asked God to take it away three times. I would have thought that he would have been asking God to take it away every moment of every day but he didn’t he only asked God to remove it three times…incredible.
Application
I want God to work in my life. I will not complain about my weaknesses because He is my strength.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength. Help me to do all the things that You are leading me to do this week. I need Your strength. You are my Fortress. You are my Rock. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
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Sunday, April 11, 2010
Think You Have Had a Rough Day? Where is Our Focus?
1 Samuel 11; 1 Samuel 12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 11
But whatever they dare to boast about—I’m talking like a fool again—I dare to boast about it, too. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more!
I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes.
25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles.
I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.
28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?
30 If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am. 31 God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, who is worthy of eternal praise, knows I am not lying. 32 When I was in Damascus, the governor under King Aretas kept guards at the city gates to catch me. 33 I had to be lowered in a basket through a window in the city wall to escape from him.
Observation
No matter what you are going through I doubt that you or I could ever even imagine what Paul went through for the sake of the Gospel. When God called Saul to follow Him on the road to Damascus God said that Saul (soon to be Paul) would suffer for Him.
Maybe the believers in China or Vietnam or the Sudan know what it is like to suffer like Paul suffered but we in America have no idea.
Application
People who are lost and going to Hell need to be my primary concern and our church must focus on reaching them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to keep my focus on what is the priority of Your heart. Help me to focus on people that are not walking with You. Continue to bring those people into my life.
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1 Samuel 11; 1 Samuel 12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 11
But whatever they dare to boast about—I’m talking like a fool again—I dare to boast about it, too. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more!
I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes.
25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles.
I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.
28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?
30 If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am. 31 God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, who is worthy of eternal praise, knows I am not lying. 32 When I was in Damascus, the governor under King Aretas kept guards at the city gates to catch me. 33 I had to be lowered in a basket through a window in the city wall to escape from him.
Observation
No matter what you are going through I doubt that you or I could ever even imagine what Paul went through for the sake of the Gospel. When God called Saul to follow Him on the road to Damascus God said that Saul (soon to be Paul) would suffer for Him.
Maybe the believers in China or Vietnam or the Sudan know what it is like to suffer like Paul suffered but we in America have no idea.
Application
People who are lost and going to Hell need to be my primary concern and our church must focus on reaching them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to keep my focus on what is the priority of Your heart. Help me to focus on people that are not walking with You. Continue to bring those people into my life.
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Saturday, April 10, 2010
Let God Brag On You!
1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 9; 1 Samuel 10; 2 Corinthians 10
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 10
18 When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.
Observation
We serve an audience of ONE! Don’t ever forget that important fact. The important thing is for the Lord to commend you!
Application
I will serve and try to please an audience of ONE today. His name is Jesus!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me please You today. Put on my heart the things that I need to do today. Put on my heart the things that I need to think about today. You are a Mighty God. You are worthy to be praised!
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1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 9; 1 Samuel 10; 2 Corinthians 10
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 10
18 When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.
Observation
We serve an audience of ONE! Don’t ever forget that important fact. The important thing is for the Lord to commend you!
Application
I will serve and try to please an audience of ONE today. His name is Jesus!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me please You today. Put on my heart the things that I need to do today. Put on my heart the things that I need to think about today. You are a Mighty God. You are worthy to be praised!
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Friday, April 09, 2010
The Joy of Giving!
1 Samuel 6; 1 Samuel 7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians 9
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 9
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
9 As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.
13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!
Observation
This passage is loaded with benefits for us if we are generous. God will supply and there is no way that we can out give God. When we give God blesses us with so much more than we gave. Paul uses a farming principle to show how important it is to be a generous and cheerful giver. The more seed that a farmer places in the ground the more harvest he will have.
There are some laws of the harvest that we need to remember when we give:
1. We will receive more than we give.
2. We will receive later (in a different season) than when give.
3. We will receive in proportion to how we give.
There are many more laws of the harvest, but you get the idea that it is a very good thing to be generous.
Application
I will look to see where God wants me to be generous today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your indescribable Gift, Jesus. Thank You for saving me. Help me be a generous giver. Help me put into practice the laws of the harvest. I pray that you give me the words that I need to share on Sunday. Help me to bring You glory and honor with my thoughts and with my actions today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Samuel 6; 1 Samuel 7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians 9
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 9
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
9 As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.
13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!
Observation
This passage is loaded with benefits for us if we are generous. God will supply and there is no way that we can out give God. When we give God blesses us with so much more than we gave. Paul uses a farming principle to show how important it is to be a generous and cheerful giver. The more seed that a farmer places in the ground the more harvest he will have.
There are some laws of the harvest that we need to remember when we give:
1. We will receive more than we give.
2. We will receive later (in a different season) than when give.
3. We will receive in proportion to how we give.
There are many more laws of the harvest, but you get the idea that it is a very good thing to be generous.
