Zechariah 7; Zechariah 8; Zechariah 9; Luke 13
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Help Our Church Be The “Yeast” To Reach an Unreached People Group!
Scripture
Luke 13
20 He also asked, “What else is the Kingdom of God like? 21 It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”
Observation
What is the kingdom of God like when it enters into a country that doesn’t know or hasn’t heard the Gospel? It starts out small but it quickly works its way through the entire country.
I love to hear stories about how the Gospel is spreading through the countries where the message of Christ is yet not well known. The stories are amazing because God is going to reach people in those countries in every way possible whether it is through visions, the radio broadcast, a tourist, a tract that has fallen to the ground, a contact from someone in the West, God is not limited in how He can reach people. It is exciting!
Application
I want to be a part of God reaching an unreached people group. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show us how to engage our church in the business of reaching an unreached people group so we can be “yeast” that permeates the Gospel within that group of people. Help us to do this for Your glory and for Your Name to be spread throughout this world.
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Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Don’t Worry About Everyday Life!
Zechariah 4; Zechariah 5; Zechariah 6; Luke 12
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Don’t Worry About Everyday Life!
Scripture
Luke 12
6 “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. 7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
13 Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.”
14 Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” 15 Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’
21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
33 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. 34 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Observation
Jesus tells us not to worry about our everyday lives. Don’t worry about what we are going to eat or what we are going to wear. He said that those that don’t have a personal relationship with God spend all of their time worrying about such things. We shouldn’t worry about these things…why? Because our Heavenly Father is already aware of these needs.
I think we should read and reread this passage. Better yet we should memorize this passage so when we begin to worry about the stuff of life this passage would come to our minds.
Life is not measured by how much you own.” 21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.
Application
I will focus on fulfilling verse 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. I will also begin memorizing this passage so the Holy Spirit can bring it to my mind when I begin to worry or when I begin to put my focus on things that don’t belong to the Kingdom of God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, because You are my Shepherd I have everything I need. You will provide for all of my needs as long as I put Your kingdom first in my life. I want a rich relationship with You more than anything else. Guide me through this day. Help me to focus on kingdom business.
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Don’t Worry About Everyday Life!
Scripture
Luke 12
6 “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. 7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
13 Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.”
14 Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” 15 Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’
21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
33 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. 34 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Observation
Jesus tells us not to worry about our everyday lives. Don’t worry about what we are going to eat or what we are going to wear. He said that those that don’t have a personal relationship with God spend all of their time worrying about such things. We shouldn’t worry about these things…why? Because our Heavenly Father is already aware of these needs.
I think we should read and reread this passage. Better yet we should memorize this passage so when we begin to worry about the stuff of life this passage would come to our minds.
Life is not measured by how much you own.” 21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.
Application
I will focus on fulfilling verse 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. I will also begin memorizing this passage so the Holy Spirit can bring it to my mind when I begin to worry or when I begin to put my focus on things that don’t belong to the Kingdom of God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, because You are my Shepherd I have everything I need. You will provide for all of my needs as long as I put Your kingdom first in my life. I want a rich relationship with You more than anything else. Guide me through this day. Help me to focus on kingdom business.
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Tuesday, September 28, 2010
God’s Word - Put It Into Practice
Zechariah 1; Zechariah 2; Zechariah 3; Luke 11
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God’s Word - Put It Into Practice
Scripture
Luke 11
27 As he was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, “God bless your mother—the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!”
28 Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”
Observation
The Bible is our game book and we must put it into practice! Hearing God’s Word is good but for it to make a difference we must put it into practice! The woman in the crowd was giving the mother of Jesus a compliment and immediately Jesus took that compliment and used it to teach a huge lesson.
If we are hearers of the Word only James says in James 1:22-24 that we are like someone who looks at his self in the mirror and then walks away without fixing what he sees. The Word of God is like a mirror. It shows us what we look like and then we are to make the necessary changes that the Word shows us that we need to make.
Application
I will put into practice what I have read today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not read Your Word then forget what I have read. Help me put Your word into practice. I want to be sensitive to Your leading today sensitive to Your Holy Spirit. Show me any unconfessed sin in my life and help me walk close to You. Put on my heart the right desires, the right prayer requests, and make my plans successful because of my trust in You. I pray that You lead our entire team today. Give them energy and give them Your thoughts and Your ideas and protect them from the Evil one. You are Mighty. There is nothing too hard for You.
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God’s Word - Put It Into Practice
Scripture
Luke 11
27 As he was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, “God bless your mother—the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!”
28 Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”
Observation
The Bible is our game book and we must put it into practice! Hearing God’s Word is good but for it to make a difference we must put it into practice! The woman in the crowd was giving the mother of Jesus a compliment and immediately Jesus took that compliment and used it to teach a huge lesson.
If we are hearers of the Word only James says in James 1:22-24 that we are like someone who looks at his self in the mirror and then walks away without fixing what he sees. The Word of God is like a mirror. It shows us what we look like and then we are to make the necessary changes that the Word shows us that we need to make.
Application
I will put into practice what I have read today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not read Your Word then forget what I have read. Help me put Your word into practice. I want to be sensitive to Your leading today sensitive to Your Holy Spirit. Show me any unconfessed sin in my life and help me walk close to You. Put on my heart the right desires, the right prayer requests, and make my plans successful because of my trust in You. I pray that You lead our entire team today. Give them energy and give them Your thoughts and Your ideas and protect them from the Evil one. You are Mighty. There is nothing too hard for You.
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Monday, September 27, 2010
Details That Distract Us From The Main Thing!
Haggai 1; Haggai 2; Psalm 129; Luke 10
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Details That Distract Us From The Main Thing!
Luke 10
Scripture
Jesus Visits Martha and Mary
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Observation
Martha was busy. She was preparing a big meal. Mary was at the feet of Jesus evidently listening to Him teaching. Martha was mad because Mary wasn’t helping her fix the meal. Mary was enjoying the spiritual food and that was enough for her. Martha missed out on what was important that day. Jesus didn’t give in to her. He let her know that Mary had chosen to do something that was more important than preparing a big meal. Think about it if Martha had decided to join Mary at the feet of Jesus, Jesus could have instantly taken care of a meal for them. We get caught up in the details and we miss the important things.
Being with Jesus is still the most important thing … spend time with Him this morning!
Application
I am spending time with Jesus. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is so easy to get distracted. It is so easy to get caught up in the details that we miss time with You. Help me focus today on Jesus. Bring people into my life that need Jesus.
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Details That Distract Us From The Main Thing!
Luke 10
Scripture
Jesus Visits Martha and Mary
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Observation
Martha was busy. She was preparing a big meal. Mary was at the feet of Jesus evidently listening to Him teaching. Martha was mad because Mary wasn’t helping her fix the meal. Mary was enjoying the spiritual food and that was enough for her. Martha missed out on what was important that day. Jesus didn’t give in to her. He let her know that Mary had chosen to do something that was more important than preparing a big meal. Think about it if Martha had decided to join Mary at the feet of Jesus, Jesus could have instantly taken care of a meal for them. We get caught up in the details and we miss the important things.
Being with Jesus is still the most important thing … spend time with Him this morning!
Application
I am spending time with Jesus. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is so easy to get distracted. It is so easy to get caught up in the details that we miss time with You. Help me focus today on Jesus. Bring people into my life that need Jesus.
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Sunday, September 26, 2010
“BYSS” Because You Say So!
Ezra 4; Psalm 113; Psalm 127; Luke 9
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“BYSS” Because You Say So!
Scripture
Luke 9
The Cost of Following Jesus
57 As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
58 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”
59 He said to another person, “Come, follow me.”
The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”
60 But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”
61 Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”
62 But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
Observation
Sometimes as we read the scriptures we might think that everyone followed Jesus, but they didn’t. You would think that if you saw Jesus and were able to see Him perform the miracles that we read about in the New Testament that it would be easy to believe in Him and become His follower, but we see from this passage that many said “no” to Jesus.
These fellows seemed to have good reasons for not following Jesus, but actually they must have just been just poor excuses.
Immediate obedience is what Christ is looking for because delayed obedience is not obedience at all. When we tell our children to do something and they don’t do it and after we repeatedly tell them to do it they finally do it that is disobedience not obedience isn’t it.
