Give Thanks To The LORD, For He Is Good!

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Isaiah 63; Isaiah 64; Psalm 107; John 2

Give Thanks

To The LORD,

For He Is Good!

Scripture

Psalm 107

¹ Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
    His faithful love endures forever.

² Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!
    Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.

⁴³ Those who are wise will take all this to heart;
    they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord.

Observation

Three things from Psalm 107 to think about this morning. 

1.      We are to give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! His faithful love never runs out!

2.      If we have been redeemed by the LORD then you and I need to let other people know it!

3.      We should look back on our lives and see how the LORD has faithfully taken care of us. 

Application

I will give thanks to the LORD today. I will share with those around me the Good News of His salvation. I will think about all the ways the LORD has taken care of me in the past.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I give thanks to You for are good! Your faithful love endures forever. Help me share about Your love with those around me today. Thank You for always taking care of me. You have always provided for me. I am so blessed!

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

And The Word Was God … The Word Became Flesh And Blood, And Moved Into The Neighborhood.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Isaiah 60; Isaiah 61; Isaiah 62; John 1

And The Word Was God …

The Word Became Flesh And Blood,

And Moved Into The Neighborhood.

Scripture

John 1

1 In the beginning the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God,
    and the Word was God.
 
² He existed in the beginning with God.
 
³ God created everything through him,
    and nothing was created except through him.
 
⁴ The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and his life brought light to everyone.
 
⁵ The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.

¹⁴ The Word became flesh and blood,
    and moved into the neighborhood.

Observation

Only Christ Followers have a God that actually became Man, lived, died, and then came back to life, all because of His great love for them.

We serve a God who left Heaven and all of its glory to come down to earth to live in a neighborhood as a Man.

Jesus Christ is the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Amazing!

Application

 I will strive to be like Andrew in John 1 and bring people to Jesus.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me stay focused today. Help me to share the Good News with those I come in contact with.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

Let All That I Am Praise The LORD, With My Whole Heart, I Will Praise His Holy Name.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Isaiah 57; Isaiah 58; Isaiah 59; Psalm 103; 2 Peter 3

Let All That I Am Praise The LORD,

With My Whole Heart,

I Will Praise His Holy Name. 

Scripture

Psalm 103

¹ Let all that I am praise the Lord;
    with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
² Let all that I am praise the Lord;
    may I never forget the good things he does for me.
³ He forgives all my sins
    and heals all my diseases.
⁴ He redeems me from death
    and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
⁵ He fills my life with good things.
    My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

Observation

Psalm 103 … What a great way to start off a Monday! Let all that I am praise the LORD! Wow! I will do just that! He fills my life with good things! He redeems me from death! He forgives my sins. He heals all my diseases! He crowns me with love and tender mercies. I will never forget the good things that he does for me! Let all that I am praise the LORD.

Application

On this Monday I will let all that I am praise the LORD. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, with all that I am I praise You. With my whole heart, I praise Your holy name. Lord, You are compassionate and merciful. You are slow to get angry. You are filled with unfailing love. For Your unfailing love towards me is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. You have removed my sins as far from me as the east is from the west. You are my Mighty God. With my whole heart I will give You praise!

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

“By His Divine Power, God Has Given Us Everything We Need For Living A Godly Life…”

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Isaiah 50; Isaiah 51; Isaiah 52; Psalm 92; 2 Peter 1

“By His Divine Power,

God Has Given Us

Everything We Need For Living A Godly Life…”

Scripture

2 Peter 1

³ By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life… ⁴ And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises… ⁵ In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises…

Observation

Don’t make excuses for not living a productive godly life because God has given us everything we need to be able to do it. We are without excuse! He has given us about 3,000 promises in the Bible and we need to make every effort to respond to those promises. 

He is not like us. He keeps everyone of His promises that He makes with us. We can count on them. What promise will you cling to today? I read this promise this past week and wanted to write about it but there was something else that day that I just had to write about, but I haven’t forgotten it – 

“… The Lord who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God…” Isaiah 43:1-3

   

Application

I will think about and respond to God’s promises today. How about you? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You have said to me in Your Word, 

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God…” 

I will hold on to every one of Your Promises today. You are my Mighty God.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

Give All Your Worries And Cares To God, For He Cares About You.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Isaiah 46; Isaiah 47; Isaiah 48; Isaiah 49; 1 Peter 5

Give

All Your Worries And Cares To God,

For He Cares About You. 

