Amos 7; Amos 8; Amos 9; Psalm 104; Titus 2
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May What I Think About Please Him!
Scripture
Psalm 104
33 I will sing to the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the LORD.
Observation
Meditation is something that is super important for us Christians to do, but what we meditate on makes all the difference in the world. If all we do is worry, worry, and worry some more then that kind of meditation will not bring us success. Lets look at some good verses that explain how we should meditate:
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14
May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. Psalm 104:34
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Application
Someone has said that meditation is like a cow chewing her cud, she chews and chews and then she regurgitates everything and chews some more. Sounds gross, but when we meditate on God’s word it is anything but gross, it is powerful. It is one of the keys to being a successful Christ Follower. What you focus your thoughts on today will be evident by everyone that you come in contact with so focus on God’s word.
Take a verse or two and think about them all day long. Take what Paul says in Philippians 4:8 and only think about these things: “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy” … think about such things.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that the invisible world is more real than the physical world I can see. I know that the spiritual realm that surrounds us is far more important than the physical world that I can see and touch. I pray today that You would give me spiritual discernment and wisdom to understand more about what is going on in the world around me that I cannot see with my human eyes. I pray for those that are sick today and those facing surgery. I pray in the Name of Jesus that they would be made whole, that they would be healed. I am reminded that You are the Great Healer and that nothing is too hard for You.
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Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Practice Hospitality
Amos 4; Amos 5; Amos 6; Psalm 86; Titus 1
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Hospitality … Something we have lost
Scripture
Titus 1
8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
Observation
Are you hospitable? Do you have people over to your home? Who came over last week? How about the week before? How about last month? How many people did you have over to your house last year? The qualifications for being an elder or a deacon is that you must be hospitable.
How many verses and how many places in scripture talk about being “hospitable”? All you have to do is do a word search on “hospitable” and find out. Let me try that and I will give you the verses that I find.
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 1 Tim. 3:2
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:9
and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. 1 Tim. 5:10
Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13
Application
I will look for ways to practice hospitality this week. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me put into practice Your word and show me how to practice hospitality. Thank You for people that have practiced this gift and have been so hospitable to us. Our friends in Mexico and Cuba know how to live out these verses and they model for us just how it should be done. Help me to be hospitable this week without grumbling.
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Hospitality … Something we have lost
Scripture
Titus 1
8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
Observation
Are you hospitable? Do you have people over to your home? Who came over last week? How about the week before? How about last month? How many people did you have over to your house last year? The qualifications for being an elder or a deacon is that you must be hospitable.
How many verses and how many places in scripture talk about being “hospitable”? All you have to do is do a word search on “hospitable” and find out. Let me try that and I will give you the verses that I find.
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 1 Tim. 3:2
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:9
and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. 1 Tim. 5:10
Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13
Application
I will look for ways to practice hospitality this week. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me put into practice Your word and show me how to practice hospitality. Thank You for people that have practiced this gift and have been so hospitable to us. Our friends in Mexico and Cuba know how to live out these verses and they model for us just how it should be done. Help me to be hospitable this week without grumbling.
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Monday, June 28, 2010
Keep Your Head!
Amos 1; Amos 2; Amos 3; Psalm 80; 2 Timothy 4
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Keep Your Head!
Scripture
2 Timothy 4
5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Observation
These are Paul’s final words to his disciple Timothy and his final words to us also. Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry…those are good words for all of us to listen to and put into action.
I wish that I could say that I always keep my head in all situations, but I don’t, it is something that I have got to work on. I over reacted to a situation this past weekend and thinking back on it I really blew an opportunity by not keeping myself under control. Anytime we don’t keep our heads and we lose it, everybody around us suffers.
Application
I will stay focused on the ministry that God has given me and will try to keep my head and not lose it this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I would love to be able to keep my head in every situation. Can You help me do that this week? Help me to stay focused and get every done that needs to be accomplished this week. You are a Mighty God. Thank You for answering my prayers. Thank You for all the guests that came to church this past Sunday. I pray that this will continue to happen.
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Keep Your Head!
Scripture
2 Timothy 4
5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Observation
These are Paul’s final words to his disciple Timothy and his final words to us also. Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry…those are good words for all of us to listen to and put into action.
I wish that I could say that I always keep my head in all situations, but I don’t, it is something that I have got to work on. I over reacted to a situation this past weekend and thinking back on it I really blew an opportunity by not keeping myself under control. Anytime we don’t keep our heads and we lose it, everybody around us suffers.
Application
I will stay focused on the ministry that God has given me and will try to keep my head and not lose it this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I would love to be able to keep my head in every situation. Can You help me do that this week? Help me to stay focused and get every done that needs to be accomplished this week. You are a Mighty God. Thank You for answering my prayers. Thank You for all the guests that came to church this past Sunday. I pray that this will continue to happen.
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Sunday, June 27, 2010
Life is Not a Cake Walk
2 Kings 13; 2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 25; 2 Timothy 3
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Life is Not a Cake Walk
Scripture
2 Timothy 3
12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
Observation
“Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” so can I point out a couple of very important words in that phrase, “everyone” and “will be”, I do believe that includes me … how about you?
Sometimes I think that we feel that the Christian life should be one big party, but that is not what I read as I read the New Testament. As I read about the life of Paul and Peter I don’t see an easy comfy Christian life lived out, but on the contrary I see two men engaged in a battle. Battles are bloody and painful. Life is not supposed to be easy. Ministry is not supposed to be a piece of cake. Ministry involves “people” so it is messy and difficult. But God says to love Him and to love people … period. So get over it. Dig in and get ready for battle.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Application
I will depend on the Lord today because He is my Strength. He is my Fortress. He is my Rock.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to remember as I go through this day that life is not easy. It was never meant to be easy. We are engaged in a spiritual battle. It is my desire to fight the good fight of faith today. Help me keep my eyes on you. I pray that you help me serve You with all my heart today.
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Life is Not a Cake Walk
Scripture
2 Timothy 3
12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
Observation
“Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” so can I point out a couple of very important words in that phrase, “everyone” and “will be”, I do believe that includes me … how about you?
Sometimes I think that we feel that the Christian life should be one big party, but that is not what I read as I read the New Testament. As I read about the life of Paul and Peter I don’t see an easy comfy Christian life lived out, but on the contrary I see two men engaged in a battle. Battles are bloody and painful. Life is not supposed to be easy. Ministry is not supposed to be a piece of cake. Ministry involves “people” so it is messy and difficult. But God says to love Him and to love people … period. So get over it. Dig in and get ready for battle.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Application
I will depend on the Lord today because He is my Strength. He is my Fortress. He is my Rock.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to remember as I go through this day that life is not easy. It was never meant to be easy. We are engaged in a spiritual battle. It is my desire to fight the good fight of faith today. Help me keep my eyes on you. I pray that you help me serve You with all my heart today.
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Saturday, June 26, 2010
God’s Word is not chained!
Jonah 1; Jonah 2; Jonah 3; Jonah 4; 2 Timothy 2
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God’s Word is not chained!
Scripture
2 Timothy 2
9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained.