What has Jesus put on you heart to do? Will you do it? Will you do it right now? Why not be obedient?
Here is a good story that we read this past week that illustrates how we should be obedient when Christ asks us to do something.
Take a minute to read it:
Luke 5
The First Disciples
1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m too much of a sinner to be around you.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.
Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
Application
When Jesus asks me to do something I will remember this story and I will respond “BYSS”. “Because You Say So” I will do it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be obedient even when I don’t feel like it. I want You to direct me through this day. This is Your day. It is the day the church comes together for corporate worship. Help us to worship You with all of our hearts. I pray that people would be moved in their hearts by the power of Your Holy Spirit. I pray that Your hand would be on our church today. I pray for You to move in the hearts of people today and put a desire in their hearts to follow You. Help me “BYSS” when You ask me to do something today.
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“BYSS” Because You Say So!
Scripture
Luke 9
The Cost of Following Jesus
57 As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
58 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”
59 He said to another person, “Come, follow me.”
The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”
60 But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”
61 Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”
62 But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
Observation
Sometimes as we read the scriptures we might think that everyone followed Jesus, but they didn’t. You would think that if you saw Jesus and were able to see Him perform the miracles that we read about in the New Testament that it would be easy to believe in Him and become His follower, but we see from this passage that many said “no” to Jesus.
These fellows seemed to have good reasons for not following Jesus, but actually they must have just been just poor excuses.
Immediate obedience is what Christ is looking for because delayed obedience is not obedience at all. When we tell our children to do something and they don’t do it and after we repeatedly tell them to do it they finally do it that is disobedience not obedience isn’t it.
What has Jesus put on you heart to do? Will you do it? Will you do it right now? Why not be obedient?
Here is a good story that we read this past week that illustrates how we should be obedient when Christ asks us to do something.
Take a minute to read it:
Luke 5
The First Disciples
1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m too much of a sinner to be around you.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.
Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
Application
When Jesus asks me to do something I will remember this story and I will respond “BYSS”. “Because You Say So” I will do it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be obedient even when I don’t feel like it. I want You to direct me through this day. This is Your day. It is the day the church comes together for corporate worship. Help us to worship You with all of our hearts. I pray that people would be moved in their hearts by the power of Your Holy Spirit. I pray that Your hand would be on our church today. I pray for You to move in the hearts of people today and put a desire in their hearts to follow You. Help me “BYSS” when You ask me to do something today.
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Saturday, September 25, 2010
“Who is this man?”
Ezra 2; Ezra 3; Luke 8
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“Who is this man?”
Scripture
The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”
Observation
“Who is this man?” Luke 8 has some amazing stories in it about Jesus and Who He is! He has total power over nature we see that in the story of the storm in verses 22-25! He has total authority over the demonic world we see that when He allows the demons to go into the pigs and all 2,000 pigs go into the water and drown (verses 26-37). He has power over sickness and even death we see that in the stories that follow in verses 40-56.
This is a chapter full of proof that Jesus was no ordinary man, but that He is God Himself.
Reading this chapter it is evident to anyone at least it is evident to me that Jesus is able to take care of any situation that comes my or anyone else’s way. All the storms of life can be calmed by a personal relationship with the Savior. Do you have a personal relationship with Him? Are you allowing Him to deal with the storms that you are facing? Have you turned each situation over to Him? If you haven’t – why not do that today?
Application
I will invite people to trust Jesus with the storms of life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding me everyday. Thank You for what you are doing in our church. I pray for Bruce and Heather. I pray that You use them to guide and direct us. Give Bruce wisdom to know what direction You want us to go. I pray that Your hand will be on our (Your) church.
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“Who is this man?”
Scripture
The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”
Observation
“Who is this man?” Luke 8 has some amazing stories in it about Jesus and Who He is! He has total power over nature we see that in the story of the storm in verses 22-25! He has total authority over the demonic world we see that when He allows the demons to go into the pigs and all 2,000 pigs go into the water and drown (verses 26-37). He has power over sickness and even death we see that in the stories that follow in verses 40-56.
This is a chapter full of proof that Jesus was no ordinary man, but that He is God Himself.
Reading this chapter it is evident to anyone at least it is evident to me that Jesus is able to take care of any situation that comes my or anyone else’s way. All the storms of life can be calmed by a personal relationship with the Savior. Do you have a personal relationship with Him? Are you allowing Him to deal with the storms that you are facing? Have you turned each situation over to Him? If you haven’t – why not do that today?
Application
I will invite people to trust Jesus with the storms of life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding me everyday. Thank You for what you are doing in our church. I pray for Bruce and Heather. I pray that You use them to guide and direct us. Give Bruce wisdom to know what direction You want us to go. I pray that Your hand will be on our (Your) church.
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Friday, September 24, 2010
Do You Go Around Forgiving Sins?
Ezra 1; Psalm 84; Psalm 85; Luke 7
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Do You Go Around Forgiving Sins?
Scripture
Luke 7
Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman
36 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. 37 When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. 38 Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.
39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!”
40 Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.”
“Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied.
41 Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. 42 But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”
43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.”
“That’s right,” Jesus said. 44 Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.
47 “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” 48 Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?”
50 And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Observation
Forgiving people is huge! When someone hurts us it is so easy to retaliate and take revenge or pout and bad mouth the person that caused the hurt. Jesus was known as the guy that went around forgiving people. In fact, Jesus is still known for His capacity to forgive.
How much are you and I like Jesus? How easily and how quickly do we forgive people when they injure us?
This immoral woman came and fell at Jesus’ feet. She kissed his feet. She washed them with her tears using her hair to clean his feet. She poured out rare perfume on his feet.
Jesus compared her actions with that of Simon’s, the man who had invited Jesus to be a guest in his home. Jesus knew Simon’s thoughts. He also knew the thoughts of the immoral woman. The immoral woman was repentant of her sins. She went away from that encounter with Jesus saved. Simon…?
Have you come to Jesus yet? Have you asked Jesus to save you? Does your heart break for the people around you?
Application
I will look for the opportunity to share this story with someone today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me love people like you love them. Help me to forgive people that hurt me. Help me look over the sins that someone commits and see them as You see them. Give me Your heart for the people around me. Help me not be like Simon in this story. Help me not be like a Pharisee today. I pray that You direct me through this day. I want to bring You glory and honor today.
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Do You Go Around Forgiving Sins?
Scripture
Luke 7
Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman
36 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. 37 When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. 38 Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.
39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!”
40 Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.”
“Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied.
41 Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. 42 But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”
43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.”
“That’s right,” Jesus said. 44 Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.
47 “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” 48 Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?”
50 And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Observation
Forgiving people is huge! When someone hurts us it is so easy to retaliate and take revenge or pout and bad mouth the person that caused the hurt. Jesus was known as the guy that went around forgiving people. In fact, Jesus is still known for His capacity to forgive.
How much are you and I like Jesus? How easily and how quickly do we forgive people when they injure us?
This immoral woman came and fell at Jesus’ feet. She kissed his feet. She washed them with her tears using her hair to clean his feet. She poured out rare perfume on his feet.
Jesus compared her actions with that of Simon’s, the man who had invited Jesus to be a guest in his home. Jesus knew Simon’s thoughts. He also knew the thoughts of the immoral woman. The immoral woman was repentant of her sins. She went away from that encounter with Jesus saved. Simon…?
Have you come to Jesus yet? Have you asked Jesus to save you? Does your heart break for the people around you?
Application
I will look for the opportunity to share this story with someone today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me love people like you love them. Help me to forgive people that hurt me. Help me look over the sins that someone commits and see them as You see them. Give me Your heart for the people around me. Help me not be like Simon in this story. Help me not be like a Pharisee today. I pray that You direct me through this day. I want to bring You glory and honor today.
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Thursday, September 23, 2010
Listen To People and Hear Their Hearts
Daniel 11; Daniel 12; Luke 6
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Listen To People and Hear Their Hearts
Scripture
Luke 6
45 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.
Observation
Do you want to know what a person is really like? Listen to what comes out of their mouth when they are angry, aggravated, frustrated, upset, or maybe even when they are just talking about other people. What you hear is what is deep in their heart. What is in your heart, trust me will come out. Some time it sort of oozes out and sometimes it comes out with a blast.