Scripture

1 Peter 5

⁷ Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Observation

We all have plenty to worry about! What has dominated your thought life lately? 

Did anything keep you up last night? Does any worry come to your mind right now?

If it is not finances, relationships, work, lack of work, aging parents, kids, or grandkids, then maybe it is your health. Or maybe it is ALL of the above!

God says to give it ALL to Him.

Lets do it!

Application

Every time I catch myself worrying today I am going to stop and pray and give that worry to God. How about you? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that both worry and fear show that we lack faith in You. Help me not to worry about anything. Help me to pray about everything. I want Your peace that You promise to all who put our faith and trust in You.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

Now Those “Friends” Think It Is Strange That You No Longer Join Them In All The Wild And Wasteful Things They Do. And So They Say Bad Things About You.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Isaiah 43; Isaiah 44; Isaiah 45; 1 Peter 4

Now Those “Friends” Think It Is Strange

That You No Longer Join Them In All The Wild And Wasteful Things They Do.

And So They Say Bad Things About You. 

Scripture

1 Peter 4

⁴ Now those “friends” think it is strange that you no longer join them in all the wild and wasteful things they do. And so they say bad things about you. ⁵ But they will have to face God to explain what they have done.

Observation

I am so proud of a new Christian at our church that I talked to last night. She is working in a hostile workplace. For sure it is a hostile for a new Christian. As she told me about the profanity, the backbiting, the gossip, and the ungodliness that she has to endure, I just smiled. 

I am very proud of her. She is now living a different life because of Jesus Christ. She said that before she became a Christian she would have joined them in this type of behavior. Now she can’t believe that her co-workers could be so … so unprofessional! God is so good. 

Application

I will continue to encourage young believers in their faith. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for placing our friend just where she needs to be. Help her to be salt and light in that very difficult workplace. Protect her from evil and use her to rescue those that You are calling out of darkness into the light. Help her to continue to grow stronger and stronger in her faith. Help her to be a positive witness in the mission field where You have planted her. 

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

Don’t Worry -- I Am With You. Don’t Be Afraid – I Am Your God. I Will Make You Strong And Help You.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Isaiah 40; Isaiah 41; Isaiah 42; 1 Peter 3 

Don’t Worry -- I Am With You.

Don’t Be Afraid – I Am Your God.

I Will Make You Strong And Help You. 

Scripture

Isaiah 41
¹⁰ Don’t worry—I am with you.
    Don’t be afraid—I am your God.
I will make you strong and help you.
    I will support you with my right hand that brings victory.

Observation

If you and I counted up how many times God has told us in His Word not to worry I wonder how many times that would be? I know that over and over again in scripture He tells us not to be afraid.

Why shouldn’t we worry? Why shouldn’t we be afraid? Because God has told us that He is with us. He is our God. He will give us strength and He will help us.

    Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

   

Application

I will not worry today. I will trust my God. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is so easy to worry. It is so easy to take my eyes off of you and focus on the challenges around me and it is so easy to let fear set in. Thank You for Your promises. Thank You for taking such good care of my family and me. I trust You today. You are my God. You are my Strength. You will make me strong. You will help me. You will support me with Your Right Hand and You will give me victory.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

“For You Know That God Paid A Ransom To Save You From The Empty Life …”

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!\
Isaiah 36; Isaiah 37; Psalm 76; 1 Peter 1 

“For You Know 

That God Paid A Ransom

To Save You From The Empty Life …”

Scripture

1 Peter 1 

¹⁸ For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. ¹⁹ It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. ²⁰ God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days.

Observation

I was 19 years old when God saved me from the empty life and gave me an abundant life. He gave me a life full of meaning and purpose. Has God done that for you?

    A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Jesus died as a ransom to save us from the empty life. Most of the people that we will see today are living empty lives. They need to hear the Gospel. They need to be ransomed from the empty life they were born into.

I am 62 years old and I can still remember what it was like to live a life without Christ. I can remember that my life had no meaning or purpose. I am so glad that God paid a ransom to snatch me out of that old way of living.

Maybe God is speaking to you right now. Does your life seem empty? The Good News is that Jesus came to this earth to give His life as a ransom to save you from that empty life. Want to know more just write me and lets talk.

