Monday, January 31, 2011

Can You See Him?

Exodus 28; Exodus 29; Acts 7
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Can You See Him?

Scripture

Acts 7

55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 56 And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”

Observation

Stephen did not let his gaze focus on those that wanted to kill him. He looked past them to Jesus. We must look past those that want to harm us and look to Jesus. Our circumstances will never be what they should be. Someone told me once, “Nothing is as bad as it looks and nothing is as good as it seems.” I don’t totally agree with the statement because I have found that sometimes things are really as bad as they look!

Regardless of our circumstances we must see Jesus! Can you see Him today? Look beyond your messed up circumstances and focus on His promises. Put Him first today and He will get you through no matter what mess you find yourself in.

Application

I will glance at my circumstances today and I will fix my gaze on Jesus. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me Stephen’s faith in You and Your word today. Even as they were stoning him he asked You to forgive them. Give me that kind of heart.

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Sunday, January 30, 2011

Face As Bright As An Angel’s

Exodus 25; Exodus 26; Exodus 27; Acts 6
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Face As Bright As An Angel’s

Scripture

Acts 6

15 At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s.

Observation

Think about this with me for a minute. Stephen has been arrested for his faith in Jesus Christ. As people are saying lies about him his face begins to shine as bright as an angel’s. I would have loved to have been in that room and seen Stephen. How about you?

The people refused to repent even though Stephen’s countenance changed to something almost angelic. They were so blinded by evil that no matter what they were going to kill Stephen. God could have stopped it, but He allowed Stephen to be put to death just like He does everyday around the world as more and more Christians are martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ.

We need to remind ourselves that even though evil seems to be increasing in our world everyday that God is not surprised by any of this. He will one day put an end to evil. He is allowing it for His purposes. He could stop it all in an instant and one day He will do just that.

Application

I will continue to pray for those that do evil.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for the people in Egypt today. I ask You to use this violence upheaval for more Egyptians to come in faith in Christ. May it open the door to the Gospel for many. I pray that Your message of redemption will find its way into many hearts in these countries that are going through civil war.

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Saturday, January 29, 2011

How Sad

Exodus 23; Exodus 24; Psalm 14; Acts 5
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How Sad

Scripture

Psalm 14

1 Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.”

Observation

When you hear of someone that says that there is no “God” the first thing that should come to your mind is the word “fool”.

Even if they say it proudly, defiantly, loudly, or angrily just remember that God says that this person is a “fool”.

I believe that there is a God. He is my Heavenly Father. He loves me. Thank Goodness!

Application

I will serve my God today with joy.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is sad that there are fools in this world that actually make the statement that there is no God. What fools they are. I agree with You that they are fools. I am sad for the people that I meet that seem to live like You do not exist. I believe that they are also fools or at least they are foolish. It is my calling to share with them the Wonderful Good News about You and Your plan for them. Thank You for allowing me to know You in a personal way.

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Friday, January 28, 2011

Only Jesus Saves

Exodus 21; Exodus 22; Psalm 12; Acts 4
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Only Jesus Saves

Scripture

Acts 4:12

12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

Observation

This week I had a person that responded to my blog this past Wednesday, Jan. 26th and said that he or she was a Muslim. The statement was made by this person that Muslim follow Jesus closer than Christians do.

Here is the exact quote, “I am a Muslim and share with you the love and respect of Jesus. I just saw an interview of Dr. Brown on www.thedeenshow.com where he says Muslims follow Jesus more than Christians. It is very true and makes any Muslim proud. Quran also contains a lot of biography on Jesus and Mary. We should work towards promoting tolerance through love and respect for Jesus.”


Jesus narrows His list of followers to those who would agree with Acts 4:12. I wonder if this Muslim would agree that salvation comes only through the name of Jesus. I seriously doubt it but I hope that they would put their faith and trust in Jesus and Jesus alone for their salvation. He is the only way. John 14:6 “ Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. The Way to God is very narrow – it is through a personal relationship with Jesus. Do you know Him?