Application
I will be a good listener today. I will listen to what comes out of my own mouth as well as what other people say today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, guard my heart. Don’t let stuff get in my heart that isn’t pleasing to You. I know that what ever is in my heart will come out as I talk to people today. Help me today with what I say and with what I think. May the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You today.
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Listen To People and Hear Their Hearts
Scripture
Luke 6
45 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.
Observation
Do you want to know what a person is really like? Listen to what comes out of their mouth when they are angry, aggravated, frustrated, upset, or maybe even when they are just talking about other people. What you hear is what is deep in their heart. What is in your heart, trust me will come out. Some time it sort of oozes out and sometimes it comes out with a blast.
Application
I will be a good listener today. I will listen to what comes out of my own mouth as well as what other people say today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, guard my heart. Don’t let stuff get in my heart that isn’t pleasing to You. I know that what ever is in my heart will come out as I talk to people today. Help me today with what I say and with what I think. May the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You today.
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Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Spiritual Warfare
Daniel 9; Daniel 10; Psalm 123; Luke 5
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Spiritual Warfare
Scripture
Daniel 10
12 Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. 13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. 14 Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”
20 He replied, “Do you know why I have come? Soon I must return to fight against the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia, and after that the spirit prince of the kingdom of Greece will come. 21 Meanwhile, I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one helps me against these spirit princes except Michael, your spirit prince.
Observation
Do you believe in spiritual warfare? Daniel got a first hand lesson in spiritual warfare. Daniel humbled himself and prayed and God answered his prayer immediately, but the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked God’s messenger for twenty-one days from delivering God’s message. The fight was so fierce that the archangel Michael had to come help this messenger. He told Daniel that he had to go back and fight the spirit prince of Persia after he finished delivering his message to Daniel.
I wonder what kind of spiritual battles are going on all around us this morning! I know that the real stuff happens all around us in the kingdoms that we can’t see. There are principalities and powers and spiritual realms that surround us and I know we have angels that are doing battle for us.
I love what the angel tells Daniel about how God feels about him and he repeats it several times, “Daniel, you are very precious to God.”
I believe that is the way God feels about me too. How about you?
Application
Because I believe that spiritual warfare is real I will stay close to God today. I will depend on Him to protect my family and me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that You hear my prayers and I know that when I pray according to Your will I know that You will respond to my requests. Thank You for protecting me. Thank You for providing for me and for taking care of my family. I pray that Your hand would be on our church. I pray that Your hand would be on my family and me. I know that there is spiritual warfare being waged all around me. I know how important it is to pray to You today. I want to live this day in a way that will make You proud of me. I want You to have reason to think that I am precious to You.
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Spiritual Warfare
Scripture
Daniel 10
12 Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. 13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. 14 Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”
20 He replied, “Do you know why I have come? Soon I must return to fight against the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia, and after that the spirit prince of the kingdom of Greece will come. 21 Meanwhile, I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one helps me against these spirit princes except Michael, your spirit prince.
Observation
Do you believe in spiritual warfare? Daniel got a first hand lesson in spiritual warfare. Daniel humbled himself and prayed and God answered his prayer immediately, but the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked God’s messenger for twenty-one days from delivering God’s message. The fight was so fierce that the archangel Michael had to come help this messenger. He told Daniel that he had to go back and fight the spirit prince of Persia after he finished delivering his message to Daniel.
I wonder what kind of spiritual battles are going on all around us this morning! I know that the real stuff happens all around us in the kingdoms that we can’t see. There are principalities and powers and spiritual realms that surround us and I know we have angels that are doing battle for us.
I love what the angel tells Daniel about how God feels about him and he repeats it several times, “Daniel, you are very precious to God.”
I believe that is the way God feels about me too. How about you?
Application
Because I believe that spiritual warfare is real I will stay close to God today. I will depend on Him to protect my family and me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that You hear my prayers and I know that when I pray according to Your will I know that You will respond to my requests. Thank You for protecting me. Thank You for providing for me and for taking care of my family. I pray that Your hand would be on our church. I pray that Your hand would be on my family and me. I know that there is spiritual warfare being waged all around me. I know how important it is to pray to You today. I want to live this day in a way that will make You proud of me. I want You to have reason to think that I am precious to You.
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Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Early In The Morning!
Daniel 7; Daniel 8; Psalm 137; Luke 4
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Early In The Morning!
Scripture
Luke 4
Jesus Continues to Preach
42 Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them. 43 But he replied, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.” 44 So he continued to travel around, preaching in synagogues throughout Judea.
Observation
Early in the morning was probably the only time that Jesus could find when He could be alone to pray. I believe it was a habit for Him to get away to an isolated place so He could pray to His Heavenly Father. He didn’t have a home of His own where He could go into a room all by Himself, no He had to go out and find an isolated place where He could be alone.
Where is your isolated place? Where do you go to have your quiet time?
Where do you go to read your Bible everyday? My isolated place is in the living room. It is my place where I go everyday to read God’s word. I read the Bible every morning from my computer. All I have to do is turn it on and with two clicks of the mouse I am at exactly the place where I left off the day before. I look forward to seeing what is going to happen next in God’s word every time I come to my isolated place. God meets me here every morning. Do you have an isolated place? A place where you go to meet God every morning?
If I were to ask you in the afternoon or evening what you read during your quiet time would you be able to tell me what you read? Maybe you read your Bible that morning, but you couldn’t remember what you read by that afternoon if that happens to you let me suggest that you do what I do. Write something everyday about what you read. Like I am doing this morning. You know that I use the S.O.A.P. format for my daily Bible reading. I have been doing this for over 3 years now and it has been a huge help for my devotional time. I highly recommend you doing something similar!
Application
I will memorize a verse this week about the importance of time alone with God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am in my isolated place but I am not alone. I know that You are here with me and I know that You are delighted that I am here to spend time with You. Help me today reflect to others how much I love You. May it be obvious to them that Jesus is my Lord and Savior.
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Early In The Morning!
Scripture
Luke 4
Jesus Continues to Preach
42 Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them. 43 But he replied, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.” 44 So he continued to travel around, preaching in synagogues throughout Judea.
Observation
Early in the morning was probably the only time that Jesus could find when He could be alone to pray. I believe it was a habit for Him to get away to an isolated place so He could pray to His Heavenly Father. He didn’t have a home of His own where He could go into a room all by Himself, no He had to go out and find an isolated place where He could be alone.
Where is your isolated place? Where do you go to have your quiet time?
Where do you go to read your Bible everyday? My isolated place is in the living room. It is my place where I go everyday to read God’s word. I read the Bible every morning from my computer. All I have to do is turn it on and with two clicks of the mouse I am at exactly the place where I left off the day before. I look forward to seeing what is going to happen next in God’s word every time I come to my isolated place. God meets me here every morning. Do you have an isolated place? A place where you go to meet God every morning?
If I were to ask you in the afternoon or evening what you read during your quiet time would you be able to tell me what you read? Maybe you read your Bible that morning, but you couldn’t remember what you read by that afternoon if that happens to you let me suggest that you do what I do. Write something everyday about what you read. Like I am doing this morning. You know that I use the S.O.A.P. format for my daily Bible reading. I have been doing this for over 3 years now and it has been a huge help for my devotional time. I highly recommend you doing something similar!
Application
I will memorize a verse this week about the importance of time alone with God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am in my isolated place but I am not alone. I know that You are here with me and I know that You are delighted that I am here to spend time with You. Help me today reflect to others how much I love You. May it be obvious to them that Jesus is my Lord and Savior.
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Monday, September 20, 2010
“What should we do?”
Daniel 5; Daniel 6; Psalm 130; Luke 3
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“What should we do?”
Scripture
Luke 3
7 When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 9 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”
10 The crowds asked, “What should we do?”
11 John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”
12 Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?”
13 He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”
14 “What should we do?” asked some soldiers.
John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”
15 Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. 16 John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” 18 John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people.
Observation
The people asked John the Baptist over and over again the question, “What should we do.” His response can be summed up in verse 8, “Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.” Repent!
Did you read Daniel 5-6 this morning? I would encourage you to take time to read about Daniel in the Lions’ den. The story is just as much about those in leadership that ignore God as it is about God’s care of Daniel in the Lions’ den. People that want to live life ignoring or denying that there is a Living God are on dangerous ground and unless they repent they will perish and it doesn’t matter how rich, how powerful, or how famous they are.