Application

I will share the Good News of Christ today with those at Mission Tampa.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to pay the penalty for my sins. I have been saved from the empty life and I have been given a life filled with meaning and purpose. Thank You for giving me what I didn’t deserve and thank You for not giving me what I did deserve. You are a God of Grace and a God of Mercy. I pray for those today that are living empty lives. They are just going through the motions. They need to respond to the Good News and be saved. Help me share boldly the message of Christ today!

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

“…The Earnest Prayer Of A Righteous Person Has Great Power And Produces Wonderful Results.”

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
2 Kings 18; 2 Kings 19; 2 Chronicles 32; James 5

“…The Earnest Prayer Of A Righteous Person 

Has Great Power

And Produces Wonderful Results.”

Scripture

James 5

¹⁶ Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Observation

When you and I are in a right relationship with our LORD our prayers are powerful and produce wonderful results. I don’t know about you but this verse encourages me to pray. It also encourages me to keep my life close to the LORD.

God said it. Our prayers are powerful.

Who needs you to pray for them?

Application

I will pray for people today knowing that my prayers are powerful and my prayers can produce wonderful results.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that You don’t have to even hear us when we pray. You don’t have to respond either, but You do. It is because of Your Goodness and because of who You are that gives us confidence when we pray.

    And we are sure of this, that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. [15] And if we really know he is listening when we talk to him and make our requests, then we can be sure that he will answer us. 1 John 5:14-15

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

“…Hezekiah Sought His God Wholeheartedly. As A Result, He Was Very Successful.”

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
2 Chronicles 29; 2 Chronicles 30; 2 Chronicles 31; James 4 

“…Hezekiah Sought

His God Wholeheartedly.

As A Result, He Was Very Successful.”

Scripture

Chronicles 31

21b “…Hezekiah sought his God wholeheartedly. As a result, he was very successful.”

Observation

So you want to be successful in life? Here is how to do it - Seek God wholeheartedly! Hezekiah was a successful king because he sought his God wholeheartedly. You and I can be successful in life too if we will do the same thing.

I watch people, even some people that are very close to me and they live life like God does not exist. I think to myself, “how sad”! I also think, “How stupid”! He or she could be very successful if they would just live for God instead of living for themselves.

Most of the kings before Hezekiah were evil and they just lived for themselves, but for some reason Hezekiah was different and he lived for God wholeheartedly.

I am not a king but I am smart enough to realize that it makes more sense to live for God wholeheartedly than to live just for myself.

    Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8

    But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

   “… My purpose (Jesus speaking) is to give life in all its fullness.” John 10:10    

Application

I will love the Lord my God with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength. How about you? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to live for You wholeheartedly today! I pray for the family and friends of Eddie Andrews today as they go through this time of grief. You are the God of all Comfort and all Compassion. I pray that You help them through this difficult time. 

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

“Be Still , And Know That I Am God! I Will Be Honored By Every Nation. I Will Be Honored Throughout The World.”

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
2 Kings 17; 2 Chronicles 28; Psalm 46; James 3

“Be Still , And Know That I Am God!

I Will Be Honored By Every Nation.

I Will Be Honored Throughout The World.”

Scripture

Psalm 46

¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God!
    I will be honored by every nation.
    I will be honored throughout the world.”

¹¹ The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
    the God of Israel is our fortress. 

Observation

This passage made me think of Crystal Snow. Crystal Snow is getting ready to go to Peru to work with tribes in the Amazon jungle.

“Be still, and know that I am God!

I will be honored by every nation.

I will be honored throughout the world.”

Reminds me of the Great Commission,

    Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 NLT

Crystal, our prayers are with you as you to take seriously and live out the Great Commission.  

Application

I will pray for and support Crystal Snow as she goes to do mission work in Peru. 

Would you be willing to do the same? 

Contact me or contact Crystal Snow directly to find out how to support her as she goes to the Amazon. A small monthly gift from many of you is all that she would need to be able to stay on the mission field.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for Crystal Snow. I pray that You would provide everything that she needs to be able to stay on the mission field. I pray that You protect her. I ask that You give her the ability to learn the language or languages that she will need where she is going to serve. Send others to help her and her team. I pray that You give them their hearts’ desires. I pray that You answer their prayers. And I pray that You make their plans successful. 