Application

I am glad that the Muslim that wrote on my blog is looking and thinking about Jesus. My prayer today is for that person to believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and Savior.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that the Muslim that wrote me on Wednesday could understand that salvation comes through Jesus and Jesus alone. I pray that You give him or her that understanding today. I pray for millions of Muslims to be saved. Open their hearts and give them the spiritual understanding so that they can know who Jesus is and turn to Him in faith and repentance. I know that You love them just as much as You love me. You died for them on the cross just as You died for me. Open their spiritual eyes today.

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Thursday, January 27, 2011

The Ten Commandments…Not…The Ten Suggestions

Exodus 17; Exodus 18; Exodus 19; Exodus 20; Acts 3
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The Ten Commandments…Not…The Ten Suggestions

Scripture

Exodus 20

3 “You must not have any other god but me.
4 “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. 6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
7 “You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.
8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.
12 “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
13 “You must not murder.
14 “You must not commit adultery.
15 “You must not steal.
16 “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
17 “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”

Observation

Can you tell me from memory all ten of the 10 commandments? How about the summary of the 10 commandments condensed into the great 2 commandments? Can you tell me the 2 commandments that Jesus said that included the 10? If you keep these 2 then you will have kept the 10.

Mark 12:28-31 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Application

I will love the Lord with all my heart, and with all my soul and will all my mind and with all my strength as I go through this day.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to love You with everything I have through this entire day. Help me to call on You in my times of need today. You are Mighty. Nothing is too hard for You.

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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

What Should We Do?

Exodus 14; Exodus 16; Acts 2
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What Should We Do?

Scripture

Acts 2

37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

Observation

The Answer…

38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

Turn from your sins and turn to God and trust Christ so you can experience God’s forgiveness. Are you forgiven? You are not forgiven unless there has been a time when you repented of your sins and turned to God. Forgiveness is a gift that you have to receive. It is available to everyone but it is not automatic.

Application

I will continue to share this Good News with everyone I can. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Your plan of salvation is the most important thing that we can share with people. Help me to share Jesus with those that you place in my path today.

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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Powered to Witness!

Exodus 12; Exodus 13; Psalm 21; Acts 1
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Powered to Witness!

Scripture

Acts 1

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Observation

The day I trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for my salvation I received God’s Holy Spirit and I received God’s Power to be able to be His witness everywhere. He has commanded all Christ followers to tell people about Him everywhere. Do you have your passport? Are you ready to go?

Application

I will continue to share my faith everywhere I can.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me be Your witness. Keep me focused on sharing my faith with everyone that I meet. Thank You for giving me the Power to be Your witness.

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Monday, January 24, 2011

Pray For The Lost - That God Gives Them Spiritual Understanding

Exodus 9; Exodus 10; Exodus 11; Luke 24
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Pray For The Lost - That God Gives Them Spiritual Understanding

Scripture

Luke 24

45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.

Observation

“There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.” This is the message that we are to take to all the nations. Did you notice what the scriptures said in verse 45, “then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures”? Spiritual understanding is something that God has to provide each person. Our job is to share the Gospel of forgiveness to everyone and it is God’s job to open up their minds so that they can understand. We don’t know whom God is going to choose, our task is to share with everyone.

Application

I will ask God to open up the minds of those that I share the Gospel with.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that you can open up the minds of people so that they can understand spiritual truths and so that they can understand the Gospel. I also know that You can harden hearts like You did with Pharaoh. I pray that You open the hearts of those that will be at Mission Tampa this morning so that some of them can experience Your forgiveness.

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Sunday, January 23, 2011

I AM Yahweh - The LORD

Exodus 6; Exodus 7; Exodus 8; Luke 23
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I AM Yahweh - The LORD


Scripture

Exodus 6

2 And God said to Moses, “I am Yahweh—‘the LORD.’ 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty’—but I did not reveal my name, Yahweh, to them. 4 And I reaffirmed my covenant with them.