Both of these passages are so exciting and both show what a Powerful God we serve. What should we do? We should serve the Lord with all of our heart, all of our mind, all of our soul, and all of our strength.
Application
I will serve the Lord today with all of my heart, all of my mind, all of my soul, and all of my strength.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to serve You today with everything that I have got. Help me to do the most important things today. Direct my thoughts and keep me focused on the things that really matter to You. I pray for those that I will see at Mission Tampa. Open up their hearts to the Good News. Help them understand the plan of salvation today as we share it with them. I pray for those that need to be saved.
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“What should we do?”
Scripture
Luke 3
7 When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 9 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”
10 The crowds asked, “What should we do?”
11 John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”
12 Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?”
13 He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”
14 “What should we do?” asked some soldiers.
John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”
15 Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. 16 John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” 18 John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people.
Observation
The people asked John the Baptist over and over again the question, “What should we do.” His response can be summed up in verse 8, “Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.” Repent!
Did you read Daniel 5-6 this morning? I would encourage you to take time to read about Daniel in the Lions’ den. The story is just as much about those in leadership that ignore God as it is about God’s care of Daniel in the Lions’ den. People that want to live life ignoring or denying that there is a Living God are on dangerous ground and unless they repent they will perish and it doesn’t matter how rich, how powerful, or how famous they are.
Both of these passages are so exciting and both show what a Powerful God we serve. What should we do? We should serve the Lord with all of our heart, all of our mind, all of our soul, and all of our strength.
Application
I will serve the Lord today with all of my heart, all of my mind, all of my soul, and all of my strength.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to serve You today with everything that I have got. Help me to do the most important things today. Direct my thoughts and keep me focused on the things that really matter to You. I pray for those that I will see at Mission Tampa. Open up their hearts to the Good News. Help them understand the plan of salvation today as we share it with them. I pray for those that need to be saved.
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Sunday, September 19, 2010
Plenty to Ponder!
Ezekiel 47; Ezekiel 48; Luke 2
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Plenty to Ponder!
Scripture
Luke 2
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41 Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43 After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
Observation
Mary and Joseph traveled a full day without missing their son Jesus. Then they turned around and it took them 3 days to find Him in Jerusalem. When they did find Him in the temple Jesus seemed surprised that they were anxious about His being lost.
I like where it says at the end of the passage that Mary pondered/treasured all of these things in her heart! I bet she did a lot of pondering/treasuring don’t you? Can you imagine when she began to watch Jesus perform miracles what she must have thought? Scriptures seem to indicate that Mary and Jesus’ brothers and sisters did not believe that He was the Messiah at first. Do you remember when they went to get Jesus because they thought He was out of His mind? I bet Mary pondered and treasured things 24/7 don’t you?
49 "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Application
Mary treasured in her heart what she watched happen with Jesus. I will treasure in my heart everything that I see God doing in the lives of His people that make up our church.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is my desire to treasure what You are doing in the lives of those around me. Nothing is more important than what is happening within Your kingdom and Your kingdom is all around me in those that call themselves Christians. Help me to treasure today what I see happening in the lives of Your saints. I pray that Your Hand would be on our church today. I pray for Bruce and Heather. I pray that You use them in a mighty way to many for Christ.
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Plenty to Ponder!
Scripture
Luke 2
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41 Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43 After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
Observation
Mary and Joseph traveled a full day without missing their son Jesus. Then they turned around and it took them 3 days to find Him in Jerusalem. When they did find Him in the temple Jesus seemed surprised that they were anxious about His being lost.
I like where it says at the end of the passage that Mary pondered/treasured all of these things in her heart! I bet she did a lot of pondering/treasuring don’t you? Can you imagine when she began to watch Jesus perform miracles what she must have thought? Scriptures seem to indicate that Mary and Jesus’ brothers and sisters did not believe that He was the Messiah at first. Do you remember when they went to get Jesus because they thought He was out of His mind? I bet Mary pondered and treasured things 24/7 don’t you?
49 "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Application
Mary treasured in her heart what she watched happen with Jesus. I will treasure in my heart everything that I see God doing in the lives of His people that make up our church.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is my desire to treasure what You are doing in the lives of those around me. Nothing is more important than what is happening within Your kingdom and Your kingdom is all around me in those that call themselves Christians. Help me to treasure today what I see happening in the lives of Your saints. I pray that Your Hand would be on our church today. I pray for Bruce and Heather. I pray that You use them in a mighty way to many for Christ.
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Saturday, September 18, 2010
“Nothing is impossible with God”
Ezekiel 45; Ezekiel 46; Luke 1
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“Nothing is impossible with God”
Scripture
Luke 1
37For nothing is impossible with God."
Observation
Do you need a reminder this morning that “nothing is impossible with God”? Maybe you are facing plenty of things that seem impossible and they are impossible for us, but not for God. Nothing is harder or easier for Him to do, nothing is out of His reach, and He can do anything that He wants to do.
You and I are not gods. We are limited, very limited; but we serve a God that has no limits, no restrictions, unless He places them on Himself.
Make yourself a list of things that are way beyond your control and turn them over to your Heavenly Father. Depend on Him.
Application
I will give my list of “impossibles” to God and let Him take care of them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that nothing is too hard for you. There is no such word as “impossible” for You. I do have some things that are impossible for me and I turn them over to You. On the top of my list would be the loved ones in my life that do not act like they know You at all. I want them to have a personal relationship with You. I want them all to be saved and I want for them to enjoy the Christian life, which they seem to have no interest in pursuing. I pray that You turn their hearts towards You. I know that You can do it because there is nothing impossible for You.
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“Nothing is impossible with God”
Scripture
Luke 1
37For nothing is impossible with God."
Observation
Do you need a reminder this morning that “nothing is impossible with God”? Maybe you are facing plenty of things that seem impossible and they are impossible for us, but not for God. Nothing is harder or easier for Him to do, nothing is out of His reach, and He can do anything that He wants to do.
You and I are not gods. We are limited, very limited; but we serve a God that has no limits, no restrictions, unless He places them on Himself.
Make yourself a list of things that are way beyond your control and turn them over to your Heavenly Father. Depend on Him.
Application
I will give my list of “impossibles” to God and let Him take care of them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that nothing is too hard for you. There is no such word as “impossible” for You. I do have some things that are impossible for me and I turn them over to You. On the top of my list would be the loved ones in my life that do not act like they know You at all. I want them to have a personal relationship with You. I want them all to be saved and I want for them to enjoy the Christian life, which they seem to have no interest in pursuing. I pray that You turn their hearts towards You. I know that You can do it because there is nothing impossible for You.
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Friday, September 17, 2010
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
Ezekiel 42; Ezekiel 43; Ezekiel 44; Revelation 22
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Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
Scripture
Revelation 22
20 He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!”
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
Observation
Today is Friday! I woke up tired. How about you? Life on earth is tough to deal with especially when you know that one day we will live forever in a place called Heaven. John has given us a glimpse of Heaven but I am sure that it is going to be better than we can even imagine. In fact, I know that it is going to be way better than we can even think or imagine.
So if you have had a difficult week let me remind you that Jesus is coming soon. If you don’t believe me just ready Revelation 22 this morning!
How many people will you and I take to Heaven with us? This weekend we need to focus on who needs Jesus. Who can you call and invite to church Sunday? Who can you move closer to the kingdom? He is coming soon! Who would get left behind?
Application
I will focus on those that need a nudge closer to our Savior.
Prayer
Amen! Come Lord Jesus! Heavenly Father help me concentrate on people that need a relationship with You because Jesus said, “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
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Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
Scripture
Revelation 22
20 He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!”
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
Observation
Today is Friday! I woke up tired. How about you? Life on earth is tough to deal with especially when you know that one day we will live forever in a place called Heaven. John has given us a glimpse of Heaven but I am sure that it is going to be better than we can even imagine. In fact, I know that it is going to be way better than we can even think or imagine.
So if you have had a difficult week let me remind you that Jesus is coming soon. If you don’t believe me just ready Revelation 22 this morning!