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

LORD, Be Gracious To Us; We Long For You. Be Our Strength Every Morning, …

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Isaiah 32; Isaiah 33; Isaiah 34; Isaiah 35; James 2

LORD, Be Gracious To Us;

We Long For You.

Be Our Strength Every Morning, …

Scripture

Isaiah 33

² Lord, be gracious to us;
    we long for you.
Be our strength every morning,
    our salvation in time of distress.

Observation

I don’t know about you, but this verse really hit home this morning! God has been and always will be very gracious to me!

LORD, be my strength every morning! LORD, be my Savior in times of trouble!

Because the LORD is my Shepherd I have everything I need! Psalm 23

 The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. Exodus 15:2

In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. 2 Samuel 22:30

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1

And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing. Psalm 71:9

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:26

As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength. Psalm 138:3

 If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. Psalm 139:9-10

Application

I will do a search through the Bible on the word “strength”!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, my health my fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but You remain the strength of my heart; You are mine forever. You are my Strength every morning, my Savior in times of trouble. As soon as I pray, You answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

Everyone Should Be Quick To Listen, Slow To Speak And Slow To Become Angry

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Isaiah 29; Isaiah 30; Isaiah 31; James 1

Everyone Should Be Quick To Listen,

Slow To Speak

And Slow To Become Angry

Scripture

James 1

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Observation

Everyone … I think that includes you and me!

I don’t know about you but I tend to be quick to speak, slow to listen, and quick to get angry!

Why do you get angry?

There are at three things that I know of that cause anger: 

1. When we are wronged, when someone we love has been wronged, or at least we think that a wrong has been committed. 

2. Fear can cause anger. 

3. Frustration causes anger.

Righteous godly anger is a good thing, but human anger unchecked will cause us to sin.

Application

I will try today to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me today be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

May He Produce In You, Through The Power Of Jesus Christ, Every Good Thing That Is Pleasing To Him.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Isaiah 25; Isaiah 26; Isaiah 27; Isaiah 28; Hebrews 13

May He Produce In You,

Through The Power Of Jesus Christ,

Every Good Thing That Is Pleasing To Him.

Scripture

Hebrews 13

²⁰ Now may the God of peace—
    who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
    and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—

²¹ may he equip you with all you need
    for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
    through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
    All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

Observation

I wanted to write about Isaiah 26:3-4 this morning, but then when I read this blessing in Hebrews 13 I just had to share it with you. Praying a blessing on people is so important. The Apostle Paul had a habit of blessing those he loved.

What was Isaiah 26:3-4? Glad you asked!

³ You will keep in perfect peace
    all who trust in you,
    all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
 
⁴ Trust in the Lord always,
    for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

 During the night when I wake up Isaiah 26:3 comes to my mind more than any other verse! I guess I need God’s reassurance so He brings that verse to my mind and heart. 

But this morning Hebrews 13:20-21 won out over Isaiah 26:3-4 even though they are both great passages. 

Why not pray Paul’s prayer of blessing for someone today? Who needs a blessing? God wants us to pray blessings for people that are special in our lives. 

Application

I will pray Hebrews 13:20-21 for the people today that God brings to my mind and heart.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I ask You to bring to my mind those people who need this blessing today. I know You love to hear us pray for other people. Life is not all about me.

I pray for Pastor Bruce and Heather and Gwyn as they take some time to get away. I pray that You equip them with all they need for doing Your will. May You produce in them, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to You.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

Since We Are Receiving A Kingdom That Is Unshakable,

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Isaiah 22; Isaiah 23; Isaiah 24; Hebrews 12

Since We Are Receiving

A Kingdom That Is 

Unshakable,

Scripture

Hebrews 12

²⁸ Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.

Observation

Life is so unpredictable!

Things can change in a matter of moments! Just look at the headlines of the local newspaper or watch the 5 o’clock news on television and you can see just how quick things change!

So it is very good to know that we as Christ Followers are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable! We need to be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe.

Time is short and life is totally unpredictable!  So let’s take advantage of every moment!

I just received word that a dear friend is close to the end of his life on this earth! Hospice has been called in. He is about to enter into his new home, a Kingdom that is unshakable!