Application
I will look to see where God wants me to be generous today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your indescribable Gift, Jesus. Thank You for saving me. Help me be a generous giver. Help me put into practice the laws of the harvest. I pray that you give me the words that I need to share on Sunday. Help me to bring You glory and honor with my thoughts and with my actions today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, April 08, 2010
First …Give Yourself to The Lord
1 Samuel 3; 1 Samuel 4; 1 Samuel 5; Psalm 77; 2 Corinthians 8
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 8
5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
Observation
Nothing is more important than God having the first place in our hearts. We need to be completely sold out to Him. God first, others second, and ourselves last should be how we live our lives and whenever that order gets messed up then we have strife and disaster.
Application
I will make sure to evaluate and make sure that God has the number one spot in my heart.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to examine my heart and help me make sure that nothing has come into my heart to take your place. It is my desire for You to be number one in my life. Kathy is number two, everyone else comes after her, and then I come after everyone else. Help me to keep it that way.
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1 Samuel 3; 1 Samuel 4; 1 Samuel 5; Psalm 77; 2 Corinthians 8
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 8
5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
Observation
Nothing is more important than God having the first place in our hearts. We need to be completely sold out to Him. God first, others second, and ourselves last should be how we live our lives and whenever that order gets messed up then we have strife and disaster.
Application
I will make sure to evaluate and make sure that God has the number one spot in my heart.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to examine my heart and help me make sure that nothing has come into my heart to take your place. It is my desire for You to be number one in my life. Kathy is number two, everyone else comes after her, and then I come after everyone else. Help me to keep it that way.
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Wednesday, April 07, 2010
God Doesn’t Hear Us If We Have Unconfessed Sin
1 Samuel 1; 1 Samuel 2; Psalm 66; 2 Corinthians 7
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Scripture
Psalm 66
16 Come and listen, all you who fear God,
and I will tell you what he did for me.
17 For I cried out to him for help,
praising him as I spoke.
18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
19 But God did listen!
He paid attention to my prayer.
20 Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer
or withdraw his unfailing love from me.
Observation
God doesn’t hear our prayers if we are holding on to Unconfessed sin. You can pray all you want but God chooses not to respond if we have unconfessed sin in our lives. So confess up. Get things right before God so He can answer your prayers. I need to keep my sins confessed up and not let any go Unconfessed.
Application
I will keep my sins confessed up and I will ask God to make me very aware when I sin so that I can ask for forgiveness immediately.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You know my heart. Show me anything in my heart that is not right. Help me to keep my sins confessed and don’t let me hold on to any thing that would mess up our relationship. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayers and He does not withdraw his unfailing love from me.
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1 Samuel 1; 1 Samuel 2; Psalm 66; 2 Corinthians 7
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 66
16 Come and listen, all you who fear God,
and I will tell you what he did for me.
17 For I cried out to him for help,
praising him as I spoke.
18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
19 But God did listen!
He paid attention to my prayer.
20 Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer
or withdraw his unfailing love from me.
Observation
God doesn’t hear our prayers if we are holding on to Unconfessed sin. You can pray all you want but God chooses not to respond if we have unconfessed sin in our lives. So confess up. Get things right before God so He can answer your prayers. I need to keep my sins confessed up and not let any go Unconfessed.
Application
I will keep my sins confessed up and I will ask God to make me very aware when I sin so that I can ask for forgiveness immediately.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You know my heart. Show me anything in my heart that is not right. Help me to keep my sins confessed and don’t let me hold on to any thing that would mess up our relationship. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayers and He does not withdraw his unfailing love from me.
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Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Open your hearts to us!
Ruth 3; Ruth 4; Psalm 64; Psalm 65; 2 Corinthians 6
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 6
3 We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. 4 In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. 5 We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. 6 We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. 7 We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us.
We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. 8 We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. 9 We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. 10 Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.
11 Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. 12 There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. 13 I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us!
Observation
The church at Corinth was breaking Paul’s heart because they had rejected him. Paul was crying out to them and letting them know how much it hurt him for them to withhold their love. All the other suffering that Paul endured was something that he could handle but their rejection was too much for him and he cried out to them pleading with them to open up their hearts.
I know the feeling. I don’t like it when someone rejects me. It is a stab like a knife and the hurt goes deep. The wound of rejection is difficult for anyone to handle. People that commit suicide many times reach that point in their life because they feel totally rejected. Physical abuse is bad but emotional abuse is even worse and Paul is letting the church at Corinth know how much it hurt.
Have you been hurt by someone? Have you been rejected? Let me encourage you to stay close to the Lord. He is a friend that will never leave you or forsake you. He will stick by you closer than a brother.