How many people will you and I take to Heaven with us? This weekend we need to focus on who needs Jesus. Who can you call and invite to church Sunday? Who can you move closer to the kingdom? He is coming soon! Who would get left behind?
Application
I will focus on those that need a nudge closer to our Savior.
Prayer
Amen! Come Lord Jesus! Heavenly Father help me concentrate on people that need a relationship with You because Jesus said, “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
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Thursday, September 16, 2010
Kathy, God’s Blessing to Me!
Ezekiel 40; Ezekiel 41; Psalm 128; Revelation 21
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Kathy, God’s Blessing to Me!
Scripture
Psalm 128
1 How joyful are those who fear the LORD—
all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
How joyful and prosperous you will be!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
as they sit around your table.
4 That is the LORD’s blessing
for those who fear him.
Observation
I am blessed. God gave me the best woman in the world! I don’t deserve her, but I am glad that God has given her to me.
Application
I will enjoy time with my wife today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me such a wonderful wife. She has to be the best gift You have ever given me next to my salvation and next to my relationship with You. I pray that You bless her with good health. I pray that you give her the desires of her heart. I pray that you answer her prayers and I pray that you make her plans successful.
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Kathy, God’s Blessing to Me!
Scripture
Psalm 128
1 How joyful are those who fear the LORD—
all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
How joyful and prosperous you will be!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
as they sit around your table.
4 That is the LORD’s blessing
for those who fear him.
Observation
I am blessed. God gave me the best woman in the world! I don’t deserve her, but I am glad that God has given her to me.
Application
I will enjoy time with my wife today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me such a wonderful wife. She has to be the best gift You have ever given me next to my salvation and next to my relationship with You. I pray that You bless her with good health. I pray that you give her the desires of her heart. I pray that you answer her prayers and I pray that you make her plans successful.
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Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Two Great Words – “Always” and “Never”
Ezekiel 38; Ezekiel 39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20
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Two Great Words – “Always” and “Never”
Scripture
Psalm 145
13…The LORD always keeps his promises;
he is gracious in all he does.
Observation
The word “always” when it is used in a positive way almost always is talking about God and how He acts. If we use the word “always” it is usually to describe how we or someone else “always” messes up. In fact, when we use the words “always” and “never” when talking about ourselves or someone else we are usually talking about our inability to do something right!
But with God we can use both the word “always” and the word “never” to describe God’s wonderful character. He always keeps his promises and He will never leave us or forsake us. Pretty cool isn’t to walk through life with a Heavenly Father like that!
Application
I will “always” trust God because He is “never” wrong. He is “always” looking out for my good and He will “never” do anything to hurt me!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am glad that when I use the words “always” and “never” when I am talking about You it is to describe Your goodness. Thank You for giving me all of Your promises. I will depend on them today. I know that You are with me today. I pray that You guide me and direct me.
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Two Great Words – “Always” and “Never”
Scripture
Psalm 145
13…The LORD always keeps his promises;
he is gracious in all he does.
Observation
The word “always” when it is used in a positive way almost always is talking about God and how He acts. If we use the word “always” it is usually to describe how we or someone else “always” messes up. In fact, when we use the words “always” and “never” when talking about ourselves or someone else we are usually talking about our inability to do something right!
But with God we can use both the word “always” and the word “never” to describe God’s wonderful character. He always keeps his promises and He will never leave us or forsake us. Pretty cool isn’t to walk through life with a Heavenly Father like that!
Application
I will “always” trust God because He is “never” wrong. He is “always” looking out for my good and He will “never” do anything to hurt me!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am glad that when I use the words “always” and “never” when I am talking about You it is to describe Your goodness. Thank You for giving me all of Your promises. I will depend on them today. I know that You are with me today. I pray that You guide me and direct me.
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Tuesday, September 14, 2010
King of All Kings and Lord of All Lords
Ezekiel 36; Ezekiel 37; Psalm 110; Revelation 19
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King of All Kings and Lord of All Lords
Scripture
Revelation 19
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. 12 His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. 13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. 15 From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. 16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.
Observation
What image do you have of Jesus? You probably think of Jesus like He was when He walked this earth with His disciples’ maybe your picture of Him in your mind has been influenced by artist and what they thought He must have looked like.
Today we see a picture of Jesus of how He might be seen in Heaven or at least how He might be seen just before He returns to this earth the second time! He will come looking totally different. He will come the second time with a completely different agenda. He will return to this earth as the Mighty Victor, the Mighty Warrior! He will come with a sharp sword in His mouth. He will come in judgment and He will come with the wrath of God. Every knee will bow when He comes.
Are you ready?
Application
Come Lord Jesus! Come!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that Jesus would love to come, but He is waiting until more and more hear the Good News and become His followers. I know that He is patiently waiting until more and more accept His offer of salvation and more and more have the opportunity to turn from sin and self. So many have still not had the opportunity to hear, but everyday Your return is getting closer. The world is becoming smaller and smaller. Communication and the ability for the Gospel to be spread are becoming faster and faster everyday. It won’t be long! Come Lord Jesus! Come! Help me move someone closer to you today. Help me live today in a way that pleases You. You are the King of All Kings and the Lord of All Lords!
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King of All Kings and Lord of All Lords
Scripture
Revelation 19
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. 12 His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. 13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. 15 From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. 16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.
Observation
What image do you have of Jesus? You probably think of Jesus like He was when He walked this earth with His disciples’ maybe your picture of Him in your mind has been influenced by artist and what they thought He must have looked like.
Today we see a picture of Jesus of how He might be seen in Heaven or at least how He might be seen just before He returns to this earth the second time! He will come looking totally different. He will come the second time with a completely different agenda. He will return to this earth as the Mighty Victor, the Mighty Warrior! He will come with a sharp sword in His mouth. He will come in judgment and He will come with the wrath of God. Every knee will bow when He comes.
Are you ready?
Application
Come Lord Jesus! Come!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that Jesus would love to come, but He is waiting until more and more hear the Good News and become His followers. I know that He is patiently waiting until more and more accept His offer of salvation and more and more have the opportunity to turn from sin and self. So many have still not had the opportunity to hear, but everyday Your return is getting closer. The world is becoming smaller and smaller. Communication and the ability for the Gospel to be spread are becoming faster and faster everyday. It won’t be long! Come Lord Jesus! Come! Help me move someone closer to you today. Help me live today in a way that pleases You. You are the King of All Kings and the Lord of All Lords!
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Monday, September 13, 2010
The Good Shepherd
Ezekiel 33; Ezekiel 34; Ezekiel 35; Revelation 18
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The Good Shepherd
Scripture
Ezekiel 34
15 I myself will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign LORD. 16 I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak. But I will destroy those who are fat and powerful. I will feed them, yes—feed them justice!
Observation
In Ezekiel 33 God talks about how bad the shepherds were that were supposed to be taking care of His sheep, the nation of Israel. Then in chapter 34 He talks about how He will personally take care of His sheep as the Good Shepherd should.
It reminds me of how we should take care of the body of Christ, His church. Jesus said in John 10:
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:28
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.
All of this reminds me of Psalm 23:
The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Application
Because the Lord is my Shepherd I have everything that I need!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, because You are my Shepherd I have everything that I need. Help me to be a good shepherd and give me Your heart for people. Don’t let me become hardened to the needs around me.
The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
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The Good Shepherd
Scripture
Ezekiel 34
15 I myself will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign LORD. 16 I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak. But I will destroy those who are fat and powerful. I will feed them, yes—feed them justice!
Observation
In Ezekiel 33 God talks about how bad the shepherds were that were supposed to be taking care of His sheep, the nation of Israel. Then in chapter 34 He talks about how He will personally take care of His sheep as the Good Shepherd should.
It reminds me of how we should take care of the body of Christ, His church. Jesus said in John 10:
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:28
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.
All of this reminds me of Psalm 23:
The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Application
Because the Lord is my Shepherd I have everything that I need!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, because You are my Shepherd I have everything that I need. Help me to be a good shepherd and give me Your heart for people. Don’t let me become hardened to the needs around me.
The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
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Sunday, September 12, 2010
Are You a Slow Learner Too?
Daniel 3; Daniel 4; Psalm 81; Revelation 17
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Worse Than a Fiery Furnace!