Observation
God’s word is powerful. It can’t be stopped. You can put the messenger in chains, but God’s word is still preached. In fact, the more God’s church is persecuted the more power His word seems to have in the lives of those around where the persecution is taking place. Just look at our world today and you can see that God’s word can’t be chained. I am glad that I wake up every morning to God’s word and have the opportunity to read it and experience God working through His word every day.
Application
I will meditate on God’s word all day today as I prepare to share it with folks tomorrow.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that Your word can’t be chained. It has the freedom to change hearts. Guide me today by Your word that I have placed in my heart. May I meditate on Your word all day long today. Give me understanding of Your word so that I can teach it to others.
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God’s Word is not chained!
Scripture
2 Timothy 2
9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained.
Observation
God’s word is powerful. It can’t be stopped. You can put the messenger in chains, but God’s word is still preached. In fact, the more God’s church is persecuted the more power His word seems to have in the lives of those around where the persecution is taking place. Just look at our world today and you can see that God’s word can’t be chained. I am glad that I wake up every morning to God’s word and have the opportunity to read it and experience God working through His word every day.
Application
I will meditate on God’s word all day today as I prepare to share it with folks tomorrow.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that Your word can’t be chained. It has the freedom to change hearts. Guide me today by Your word that I have placed in my heart. May I meditate on Your word all day long today. Give me understanding of Your word so that I can teach it to others.
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Friday, June 25, 2010
Equipped to Make a Difference!
Joel 1; Joel 2; Joel 3; 2 Timothy 1
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Equipped to Make a Difference!
Scripture
2 Timothy 1
7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Observation
Timothy must have been a quiet person that may have had difficulty stepping out and leading. Paul is reminding Timothy that the Holy Spirit that dwells in every Christ follower is powerful, loving, and gives us self control.
I think that Paul and Timothy were two very different personalities, Paul being a very strong extrovert and Timothy being a more timid introvert, but Paul reminded Timothy that God had provided everything necessary for Timothy to be successful as disciple maker no matter how quiet a person he happened to be.
Application
I will focus my time and energy on building up men and women so they can disciple people using the gifts that God has given them for discipleship.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me stay on track and help me to keep my focus on men that need help knowing how to disciple other men.
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Equipped to Make a Difference!
Scripture
2 Timothy 1
7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Observation
Timothy must have been a quiet person that may have had difficulty stepping out and leading. Paul is reminding Timothy that the Holy Spirit that dwells in every Christ follower is powerful, loving, and gives us self control.
I think that Paul and Timothy were two very different personalities, Paul being a very strong extrovert and Timothy being a more timid introvert, but Paul reminded Timothy that God had provided everything necessary for Timothy to be successful as disciple maker no matter how quiet a person he happened to be.
Application
I will focus my time and energy on building up men and women so they can disciple people using the gifts that God has given them for discipleship.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me stay on track and help me to keep my focus on men that need help knowing how to disciple other men.
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Thursday, June 24, 2010
How Content Are You?
2 Kings 11; 2 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6
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How Content Are You?
Scripture
1 Timothy 6
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Observation
It is always a great reminder that no matter how matter toys we accumulate before we die that we are not taking any of them with us. We should be content with having two things in this world: food and clothing.
How are you doing on being content with just food and clothing? How am I doing?
Whatever it is that you have just got to have … that desire … brings discontent!
Application
I will thank God for how blessed I am, for having so much, for being so blessed!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am very blessed. You have provided so much for me and for my family. We are blessed. Help me to be content with two things: food and clothing. Show me when I have the wrong attitude towards possessions and help me to have a desire to give and not to hoard.
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How Content Are You?
Scripture
1 Timothy 6
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Observation
It is always a great reminder that no matter how matter toys we accumulate before we die that we are not taking any of them with us. We should be content with having two things in this world: food and clothing.
How are you doing on being content with just food and clothing? How am I doing?
Whatever it is that you have just got to have … that desire … brings discontent!
Application
I will thank God for how blessed I am, for having so much, for being so blessed!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am very blessed. You have provided so much for me and for my family. We are blessed. Help me to be content with two things: food and clothing. Show me when I have the wrong attitude towards possessions and help me to have a desire to give and not to hoard.
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Wednesday, June 23, 2010
How to Treat Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
2 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 22; 2 Chronicles 23; 1 Timothy 5
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How To Treat Brothers and Sisters In Christ!
Scripture
1 Timothy 5
1Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
Observation
We live in a culture that shows no respect for others especially the elderly. Here is Paul’s simple way that we are to treat those both inside and outside the church. Treat the older men like you would lovingly treat your father. Treat guys your own age and younger like they are your brothers and the young women as sisters, and the older women like they are your Moms. If we do that we will get along very well with just about everybody.
Who needs to be encouraged today? Who needs a phone call? Who needs a personal note from you and from me today? Who needs a visit?
Application
I will call one of our senior adults today and check on them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me a gentle heart for the people that are older than I am. I know that soon I will be in the same place that they are in. Help me think of ways to help and encourage them. Thank You for allowing me to serve with them and help me to learn much from them. You are a Mighty God. You are worthy of my praise.
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How To Treat Brothers and Sisters In Christ!
Scripture
1 Timothy 5
1Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
Observation
We live in a culture that shows no respect for others especially the elderly. Here is Paul’s simple way that we are to treat those both inside and outside the church. Treat the older men like you would lovingly treat your father. Treat guys your own age and younger like they are your brothers and the young women as sisters, and the older women like they are your Moms. If we do that we will get along very well with just about everybody.
Who needs to be encouraged today? Who needs a phone call? Who needs a personal note from you and from me today? Who needs a visit?
Application
I will call one of our senior adults today and check on them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me a gentle heart for the people that are older than I am. I know that soon I will be in the same place that they are in. Help me think of ways to help and encourage them. Thank You for allowing me to serve with them and help me to learn much from them. You are a Mighty God. You are worthy of my praise.
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Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Training for Godliness
2 Kings 8; 2 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 21; 1 Timothy 4
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Training for godliness
Scripture
1 Timothy 4
7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Observation
Godliness has value for all things, both in this life and in the life to come. Training for godliness here on this earth is preparation for the life to come. How are you doing on becoming a man or woman of God? Did you start out this morning with some spiritual exercise? Did you dive into God’s word? What are you going to do today to build up your spiritual muscles? What is God impressing you to do?
Application
I will put myself through a good spiritual workout today! How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that the children in VBS will be touched by your word and I pray that they will be forever changed. I pray for the VBS workers that you touch them as they serve You this week. They are training for godliness this week. They are doing on the job training. Bless them. Bless our church. I pray that we would continue to touch the lives of the people that live around us.
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Training for godliness
Scripture
1 Timothy 4
7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Observation
Godliness has value for all things, both in this life and in the life to come. Training for godliness here on this earth is preparation for the life to come. How are you doing on becoming a man or woman of God? Did you start out this morning with some spiritual exercise? Did you dive into God’s word? What are you going to do today to build up your spiritual muscles? What is God impressing you to do?
Application
I will put myself through a good spiritual workout today! How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that the children in VBS will be touched by your word and I pray that they will be forever changed. I pray for the VBS workers that you touch them as they serve You this week. They are training for godliness this week. They are doing on the job training. Bless them. Bless our church. I pray that we would continue to touch the lives of the people that live around us.