Application
I will serve an audience of ONE today. His name is JESUS!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me deal with people that are hurting. I pray for the Parnell’s today as they have the Memorial service for their Mom. I pray that You would direct my thoughts today and I pray that what I do would be profitable for Your kingdom. I pray for all the new people that came to our church this past Sunday. I pray that they would find our church a place that they could call “home.” Help us be that kind of church.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Ruth 3; Ruth 4; Psalm 64; Psalm 65; 2 Corinthians 6
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 6
3 We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. 4 In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. 5 We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. 6 We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. 7 We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us.
We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. 8 We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. 9 We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. 10 Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.
11 Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. 12 There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. 13 I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us!
Observation
The church at Corinth was breaking Paul’s heart because they had rejected him. Paul was crying out to them and letting them know how much it hurt him for them to withhold their love. All the other suffering that Paul endured was something that he could handle but their rejection was too much for him and he cried out to them pleading with them to open up their hearts.
I know the feeling. I don’t like it when someone rejects me. It is a stab like a knife and the hurt goes deep. The wound of rejection is difficult for anyone to handle. People that commit suicide many times reach that point in their life because they feel totally rejected. Physical abuse is bad but emotional abuse is even worse and Paul is letting the church at Corinth know how much it hurt.
Have you been hurt by someone? Have you been rejected? Let me encourage you to stay close to the Lord. He is a friend that will never leave you or forsake you. He will stick by you closer than a brother.
Application
I will serve an audience of ONE today. His name is JESUS!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me deal with people that are hurting. I pray for the Parnell’s today as they have the Memorial service for their Mom. I pray that You would direct my thoughts today and I pray that what I do would be profitable for Your kingdom. I pray for all the new people that came to our church this past Sunday. I pray that they would find our church a place that they could call “home.” Help us be that kind of church.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, April 05, 2010
Ambassadors For Christ
Ruth 1; Ruth 2; Psalm 53; Psalm 61; 2 Corinthians 5
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 5
20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Observation
We have been given the task of speaking on Christ’s behalf, urging people to come to God. We have been given this task of reconciliation! We are God’s mouthpieces to the world. It is quite a privilege and also quite a responsibility. How well are we serving as His ambassadors?
Application
I will share Christ today with those at Mission Tampa and where ever else I have the opportunity.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be a good ambassador. I pray that you would guide me to the people that need to hear about Christ. Thank You for all the guests that attended church yesterday. Thank You for the spirit of our people.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Ruth 1; Ruth 2; Psalm 53; Psalm 61; 2 Corinthians 5
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 5
20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Observation
We have been given the task of speaking on Christ’s behalf, urging people to come to God. We have been given this task of reconciliation! We are God’s mouthpieces to the world. It is quite a privilege and also quite a responsibility. How well are we serving as His ambassadors?
Application
I will share Christ today with those at Mission Tampa and where ever else I have the opportunity.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be a good ambassador. I pray that you would guide me to the people that need to hear about Christ. Thank You for all the guests that attended church yesterday. Thank You for the spirit of our people.
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Sunday, April 04, 2010
Never Give Up!
Judges 19; Judges 20; Judges 21; 2 Corinthians 4
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 4
16-18So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.
Observation
Maybe you feel like quitting today. Maybe you are dealing with some hard stuff and if you are then 2 Corinthians 4 is the chapter for you to read today. God is at work. Don’t quit. Keep on keeping on doing what God has called you to do. Bring Him glory today.
Application
I will trust God today. The things that I see today will be gone tomorrow, but the unseen things they will last forever.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am trusting You today. I am believing that You will make all things new. I pray that You will work in a mighty way today in our church. I pray that we will see new people today and that those new people will join us and become part of our church. Help me to please You today. I pray that You will be glorified through our worship of You today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Judges 19; Judges 20; Judges 21; 2 Corinthians 4
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 4
16-18So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.
Observation
Maybe you feel like quitting today. Maybe you are dealing with some hard stuff and if you are then 2 Corinthians 4 is the chapter for you to read today. God is at work. Don’t quit. Keep on keeping on doing what God has called you to do. Bring Him glory today.
Application
I will trust God today. The things that I see today will be gone tomorrow, but the unseen things they will last forever.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am trusting You today. I am believing that You will make all things new. I pray that You will work in a mighty way today in our church. I pray that we will see new people today and that those new people will join us and become part of our church. Help me to please You today. I pray that You will be glorified through our worship of You today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Helping People Turn To The Lord
Judges 17; Judges 18; Psalm 89; 2 Corinthians 3
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 3
16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
Observation
We cannot save anyone only God can save, but we can help people turn to the Lord. As they turn to the Lord He removes the veil that has them spiritually blinded. I love to watch someone put his or her trust in Christ. It is amazing.
