The Lion Of The Tribe Of Judah … Has Won The Victory

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Ezekiel 12; Ezekiel 13; Ezekiel 14; Revelation 5 

The Lion Of The Tribe Of Judah …

Has 

Won The Victory

Scripture

Revelation 5 

⁵ But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

 ⁸ And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 

⁹ And they sang a new song with these words:

“You are worthy to take the scroll
    and break its seals and open it.
For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation.
¹⁰ And you have caused them to become
    a Kingdom of priests for our God.
    And they will reign on the earth.”

Observation

Jesus has won the victory! His blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. As His priests all we have to do is go out to the world and let them hear this Good News.

Don’t live like you are on the losing team! We get to read how our story is going to end! We are winners!

Jesus paid the ransom to give us the victory! So “Stop weeping!” Lets enjoy today!

 Application

I will live out this day knowing that Jesus has already given me the victory!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to be one of Your “priest”. You have given us Your message, Your Good News to share with the entire world. Help us to be faithful to do just that! Give me the health to be Your witness. Give me Your strength and Your heart for the people around me and for the people that live in different places in the world. I pray for those living in India. I pray for laborers to reach those living in that nation. 

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I Will Take Away Their Stony, Stubborn Heart And Give Them A Tender, Responsive Heart

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Ezekiel 8; Ezekiel 9; Ezekiel 10; Ezekiel 11; Revelation 4

I Will Take Away

Their Stony, Stubborn Heart

And Give Them A Tender, Responsive Heart

Scripture

Ezekiel 11

¹⁹ And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, ²⁰ so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.

Observation

 My prayer for some in my family who are not yet walking with the Lord is that God gives them tender, responsive hearts, so they will obey Him. 

When they get those new tender, responsive hearts and God takes away their stony, stubborn hearts then they will be able to live the life that God planned for them to live.

You do you know that needs a new heart? Why not pray Ezekiel 11:19 for them? 

God can do it. Do you care to know how I know that He can? It is not rocket science! He gave me a new heart when I surrendered my life to Him. I know that it must have been my grandmother who prayed for me.

Application

I will continue to pray for those around me who need a closer relationship with Jesus. I will not give up. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am reminded and encouraged this morning not to give up on those around me that still are not walking and living for You. I pray for them this morning. Give them new hearts. I pray and I ask You to change the direction of their lives. I pray that You draw them close to You. Give them tender, responsive hearts so they will be your people and You will be their God.

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You Have Little Strength, Yet You Obeyed My Word And Did Not Deny Me.

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Ezekiel 4; Ezekiel 5; Ezekiel 6; Ezekiel 7; Revelation 3 

You Have Little Strength,

Yet

You Obeyed My Word And Did Not Deny Me. 

Scripture

Revelation 3 

7 …This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open:

⁸ “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.
 

Observation

In this chapter the Apostle John continued to write to the seven churches and I like what he said of the people that made up this church, the church of Philadelphia. 

Verses 7 and 8 of chapter 3 can hold true for us today!

 Even if we have little strength God can use us to accomplish great things if we obey His Word and don’t deny Him.

He can open doors for us that on one can close.

Even though those around you may not know what you do for God, God doesn’t miss one thing that you do.

Application

I will strive to be obedient today to God’s Word. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am reminded today that what I do today needs to please You most of all. Even if others don’t see what is accomplished today it doesn’t matter as long as I please You. Help me to be obedient. Don’t let me sin. Keep me on track today. Don’t let me veer off course. I know that whatever door You open for me today no one can close. You are Mighty. You are All-Powerful. Nothing is too hard for You. 

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I’ll Make Your Face As Hard As Rock, Harder Than Granite. Don’t Let Them Intimidate You. Don’t Be Afraid Of Them,

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Ezekiel 1; Ezekiel 2; Ezekiel 3; Revelation 2

I’ll Make Your Face As Hard As Rock, Harder Than Granite. 

Don’t Let Them Intimidate You. 

Don’t Be Afraid Of Them, 

Scripture

Ezekiel 3

9 “…I’ll make your face as hard as rock, harder than granite. Don’t let them intimidate you. Don’t be afraid of them, even though they’re a bunch of rebels.”

Observation

God is giving Ezekiel a very difficult task. But He is preparing Ezekiel before Ezekiel goes to take God’s message to the people.