Scripture
Daniel 4
28 “But all these things did happen to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later he was taking a walk on the flat roof of the royal palace in Babylon. 30 As he looked out across the city, he said, ‘Look at this great city of Babylon! By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor.’
31 “While these words were still in his mouth, a voice called down from heaven, ‘O King Nebuchadnezzar, this message is for you! You are no longer ruler of this kingdom. 32 You will be driven from human society. You will live in the fields with the wild animals, and you will eat grass like a cow. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses.’
33 “That same hour the judgment was fulfilled, and Nebuchadnezzar was driven from human society. He ate grass like a cow, and he was drenched with the dew of heaven. He lived this way until his hair was as long as eagles’ feathers and his nails were like birds’ claws.
Nebuchadnezzar Praises God
34 “After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever…37 “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.”
Observation
If you took time to read today’s Bible reading you had the chance to read about:
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Nebuchadnezzar had built a ninety-foot tall statue and made everyone bow down and worship the statue, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused. It is an amazing story! Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked around in that furnace and Jesus was walking around with them! After Nebuchadnezzar called for them to come out of the furnace the Bible says that not a hair on their body was burned, their clothes didn’t even smell like they had been near a fire. Amazing!
You would have thought that Nebuchadnezzar would have learned the lesson but he didn’t and he spent seven years living like a wild animal to learn humility. After the seven years of insanity and living out in the wild like an animal this is what he finally said about God, “After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever… “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.”
It took all of that for Nebuchadnezzar to learn that God is able to humble the proud. God can still do the same thing with us today if He needs to do so. Hopefully we won’t be so stubborn.
Application
I will worship the only True God and His name is Jesus! I will not be a slow learner when it comes to pride.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me remember that You are the only True God. Don’t let me become proud and turn away from worshiping You. Thank You for guiding me. Give me the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and Daniel. I pray that our people would hear the message about reaching the world for Christ as Clyde Meador preaches. I pray that You anoint him and use him in a mighty way in our church. I pray for Bruce and Heather and Gwendolyn as they come for the first time today. I pray that our people would have open hearts for them and I pray that You would bless their leadership within our church.
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Worse Than a Fiery Furnace!
Scripture
Daniel 4
28 “But all these things did happen to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later he was taking a walk on the flat roof of the royal palace in Babylon. 30 As he looked out across the city, he said, ‘Look at this great city of Babylon! By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor.’
31 “While these words were still in his mouth, a voice called down from heaven, ‘O King Nebuchadnezzar, this message is for you! You are no longer ruler of this kingdom. 32 You will be driven from human society. You will live in the fields with the wild animals, and you will eat grass like a cow. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses.’
33 “That same hour the judgment was fulfilled, and Nebuchadnezzar was driven from human society. He ate grass like a cow, and he was drenched with the dew of heaven. He lived this way until his hair was as long as eagles’ feathers and his nails were like birds’ claws.
Nebuchadnezzar Praises God
34 “After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever…37 “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.”
Observation
If you took time to read today’s Bible reading you had the chance to read about:
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Nebuchadnezzar had built a ninety-foot tall statue and made everyone bow down and worship the statue, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused. It is an amazing story! Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked around in that furnace and Jesus was walking around with them! After Nebuchadnezzar called for them to come out of the furnace the Bible says that not a hair on their body was burned, their clothes didn’t even smell like they had been near a fire. Amazing!
You would have thought that Nebuchadnezzar would have learned the lesson but he didn’t and he spent seven years living like a wild animal to learn humility. After the seven years of insanity and living out in the wild like an animal this is what he finally said about God, “After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever… “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.”
It took all of that for Nebuchadnezzar to learn that God is able to humble the proud. God can still do the same thing with us today if He needs to do so. Hopefully we won’t be so stubborn.
Application
I will worship the only True God and His name is Jesus! I will not be a slow learner when it comes to pride.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me remember that You are the only True God. Don’t let me become proud and turn away from worshiping You. Thank You for guiding me. Give me the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and Daniel. I pray that our people would hear the message about reaching the world for Christ as Clyde Meador preaches. I pray that You anoint him and use him in a mighty way in our church. I pray for Bruce and Heather and Gwendolyn as they come for the first time today. I pray that our people would have open hearts for them and I pray that You would bless their leadership within our church.
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Saturday, September 11, 2010
Giving God All The Glory!
Daniel 1; Daniel 2; Revelation 16
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Giving God The Glory!
Scripture
Daniel 2
17 Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened. 18 He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon. 19 That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. 20 He said,
“Praise the name of God forever and ever,
for he has all wisdom and power.
21 He controls the course of world events;
he removes kings and sets up other kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the scholars.
22 He reveals deep and mysterious things
and knows what lies hidden in darkness,
though he is surrounded by light.
23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors,
for you have given me wisdom and strength.
You have told me what we asked of you
and revealed to us what the king demanded.”
Observation
Daniel realized that God was using him for God’s glory and not for his own glory or fame. I imagine that Daniel was tempted to take some of the credit for the interpretation of the dreams for himself, but if he was tempted he never yielded to that temptation. When God does something big in our lives it is easy for us to forget and suddenly begin to think that it is somehow by our own power that we are doing extraordinary things. If God is blessing you and your ministry or your life then you better give Him the glory or else His Hand can be withdrawn from your life and He can place it on someone else.
Where does God need to get the glory and praise today? Think about it…and give him praise…thank Him for what He is doing in your life!
Application
I will give God glory all day today for everything that He is doing in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t deserve how you have blessed me, but I want to praise You right now and glorify Your Name. You are worthy of praise and You are worthy of my devotion. Help me to serve You with all my heart, all my soul, and all of my strength!
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Giving God The Glory!
Scripture
Daniel 2
17 Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened. 18 He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon. 19 That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. 20 He said,
“Praise the name of God forever and ever,
for he has all wisdom and power.
21 He controls the course of world events;
he removes kings and sets up other kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the scholars.
22 He reveals deep and mysterious things
and knows what lies hidden in darkness,
though he is surrounded by light.
23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors,
for you have given me wisdom and strength.
You have told me what we asked of you
and revealed to us what the king demanded.”
Observation
Daniel realized that God was using him for God’s glory and not for his own glory or fame. I imagine that Daniel was tempted to take some of the credit for the interpretation of the dreams for himself, but if he was tempted he never yielded to that temptation. When God does something big in our lives it is easy for us to forget and suddenly begin to think that it is somehow by our own power that we are doing extraordinary things. If God is blessing you and your ministry or your life then you better give Him the glory or else His Hand can be withdrawn from your life and He can place it on someone else.
Where does God need to get the glory and praise today? Think about it…and give him praise…thank Him for what He is doing in your life!
Application
I will give God glory all day today for everything that He is doing in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t deserve how you have blessed me, but I want to praise You right now and glorify Your Name. You are worthy of praise and You are worthy of my devotion. Help me to serve You with all my heart, all my soul, and all of my strength!
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Friday, September 10, 2010
Great is God’s Faithfulness!
Lamentations 3; Lamentations 4; Lamentations 5; Revelation 15
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Great is God’s Faithfulness!
Scripture
Lamentations 3
21 Yet I still dare to hope
when I remember this:
22 The faithful love of the LORD never ends!
His mercies never cease.
23 Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!”
25 The LORD is good to those who depend on him,
to those who search for him.
26 So it is good to wait quietly
for salvation from the LORD.
Observation
Great is thy faithfulness! Does that reflect how you feel about God this morning? In spite of all the terrible things that Jeremiah went through he could still say that his hope was in the Lord. Where is your hope this morning?
Just meditate on this passage for a while this morning. “The Lord is good to those who depend on him, and those who search for Him.” “Great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Every morning God is ready to start all over again with His tender mercy!
Reading this makes me want to worship the Lord this morning. How about you? The faithful love of the Lord never ends! Wow! Do you need a dose of that kind of love this morning? Love that is never ending! I sure do!
Application
I will wait patiently for the salvation of the Lord!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I still dare to hope because I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends! Your mercies never cease. Great is Your faithfulness; Your mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “You are my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in You!” You are good to those who depend on You, to those who search for You.
So it is good to wait quietly for salvation that comes from You.
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Great is God’s Faithfulness!