Observation

He is the LORD “Yahweh”. He is El-Shaddai -“God Almighty”. He is the covenant keeping God. He does not forget His promises. God is so much not like us. We break so many promises, but God never breaks a single one. Are you trusting Him today?
You can put your faith and your trust in Him because He is totally trust worthy.

Application

I will trust Him totally as I go through this day!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me trust You every minute of this day. I pray that You would touch lives and hearts today and that many would come to repentance. Move in the hearts of the people that come to worship today. You are “God Almighty” nothing is too hard for You.

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Saturday, January 22, 2011

Do You Know Him?

Exodus 3; Exodus 4; Exodus 5; Luke 22
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Do You Know Him?

Scripture

Luke 22

67 and they said, “Tell us, are you the Messiah?”

Observation

The religious leaders didn’t really want to know the truth about Jesus. If they had just listened with their hearts to His reply to their question they could have become Christ followers, but they were blinded to the truth. Here is His reply, “If I tell you, you won’t believe me. And if I ask you a question, you won’t answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated in the place of power at God’s right hand.” They all shouted, “So, are you claiming to be the Son of God?” And he replied, “You say that I am.”

He told them but they couldn’t hear Him. They refused to believe. Their hearts were hardened.

What kind of heart do you have today? Do you have a heart that is open to spiritual things or do you have a hard heart like the hearts of those that crucified Jesus?

Application

I believe that Jesus is the Christ. He is the Messiah. He is the Son of God. He is God Himself.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, today I serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Help me to please You today with the choices and decisions that I make.

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Friday, January 21, 2011

God’s Word is What You Need

Exodus 1; Exodus 2; Psalm 88; Luke 21
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God’s Word is What You Need


Scripture

Luke 21

33 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

Observation

The Word of God will out last everything else. Are you guarding it in your heart? Are you reading it everyday? What fascinated you about God’s Word this morning? I read this morning about Moses and Pharaoh and how God protected Moses when he was a baby and how God placed him in Pharaoh’s palace to be cared for.

God Word is our spiritual food. Are you on a spiritual diet or are you enjoying a spiritual feast everyday?

Application

I will read God’s Word and meditate on it today.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your Word. I enjoy reading it everyday. It is a spiritual feast. Thank You for allowing me to live in a place where it is OK to read Your Word and I don’t have to hide to be able to read it. I pray for friends who serve people where this is not something that they get to do. I pray that Your Word would be able to penetrate into every nation and every people group on the face of this earth.

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

O Lord, Our Lord, Your Majestic Name Fills The Earth

Genesis 49; Genesis 50; Psalm 8; Luke 20
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O Lord, Our Lord, Your Majestic Name Fills The Earth

Scripture

Psalm 8

3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?

Observation

When have you taken time to look up at God’s creation, the moon and the stars, and thank Him for allowing us the privilege to be in His thoughts and His plans? It is amazing!

Application

I will thank God for the privilege of knowing Him and for receiving His love and care.

Prayer

O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.

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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Jesus Came To This Earth to Seek and Save Those Who Are Lost

Genesis 47; Genesis 48; Psalm 10; Luke 19
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Jesus Came To This Earth to Seek and Save Those Who Are Lost

Scripture

Luke 19

10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

Observation

It is so easy for us to forget the main thing. At least it is for me. Nothing should come ahead of people making decisions for Christ. Nothing! But it is so easy for everything to crowd in to the point where it is no longer the main thing. Is it the main thing in your life today? Does it occupy my thoughts and my prayers? Am I praying for people and asking God to save them. Am I sharing my faith? Lost people are the main thing.