You have probably never had the experience of being in a meeting with a group of missionaries that have come together to discuss the work that God has called them to accomplish. If you ever had that privilege then you would understand why I thought of them when I read this verse.

I immediately thought of all of the missionaries who we have served with when I read this verse. The toughest people in the world live and serve on the mission field. I admire them. They are my heroes.

Serving in a church in the United States also requires “a special toughness”, nothing like an overseas assignment, but ministry anywhere in this world is not for wimps! God has to provide you with thick skin so the fiery darts don’t penetrate your heart. Not everyone that attends church understands or cares to follow Jesus’ command to love one another!

If you are volunteering at a church my prayer for you is that God gives you thick skin. I hope and pray that you have the tenacity of an overseas missionary and I pray that God also gives you a missionary heart!

 Application

 I will work hard to get our church members overseas in 2014 so God can give them a missionary’s heart. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You have called us to reach this world for You. You will make us as tough as we need to be. Make us strong. Make us tough. Give us huge hearts. Give us the ability to love those around us. Call out Your church to reach this world for Christ. You are Mighty! You are Worthy to be Praised. Make us strong today!

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Show Me Where To Walk, For I Give Myself To You, Rescue Me From My Enemies, LORD; I Run To You To Hide Me. Teach Me To Do Your Will, For You Are My God.

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Jeremiah 52; Revelation 1; Psalm 143; Psalm 144

Show Me Where To Walk, For I Give Myself To You,

Rescue Me From My Enemies, LORD; I Run To You To Hide Me. 

Teach Me To Do Your Will, For You Are My God. 

Scripture

Psalm 143

⁸ Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
    for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
    for I give myself to you.
⁹ Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;
    I run to you to hide me.
¹⁰ Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
    on a firm footing.

Observation

 Show me, Rescue me, Teach me, Lead me! David was desperate for God!

It is no wonder why God said of King David, “‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ (Acts 13:22)

I want God to be able to say that about me. How about you?

Application

Psalm 143 will be my prayer this morning.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.  Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. 

Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. 

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Dear Friend, Don’t Let This Bad Example Influence You. Follow Only What Is Good.

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Jeremiah 50; Jeremiah 51; 3 John 1

Dear Friend,

Don’t Let This Bad Example Influence You.

Follow Only What Is Good. 

Scripture

3 John 1

¹¹ Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.

Observation

Influence! You and I can be influenced by a bad example or we can be those who are godly examples and influence others to be more like Christ.

Negative, destructive, ungodly people are even found in churches!

A friend of mine attends a church where a small group of people control the church. They have run the church for years. The pastor of this church recently resigned because this group of people wanted all of his staff removed and they wanted him to do what they said.

It is a reminder to me that I need to be a positive godly influence to those I am around. I need to focus on helping them grow in Christ. As long as I do that and follow what is good then I know that God will smile on me.

There is always the temptation to listen to a negative, destructive person. Don’t do it.

Be influenced only people who will help you be more like Jesus.

Application

Today I will follow only what is good. Today I will strive to be a godly example. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to always be a positive influence in people’s lives. Don’t let me be a bad example. I agree with the Apostle John when he said, “I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.” You know how much joy it gives me to see how the people at our church our growing in their relationship with You. Help me to keep my focus on helping them. Thank You for our leadership. It is a joy to see how they serve You and serve the people that You have brought to our church. You are Mighty! You are Worthy of Praise!

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They Lowered Him Down With Ropes. There Wasn’t Any Water In The Cistern, Only Mud. Jeremiah Sank Down Into The Mud.

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Jeremiah 37; Jeremiah 38; Jeremiah 39; Psalm 79; 2 John 1

They Lowered Him Down With Ropes.

There Wasn’t Any Water In The Cistern, Only Mud.

Jeremiah Sank Down Into The Mud. 

Scripture

Jeremiah 38

⁶ So the officials took Jeremiah from his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard. It belonged to Malkijah, a member of the royal family. There was no water in the cistern, but there was a thick layer of mud at the bottom, and Jeremiah sank down into it.

Observation

Jeremiah was literally down in the pit and this was not going to be a very good day for him. I can’t even imagine how bad this must have been. I have been lowered down into a hand dug well before but only to inspect and repair one never as a form of punishment. And I wasn’t left down in the bottom of one left alone sinking in the mud. It was definitely not a very good day to be the Prophet Jeremiah. 