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Monday, June 21, 2010
Faith Is Thanking God in Advance!
2 Kings 6; 2 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 20; 1 Timothy 3
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Faith is Thanking God in Advance For What He Is Going To Do!
Scripture
2 Chronicles 20
2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar" (that is, En Gedi). 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.
5 Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front of the new courtyard 6 and said:
"O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 7 O our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, 9 'If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.'
10 "But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. 11 See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. 12 O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."
13 All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD.
14 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly.
15 He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' "
18 Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. 19 Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with very loud voice.
20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful." 21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
"Give thanks to the LORD,
for his love endures forever."
22 As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 23 The men of Ammon and Moab rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.
Observation
This passage is an example of true faith in God, the people went out before the army singing, "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever", before God did anything for them. As the people began to sing and praise Him, the Lord began to destroy the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir.
Are there things that you need God’s help with this morning? Why not sing praises to Him and give Him thanks in advance for taking care of those needs? He is the same God that heard King Jehoshaphat and answered his request. And He can answer your requests too and all of mine.
Application
I will thank the Lord in advance for taking care of the needs of my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so blessed. You have taken very good care of my family and me. You are worthy of praise. I thank You for taking and meeting my needs. I want to thank You in advance for taking care of all of our financial needs and I pray that You would allow me to be a blessing to others by being able to help them. Thank You for the men of our church. I pray that You make them strong in their faith. Help them to believe in You for the things that they are facing today.
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Faith is Thanking God in Advance For What He Is Going To Do!
Scripture
2 Chronicles 20
2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar" (that is, En Gedi). 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.
5 Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front of the new courtyard 6 and said:
"O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 7 O our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, 9 'If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.'
10 "But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. 11 See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. 12 O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."
13 All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD.
14 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly.
15 He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' "
18 Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. 19 Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with very loud voice.
20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful." 21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
"Give thanks to the LORD,
for his love endures forever."
22 As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 23 The men of Ammon and Moab rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.
Observation
This passage is an example of true faith in God, the people went out before the army singing, "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever", before God did anything for them. As the people began to sing and praise Him, the Lord began to destroy the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir.
Are there things that you need God’s help with this morning? Why not sing praises to Him and give Him thanks in advance for taking care of those needs? He is the same God that heard King Jehoshaphat and answered his request. And He can answer your requests too and all of mine.
Application
I will thank the Lord in advance for taking care of the needs of my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so blessed. You have taken very good care of my family and me. You are worthy of praise. I thank You for taking and meeting my needs. I want to thank You in advance for taking care of all of our financial needs and I pray that You would allow me to be a blessing to others by being able to help them. Thank You for the men of our church. I pray that You make them strong in their faith. Help them to believe in You for the things that they are facing today.
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Sunday, June 20, 2010
God's Heart
2 Kings 4; 2 Kings 5; Psalm 83; 1 Timothy 2
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This is the Heart of God for Those Around You…
Scripture
1 Timothy 2
1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.
Observation
It is God’s desire that all men be saved. Jesus is God’s mediator and Jesus paid the ransom price with His own life to redeem us from the penalty of sin and godless living.
God has decided to use us in this redemption process by allowing us to be His messengers announcing the Good News to the world that Jesus saves.
But it all starts with prayer! Before we can announce the Good News we must pray for hearts to be prepared to accept what we share.
Application
I will continue to pray for people to be saved and I will be ready to share the Good News with people that God sends my way.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it pleases You when we pray for others. It is the most important thing that I can do. Put on my heart the people that You want me to pray for. I pray that people would be saved and that You would do a Mighty work in the lives of those that I pray for. I pray for our president today. I pray that You give him wisdom to know how to lead our country. Help him to make wise decisions based on Your principles and keep Him from listening to those that would do harm to our country. I pray for those that are trying to stop the oil leak that You would help them to stop it.
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This is the Heart of God for Those Around You…
Scripture
1 Timothy 2
1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.
Observation
It is God’s desire that all men be saved. Jesus is God’s mediator and Jesus paid the ransom price with His own life to redeem us from the penalty of sin and godless living.
God has decided to use us in this redemption process by allowing us to be His messengers announcing the Good News to the world that Jesus saves.
But it all starts with prayer! Before we can announce the Good News we must pray for hearts to be prepared to accept what we share.
Application
I will continue to pray for people to be saved and I will be ready to share the Good News with people that God sends my way.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it pleases You when we pray for others. It is the most important thing that I can do. Put on my heart the people that You want me to pray for. I pray that people would be saved and that You would do a Mighty work in the lives of those that I pray for. I pray for our president today. I pray that You give him wisdom to know how to lead our country. Help him to make wise decisions based on Your principles and keep Him from listening to those that would do harm to our country. I pray for those that are trying to stop the oil leak that You would help them to stop it.
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Saturday, June 19, 2010
Man of God ...Does the Title Fit?
2 Kings 1; 2 Kings 2; 2 Kings 3; Psalm 82; 1 Timothy 1
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Man of God … Does That Title Describe Us?
Scripture
2 Kings 1
7 “What sort of man was he?” the king demanded. “What did he look like?”
8 They replied, “He was a hairy man, and he wore a leather belt around his waist.”
“Elijah from Tishbe!” the king exclaimed.
9 Then he sent an army captain with fifty soldiers to arrest him. They found him sitting on top of a hill. The captain said to him, “Man of God, the king has commanded you to come down with us.”
10 But Elijah replied to the captain, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and destroy you and your fifty men!” Then fire fell from heaven and killed them all.
11 So the king sent another captain with fifty men. The captain said to him, “Man of God, the king demands that you come down at once.”
12 Elijah replied, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and destroy you and your fifty men!” And again the fire of God fell from heaven and killed them all.
13 Once more the king sent a third captain with fifty men. But this time the captain went up the hill and fell to his knees before Elijah. He pleaded with him, “O man of God, please spare my life and the lives of these, your fifty servants. 14 See how the fire from heaven came down and destroyed the first two groups. But now please spare my life!”
15 Then the angel of the LORD said to Elijah, “Go down with him, and don’t be afraid of him.” So Elijah got up and went with him to the king.
Observation
How would people describe you? Would they say, “He is a Man of God”? Would people say that about me? Elijah was a man of God. It was a title, but it was way more than a title, it described who Elijah was. I wonder what people think about you and me. Do they see “Christ” in us?
Do they see that we are totally surrendered to the Lord? Are we? If we are then it should be obvious by what people say when they are talking about us. Would they say that we are “cranks, cry babies, whiners, grumps, or maybe that we are holier than thous, that we have our noses up in the air, that we look down on people, just how would they describe us?
How would people describe you? How would people describe me?
I would love for people to say about me, because of the way I live that I am a “man of God”. When I think of Billy Graham, Chuck Swindol, Bill Bright, Oswald Chambers, Waylon Moore, Hugh Roberts, and Charles Hartwig the title “Man of God” comes to my mind.
Application
I will live today in a way that fits the title “man of God”. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you have brought so many godly men in my life to show me how to live. I have no excuse to live any other way but a life committed to You. You are my God. Help me to be the man of God that You have called me to be. Keep me away from sin. Bring more men into my life that will keep me close to You and help me model a life of obedience.