Application

I will be thankful and I will please God by worshiping Him with Holy fear and awe. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know life is fragile. It is just a vapor. You have said in Your Word that it is like a mist. It is short. Good thing that we are going to live forever somewhere. I am going to live in a Kingdom that is unshakable! You are an Awesome God. You are worthy of our reverence. You alone are worthy of our worship! You are the Mighty God! May Your Kingdom Come! Come! 

Come Lord Jesus! Come!

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

And Let Us Consider How We May Spur One Another Toward Love And Good Deeds

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Isaiah 15; Isaiah 16; Isaiah 17; Isaiah 18; Hebrews 10

And Let Us Consider

How We May Spur One Another

Toward Love And Good Deeds

Scripture

Hebrews 10

²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. NIV

Observation

I like this translation too, 

“²⁴ Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. ²⁵ And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

What can you and I do to motivate someone else towards love and good works? It is what we are called to do! How can we spur them on? Everybody needs encouragement! 

The writer of Hebrews says that you and I are called to be encouragers!

Who comes to your mind right now? Think about how you are going to encourage them!

Application

I will encourage someone today. I will spur them on! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that life is not all about me! Life is all about helping all of those that surround me. Give me ways to be an encourager to the people around me. It is too easy to focus on myself. Thank You for allowing me to wake up this morning to be able to live out this day. Help me to use it to encourage someone else in his or her spiritual walk. 

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

I Will Trust Him And Not Be Afraid The LORD GOD Is My Strength And My Song; He Has Given Me Victory.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Isaiah 11; Isaiah 12; Isaiah 13; Isaiah 14; Hebrews 9

I Will Trust Him And Not Be Afraid

The LORD GOD Is My Strength And My Song;

He Has Given Me Victory.

Scripture

Isaiah 12

² See, God has come to save me.
    I will trust in him and not be afraid.
The Lord God is my strength and my song;
    he has given me victory.”

Observation

What are you afraid of?

Where do you find strength for this week’s challenges?

I agree with Isaiah when he says, “See, God has come to save me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; He has given me victory.

Application

I will find my strength in the LORD GOD. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, when I deal with fear I will trust in You and I will not be afraid. You are my strength and You are my song. You have given me victory.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

And He Will Be Called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince Of Peace. Of The Greatness Of His Government And Peace There Will Be No End.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Isaiah 8; Isaiah 9; Isaiah 10; Hebrews 8

And He Will Be Called 

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince Of Peace.

Of The Greatness Of His Government And Peace There Will Be No End. 

Scripture

Isaiah 9

⁶ For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.

Observation

When I read the newspaper and see all the evil that takes place in one day in my neighborhood and all around the world, I say, “Come Lord Jesus, Come!” I read in the newspaper this morning about a 7 Eleven store clerk losing his life and the young men that stabbed him took nothing more than lottery tickets. No real motive – just very evil!

One day we will live under the reign of the King of Kings and the LORD of Lords and there will be peace without end.

    "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

 Things will not get better until Jesus Christ returns and sets up and establishes His Reign on this earth! Come Lord Jesus! Come!  

Application

I will read and focus on the Good News found in God’s Word. How about you? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I could be discouraged if all I had to read was the daily newspaper, but You have given me Your Word. Your Word is full of Good News. It is full of Your promises. We can see that in the end we win. We can see that the victory is ours. You have given us Your Word so that we can have peace in a world that is full of trouble. Thank You for giving us Your Word. I do not need to be discouraged. I do not need to be afraid. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

Because Jesus Lives Forever, … He Is Able To Save Completely Those Who Come To God Through Him, Because He Always Lives To Intercede For Them.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Micah 5; Micah 6; Micah 7; Hebrews 7 

Because Jesus Lives Forever, … He Is Able To Save Completely

Those Who Come To God Through Him,

Because He Always Lives To Intercede For Them.

Scripture

Hebrews 7 

²⁴ but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. ²⁵ Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Observation

Praying for other people is our most important task. It is also our greatest privilege! Jesus Christ lives forever to intercede for us. He has called on us to intercede for other people. 

Have you ever thought about why a certain person comes to your mind? It could very well be that God is placing them on your heart so that you will pray and intercede for them. 

I received an invitation to join a prayer ministry this week from our church. I appreciate so much the people that have volunteered to head up this ministry. They will send out on a regular basis prayer requests that people have asked us to pray for. 

If you are attending Christ Fellowship you can join this prayer ministry – just let someone know that you want to be a part and they will sign you up! With such easy access to people via “Social Media” there is no excuse for not praying for one another! 