God delivered him. God punished those who had thrown him down into that pit. He was ultimately rescued and his enemies were destroyed. 

But life was challenging to say the least for this faithful man of God. God has called us to live this life for Him. He has not called us to a life of ease. Sometimes like the Prophet Jeremiah God calls on us to experience tremendous sacrifice, to know pain, and to be mistreated. But God is Faithful. He will rescue us. We, like Jeremiah, will be victorious!

The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle. He encourages us to fight the good fight. 

Easy street is for wimps. God has called us into battle.  

Application

 I will remain faithful to my God. He is my Fortress. He is My Strength!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, the next time that I get down in the pit help me to remember the example of Jeremiah. Give me his strength and his tremendous faith. He seemed to be the only one who trusted in You, but he did not waiver. He remained steadfast. 

Lord, You are my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; my Rock in whom I find protection. You are my shield, You are the power that saves me, and You are my place of safety.

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Dear Children, Keep Away From Anything That Might Take God’s Place In Your Hearts.

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Jeremiah 33; Jeremiah 34; Psalm 74; 1 John 5

Dear Children,

Keep Away From Anything

That Might Take God’s Place In Your Hearts.

Scripture

1 John 5

²¹ Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.

Observation

It is so easy to have something take God’s place in our hearts. 

At least I know that it is for me!

Here are a few things that might push God off the throne of our lives:

Pleasures of life (sports or hobbies or partying), Addictions (drugs, alcohol, prescription medicine, pornography, sex, career), Relationships (wife, children, friend), Power/Prestige, the love for Money, and the busyness of life! 

I am sure that you could add to this list!

The Apostle John ends his letter with this sentence as a final warning to his readers. It is a good word to us for today.

Is anything crowding God out of being #1 in my life right now?

How was your quiet time this morning? Did you look forward to getting up and getting into God’s Word?

I know that it is Saturday and it is the end of the workweek for most folks, but do you have a desire this morning to spend time with God?

Application

 I will think about this verse today. I will ask God to examine my heart and I will ask Him to reveal anything that might be crowding Him out. How about you? 

Prayer

 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. 

It is my desire to love You with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my strength. Help me to keep You number #1 in my life. Don’t let anything take Your place! 

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O Sovereign LORD! You Made The Heavens And Earth By Your Strong Hand And Powerful Arm. Nothing Is Too Hard For You!

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Jeremiah 31; Jeremiah 32; 1 John 4

O Sovereign LORD!

You Made The Heavens And Earth By Your Strong Hand And Powerful Arm.

Nothing Is Too Hard For You!

Scripture

Jeremiah 32

¹⁷ “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!

²⁷ “I am the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me? Therefore …”

Observation

As the Babylonians were getting ready to storm in and destroy Jerusalem Jeremiah was told to purchase a piece of property from one of his family members. God was showing Jeremiah and the Hebrew nation that He would restore them after He disciplined them. A remnant would be saved and they would return to possess the land once again.

For us this passage can be a reminder that God is for us. He is All-Powerful. Nothing is too hard for Him.

No matter what you and I are facing today if we are Christ Followers then we can depend on God’s Strong Right Arm!

The “Therefore” in verse 27 means that God can handle anything that comes into our lives!

Application

I will declare today that Nothing is too hard for my God!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I believe that absolutely nothing is too hard for You. I am in the Palm of Your Hand. I am under the shade of Your Protection. I am blessed. I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength. Help us as we work today at church. I pray that You provide the laborers needed to get this job done. Thank You for giving me the health to help today. You are a Mighty and an Awesome God. 

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In My Distress I Prayed To The LORD, And The LORD Answered Me And Set Me Free. The LORD Is For Me, So I Will Have No Fear.

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Jeremiah 21; Jeremiah 24; Jeremiah 27; Psalm 118; 1 John 2

In My Distress I Prayed To The LORD,

And The LORD Answered Me And Set Me Free.

The LORD Is For Me, So I Will Have No Fear.

Scripture

Psalm 118

⁵ In my distress I prayed to the Lord,
    and the Lord answered me and set me free.
 
⁶ The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.
    What can mere people do to me?
 