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Man of God … Does That Title Describe Us?
Scripture
2 Kings 1
7 “What sort of man was he?” the king demanded. “What did he look like?”
8 They replied, “He was a hairy man, and he wore a leather belt around his waist.”
“Elijah from Tishbe!” the king exclaimed.
9 Then he sent an army captain with fifty soldiers to arrest him. They found him sitting on top of a hill. The captain said to him, “Man of God, the king has commanded you to come down with us.”
10 But Elijah replied to the captain, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and destroy you and your fifty men!” Then fire fell from heaven and killed them all.
11 So the king sent another captain with fifty men. The captain said to him, “Man of God, the king demands that you come down at once.”
12 Elijah replied, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and destroy you and your fifty men!” And again the fire of God fell from heaven and killed them all.
13 Once more the king sent a third captain with fifty men. But this time the captain went up the hill and fell to his knees before Elijah. He pleaded with him, “O man of God, please spare my life and the lives of these, your fifty servants. 14 See how the fire from heaven came down and destroyed the first two groups. But now please spare my life!”
15 Then the angel of the LORD said to Elijah, “Go down with him, and don’t be afraid of him.” So Elijah got up and went with him to the king.
Observation
How would people describe you? Would they say, “He is a Man of God”? Would people say that about me? Elijah was a man of God. It was a title, but it was way more than a title, it described who Elijah was. I wonder what people think about you and me. Do they see “Christ” in us?
Do they see that we are totally surrendered to the Lord? Are we? If we are then it should be obvious by what people say when they are talking about us. Would they say that we are “cranks, cry babies, whiners, grumps, or maybe that we are holier than thous, that we have our noses up in the air, that we look down on people, just how would they describe us?
How would people describe you? How would people describe me?
I would love for people to say about me, because of the way I live that I am a “man of God”. When I think of Billy Graham, Chuck Swindol, Bill Bright, Oswald Chambers, Waylon Moore, Hugh Roberts, and Charles Hartwig the title “Man of God” comes to my mind.
Application
I will live today in a way that fits the title “man of God”. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you have brought so many godly men in my life to show me how to live. I have no excuse to live any other way but a life committed to You. You are my God. Help me to be the man of God that You have called me to be. Keep me away from sin. Bring more men into my life that will keep me close to You and help me model a life of obedience.
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Friday, June 18, 2010
Brave Hearts
1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18; 2 Chronicles 19; Colossians 4
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Courage … Brave Hearts
Scripture
2 Chronicles 19
11 … “Take courage as you fulfill your duties, and may the LORD be with those who do what is right.”
Observation
Are you lacking courage today to do what you know is right? Over and over and over again God tells his people to stand firm and to be courageous and it must be because of our lack of courage that God has to continually remind us to be courageous. We can be courageous because God says that He is willing to fight our battles for us, but He is only going to fight our battles for us if we are obedient.
If you are going to disobey God in your daily life then all of life's battles and struggles are yours to handle on your own. God will stand by and watch you flounder and fail and be defeated if you want to fight life's battles on your own. God calls that kind of living “foolishness”.
If doing what is right gets God’s blessings and doing what is right makes God smile on us then why don’t we do it? Answer: It is because we are foolish!
Application
I will be courageous today and I will also let God fight my battles. I will be obedient to follow His word today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be smart and allow You to fight my battles. Help me to be obedient so You will be on my side. Give me courage and help me to stand firm against the Evil one as he tries to get me to sin and disobey. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in this world. You are Mighty and You are able to save and protect me today.
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Courage … Brave Hearts
Scripture
2 Chronicles 19
11 … “Take courage as you fulfill your duties, and may the LORD be with those who do what is right.”
Observation
Are you lacking courage today to do what you know is right? Over and over and over again God tells his people to stand firm and to be courageous and it must be because of our lack of courage that God has to continually remind us to be courageous. We can be courageous because God says that He is willing to fight our battles for us, but He is only going to fight our battles for us if we are obedient.
If you are going to disobey God in your daily life then all of life's battles and struggles are yours to handle on your own. God will stand by and watch you flounder and fail and be defeated if you want to fight life's battles on your own. God calls that kind of living “foolishness”.
If doing what is right gets God’s blessings and doing what is right makes God smile on us then why don’t we do it? Answer: It is because we are foolish!
Application
I will be courageous today and I will also let God fight my battles. I will be obedient to follow His word today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be smart and allow You to fight my battles. Help me to be obedient so You will be on my side. Give me courage and help me to stand firm against the Evil one as he tries to get me to sin and disobey. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in this world. You are Mighty and You are able to save and protect me today.
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Thursday, June 17, 2010
Let's Think More About Heaven ...Less About Earth!
1 Kings 20; 1 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3
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Let’s Think About Heaven More Than Earth!
Scripture
Colossians 3
2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
Observation
How much do you think about Heaven? How much of your attention is on the things of Earth?
Paul tells us where we should put our priority and it is not on this world.
4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
Application
We get to share in Christ’s glory, when Christ is our life. His glory is what we should be focusing on. I will put my focus on kingdom stuff, which is people.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me keep my eyes on what really counts and not on stuff that doesn’t matter.
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Let’s Think About Heaven More Than Earth!
Scripture
Colossians 3
2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
Observation
How much do you think about Heaven? How much of your attention is on the things of Earth?
Paul tells us where we should put our priority and it is not on this world.
4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
Application
We get to share in Christ’s glory, when Christ is our life. His glory is what we should be focusing on. I will put my focus on kingdom stuff, which is people.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me keep my eyes on what really counts and not on stuff that doesn’t matter.
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Wednesday, June 16, 2010
We Are Complete In Christ!
1 Kings 17; 1 Kings 18; 1 Kings 19; Colossians 2
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Complete in Christ!
Scripture
Colossians 2
6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
Observation
What are you lacking today? In Colossians 2 Paul says that we have everything we need and it is all in our relationship with Christ. The spiritual realms with all its powers and authorities have nothing over us. We need to grow in Christ. He needs to become the only source of our faith. Our faith needs to be rooted and grounded in Christ and then nothing can overcome us.
Build your life on Christ and then your faith will grow strong.
Application
In this crazy world that seems out of control it is good to be reminded that Christ is all that we need. I will trust Christ today for everything that comes my way. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to grow in Christ and depend on Christ for every need of my life. I pray for those that are having surgery today, I pray that You guide the surgeons’ hands and use this time of illness to strengthen the faith of those that are sick. Thank You for allowing us to know You and thank You that You care about us some much that You sent Your Son to die for us and to live in us. Thank You for letting Your Power reside in us so that no matter what comes our way You are more than able to take care of it. You are a Mighty God. I put my faith and my trust in You for today.
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Complete in Christ!
Scripture
Colossians 2
6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
Observation
What are you lacking today? In Colossians 2 Paul says that we have everything we need and it is all in our relationship with Christ. The spiritual realms with all its powers and authorities have nothing over us. We need to grow in Christ. He needs to become the only source of our faith. Our faith needs to be rooted and grounded in Christ and then nothing can overcome us.