Quite a few people made comments about the lack of decoration in our sanctuary (we are doing some revamping and sprucing up) and evidently that was the focus of much of the conversation after church. I wonder how much time was spent talking about the decisions that are being made each week at church and I wonder if any of those folks concerned about the décor of the room take time to talk to those that made decisions for Christ. It is so easy to major on minor stuff. It is our human nature to do so.

Application

I will focus today on keeping the main thing the main thing.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me think more about seeing people come to Christ than anything else. Don’t let me lose focus of what is really important. Guide me to people who are open to Your Gospel.

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Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Dealing With The “Impossibles” of Life!

Genesis 44; Genesis 45; Genesis 46; Luke 18
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Dealing With The “Impossibles” of Life!

Scripture

Luke 18

27 He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.”

Observation

Getting into Heaven is one of those “impossibles” if we are trying to do it ourselves. I talk to people everyday that think that they are going to Heaven by being a good person. Impossible! It ain’t going to happen!

What situations are you facing that seem “impossible”? Is it a relationship, a job, a boss, a spouse, lack of a job, your finances, or maybe your health that has you up against a brick wall where everything seems impossible? If you are in an impossible situation then you are exactly positioned to call on Your Heavenly Father who delights in doing the impossible. In fact, He doesn’t even know the word “impossible”. He has never ever experienced something that was impossible because everything is possible in and through Him.

And He tells us to call on Him and ask Him for help with those impossible things that are in our lives. So what are you waiting for? He is ready and willing to do the impossible! Call on Him today!

Application

I will trust God with my impossible situations today!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that with You nothing is impossible. All of Your promises are “Yes”. You are Mighty and there is not anything too hard for You. Help me today with my impossible situations. There are people in my life that I want to see saved, but it seems “impossible” that they will ever have a personal relationship with You. I pray for their salvation. I pray that You touch and change their hearts. I pray that You do the impossible in their lives. For my nephew Jonathan I pray that You do the seemingly impossible and heal his body. Thank You for hearing my prayer and working in the lives of those around me. Nothing is too hard for You.

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Monday, January 17, 2011

Serving Him … It is Who We Are!

Genesis 42; Genesis 43; Psalm 5; Luke 17
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Serving Him … It is Who We Are!

Scripture

Luke 17

10 In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”

Observation

Tired after a Sunday of serving the Lord and all of His people. I think it is important for us to remember after a busy or difficult Sunday that we are just unworthy servants who have simply done our duty. I think too often we want recognition or praise for doing the things that we should be doing. Serving the Lord for us should be what we are all about and getting tired, or getting fussed at, or dealing with difficult issues or difficult people goes with our job. Deal with it. Ministry is messy and just plain hard work. But the rewards and the satisfaction of doing a good job make it all worth it. We are not doing it for the praise of men. We are serving the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords Who is worthy of all of our praise.

Application

I will enjoy this Monday serving my Lord.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me the privilege of knowing You personally. Thank You for allowing me to serve You. Help me to serve You today with all of my heart, all of my soul, and all of my strength.

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Sunday, January 16, 2011

Hell Is Real!

Genesis 39; Genesis 40; Genesis 41; Luke 16
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Hell Is Real!

Scripture

Luke 16

27 “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. 28 For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’

Observation

Your family and your friends are bound for an eternity of suffering in a place called Hell unless they have a personal relationship with Jesus. Does that bother you? Have you prayed for them this morning? Are you asking God to save them? Don’t wait until it is too late. There will come a time when it will be too late for them to find Jesus. Pray for them right now. How important is prayer for seeing them come to Christ? It is super, super important! Pray for them right now.

Application

I am praying for my lost family members and friends.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I do believe that I am a Christian because of my godly grandmother. She must have prayed for me to be saved. I don’t know any other reason why I had the privilege of coming to faith in Christ. Thank You for hearing her prayers or someone else’s when they prayed for my salvation. I pray that You hear my prayers too for my lost family members. Help them like You helped me to fall in love with You.

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Saturday, January 15, 2011

Party Time!