⁷ Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me.

Observation

Yesterday afternoon I was taking our dog, “Fast Eddy” outside to do his business. It had just started to rain and a little water was on the driveway and some leaves had fallen from the huge tree in the backyard onto the driveway. It was an almost deadly combination for me! I don’t remember my feet slipping out from under me. I remember my head hitting the concrete step behind me as I hit the ground.

I reached back to the back of my head which was bleeding pretty good and I remember saying to the LORD, “Lord, I really don’t won’t to die this way!” Kathy ran outside after she heard me hit and groan! In my distress I prayed to the LORD and the LORD answered me. I started to go to the clinic to get stitches, but Nurse Kathy fixed me up with some butterfly band aid strips and I think I will make it okay! I have a good goose egg on the back of my head and a large shaved spot that probably really looks handsome. Good thing I can’t see it!

Isn’t it great that we have a Heavenly Father that is always with us Who is on our side. The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear.

 Application

I am grateful that I have a God who loves me. I will thank Him all day today for coming to my rescue. Yes, the LORD is for me; He will help me.

Prayer

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. (Psalm 118)

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May Your Ways Be Known Throughout The Earth Your Saving Power Among People Everywhere

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Jeremiah 48; Jeremiah 49; Psalm 67; 1 John 1 

May Your Ways Be Known

Throughout The Earth

Your Saving Power Among People Everywhere

Scripture

Psalm 67

 May your ways be known throughout the earth,
    your saving power among people everywhere.

³ May the nations praise you, O God.
    Yes, may all the nations praise you.

⁴ Let the whole world sing for joy,
    because you govern the nations with justice
    and guide the people of the whole world.

Observation

Becca Sandison who has sacrificed and served the families of our church (Christ Fellowship) so very well has a desire to go and serve for a month in Mozambique as a volunteer to help share the Gospel in that country.

As soon as I heard that she had a desire to go I had a desire to help her get there.

Would you help me help her get to Mozambique? Here is a very good Biblical reason why we should help her!

    But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15

A small gift given by hundreds of people is all that we need to get her on the mission field. It is impossible for her to go without our help. Would you prayerful give to help send her to the country of Mozambique?

She will need about $2,500 to make this mission trip! How much of that can you and I help meet?

Application

I will do everything I can to help get Becca to Mozambique. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, how can they call on You to save them unless they believe in You? And how can they believe in You if they have never heard about You? And how can they hear about You unless someone tells them? And how will Becca go and tell them without being sent?

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" I pray knowing that it is Your desire to have Becca Sandison serve You in Mozambique. Put on the heart of many people to help her go. 

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Until The Time Came To Fulfill His Dreams, The LORD Tested Joseph’s Character.

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Jeremiah 45; Jeremiah 46; Jeremiah 47; Psalm 105; John 21 

Until The Time Came 

To Fulfill His Dreams,

The LORD Tested Joseph’s Character.

Scripture

Psalm 105

¹⁹ Until the time came to fulfill his dreams,
    the Lord tested Joseph’s character.

Observation

 Have you ever thought about why things happen to you?

 It could very well be that every crisis you and I experience is a character adjustment. Joseph spent much of his life having his character tested. 

When Joseph was young he had dreams of what he would be. Then he had years and years of extremely difficult situations and yet through all of them he still remained faithful to his God. And finally his dreams became reality!

Do you have some difficult people at work, at home, or at church? They are your spiritual sandpaper. God uses them to work on your character. Difficult people shape us. Dealing with them helps us to be more like Jesus. 

You will always have them. 

Do you have dreams that have not been fulfilled? Think of the life of Joseph! Remain faithful!

Application

I will look at my life today from Your perspective God. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that nothing comes into my life that has not been filtered through You first. I know that every challenge, every crisis, every difficult person is brought into my life to work on my character. Help me as faithful to You as Joseph was. Help me to keep my focus on You. Give me the ability to see the big picture. Somehow Joseph understood that everything that happened to him was part of Your plan for those around him. Thank You for blessing me so much. 

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“Don’t Be Faithless Any Longer, BELIEVE!”

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Jeremiah 26; Jeremiah 35; Jeremiah 36; John 20

“Don’t Be 

Faithless Any Longer,

BELIEVE!”

Scripture

John 20

²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

²⁸ “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.