Build your life on Christ and then your faith will grow strong.
Application
In this crazy world that seems out of control it is good to be reminded that Christ is all that we need. I will trust Christ today for everything that comes my way. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to grow in Christ and depend on Christ for every need of my life. I pray for those that are having surgery today, I pray that You guide the surgeons’ hands and use this time of illness to strengthen the faith of those that are sick. Thank You for allowing us to know You and thank You that You care about us some much that You sent Your Son to die for us and to live in us. Thank You for letting Your Power reside in us so that no matter what comes our way You are more than able to take care of it. You are a Mighty God. I put my faith and my trust in You for today.
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Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Christ is Supreme So Let's Lift Him Up!
1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 15; 2 Chronicles 16; Colossians 1
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Lift Him Up!
Scripture
Colossians 1
Christ Is Supreme
15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
16 for through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see
and the things we can’t see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
Everything was created through him and for him.
17 He existed before anything else,
and he holds all creation together.
18 Christ is also the head of the church,
which is his body.
He is the beginning,
supreme over all who rise from the dead.
So he is first in everything.
19 For God in all his fullness
was pleased to live in Christ,
20 and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
Observation
Christ will be exalted so why don’t we just lift Him right here and right now! He is God come down to this earth. He is over all things and He is the Creator of all things. He is God.
Application
Christ is God. He will be exalted and I will lift His name up on high.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that Christ would be exalted from among the nations. It is going to take more than just Southern Baptist to accomplish this task, but it is going to take every one of us taking the Great Commission seriously and personally.
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Lift Him Up!
Scripture
Colossians 1
Christ Is Supreme
15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
16 for through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see
and the things we can’t see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
Everything was created through him and for him.
17 He existed before anything else,
and he holds all creation together.
18 Christ is also the head of the church,
which is his body.
He is the beginning,
supreme over all who rise from the dead.
So he is first in everything.
19 For God in all his fullness
was pleased to live in Christ,
20 and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
Observation
Christ will be exalted so why don’t we just lift Him right here and right now! He is God come down to this earth. He is over all things and He is the Creator of all things. He is God.
Application
Christ is God. He will be exalted and I will lift His name up on high.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that Christ would be exalted from among the nations. It is going to take more than just Southern Baptist to accomplish this task, but it is going to take every one of us taking the Great Commission seriously and personally.
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Monday, June 14, 2010
Contentment in a Land of Discontent
1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13; 2 Chronicles 14; Philippians 4
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How To Have Contentment in a Land of Discontent!
Scripture
Philippians 4
10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
Observation
Contentment is not found in getting more toys or having more stuff because the more you have the more you want and it keeps going on and on and on. The Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Philippians. He was content! He said that he had learned to be content whether he had plenty or even if he had nothing, whether his stomach was full or empty. His secret is found in verse 13, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Contentment is found in a Person; His name is Jesus. Do you know Him? If you find yourself bummed out this morning and feeling cheated and feeling like you deserve more in this life than you are receiving then maybe just maybe Jesus needs to become more important in your life than the other stuff that is making you so miserable!
Application
I will praise the Lord today and thank Him for all that He has provided me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so blessed. Thank You for all that You have provided my family and me. I know that I don’t deserve anything that I have. It is all from You. Thank You for taking such good care of my family. I pray for Stacey and I pray that You take care of her during this upcoming surgery.
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How To Have Contentment in a Land of Discontent!
Scripture
Philippians 4
10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
Observation
Contentment is not found in getting more toys or having more stuff because the more you have the more you want and it keeps going on and on and on. The Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Philippians. He was content! He said that he had learned to be content whether he had plenty or even if he had nothing, whether his stomach was full or empty. His secret is found in verse 13, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Contentment is found in a Person; His name is Jesus. Do you know Him? If you find yourself bummed out this morning and feeling cheated and feeling like you deserve more in this life than you are receiving then maybe just maybe Jesus needs to become more important in your life than the other stuff that is making you so miserable!
Application
I will praise the Lord today and thank Him for all that He has provided me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so blessed. Thank You for all that You have provided my family and me. I know that I don’t deserve anything that I have. It is all from You. Thank You for taking such good care of my family. I pray for Stacey and I pray that You take care of her during this upcoming surgery.
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Sunday, June 13, 2010
Have You Lost Your Focus?
1 Kings 13; 1 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 12; Philippians 3
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Looking Forward to What Lies Ahead!
Scripture
Philippians 3
13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Observation
Focus…it is so easy to lose! Life’s little problems and life’s big problems seem to rob our focus away from what is really important. Paul said that his life was focused on the future and that he wasn’t going to live in the past.
Are you living focused on all of God’s promises or are you floundering stuck with the failures of your past? Paul had plenty of past mess ups, but he wasn’t going to live in them. You and I don’t have to stay there either we can live focused on the race that God has set before us. Paul says that there is a heavenly prize waiting for us, and Jesus is cheering us on.
So don’t give up stay focused. Stay in the race.
Don’t let the Gulf oil crisis that is happening today cause you to doubt God’s love and care for you.
Application
I will stay focused on what is ahead and I will not allow myself to get stuck on what has happened in the past.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Help me not to worry about anything and help me to pray about everything. I pray that You would give the experts wisdom so they can stop the oil leak in the Gulf. I realize that You could stop the leak in the blink of an eye if You chose to do so. Nothing is too hard for You. And I pray for my son Eddie today on his birthday I pray that You continue to bless him and continue to show him the way to live. Give him many years on this earth to serve and worship You.
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Looking Forward to What Lies Ahead!
Scripture
Philippians 3
13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Observation
Focus…it is so easy to lose! Life’s little problems and life’s big problems seem to rob our focus away from what is really important. Paul said that his life was focused on the future and that he wasn’t going to live in the past.
Are you living focused on all of God’s promises or are you floundering stuck with the failures of your past? Paul had plenty of past mess ups, but he wasn’t going to live in them. You and I don’t have to stay there either we can live focused on the race that God has set before us. Paul says that there is a heavenly prize waiting for us, and Jesus is cheering us on.
So don’t give up stay focused. Stay in the race.
Don’t let the Gulf oil crisis that is happening today cause you to doubt God’s love and care for you.
Application
I will stay focused on what is ahead and I will not allow myself to get stuck on what has happened in the past.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Help me not to worry about anything and help me to pray about everything. I pray that You would give the experts wisdom so they can stop the oil leak in the Gulf. I realize that You could stop the leak in the blink of an eye if You chose to do so. Nothing is too hard for You. And I pray for my son Eddie today on his birthday I pray that You continue to bless him and continue to show him the way to live. Give him many years on this earth to serve and worship You.
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Saturday, June 12, 2010
Having The Mind of Christ!
1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10; 2 Chronicles 11; Philippians 2
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Learning The Secret to Having JOY In Your Life!
Scripture
Philippians 2
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Observation
Attitude is everything! Having the same attitude or the same mind as Christ Jesus is the key to being a successful disciple of Christ. Jesus Christ was God Himself yet for our sakes He humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant. Lets reread Philippians 2:5 ff
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
He did all of that for you and for me. And He says that we should have that same attitude for each other. My biggest problem is “me”, thinking too much of myself, being too concerned for “Numero Uno”. How about you?