Genesis 37; Genesis 38; Psalm 7; Luke 15
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Party Time!

Scripture

Luke 15

7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

Observation

There is a celebration in Heaven every time a lost sinner repents and returns to God. How much do you celebrate when someone makes a decision for Christ in your church? Does it bring you joy like it does those living in Heaven? Angels rejoice over one person turning to Christ, and they haven’t lived lives of sin like us? We should rejoice even more because we know what it is like to be lost and separated from God the Angels in Heaven don’t.

Application

I will rejoice and praise God when a person makes a decision for Christ during the invitation at our church or at Mission Tampa.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me Your heart for people. Don’t let me be indifferent to the miracle of salvation. Help me celebrate with people about what has happened in their life.

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Friday, January 14, 2011

What Do You Own? What Own’s You?

Genesis 34; Genesis 35; Genesis 36; Luke 14
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What Do You Own? What Own’s You?

Scripture

Luke 14

33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.

Observation

What are you holding onto that you are not willing to give up for the kingdom of God? What are you holding onto so tight that it is keeping you from doing or being all that God wants you to be or wants you to do? Riches and stuff have wings and they can be here today and can be gone tomorrow. Millionaires are just a moment away from having nothing, and you and I have watched it happen over the last couple of years in our country!

I talked to a former millionaire last night that had nothing but had everything because he had come to Christ since losing everything. So he lost everything to really gain everything. Everything that he had lost was nothing, but what he gained was priceless! Are you following me? Having a relationship with Christ is everything; it is priceless!

Application

I will not hold on too tightly to anything that is in my possession because it is not mine.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for Tony who I met last night. As you know he once had lots of stuff and now he doesn’t but now he has a personal relationship with Christ so now he is very rich. I pray that you bless he and his family. I pray that you help him find a church where he can plug in and where he can grow. Thank You for showing him that having stuff doesn’t compare to knowing You. I pray today that You help me encourage men to walk close to You.

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Thursday, January 13, 2011

Turn From Sin and Self

Genesis 31; Genesis 32; Genesis 33; Luke 13
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Turn From Sin and Self


Scripture

Luke 13

“…And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God.”

Observation

Everyone will perish unless they repent of their sins and turn to God…period…end of story. We must share the Good News that they don’t need to perish. God has a plan to rescue them. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. He is God’s plan. We must turn from sin and self and turn to God and accept His gift of forgiveness.

Application

People need a Savior and it is my job to share with them this Good News.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me meet someone today that needs to hear about Jesus. Help me be ready to share with them. I pray that people would come to Christ this week through our church. I pray for Your Holy Spirit to work through our people and through me. Thank You for bringing me to a place of salvation. I don’t deserve it. I am blessed to be a child of God.

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Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Here Is How God’s Kingdom Works

Genesis 29; Genesis 30; Luke 12
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Here Is How God’s Kingdom Works

Scripture

Luke 12

21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

22…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.

31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

Observation

Don’t worry even about the basic needs that you have “food or clothes”. In our country we live in such indulgence that our worries are about accumulating more and more stuff and then worrying about the well being of what we have hoarded.
Jesus’ remedy for worry is found in verse 31, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.” Note that He didn’t say “everything that you want.” But if you really seek His kingdom first then everything that you are wanting would help further His kingdom so He would provide those things too.
In other words we need to make the main thing (the Kingdom of God) the main thing and we will have everything we need!

Application

I will concentrate on His kingdom and keeping it the most important priority of my life.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me stay focused on You and Your Kingdom today.

