The One Who Serves You Best Will Be Your Leader

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 3; Exodus 4; Exodus 5; Luke 22 

The One

Who Serves You Best

Will Be Your Leader

Scripture

Luke 22 

²⁵ Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men order their slaves around, and the slaves have no choice but to like it! ²⁶ But among you, the one who serves you best will be your leader. ²⁷ Out in the world the master sits at the table and is served by his servants. But not here! 

For I am your servant.

Observation

Serve others and help make them successful! Hmmm! But what about me … mine … and I? What if people take advantage of me and use me to get ahead?

Jesus says, “the one who serves you best will be your leader.” It is a kingdom principle! It is totally opposite of what most people believe and totally different from the way the world operates and functions.

In your work place, if you serve those who work with you and help them be successful, you will become the leader in that work place. It is a kingdom principle!

Try serving those in your office instead of complaining about them and watch the difference it will make. 

Your attitude must be like my own, for I, the Messiah, did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

 Application

 I will look for ways to serve and be a servant as I go to India.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to focus on the needs of those around me and not on myself. Show me where and how I need to serve who I am to serve. Give me a servant’s heart for those around me. 

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

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

Watch Out! Don’t Let Your Hearts Be Dulled By Carousing And Drunkenness, And By The Worries Of This Life.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 1; Exodus 2; Psalm 88; Luke 21

Watch Out!

Don’t Let Your Hearts Be Dulled By Carousing And Drunkenness,

And By The Worries Of This Life.

Scripture

Luke 21

³⁴ “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life.

Observation

So many things can dull your heart and my heart. Maybe you no longer participate with the carousing and drunkenness crowd, but how about the worries of this life do they still mess up your heart?

I can remember life before I surrendered my life to Christ. I was a married 18 year old, barely an adult and partying and drinking seemed like the thing for me to do. It was what everyone seemed to do to try to find purpose and meaning out of life. Thank goodness I realized that carousing and getting drunk could not fill the emptiness in my life. I am so grateful that someone shared with me that only Jesus Christ could meet the deep needs of my heart. 

How sad it is when we as followers of Jesus Christ go back to the old life instead of looking to Christ to help us with the worries and troubles of life. Drugs, alcohol, and sex can dull the pain of broken relationships, financial crisis, loss of a job, failure etc., but it is only for a moment.

A life yielded and surrendered to Jesus doesn’t need the “props” of the old life.

Application

I will enjoy my relationship with Jesus Christ today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, nothing can satisfy the needs of my life like Jesus Christ. Don’t ever let me settle for second best. Don’t ever let me go back to the old things in my life that never delivered what they promised. You are the most important Person in my life. You are all I need.

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

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

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

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 49; Genesis 50; Psalm 8; Luke 20

O LORD, Our Lord,

Your Majestic Name

Fills The Earth!

Scripture

Psalm 8

¹ O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
    Your glory is higher than the heavens.

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

Mondays … they tend to be rough. Let’s start this one out with Praise!

Go outside when you get home tonight and look up! Hopefully the sky will be clear and you will be able to see the moon and the stars that God has set in place!

Every time I look up at the heavens I am reminded that my God did all of that just for you and me. He loves us that much!

What are we that He should even think about us but He does! Amazing!

¹⁷ How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!

¹⁸ I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! Psalm 139:17-18

Application

I will take time this morning to give my God Praise! How about you?

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 thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 

You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! 

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. 

Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Taken from Psalm 139)

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

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

They Should Always Pray And Never Give Up.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 44; Genesis 45; Genesis 46; Luke 18

They Should Always

Pray

And Never Give Up.

Scripture

Luke 18

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.

  ² “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people.

  ³ A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ ⁴ The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, ⁵ but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”

⁶ Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. ⁷ Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? ⁸ I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”

Observation

It is easy to pray and then give up because we have not received an answer to our prayers. Jesus says, “that we should never give up praying.” We need to learn a lesson from this story and never give up.

I have been praying for some of my family for years and I will continue to pray for them. I will never give up. I pray for our church. I will never give up. I pray for the healing of my nephew. I will never give up.

Later on in the chapter Jesus gives us another reason why we should never give up when He says, ““What is impossible for people is possible with God.”

Just because what we are praying for seems impossible and it seems like what we are praying for is never going to happen – never stop praying. 