Scripture
Lamentations 3
21 Yet I still dare to hope
when I remember this:
22 The faithful love of the LORD never ends!
His mercies never cease.
23 Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!”
25 The LORD is good to those who depend on him,
to those who search for him.
26 So it is good to wait quietly
for salvation from the LORD.
Observation
Great is thy faithfulness! Does that reflect how you feel about God this morning? In spite of all the terrible things that Jeremiah went through he could still say that his hope was in the Lord. Where is your hope this morning?
Just meditate on this passage for a while this morning. “The Lord is good to those who depend on him, and those who search for Him.” “Great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Every morning God is ready to start all over again with His tender mercy!
Reading this makes me want to worship the Lord this morning. How about you? The faithful love of the Lord never ends! Wow! Do you need a dose of that kind of love this morning? Love that is never ending! I sure do!
Application
I will wait patiently for the salvation of the Lord!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I still dare to hope because I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends! Your mercies never cease. Great is Your faithfulness; Your mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “You are my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in You!” You are good to those who depend on You, to those who search for You.
So it is good to wait quietly for salvation that comes from You.
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Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Heaven – The Only Safe Place!
Jeremiah 42; Jeremiah 43; Jeremiah 44; Psalm 48; Revelation 13
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Heaven – The Only Safe Place!
Scripture
Revelation 13
16 He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. 17 And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. 18 Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666.
Psalm 48
4 The kings of the earth joined forces
and advanced against the city.
5 But when they saw it, they were stunned;
they were terrified and ran away.
6 They were gripped with terror
and writhed in pain like a woman in labor.
7 You destroyed them like the mighty ships of Tarshish
shattered by a powerful east wind.
8 We had heard of the city’s glory,
but now we have seen it ourselves—
the city of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
It is the city of our God;
he will make it safe forever.
Observation
As I read the book of Revelation this morning I realize that this earth is not a safe place. It is a place of persecution, and a place of trouble; it is a place of God’s judgment.
Heaven is the only completely safe place. It is safe forever.
This earth will continue to see war, famine, crisis, and every evil imaginable until the Lord ends it all and takes us home to Heaven.
I read in the Old Testament this morning where Jeremiah told the people what they should do. They had asked Jeremiah to get a word from the Lord for them and then after hearing what God said they defiantly said that they would continue to worship the queen of heaven and they rejected the God of their fathers. They chose to worship the gods of the surrounding nations instead of the One and Only True God.
Crazy!
Application
I will worship the One and Only true God today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t want to be like the people that chose to reject You. I want to follow You with all of my heart. I don’t ever want to turn away from You. I know that one day I will live in that perfect and safe place called Heaven and I will spend Eternity with You. But while I am on this earth help me to walk with You and trust in You and never worship anything or anyone else but You. You alone are worthy of my worship. No one can compare with You.
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Heaven – The Only Safe Place!
Scripture
Revelation 13
16 He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. 17 And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. 18 Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666.
Psalm 48
4 The kings of the earth joined forces
and advanced against the city.
5 But when they saw it, they were stunned;
they were terrified and ran away.
6 They were gripped with terror
and writhed in pain like a woman in labor.
7 You destroyed them like the mighty ships of Tarshish
shattered by a powerful east wind.
8 We had heard of the city’s glory,
but now we have seen it ourselves—
the city of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
It is the city of our God;
he will make it safe forever.
Observation
As I read the book of Revelation this morning I realize that this earth is not a safe place. It is a place of persecution, and a place of trouble; it is a place of God’s judgment.
Heaven is the only completely safe place. It is safe forever.
This earth will continue to see war, famine, crisis, and every evil imaginable until the Lord ends it all and takes us home to Heaven.
I read in the Old Testament this morning where Jeremiah told the people what they should do. They had asked Jeremiah to get a word from the Lord for them and then after hearing what God said they defiantly said that they would continue to worship the queen of heaven and they rejected the God of their fathers. They chose to worship the gods of the surrounding nations instead of the One and Only True God.
Crazy!
Application
I will worship the One and Only true God today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t want to be like the people that chose to reject You. I want to follow You with all of my heart. I don’t ever want to turn away from You. I know that one day I will live in that perfect and safe place called Heaven and I will spend Eternity with You. But while I am on this earth help me to walk with You and trust in You and never worship anything or anyone else but You. You alone are worthy of my worship. No one can compare with You.
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Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Satan and His Demons Have Little Time
2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 36; Jeremiah 40; Jeremiah 41; Revelation 12
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Satan and His Demons Have Little Time
Scripture
Revelation 12
7 Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. 8 And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. 9 This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.
10 Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,
“It has come at last—
salvation and power
and the Kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters
has been thrown down to earth—
the one who accuses them
before our God day and night.
11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
and by their testimony.
And they did not love their lives so much
that they were afraid to die.
12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens!
And you who live in the heavens, rejoice!
But terror will come on the earth and the sea,
for the devil has come down to you in great anger,
knowing that he has little time.”
Observation
The Devil knows that he has little time so he works extra hard destroying this earth. It is finished. He has been defeated. He has been tossed out of Heaven.
So he works frantically destroying all of the lives that he can because he knows that his days are numbered. He is powerful, but not as powerful as the One that defeated him.
Here are some verses to help us deal with this enemy:
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephes. 4:27
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Application
I will recognize today that Satan is real and he is powerful, but I will call on my God and draw close to Him. I will be alert and self-controlled. I will not give the devil a foothold.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that Satan is real. I know that he is powerful. I recognize his work all around me, but I know that You have defeated him. Help me to be alert today and help me not to fall into one of his evil schemes. I know that he would like to destroy me. I know that he would love to destroy my family and our church. I pray that he would not be successful in his attacks. Help me overcome his attacks. I trust in You.
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Satan and His Demons Have Little Time
Scripture
Revelation 12
7 Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. 8 And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. 9 This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.
10 Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,
“It has come at last—
salvation and power
and the Kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters
has been thrown down to earth—
the one who accuses them
before our God day and night.
11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
and by their testimony.
And they did not love their lives so much
that they were afraid to die.
12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens!
And you who live in the heavens, rejoice!
But terror will come on the earth and the sea,
for the devil has come down to you in great anger,
knowing that he has little time.”
Observation
The Devil knows that he has little time so he works extra hard destroying this earth. It is finished. He has been defeated. He has been tossed out of Heaven.
So he works frantically destroying all of the lives that he can because he knows that his days are numbered. He is powerful, but not as powerful as the One that defeated him.
Here are some verses to help us deal with this enemy:
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephes. 4:27
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Application
I will recognize today that Satan is real and he is powerful, but I will call on my God and draw close to Him. I will be alert and self-controlled. I will not give the devil a foothold.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that Satan is real. I know that he is powerful. I recognize his work all around me, but I know that You have defeated him. Help me to be alert today and help me not to fall into one of his evil schemes. I know that he would like to destroy me. I know that he would love to destroy my family and our church. I pray that he would not be successful in his attacks. Help me overcome his attacks. I trust in You.
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Monday, September 06, 2010
The Future!
Ezekiel 29; Ezekiel 30; Ezekiel 31; Ezekiel 32; Revelation 11
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The Future!
Scripture
Revelation 11
15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven:
“The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.”
Observation
Are you worried about the future? Does watching the news on your television cause you to worry?
I think that if I didn’t read God’s Word everyday I would be very frightened about the future of our country and our world. But I do read God’s Word everyday so I am not worried about our future.
I am not worried about our country. I am concerned about the ungodly leadership, but I am not worried because I know the One that holds our future. Plus I can read about how it is all going to end up and I know that God wins in the end and He is going to take care of His children.
One day the Lord Jesus Christ will reign and He will reign forever and ever and that is good enough for me.
Application
I will put my trust in Jesus and not in the leadership of those that say that they are leading our country.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, greater is He that is in us than he that is in this world. You are the Victor. You are the Champion. As I am reading the end of Your Book I can see that You will reign forever and ever and that there is no need for me to worry. Help me live out this day in a way that will bring You glory and honor.
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The Future!
Scripture
Revelation 11
15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven:
“The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.”
Observation
Are you worried about the future? Does watching the news on your television cause you to worry?