I love to hear that people are praying for me! I know that you are the same way too!

^23 “And as for me, I would never stop praying for you. If I stopped praying for you, I would be sinning against the Lord…”1 Samuel 12:23 (ERV)

 Application

I will pray and intercede for the people that the Lord puts on my heart! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me the heart of Your Prophet Samuel when it comes to praying and interceding for the people that I love. I know that You respond to our prayers. I know You want me to pray for those around me! Thank You for allowing me the privilege of praying for others. Thank You that Jesus is forever interceding for us.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

This Hope Is A Strong And Trustworthy Anchor For Our Souls.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Micah 1; Micah 2; Micah 3; Micah 4; Hebrews 6

This Hope

Is A Strong And Trustworthy

Anchor For Our Souls. 

Scripture

Hebrews 6

18 …Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. ¹⁹ This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.

Observation

 I have an anchor for my kayak that works really well … usually! Last week while we were at the beach I went out in my kayak on a day that I should have not gone out. The weather was so bad all week that there was not one day when it was right to go out in my kayak. It was rough. But I went out and I decided that I would throw my anchor out and try to fish. The waves were so big and it was so rough that after a few minutes I decided to pull up my anchor and head back in. My anchor would not come up – it was stuck!

For a few seconds there was panic, if I had to leave my anchor out there I had no way to come back and get it later. I had no float to attach to the anchor rope that would have marked where the anchor was stuck. I didn’t want to lose the anchor. It was secured very well down at the bottom of the ocean. I prayed and asked God to help me free the anchor and I pulled one more time and the anchor finally came loose and I pulled it up.

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It can’t be freed up no matter how hard someone pulls on it. It is secure – 100%!

We can have great confidence as we hold on to the hope that lies before us. It is the anchor that will keep us secure!

Application

I have a strong and trustworthy anchor for when storms come my way.  God is my refuge. He gives me great confidence. He gives me hope.  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are my refuge and strength, always ready to help me in times of trouble. I will sing about Your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about Your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. For You are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Psalm 46,59,61

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

I Will Refuse To Look At Anything Vile And Vulgar.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Hosea 13; Hosea 14; Psalm 100; Psalm 101; Psalm 102; Hebrews 5

I Will

Refuse To Look At 

Anything Vile And Vulgar.

Scripture

Psalm 101

³ I will refuse to look at
    anything vile and vulgar.

Observation

I am not strong enough to watch television and watch every show that is on. Neither are you!
You and I need to make the decision not to look at anything vile and vulgar. It could be in a magazine, on the Internet, on television, or walking down the street. You have to make the decision ahead of time – how about making that decision right now? 

King David said that he would not look at anything vile and vulgar. He also said in verse 4 of Psalm 101, “I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.”

 Would you make those same commitments today? I am. 

Application

I will refuse to look at anything vile or vulgar. I will reject perverse ideas and I will stay away from evil.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I will sing of your love and justice. I will praise you with songs.
I will be careful to live a blameless life—when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

My Health May Fail, And My Spirit May Grow Weak, But God Remains The Strength Of My Heart; He Is Mine Forever.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Hosea 10; Hosea 11; Hosea 12; Psalm 73; Hebrews 4

My Health May Fail, And My Spirit May Grow Weak,

But God Remains The Strength Of My Heart;

He Is Mine Forever. 

Scripture

Psalm 73

²⁶ My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
    but God remains the strength of my heart;
    he is mine forever.

Observation

My health will fail … but …God remains the strength of my heart! Can you say that? Do you have that kind of relationship with God? You can!

Today 10 people followed the Lord in believer’s baptism at our beach baptism and BBQ at Ft. Desoto Park! It was exciting to watch!

While we were baptizing a lady named Millie came and joined our group. She asked our church to pray for her. She has 3 aneurysms in the brain. She is a Christian. We prayed as a church asking God to heal her body!

God is the strength of her heart!

I praise God for the turn out today at the beach for the baptisms and the BBQ and fellowship! It is so exciting to see what God is doing at Christ Fellowship!

Application

I will continue to pray for Millie until we hear that those aneurysms are under control or gone.

 Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that my health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but You remain the strength of my heart; You are mine forever! How good it is to be near You! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things You do.    

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/