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Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Pray, Pray, Pray



Pray, Pray, Pray

Scripture

Luke 11

9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds and to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Observation

Do you understand why you should keep on asking, keep on seeking, and keep on knocking in prayer? Because God will answer if you do that’s why! The example Jesus uses is that of a neighbor that you go to in the middle of the night to ask him if you can borrow some loaves of bread to feed some hungry guests that just arrived at your home. The neighbor is in bed and doesn’t want to get up and lend you the bread, but finally does because you keep knocking on the door until he finally gives in. God is not like the neighbor He gladly wants to give you what you are asking for so continue to ask Him, continue to seek, continue to knock, He is just holding back to build your trust not because He is mean or stingy. He has given us all spiritual blessings! The word “all” is the important word in that last sentence.
If there is something that we are lacking then it is because God is holding it back for our good not because He wants to be mean to us.

So keep on asking, keep in seeking, and keep on knocking!

Application

I will continue to ask, I will continue to seek, I will continue to knock knowing that my God loves me and wants to bless me.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray to You this morning whose promises are all “yes”. Thank You for blessing me so much. Help me to understand how Your kingdom works. Help me to trust You. I want to continue to trust in You for prayers that have not yet been answered. I pray for You to do a Mighty work in our church. I pray for men and women to be saved. Thank You for moving in the hearts of so many people over the past few weeks. You are Mighty to save. Nothing is too hard for You.

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Monday, January 10, 2011

Distractions From What is Most Important!

Genesis 25; Genesis 26; Psalm 6; Luke 10
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Distractions From What is Most Important!

Scripture

Luke 10

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

It is so easy to get distracted from the main thing. It is so difficult keeping the main thing the main thing. What is the main thing you ask? It is Jesus. He is the main thing. Serving Him and Worshiping Him is the main thing. Martha missed it and didn’t even realize it. She was upset because she was having to do so much to get a meal ready and if she had just stopped and sat at Jesus’ feet He could have taken care of the meal. He had done it several times before. So what are we distracted with or distracted by? Do we need to refocus and get our attention back on Jesus?

Application

I will think about my activities of today and see how many of them are about Jesus and how many of them keep me away from being about His business.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am so easily distracted. I want to be more like Mary and less like Martha, but it is so easy to be like Martha in this story distracted by doing stuff that is not the most important. Help me to keep the main thing the main thing. Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus.

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Sunday, January 09, 2011

Turning From Our Selfish Ways

Genesis 23; Genesis 24; Luke 9
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Turning From Our Selfish Ways

Scripture

Luke 9

23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 25 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?

Observation

Are you selfish? How selfish am I? Are we willing to turn from our selfish ways in order for other people to have a relationship with God?

Almost everything we do is motivated out of our selfishness. Taking care of “numero uno” happens in our lives by default it is our natural tendency. We must be obedient to our new nature and do what God wants us to do even if there is a cost involved.

There will always be a cost involved when you decide to be selfless rather than selfish. Examine what you do today and see how much of it was motivated by God’s Holy Spirit and how much of it was done by default.

Application

I am asking God to help me be led by His Holy Spirit today and not to be so selfish.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is so easy for me just to think about myself. Help me to take up my cross and put others above myself today. Help me to be willing to listen to Your Holy Spirit and be willing to be directed by Your voice. I don’t want to make excuses for my selfish behavior. I want to live for You. Give me the ability to do just that today. You are Worthy of Praise. You are Mighty. Nothing is too hard for You.

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Saturday, January 08, 2011

Who Is This Man?

Genesis 20; Genesis 21; Genesis 22; Luke 8
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Who Is This Man?

Scripture

Jesus Calms the Storm

22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. 23 As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger.

24 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. 25 Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?”
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

Maybe you are asking the same question today about Jesus, “Who is this Man?” I hope that you discover that He is more than just a Man and I hope that He becomes for you King of Kings and Lord of Lords and that you worship Him with all your heart today.
There is nothing too hard for Him. He reigns over all creation. He is the Creator God.

Application

I will serve the King of Kings today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I love reading Your word. Today I read about Abraham’s faith and how You tested it. I read about how he told a lie about his wife and yet even though he didn't tell the truth you still protected him from being harmed. Abraham was not perfect and neither am I. Thank You for using imperfect people and I pray that I will be used today for Your service. Help me to please You today and not disappoint You.