Application
The letter to the Philippians is all about Joy and the only way to have “JOY” in your life is to put Jesus first, Others second, You last. I will ask God to help me with my “attitude” today that it might be like “Christ”.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to have the mind of Christ today. Help me with my attitude. Help me to put Jesus first, Others second, and myself last so that I might experience Your deep Joy in my life.
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Learning The Secret to Having JOY In Your Life!
Scripture
Philippians 2
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Observation
Attitude is everything! Having the same attitude or the same mind as Christ Jesus is the key to being a successful disciple of Christ. Jesus Christ was God Himself yet for our sakes He humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant. Lets reread Philippians 2:5 ff
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
He did all of that for you and for me. And He says that we should have that same attitude for each other. My biggest problem is “me”, thinking too much of myself, being too concerned for “Numero Uno”. How about you?
Application
The letter to the Philippians is all about Joy and the only way to have “JOY” in your life is to put Jesus first, Others second, You last. I will ask God to help me with my “attitude” today that it might be like “Christ”.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to have the mind of Christ today. Help me with my attitude. Help me to put Jesus first, Others second, and myself last so that I might experience Your deep Joy in my life.
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Friday, June 11, 2010
A Gushing Pipeline of Your Love
Pray That Your Love Overflows
Song of Solomon 5; Song of Solomon 6; Song of Solomon 7; Song of Solomon 8; Philippians 1
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Scripture
Philippians 1
9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.
Observation
The oil disaster that is going on in the Gulf of Mexico has everyone concerned because the ruptured pipe is overflowing more and more and seems unstoppable. BP first said that the amount of oil flowing out of the pipe was 5,000 barrels a day, but this morning that estimate was raised to around 40,000 barrels a day.
When something overflows it gets all over everything and with an oil rupture that overflow can cause damage that will take years for nature to repair and the results are very negative. But with God's love that is overflowing and getting all over everything there is an opposite result and life’s that are touched with this overflowing love can be changed forever.
When Christ’s love overflows from our hearts and spills out on people they are never the same. His love gushing out of us is more powerful than any old ruptured oil pipeline.
Application
I want to be a gushing pipeline of God’s love! How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us something that we can share with everyone and that something is Your love. I pray that Your love would overflow from my life and that You would touch people through me. For that to happen I know that You have to completely fill me up because none of Your love will overflow from me unless I am completely filled by Your Holy Spirit. I am asking that You be in control of my life completely today so that I can overflow with Your love.
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Song of Solomon 5; Song of Solomon 6; Song of Solomon 7; Song of Solomon 8; Philippians 1
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Scripture
Philippians 1
9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.
Observation
The oil disaster that is going on in the Gulf of Mexico has everyone concerned because the ruptured pipe is overflowing more and more and seems unstoppable. BP first said that the amount of oil flowing out of the pipe was 5,000 barrels a day, but this morning that estimate was raised to around 40,000 barrels a day.
When something overflows it gets all over everything and with an oil rupture that overflow can cause damage that will take years for nature to repair and the results are very negative. But with God's love that is overflowing and getting all over everything there is an opposite result and life’s that are touched with this overflowing love can be changed forever.
When Christ’s love overflows from our hearts and spills out on people they are never the same. His love gushing out of us is more powerful than any old ruptured oil pipeline.
Application
I want to be a gushing pipeline of God’s love! How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us something that we can share with everyone and that something is Your love. I pray that Your love would overflow from my life and that You would touch people through me. For that to happen I know that You have to completely fill me up because none of Your love will overflow from me unless I am completely filled by Your Holy Spirit. I am asking that You be in control of my life completely today so that I can overflow with Your love.
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Thursday, June 10, 2010
Can We Pray Too Much?
Pray…Pray…Pray
Song of Solomon 1; Song of Solomon 2; Song of Solomon 3; Song of Solomon 4; Ephesians 6
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Scripture
Ephesians 6
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Observation
Is it possible to pray too much? I don’t think it is. We are instructed to pray at all times and on every occasion. In other places the Apostle Paul tells us to pray without ceasing. Here he instructs us to pray for all believers everywhere.
Do you get the feeling that prayer is something that is very important? Yep, I get that same idea too!
So whom do we need to pray for: missionaries, government leaders, lost friends, Christians in other countries, our neighbors, and our family members.
Application
I will keep on praying for believers everywhere. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to give up praying for people that I love but that still don’t know You. I pray that they would come to realize their need for a Savior and I pray that they would repent and turn to You. I pray for our missionary friends today that are serving You. I pray that they would be encouraged today with success and fruit for their labor. I pray for those that are sick and need healing today. I pray that you would touch them and heal them.
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Song of Solomon 1; Song of Solomon 2; Song of Solomon 3; Song of Solomon 4; Ephesians 6
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Scripture
Ephesians 6
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Observation
Is it possible to pray too much? I don’t think it is. We are instructed to pray at all times and on every occasion. In other places the Apostle Paul tells us to pray without ceasing. Here he instructs us to pray for all believers everywhere.
Do you get the feeling that prayer is something that is very important? Yep, I get that same idea too!
So whom do we need to pray for: missionaries, government leaders, lost friends, Christians in other countries, our neighbors, and our family members.
Application
I will keep on praying for believers everywhere. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to give up praying for people that I love but that still don’t know You. I pray that they would come to realize their need for a Savior and I pray that they would repent and turn to You. I pray for our missionary friends today that are serving You. I pray that they would be encouraged today with success and fruit for their labor. I pray for those that are sick and need healing today. I pray that you would touch them and heal them.
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Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Here is Our Homework! Make God SMILE!
Ecclesiastes 10; Ecclesiastes 11; Ecclesiastes 12; Psalm 94; Ephesians 5
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Here is Our Homework! Make God SMILE!
Scripture
Ephesians 5
10 and find out what pleases the Lord.
Observation
Find out what pleases the Lord and then do it. If you and I know what pleases the Lord and we begin to do those things that please Him then we will be blessed. Blessed is he that hears the Word of God and does it. Obedience is the highest sacrifice and when we know what makes God smile then we need to do it.
What are we doing that doesn’t please Him? If something comes to your mind then you need to stop doing what ever that is and begin to do things that make Him smile. Doing things that makes God’s face shine on us should be our goal. So lets find out what pleases the Lord and lets do it.
Application
As I read my Bible this morning and spend time with God I know that having my quiet time is something that pleases God. When I help someone else move closer to God I know that also pleases Him. And when I stay away from sin I know that I am pleasing God. So my homework for today is to help someone move closer to the kingdom and I plan to not yield to the temptations to sin.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is my desire today to make You smile with the way I live. Help me to stay away from sin. Guide me to someone that needs to be encouraged in their walk with You or maybe they need to begin their walk with You and if that is the case then help me be a strong witness to them. I pray for our people today that they might do things that please You.
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Here is Our Homework! Make God SMILE!
Scripture
Ephesians 5
10 and find out what pleases the Lord.
Observation
Find out what pleases the Lord and then do it. If you and I know what pleases the Lord and we begin to do those things that please Him then we will be blessed. Blessed is he that hears the Word of God and does it. Obedience is the highest sacrifice and when we know what makes God smile then we need to do it.