²⁹ Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Observation

Sometimes we need a reminder that the Christian life is all about living on Faith! It is not a blind faith. It is faith in Jesus Christ. Faith in the One Who came back to Life and lives today.

Every part of our lives is to be lived out in faith.

    So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Thomas had a real problem believing that Jesus Christ could come back from the dead. He said to the other disciples, “I will have to put my finger in the nail holes in His hands and I will have to put my hand in the wound in Jesus’ side.” Jesus told Thomas to do just that!

It is impossible for you and me to please God without faith. What are you believing God for today? Healing … Finances … Relationship … Our God is able to meet every one of our needs if we will just put Him first in our lives!

Application

I am trusting God to heal one of our friends. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that without faith it is impossible to please You. Give me the faith to believe You for every need in my life. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayers. I am not worthy of Your Love, Your Grace, or Your Mercy, but thank You for it all.

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Then Jesus Said, You Would Have No Power Over Me At All Unless It Were Given To You From Above.

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Jeremiah 23; Jeremiah 24; Jeremiah 25; John 19

Then Jesus Said,

You Would Have No Power Over Me At All

Unless It Were Given To You From Above.

Scripture

John 19

¹¹ Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above.

Observation

Nations rise and fall because God gives and takes away power. What is going on in Egypt and other parts of the world is all because God allows and gives power to one group or another. What is going on in your life is no surprise to Jesus!

Nothing surprises Him … nothing!

When Jesus was standing in front of Pilate and Pilate said to Him, ““Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?” 

The response of Jesus Christ to Pilate showed just Who was in charge.

Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above.

It may seem like your world is out of control and it may seem like the entire world has gone crazy, but this conversation that Pilate had with Jesus is a reminder that nothing happens to us that is not filtered first by our Heavenly Father. 

Here is a great verse to remember when things seem to be going terribly wrong. 

    And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Matthew 28:18

Here is a great chapter to remember when it seems that God has forgotten you. Psalm 139
Here a few verses from that Psalm. 

    O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know here I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to know! How precious are your thoughts about me, O God!  They are innumerable! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up in the morning, you are still with me!

Application

 I will pray Psalm 139 back to the Lord this morning. He is in control.

Prayer

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know here I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to know! 

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God!  They are innumerable! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up in the morning, you are still with me! Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

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As Jesus Said, “I AM He,” They All Drew Back And Fell To The Ground!

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2 Kings 24; Jeremiah 22; Psalm 112; John 18

As Jesus Said,

“I AM He,”

They All Drew Back And Fell To The Ground!

Scripture

John 18

⁶ As Jesus said “I Am he,” they all drew back and fell to the ground!

Observation

I love this! Just at the spoken Word of Jesus those that came to arrest fell to the ground. There was a cohort or contingent of soldiers that had come to arrest Jesus that night along with the Jewish leaders and Judas. At least 300 men with torches, lanterns, and weapons blazing they come to arrest Jesus and at the spoken Word of Jesus they fall back and they hit the ground. They were afraid!

In that moment He could have called for a legion or a thousand legions of angels to come down and rescue Him, but He didn’t. He allowed Himself to be arrested. He allowed Himself to be tortured. He allowed Himself to be nailed to a Roman cross for you and for me!

Why not take time this morning to read John 18 and take time to thank Jesus Christ for what He did for us on the cross?

When Simon Peter cut off the ear of the High Priest slave and Jesus took and healed and restored the slave’s ear, don’t you think that those soldiers realized that Jesus could have just as easily destroyed each and every one of them? I think it surely must have crossed their minds.

Application

I will thank the Lord for what He did for me when He allowed Himself to be nailed on the cross for me.  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that Jesus Christ could have destroyed any person that tried to arrest Him. I know that He didn’t have to allow them to nail Him to the cross. He did it for me. I don’t deserve it. I don’t deserve the life I have today. It is all because of Your Grace and Your Mercy that I live such a blessed life. You are King of Kings and Lord of Lord. I give You All Praise the morning. Thank You for dying on the cross for me.

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And This Is The Way To Have Eternal Life – To Know You, The Only True God, And Jesus Christ

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Jeremiah 18; Jeremiah 19; Jeremiah 20; Psalm 93; John 17

And This Is The Way To Have Eternal Life –

To Know You,

The Only True God, And Jesus Christ

Scripture

John 17

³ And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.