I think that if I didn’t read God’s Word everyday I would be very frightened about the future of our country and our world. But I do read God’s Word everyday so I am not worried about our future.
I am not worried about our country. I am concerned about the ungodly leadership, but I am not worried because I know the One that holds our future. Plus I can read about how it is all going to end up and I know that God wins in the end and He is going to take care of His children.
One day the Lord Jesus Christ will reign and He will reign forever and ever and that is good enough for me.
Application
I will put my trust in Jesus and not in the leadership of those that say that they are leading our country.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, greater is He that is in us than he that is in this world. You are the Victor. You are the Champion. As I am reading the end of Your Book I can see that You will reign forever and ever and that there is no need for me to worry. Help me live out this day in a way that will bring You glory and honor.
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Sunday, September 05, 2010
Israel Today
Ezekiel 25; Ezekiel 26; Ezekiel 27; Ezekiel 28; Revelation 10
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Israel Today
Scripture
Ezekiel 28
25 “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: The people of Israel will again live in their own land, the land I gave my servant Jacob. For I will gather them from the distant lands where I have scattered them. I will reveal to the nations of the world my holiness among my people. 26 They will live safely in Israel and build homes and plant vineyards. And when I punish the neighboring nations that treated them with contempt, they will know that I am the LORD their God.”
Observation
Usually I don’t give the nation of Israel much thought because I believe that we that accept Christ have become the new Israel, but when I read the Old Testament and especially what the prophets say about Israel I have to think that they still have a special place in the heart of God.
All the other nations that messed with Israel that we read about in this chapter they no longer exist and yet Israel has once again become a nation. Nations today that are friends with Israel seem to be blessed just as what God promised in scripture and those that mess with Israel and seek its destruction are struggling.
It seems like even for the most part they don’t deserve it that God is continuing to bless the nation of Israel, but He does the same thing with His children too. We are the apples of His eye, but we don’t deserve it. We are sinners and we don’t deserve His love and His affection. So if He wants to continue to bless the small nation of Israel why should it bother me. I sure want Him to continue to bless and care for my family and me.
Application
I read in the Old Testament and I am amazed at God’s patience with the nation of Israel, but I give Him thanks and praise that He is also very patient with me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for not giving me what I deserve. If You continue to bless the nation of Israel what concern is that to me. You are the mighty God. You chose Israel to be Your children, and You planned long ago that the Messiah would come from that nation. It was through them that Jesus came and I have salvation and eternal life because of Him. I don’t deserve any of it. I deserve Hell, but You have given me Heaven. Thank You for giving me what I don’t deserve. Help me share Your love with others that need a relationship with You. Help our church look outward to a world that needs You today.
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Israel Today
Scripture
Ezekiel 28
25 “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: The people of Israel will again live in their own land, the land I gave my servant Jacob. For I will gather them from the distant lands where I have scattered them. I will reveal to the nations of the world my holiness among my people. 26 They will live safely in Israel and build homes and plant vineyards. And when I punish the neighboring nations that treated them with contempt, they will know that I am the LORD their God.”
Observation
Usually I don’t give the nation of Israel much thought because I believe that we that accept Christ have become the new Israel, but when I read the Old Testament and especially what the prophets say about Israel I have to think that they still have a special place in the heart of God.
All the other nations that messed with Israel that we read about in this chapter they no longer exist and yet Israel has once again become a nation. Nations today that are friends with Israel seem to be blessed just as what God promised in scripture and those that mess with Israel and seek its destruction are struggling.
It seems like even for the most part they don’t deserve it that God is continuing to bless the nation of Israel, but He does the same thing with His children too. We are the apples of His eye, but we don’t deserve it. We are sinners and we don’t deserve His love and His affection. So if He wants to continue to bless the small nation of Israel why should it bother me. I sure want Him to continue to bless and care for my family and me.
Application
I read in the Old Testament and I am amazed at God’s patience with the nation of Israel, but I give Him thanks and praise that He is also very patient with me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for not giving me what I deserve. If You continue to bless the nation of Israel what concern is that to me. You are the mighty God. You chose Israel to be Your children, and You planned long ago that the Messiah would come from that nation. It was through them that Jesus came and I have salvation and eternal life because of Him. I don’t deserve any of it. I deserve Hell, but You have given me Heaven. Thank You for giving me what I don’t deserve. Help me share Your love with others that need a relationship with You. Help our church look outward to a world that needs You today.
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Saturday, September 04, 2010
Friendship, Fellowship, and Followship
Ezekiel 22; Ezekiel 23; Ezekiel 24; Revelation 9
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Friendship, Fellowship, and Followship
Scripture
John 21:15-19
After breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you."
"Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him.
[16] Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
"Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you."
"Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.
[17] Once more he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know I love you."
Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep. [18] The truth is, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will direct you and take you where you don't want to go." [19] Jesus said this to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God. Then Jesus told him, "Follow me."
Observation
I know that John 21 is not in my daily Bible reading for today, but John 21 is the text for the sermon tomorrow.
There are three important things that I want to share tomorrow from the story found in John 21: Friendship, Fellowship, Followship.
When Jesus talked with Peter it was to restore those three things between them that had been messed up when Peter denied Christ three times when Jesus was arrested. You remember that Peter denied Christ three times and the rooster crowed just as Jesus had predicted. Peter had proudly told Jesus that he would never deny him to which Jesus told him that he would not only deny him, but that he would deny Him three times.
So three times we find Jesus asking Peter, “Do you love me” to which Peter painfully replied, “Yes, Lord you know that I love You.”
Satan wants to mess up our relationship with Christ. He wants to mess up our friendship, our fellowship, and our followship! If Satan can he will take you away or keep you from making strong Christian friendships, he will, if he can, take you away from having fellowship with other believers, and once he does that then you are no longer following Christ. Satan wants to take you out. He wants to make you ineffective for Christ. He wants to neutralize you. He wants to make it where you no longer bring God glory.
Jesus wants to restore the friendship, He wants to restore our fellowship, so we can follow Him completely.
Application
I will ask the Lord to put on my heart that person or persons that needs restoration.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that my Christian friends are so important. I watch people that don’t make friends and I feel so sorry for them. They don’t understand the Gospel. To be obedient to Your command to “Love one another” I know that it can only be done through friendships and relationships. I pray for our small groups and I pray for leaders that have Your heart for people. Loving You is ministering and serving those around us. I understand that is how we love You. Help me to do that today with all of my heart.
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Friendship, Fellowship, and Followship
Scripture
John 21:15-19
After breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you."
"Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him.
[16] Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
"Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you."
"Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.
[17] Once more he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know I love you."
Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep. [18] The truth is, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will direct you and take you where you don't want to go." [19] Jesus said this to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God. Then Jesus told him, "Follow me."
Observation
I know that John 21 is not in my daily Bible reading for today, but John 21 is the text for the sermon tomorrow.
There are three important things that I want to share tomorrow from the story found in John 21: Friendship, Fellowship, Followship.
When Jesus talked with Peter it was to restore those three things between them that had been messed up when Peter denied Christ three times when Jesus was arrested. You remember that Peter denied Christ three times and the rooster crowed just as Jesus had predicted. Peter had proudly told Jesus that he would never deny him to which Jesus told him that he would not only deny him, but that he would deny Him three times.
So three times we find Jesus asking Peter, “Do you love me” to which Peter painfully replied, “Yes, Lord you know that I love You.”
Satan wants to mess up our relationship with Christ. He wants to mess up our friendship, our fellowship, and our followship! If Satan can he will take you away or keep you from making strong Christian friendships, he will, if he can, take you away from having fellowship with other believers, and once he does that then you are no longer following Christ. Satan wants to take you out. He wants to make you ineffective for Christ. He wants to neutralize you. He wants to make it where you no longer bring God glory.
Jesus wants to restore the friendship, He wants to restore our fellowship, so we can follow Him completely.
Application
I will ask the Lord to put on my heart that person or persons that needs restoration.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that my Christian friends are so important. I watch people that don’t make friends and I feel so sorry for them. They don’t understand the Gospel. To be obedient to Your command to “Love one another” I know that it can only be done through friendships and relationships. I pray for our small groups and I pray for leaders that have Your heart for people. Loving You is ministering and serving those around us. I understand that is how we love You. Help me to do that today with all of my heart.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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