What are we doing that doesn’t please Him? If something comes to your mind then you need to stop doing what ever that is and begin to do things that make Him smile. Doing things that makes God’s face shine on us should be our goal. So lets find out what pleases the Lord and lets do it.
Application
As I read my Bible this morning and spend time with God I know that having my quiet time is something that pleases God. When I help someone else move closer to God I know that also pleases Him. And when I stay away from sin I know that I am pleasing God. So my homework for today is to help someone move closer to the kingdom and I plan to not yield to the temptations to sin.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is my desire today to make You smile with the way I live. Help me to stay away from sin. Guide me to someone that needs to be encouraged in their walk with You or maybe they need to begin their walk with You and if that is the case then help me be a strong witness to them. I pray for our people today that they might do things that please You.
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Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Prisoner of The Lord
Ecclesiastes 7; Ecclesiastes 8; Ecclesiastes 9; Ephesians 4
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Prisoner of The Lord
Scripture
Ephesians 4
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Observation
Are you willing to be a prisoner for the Lord? Paul understood that he was in jail but what was incredible was the fact that Paul knew that it was the Lord that had him in prison. He knew that the Lord could have him released at any moment and could have him stay behind bars for a long time, but it didn’t matter. It was not a jailer that kept Paul in prison it was the Lord.
Our circumstances are in the hands of the Lord and how we view our situation will make us feel like either a victim or a victor. Do you ever feel like your life is way out of your control? You should …because it is. There are so many things that are out of our control, maybe you haven’t thought about it, but here are just a few: your health, your finances, decisions your children or grandchildren make, your job, the Gulf oil disaster, etc.
But as a prisoner of the Lord you can just relax and realize that He is guiding your life and He is in control. Paul seemed to realize that fact and never seemed to worry about whether he was in jail or free; it was all the same to him. AMAZING way to live!
Application
I am a prisoner of the Lord. I will look for ways to serve Him today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I read the letters of Paul and I am amazed at his relationship with You. He knew that he was in jail not because of the Romans or the Jews; he knew that he was in jail because of You. It was Your plan for his life. I know that You have a plan for my life. It is right here and right now; it is not off in the future it is right here in the “now”. Help me take full advantage of every opportunity to live for You.
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Prisoner of The Lord
Scripture
Ephesians 4
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Observation
Are you willing to be a prisoner for the Lord? Paul understood that he was in jail but what was incredible was the fact that Paul knew that it was the Lord that had him in prison. He knew that the Lord could have him released at any moment and could have him stay behind bars for a long time, but it didn’t matter. It was not a jailer that kept Paul in prison it was the Lord.
Our circumstances are in the hands of the Lord and how we view our situation will make us feel like either a victim or a victor. Do you ever feel like your life is way out of your control? You should …because it is. There are so many things that are out of our control, maybe you haven’t thought about it, but here are just a few: your health, your finances, decisions your children or grandchildren make, your job, the Gulf oil disaster, etc.
But as a prisoner of the Lord you can just relax and realize that He is guiding your life and He is in control. Paul seemed to realize that fact and never seemed to worry about whether he was in jail or free; it was all the same to him. AMAZING way to live!
Application
I am a prisoner of the Lord. I will look for ways to serve Him today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I read the letters of Paul and I am amazed at his relationship with You. He knew that he was in jail not because of the Romans or the Jews; he knew that he was in jail because of You. It was Your plan for his life. I know that You have a plan for my life. It is right here and right now; it is not off in the future it is right here in the “now”. Help me take full advantage of every opportunity to live for You.
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Monday, June 07, 2010
More Than We Can Think Or Imagine!
Ecclesiastes 4; Ecclesiastes 5; Ecclesiastes 6; Psalm 18; Ephesians 3
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More Than We Can Think Or Imagine!
Scripture
Ephesians 3
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Observation
What Paul is saying is that God can do way more than we can even think to ask Him! In fact, what He can do through His Holy Spirit that resides in us is even more that we can even imagine. Think about that for a few hours today. Paul says that His power is at work within us right now.
So if you don’t feel like you can make it today I would suggest reading this over and over and over again until it sinks in that yes you can make it as long as you have Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Application
I will put my list of impossible stuff up to my God Who is so big and so powerful Who is beyond my capacity to even comprehend His power and I will thank Him for taking care of my “impossibles”.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being so big. Thank You that in Your bigness You have not forgotten about me or about those things that seem so difficult in my life. You are my Strength. You are the Provider of my needs. Thank You for giving this verse to hold on to as I go through this day.
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More Than We Can Think Or Imagine!
Scripture
Ephesians 3
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Observation
What Paul is saying is that God can do way more than we can even think to ask Him! In fact, what He can do through His Holy Spirit that resides in us is even more that we can even imagine. Think about that for a few hours today. Paul says that His power is at work within us right now.
So if you don’t feel like you can make it today I would suggest reading this over and over and over again until it sinks in that yes you can make it as long as you have Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Application
I will put my list of impossible stuff up to my God Who is so big and so powerful Who is beyond my capacity to even comprehend His power and I will thank Him for taking care of my “impossibles”.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being so big. Thank You that in Your bigness You have not forgotten about me or about those things that seem so difficult in my life. You are my Strength. You are the Provider of my needs. Thank You for giving this verse to hold on to as I go through this day.
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Sunday, June 06, 2010
God Doesn't Make "Junk" We are His Masterpiece!
Ecclesiastes 1; Ecclesiastes 2; Ecclesiastes 3; Psalm 45; Ephesians 2
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God Doesn’t Make “Junk” We are His Masterpiece!
Scripture
Ephesians 2
10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Observation
It is good to be reminded what we are in the mind and heart of God. We are His masterpiece! I like that … how about you? You may not feel like a masterpiece this morning, in fact, you may feel like just the opposite, but the truth is if you are a Christ follower then you are God’s masterpiece.
In chapter one we read that God has put everything under the authority of Jesus Christ for the benefit of His church. Today we read that we are His masterpiece. I can’t wait to see what God tells us tomorrow!
Application
I will go through this day with the confidence of knowing that I am God’s masterpiece. He has empowered me with His Holy Spirit’s power to make it through this day and to do it with confidence.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You know that I have prayed for everyone that You brought to my mind. Nothing was more important for me to do this morning than pray and intercede for others. Help me to think more about other people than I do myself. I pray that You continue to heal Kathy and help her today be strong and confident in You. Bless our church and I pray that today You bring people to our church that need to be ministered to.
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Saturday, June 05, 2010
How Important is the Church to God?
Proverbs 30; Proverbs 31; Psalm 33; Ephesians 1
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How Important Is The Church To God?
Scripture
Ephesians 1
19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
Observation
Did you catch that? Everything has been put under the authority of Christ for the benefit of the church. Paul starts out saying that it is his prayer that we might be able to understand the incredible greatness of God’s power; this same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is what is available to you and me and every believer in Christ. All powers have been put under the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ for the benefit of us …His church! WOW…double WOW!