Observation

Unless you and I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ we can never experience Eternal Life. Do you know Him? Have you ever surrendered your life to Him and asked Him to be your Lord and Savior?

I have a personal relationship with Christ because a man took the time to invite me to his Bible Study over and over again until I finally went. I am so glad that he didn’t give up on me.

Who do we need to invite to church this week? Who needs a personal relationship with Christ?

Application

I will invite someone this week to join me for Bible Study and worship this Sunday.

How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, put on my heart someone to invite to Church for worship and Bible Study and/or bring someone into my life that needs to know You as Lord and Savior.

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The Heart Is The Most Deceitful Thing There Is And Desperately Wicked. No One Can Really Know How Bad It Is!

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Jeremiah 16; Jeremiah 17; Psalm 96; John 16

The Heart Is The Most Deceitful Thing There Is

And Desperately Wicked.

No One Can Really Know How Bad It Is!

Scripture    

Jeremiah 17:9 

    "The heart is the most deceitful thing there is and desperately wicked. No one can really know how bad it is! 

Observation

This memory verse always comes to my mind when someone says to me, “I have had something on my heart”, or they say, “The Lord has put this on my heart.” Or when I have someone say about what someone else has said, “Oh, they didn’t really mean what they said … they are not really like that.” 

It causes me to smile and it causes me to recite Jeremiah 17:9 … usually to myself!

Our hearts are desperately wicked and deceitful above all things so we better watch out!

If we have a personal relationship with Christ then you and I have a new nature, but our old nature is still there too! You and I are capable of any sin …why…because the heart is the most deceitful thing there is and desperately wicked … that’s why!

So what should we do? 

    How can a young person live a clean life?  By carefully reading the map of your Word.  I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart. Psalm 119:9-11 

Application

 I will memorize a verse this week and put it in the vault of my heart!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You have said in Your Word, “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” Lord, you are my strength and fortress, my refuge in the day of trouble! I’ve banked Your promises in the vault of my heart. 

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When I Discovered Your Words, I Devoured Them. They Are My Joy And My Heart’s Delight

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Jeremiah 13; Jeremiah 14; Jeremiah 15; John 15

When I Discovered Your Words,

I Devoured Them.

They Are My Joy And My Heart’s Delight

Scripture

Jeremiah 15

¹⁶ When I discovered your words, I devoured them.
    They are my joy and my heart’s delight,
for I bear your name,
    O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.

Observation

Do you wake up every morning ready to devour the Word of God? I love getting up in the morning and reading God’s Word. Like Jeremiah I bear the Lord’s name. I am one of His children. How about you? 

I love finding verses like Jeremiah 15:16 during my daily quiet time! I saw so many more this morning that I could have written about. 

How about John 15? It is filled with so many good verses.


How about John 15:7  ^“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!”

Or how about John 15:16 “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.”

 Application

I will wake up every morning and dig for treasure in God’s Word. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, when I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.

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I Am The Way, The Truth, And The Life. No One Can Come To The Father Except Through Me.

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Jeremiah 10; Jeremiah 11; Jeremiah 12; John 14

I Am 

The Way, The Truth, And The Life.

No One Can Come To The Father Except Through Me.

Scripture

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.

Observation

There are several ways to get to Tampa, but there is only one way to get to Heaven! Jesus didn’t say that He was one of the ways to get to His Father. He said that He was The Way. Unless you and I go through Jesus we are not getting in!

I believe just what Jesus says. How about you?

Application

I will share with the people at Mission Tampa in just a minute that Jesus is the only way to Heaven.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me boldness to share the Good News with those at Mission Tampa and give the people spiritual understanding so that they can be saved. 

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I Hurt With The Hurt Of My People. I Mourn And Am Overcome With Grief. …Why Is There No Healing For The Wounds Of My People?

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Jeremiah 7; Jeremiah 8; Jeremiah 9; John 13 

I Hurt With The Hurt Of My People.

I Mourn And Am Overcome With Grief.

…Why Is There No Healing For The Wounds Of My People? 

Scripture

Jeremiah 8

²¹ I hurt with the hurt of my people.
    I mourn and am overcome with grief.
 
²² Is there no medicine in Gilead?
    Is there no physician there?
 