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Friday, January 07, 2011

Our Shield of Protection

Genesis 18; Genesis 19; Psalm 3; Luke 7
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Our Shield of Protection

Scripture

Psalm 3

3 But you, O LORD, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
4 I cried out to the LORD,
and he answered me from his holy mountain.

Observation

Do you have a shield around you today? Who is protecting you as you go through this day?

How many verses talk about God protection of His saints? As I think about it I know that it is a lot. The book of Psalms is full of promises of God’s protection. What verse or passage comes to your mind? How about Psalm 23, Psalm 37, or Isaiah 41 or 43?

Is your head hanging down this morning? Are you bummed out about something? Do you feel defeated? The Lord is the lifter up of our heads. Talk to Him about the situation and ask Him to give you strength. He will get that head back up high!

Application

I will look to the Lord today for my strength. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, this is my prayer this morning I pray this Psalm back to You:
1 O LORD, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. 2 So many are saying, “God will never rescue him!” 3 But you, O LORD, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. 4 I cried out to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy mountain. 5 I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me. 6 I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side. 7 Arise, O LORD! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked! 8 Victory comes from you, O LORD. May you bless your people.

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Thursday, January 06, 2011

Are You Too Old? Never!

Genesis 15; Genesis 16; Genesis 17; Luke 6
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Are You Too Old? Never!

Scripture

Genesis 17

15 Then God said to Abraham, “Regarding Sarai, your wife—her name will no longer be Sarai. From now on her name will be Sarah. 16 And I will bless her and give you a son from her! Yes, I will bless her richly, and she will become the mother of many nations. Kings of nations will be among her descendants.”

17 Then Abraham bowed down to the ground, but he laughed to himself in disbelief. “How could I become a father at the age of 100?” he thought. “And how can Sarah have a baby when she is ninety years old?”

Observation

Do you feel like you are too old for God to use you? Abraham felt like he and his wife were too old to be able to still receive God’s promise of a son. It was humanly impossible for them to have a son Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 99. But with God nothing is impossible and they did have their son just like God promised. God keeps his promises. Don’t believe the Devil’s lie that you are too old or maybe even that you are too young if God has promised it He can come through and deliver.
All of God’s promises are “Yes”.

What do you have going on in your life that seems impossible? I would suggest that you talk to the Lord about it and never quit praying … never!

Application

I refuse to believe the Devil’s lie that I am too old. Life is an adventure and I love its challenges.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, somehow it seems that people tend to write off people was they get older. I don’t believe that is something that comes from You. You seem to work best with people when they reach a ripe old age like 100 for Abraham, 80 for Moses, and 600 years old for Noah. So I think it is definitely not too late for You to use me in a powerful way if I will just continue to walk in obedience with You. Help me to do just that today. You are Mighty. Nothing is too hard for You.

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Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Make Me More Like Jesus

Genesis 12; Genesis 13; Genesis 14; Luke 5
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Make Me More Like Jesus

Scripture

Luke 5

32 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”

Observation

There are people that think that they are OK they think that they are not bad sinners and they see no need to repent. When you run into these people you will discover that they will not come to Jesus. Tax collectors, prostitutes, and scum as the Pharisees described them know that they are sinners and many of them realize their need to repent. Our problem is that we tend to hang out with Pharisee types more than with rotten sinners that are ready to repent. We need to be more like Jesus. I need to be more like Jesus.

Application

I will think of what I need to do to spend more time with people that know that they are sinners.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to be the salt and light that You commanded me to be. Direct me to people that are open to the Gospel. Help me focus on the people that know that they are sinners and are willing to repent. Make me more like Jesus.

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Tuesday, January 04, 2011

Where Is Your Isolated Place?

Genesis 9; Genesis 10; Genesis 11; Luke 4
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Where Is Your Isolated Place?