Application
God has made available to me today His awesome incredible power and everything in this world comes under the authority of Christ and God has done that just for me and for all the others that know Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to understand and grasp what I have just read and what I have just written about. Thank You for allowing me to experience Your incredible awesome power. Thank You for doing all of this to benefit me and to benefit everyone that makes up the body of Christ.
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How Important Is The Church To God?
Scripture
Ephesians 1
19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
Observation
Did you catch that? Everything has been put under the authority of Christ for the benefit of the church. Paul starts out saying that it is his prayer that we might be able to understand the incredible greatness of God’s power; this same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is what is available to you and me and every believer in Christ. All powers have been put under the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ for the benefit of us …His church! WOW…double WOW!
Application
God has made available to me today His awesome incredible power and everything in this world comes under the authority of Christ and God has done that just for me and for all the others that know Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to understand and grasp what I have just read and what I have just written about. Thank You for allowing me to experience Your incredible awesome power. Thank You for doing all of this to benefit me and to benefit everyone that makes up the body of Christ.
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Friday, June 04, 2010
Equal in The Lord!
Proverbs 28; Proverbs 29; Psalm 60; Romans 16
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Equal in The Lord!
Scripture
Romans 16
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.
Observation
Paul had no problem recognizing the ministry of Phoebe, a woman that served in the church in Cenchrea. He told the church in Rome to provide for her needs just as any other teacher or servant of the Lord that traveled to minister to them. He had no problem letting them know how valuable her ministry was to others and to him personally.
Application
I will not intentionally discriminate between male and female servants of the Lord, but instead I will try to value every worker that the Lord brings into my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me value people period whether they are male or female and help me not discriminate against those that serve You for any reason whether it be color, sex, or language, help me treat each person as I would like to be treated. Show me who needs to be encouraged and built up today.
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Equal in The Lord!
Scripture
Romans 16
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.
Observation
Paul had no problem recognizing the ministry of Phoebe, a woman that served in the church in Cenchrea. He told the church in Rome to provide for her needs just as any other teacher or servant of the Lord that traveled to minister to them. He had no problem letting them know how valuable her ministry was to others and to him personally.
Application
I will not intentionally discriminate between male and female servants of the Lord, but instead I will try to value every worker that the Lord brings into my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me value people period whether they are male or female and help me not discriminate against those that serve You for any reason whether it be color, sex, or language, help me treat each person as I would like to be treated. Show me who needs to be encouraged and built up today.
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The Importance of Friends
Proverbs 25; Proverbs 26; Proverbs 27; Romans 15
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The Importance of Friends
Scripture
Proverbs 27
17 As iron sharpens iron,
so a friend sharpens a friend.
Observation
Do you have some friends that will get in your face when you are messing up? Do you have some close friends that will confront you when they see you doing something that is not good? I do.
Men should have a least 3 close friends that will hold them accountable. Most men don’t have any one; in fact, most men don’t have any close male friends period. If you are a man and you want to be all that God wants you to be then I would encourage you to find a small group of men and let them hold you accountable where you can live out this verse.
Application
I will continue to meet with my men’s small group and I will continue to value their friendship and their counsel.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the guys that I meet with every week. Thank You for my fellow pastors that keep me accountable and for the men in our church that also hold me accountable in my walk with You. Bless each one of them today. Keep them from sin and help them grow in their faith and in their walk with You.
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The Importance of Friends
Scripture
Proverbs 27
17 As iron sharpens iron,
so a friend sharpens a friend.
Observation
Do you have some friends that will get in your face when you are messing up? Do you have some close friends that will confront you when they see you doing something that is not good? I do.
Men should have a least 3 close friends that will hold them accountable. Most men don’t have any one; in fact, most men don’t have any close male friends period. If you are a man and you want to be all that God wants you to be then I would encourage you to find a small group of men and let them hold you accountable where you can live out this verse.
Application
I will continue to meet with my men’s small group and I will continue to value their friendship and their counsel.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the guys that I meet with every week. Thank You for my fellow pastors that keep me accountable and for the men in our church that also hold me accountable in my walk with You. Bless each one of them today. Keep them from sin and help them grow in their faith and in their walk with You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Failure is Not The End For A Christ-Follower
Proverbs 22; Proverbs 23; Proverbs 24; Romans 14
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Scripture
Proverbs 24
16 The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.
Observation
Will I fail today as I try to serve the Lord? Maybe I will but I would rather fail trying to serve the Lord than not trying to serve Him at all. God knows our hearts and He knows that sometimes we learn best when we fail big. I am depending on God guiding me through this day, and I know that if I fail He will be right there to pick me back up and He will never give up on me.
Application
I will not be afraid to step out in faith today as I go through this day because I know that God is with me. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is a very good thing to know that I am not alone. I know that if I mess up today and trip up that You will be right there to catch me. I pray that You guide me through this day. I pray that You direct my path. Don’t let me stop trying new things. I pray that if I fall today that You would pick me back up again. You are my Savior. You are All Powerful. Nothing is too hard for You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Proverbs 22; Proverbs 23; Proverbs 24; Romans 14
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Proverbs 24
16 The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.
Observation
Will I fail today as I try to serve the Lord? Maybe I will but I would rather fail trying to serve the Lord than not trying to serve Him at all. God knows our hearts and He knows that sometimes we learn best when we fail big. I am depending on God guiding me through this day, and I know that if I fail He will be right there to pick me back up and He will never give up on me.
Application
I will not be afraid to step out in faith today as I go through this day because I know that God is with me. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is a very good thing to know that I am not alone. I know that if I mess up today and trip up that You will be right there to catch me. I pray that You guide me through this day. I pray that You direct my path. Don’t let me stop trying new things. I pray that if I fall today that You would pick me back up again. You are my Savior. You are All Powerful. Nothing is too hard for You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Benefit of Helping The Poor!
Proverbs 19; Proverbs 20; Proverbs 21; Romans 13
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Scripture
Proverbs 19
17 If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD—
and he will repay you!
Observation
Wow! We have a very good reason to help those that are poor because in helping the poor we are lending to the Lord. I don’t understand how we are lending to the Lord since it is all His to begin with, but I will accept what the verse says.
When we are the Lord’s hands and feet in helping those that are less fortunate than we are then He will repay us and we know that He is very generous. It is very true that you cannot out give God.
So …who needs our help today?
Application
I will look for someone who needs help today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, direct my steps today. Guide me in the direction that I should go. Help me to be generous and give me the ability to hear Your voice so I don’t miss out on anything that You want me to do. Open my eyes to the important things today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Proverbs 19; Proverbs 20; Proverbs 21; Romans 13
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Proverbs 19
17 If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD—
and he will repay you!
Observation
Wow! We have a very good reason to help those that are poor because in helping the poor we are lending to the Lord. I don’t understand how we are lending to the Lord since it is all His to begin with, but I will accept what the verse says.
When we are the Lord’s hands and feet in helping those that are less fortunate than we are then He will repay us and we know that He is very generous. It is very true that you cannot out give God.
So …who needs our help today?
Application
I will look for someone who needs help today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, direct my steps today. Guide me in the direction that I should go. Help me to be generous and give me the ability to hear Your voice so I don’t miss out on anything that You want me to do. Open my eyes to the important things today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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