Why is there no healing
    for the wounds of my people?

Observation

Jeremiah had a pastor’s heart. As you read Jeremiah 8 are you able to feel the compassion and the burden that he had for his people?

Do you care about people in the way Jeremiah did? Do I?

If you went to church today did you look out across the congregation and were you able to feel the hurts of the people. Were we able to hurt with them?

As I read John 13 today these verses jumped out that go along with what Jeremiah was feeling and saying in Jeremiah 8.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35

There is no way that we can truly love each other without being able to feel the hurt and pain that others are experiencing. Nothing burdens a pastor more than having to walk through life’s trials and troubles with those that God has placed under his care.  

Application

I will use today’s sermon passage as I pray for those that God places on my heart to pray for.

 Ephesians 6:18 “Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for all of those that were baptized today at Ft. Desoto Park. Help them to grow in Christ. I pray for the new people at church today that You do a Mighty work in their lives. I pray for those that are dealing with difficult situations. I pray that You give them strength and the wisdom to make the right decisions. Thank You for working so powerfully in our worship service today. I pray for those that made decisions. Help us as we seek to help them grow in Christ.

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I Have Come As A Light To Shine In This Dark World, So That All Who Put Their Trust In Me Will No Longer Remain In The Dark.

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Jeremiah 5; Jeremiah 6; John 12

I Have Come As A Light To Shine In This Dark World,

So That All

Who Put Their Trust In Me Will No Longer Remain In The Dark. 

Scripture

John 12

⁴⁶ I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.

Observation

This past week Kathy and I had a sleep over with 7 of our 9 grandkids! Our grandson Louie, who just turned 8 yesterday, cannot sleep in the dark. Our granddaughter Tori, who is 7, cannot sleep with any lights on. Guess who won out? If you guessed Louie then you were right! The night of the sleep over they slept with a light on!

Darkness represents evil and light represents just the opposite. We live in a very evil world that is full of darkness. Just read the newspaper or stay up and watch the 11 pm news on television and you will be reminded of just how much bad stuff is happening all around us.

Jesus came to this earth to provide a Way for us to change our direction. He came to rescue us from the darkness all around us.

I like His word of encouragement to us that is found a few chapters over in the same book of John.

Jesus says, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Application

 I will not be scared of the spiritual darkness that surrounds me today because Jesus has overcome the world!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing me to the Light. Thank You for saving me from the world of darkness. I remember what it was like to walk in the world of darkness and participate in all of the evil that goes with walking in darkness. Thank You for my new life in Jesus. Thank You for rescuing me from a life of sin and destruction. Thank You for giving me Eternal Life.

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I Am The Resurrection And The Life. Anyone Who Believes In Me Will Live, Even After Dying

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Jeremiah 3; Jeremiah 4; John 11

I Am The Resurrection And The Life.

Anyone 

Who Believes In Me Will Live, Even After Dying

Scripture

John 11

²⁵ Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. ²⁶ Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. 

Do you believe this?

Observation

With out a doubt this is one of my most favorite passages in the Bible!

 Lazarus was one of Jesus’ best friends along with his two sisters Martha and Mary yet Jesus let Lazarus die. After waiting until Lazarus has been in the grave for 4 days Jesus goes to see Martha and Mary … and Lazarus.

John 11:25 is one of the most powerful promises in the Bible! It is very Good News!

Martha and Mary were both upset and probably very disappointed in Jesus that He didn’t arrive in time to keep Lazarus alive. Jesus’ response to Mary and Martha’s disappointment was this powerful statement.

After making this statement Jesus went to the tomb of Lazarus to show that He had the power to back up His promise and He called for Lazarus to come out of the grave! Lazarus bounced out of the grave still wrapped in grave clothes.

One day you and I will die, but I will never ever really die … how about you?  

Do you believe this?

Application

I will hold on to this promise today, “Anyone Who Believes In Me Will Live, Even After Dying.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, yesterday I was once again reminded with the death of one of the volunteers at the hospital just how short this life is and how quickly it comes to an end. I didn’t have the chance to talk to this person about her relationship with You. I don’t know where this person will spend eternity. I know that apart from a personal relationship with You people are lost and will spend an eternity in Hell. Give me the opportunity to share with people the Good News of John 11:25 today.

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