Scripture

Luke 4

42 Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place…

Observation

Where is your isolated place to be alone with your Heavenly Father? Have you met Him there already this morning? Jesus didn’t have a home so He would have to go out and find an isolated place away from his disciples and away from the crowds. You and I have to have time alone with God everyday. We must walk close to Him to experience His hand of blessing, His hand of favor.

Have you been too busy lately to meet with your Heavenly Father? He is waiting for you. Find an isolated place in your home and I would recommend that you place your Bible in that spot. Go to it everyday and read and pray to your Father in Heaven. Time alone with God is what you and I need everyday. We can’t be successful Christians without spending time in that isolated place.

Our dining room table has become my isolated place. I get up first before anyone else and usually I will have read my Bible before the others get up. I read the Bible on my computer everyday. I click and I am immediately at the place where I need to read for the day. I have been doing this for years now and I love spending time with God in this isolated place. I encourage you to do the same thing.

Application

I will spend time with my Heavenly Father in this isolated place everyday this year.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for meeting me here in this place everyday. I look forward to time with You. I look forward to reading from Your word and I know it is what I should be doing. Help me please You today. I pray for wisdom today. I pray for Jack that You would keep us safe as we work today. I pray for more laborers for Your harvest. Help us get things ready for our church’s grand opening!

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Monday, January 03, 2011

Walking Close To God in 2011

Genesis 6; Genesis 7; Genesis 8; Luke 3
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Walking Close To God in 2011

Scripture

Genesis 6

9 This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.

Observation

Noah walked in close fellowship with God. Does that describe you and me and our walk with God? If we are not close to God who moved? This year we have the opportunity to walk close to God and watch Him use us to change the lives of those around us. There is nothing more important. God used Noah because Noah walked close to Him. We decide how close our walk is with God. What is your choice going to be?

Application

It is my desire to walk closer to God this year than ever before. I want God to be able to use me to change His world. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me stay close to You. I want to hear Your voice every time You speak. I want to love You with all my heart, my soul, my mind, and my strength. Keep me from sin. Keep me from the things that put distance between You and me. Don’t let me move away from You. I want Your hand of favor to be on me this year because of my close walk with You.

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Sunday, January 02, 2011

Witnessing

Genesis 3; Genesis 4; Genesis 5; Luke 2
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Witnessing

Scripture

Luke 2

The Prophecy of Anna

36 Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. 37 Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. 38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

Observation

I am ready to be a witness for Jesus in 2011. It was what Anna did after she met the Christ child and it is what we should do to after meeting Jesus. God will fill our paths with people that need to hear about our Savior. Lets go and tell.

Application

I will look forward to meeting new people in 2011 that need to hear about Jesus. I pray that some of these will come to a saving relationship with Christ.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray that in this new year I will be obedient and share Christ with those that you place in my path. Don’t let me give up on people that are already in my sphere of influence. I will keep praying that they accept your offer of forgiveness and that they would be saved. You are Mighty. There is nothing too hard for You.

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Saturday, January 01, 2011

How To Be Blessed In 2011

Genesis 1; Genesis 2; Luke 1
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How To Be Blessed In 2011

Scripture

Luke 1

37 For nothing is impossible with God.”

45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”

Observation

Are you blessed? Do you believe that the Lord will do what He says? Obedience is the key to whether or not you and I will be blessed by God. God can’t reward disobedience but for those that believe and show it by being obedient God has a life filled with His richest blessings. Do you believe this?

Mary believed what the Angel told her what was going to happen. I am sure that she did not understand totally what she was hearing but she believed and told the Angel that she was more than OK with it.

Application

What she heard from the Angel was so totally far out, but she believed it. The Angel reminded her that with God nothing was impossible. I will continue to believe God and that nothing with God is impossible.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me the faith that Mary had. Help me to believe that nothing is impossible with You. As I look around today show me all the impossible things that You want to make possible through faith. You are a Mighty God and nothing is impossible with You. Nothing.

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