Our job is to share the Good News with folks so they can be saved. God takes the veil away so they can be saved. People are spiritually blinded to the Truth. They just don’t get it. But once the veil is taken away they can be saved.
Application
I will continue to share the Good News and watch God save. I will praise Him for removing the veil that keeps people from being able to understand the Gospel Message!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that people would turn towards You and that You would remove the veil so that they can have eternal life. I pray that people would understand the Gospel message and be saved. I pray that all the activity at our church would help people turn towards You and find salvation.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Judges 17; Judges 18; Psalm 89; 2 Corinthians 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 3
16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
Observation
We cannot save anyone only God can save, but we can help people turn to the Lord. As they turn to the Lord He removes the veil that has them spiritually blinded. I love to watch someone put his or her trust in Christ. It is amazing.
Our job is to share the Good News with folks so they can be saved. God takes the veil away so they can be saved. People are spiritually blinded to the Truth. They just don’t get it. But once the veil is taken away they can be saved.
Application
I will continue to share the Good News and watch God save. I will praise Him for removing the veil that keeps people from being able to understand the Gospel Message!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that people would turn towards You and that You would remove the veil so that they can have eternal life. I pray that people would understand the Gospel message and be saved. I pray that all the activity at our church would help people turn towards You and find salvation.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, April 02, 2010
Spreading The Knowledge of Christ Everywhere!
Judges 13; Judges 14; Judges 15; Judges 16; 2 Corinthians 2
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 2
14 But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. 15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?
Observation
Do you pick up on Paul’s excitement as he writes this about his mission? We are following Christ in His triumphal procession. Does that sound like defeat to you? Do you think we should be down and discouraged? Do you think we should think we are losing the battle? Well we aren’t losing the battle because the battle has already been won. We need to act like victors and not like someone that has just lost their best friend.
Paul asked the question in verse sixteen, “and who is adequate for such a task as this?” His answer to that question was he and his team was ready because they preached from the sincerity of their hearts. Are you up to the task?
Application
I will not act defeated today. The battle has been won. We are just cleaning up the mess!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, do I really live like I believe that You have already won this battle. I know that we don’t fight against flesh and blood. I know that we battle things in the spiritual realms. Help me to see the victory and help me to walk like I am on the winning team. I pray for our people today. I pray that they would depend on you. Give them strength. Give them some wins!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Judges 13; Judges 14; Judges 15; Judges 16; 2 Corinthians 2
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 2
14 But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. 15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?
Observation
Do you pick up on Paul’s excitement as he writes this about his mission? We are following Christ in His triumphal procession. Does that sound like defeat to you? Do you think we should be down and discouraged? Do you think we should think we are losing the battle? Well we aren’t losing the battle because the battle has already been won. We need to act like victors and not like someone that has just lost their best friend.
Paul asked the question in verse sixteen, “and who is adequate for such a task as this?” His answer to that question was he and his team was ready because they preached from the sincerity of their hearts. Are you up to the task?
Application
I will not act defeated today. The battle has been won. We are just cleaning up the mess!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, do I really live like I believe that You have already won this battle. I know that we don’t fight against flesh and blood. I know that we battle things in the spiritual realms. Help me to see the victory and help me to walk like I am on the winning team. I pray for our people today. I pray that they would depend on you. Give them strength. Give them some wins!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Grateful Hearts
Judges 11; Judges 12; Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 50
14 Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
15 Then call on me when you are in trouble,
and I will rescue you,
and you will give me glory.”
23 But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.
If you keep to my path,
I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”
Observation
How thankful are we? How thankful are you? How thankful am I? God accepts our thankfulness as a sacrifice to Him. If we remember to be thankful then we can call on God when we are in trouble and He will rescue us!
Application
I will be thankful to my God even though not everything seemed to work out today, but then maybe they did and I don’t realize it yet.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to have a grateful heart. Don’t let me complain. I am blessed. I pray for those that are struggling with grief and loss today. Give them strength. I pray that you would comfort them. Draw them near to You Lord and minister to them. We take our health for granted when we shouldn’t. We need to be thankful for the health that you have given us today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Judges 11; Judges 12; Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 50
14 Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
15 Then call on me when you are in trouble,
and I will rescue you,
and you will give me glory.”
23 But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.
If you keep to my path,
I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”
Observation
How thankful are we? How thankful are you? How thankful am I? God accepts our thankfulness as a sacrifice to Him. If we remember to be thankful then we can call on God when we are in trouble and He will rescue us!
Application
I will be thankful to my God even though not everything seemed to work out today, but then maybe they did and I don’t realize it yet.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to have a grateful heart. Don’t let me complain. I am blessed. I pray for those that are struggling with grief and loss today. Give them strength. I pray that you would comfort them. Draw them near to You Lord and minister to them. We take our health for granted when we shouldn’t. We need to be thankful for the health that you have given us today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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