Application

I will continue to pray for some impossible situations today because Jesus said to never give up!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that nothing is too hard for You.  Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you.  Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:2-3

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

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

Each Morning I bring My Requests To You And Wait Expectantly.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 42; Genesis 43; Psalm 5; Luke 17

Each Morning

I bring My Requests To You

And Wait Expectantly.

Scripture

Psalm 5

³ Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
    Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

Observation

King David knew how to pray! This morning he is teaching us how to start out our day!

Just like King David, you and I have big requests, but do we come to God and wait expectantly? David knew that God loved him and he knew that God loved to answer his requests.

My God loves to hear you and I pray and He loves to answer our requests! God is constantly working in our lives and in the lives of those we love.

So lets come to God expectantly this morning!

    What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. Hebrews 11:1

    'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' Jeremiah 33:3

    Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, Ephesians 3:20

 Application

I will pray to my God today and wait expectantly for Him to answer.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that I don’t deserve Your kindness and Your unfailing love. I am so glad that you listen to my prayers and that You want to answer me. I am not worthy of Your love. Thank You for never stopping to work in the lives of those that I love. I pray for transformed lives. I pray for my children and my grandchildren and for all who are in my circle of influence. I pray that You radically change the direction of their walk. Draw them close to You. Turn their hearts in Your direction. Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

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

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

If You Are Faithful In Little Things, You Will Be Faithful In Large Ones.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 39; Genesis 40; Genesis 41; Luke 16

If You

Are Faithful In Little Things,

You Will Be Faithful In Large Ones.

Scripture

Luke 16

¹⁰ “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.

Observation

I watch people who have been given a small responsibility or task at our church. Then I watch some of the most faithful of them rise to leadership in our church just like Jesus talks about in this passage.

I am very proud of our young adults at Christ Fellowship. Every week I see more and more of them making a commitment to serve Christ in one area or another. I see them growing spiritually. I see them becoming more and more serious about their relationship with Jesus Christ.

 This passage is a reminder to me to be faithful in even the very smallest of things. I need to finish my life well.

Application

I will think about all the little things that I have been asked to do and make sure that I am doing them well.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to be faithful in the little things that You have asked me to do so that I have the opportunity to be faithful in some large ones too. I pray for every person that is serving at Christ Fellowship that they will understand the principle of this verse and be found faithful. I pray for our leadership. Help all of them to be faithful. Help them to do their jobs with great success!

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

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

I Will Thank The LORD Because He Is Just.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 37; Genesis 38; Psalm 7; Luke 15

I Will

Thank

The LORD Because He Is Just.

Scripture

Psalm 7

¹⁷ I will thank the Lord because he is just;

Observation

Just read the newspapers or watch the news on television and you quickly realize that we live in a very unjust world. Craziness is all around us. Like what happened yesterday when a man got murdered inside a movie theater over sending text messages on his cell phone before the movie even started – totally unjust!

In this crazy world it is wonderful to know that we have a God that is totally 100% just. He will always do what is right. We don’t have to question His motives. We may not understand why things happen but we know that if God does something He is always fair in what He does.

We need an anchor in a world that seems to be spinning out of control. God is my anchor.

    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

¹⁸ So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. 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. Hebrews 6:18-19

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

 Application

I will trust the Lord today with things that I don’t understand knowing that He is always just.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am so glad that You never change. Everything around me is constantly changing. You are my anchor. You are my Hope. Because You Lord are my Shepherd I have everything I need.

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

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

So You Cannot Become My Disciple Without Giving Up Everything You Own.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 34; Genesis 35; Genesis 36; Luke 14

So You 

Cannot

Become My Disciple Without Giving Up Everything You Own.

Scripture

Luke 14

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

Observation

Toys! We are grown men but we still want to hold on to “toys”. They come in a variety of shapes and forms, but we cling to them like a 2-3 year old does with his toy truck. Even though we don’t yell it out anymore like a 2 year old does it is very obvious that the word “MINE” still dominants our lives.

Car races, women/sex, boats, golf, sports, our time/schedule, hunting, fishing, jobs, and the like can be all consuming to us men.

Jesus says, “Give it up!” (Yield ownership over to Me.)

What toys are you and I still holding on to that we need to give up? Jesus says that we are to give up everything we own. Have we done that?

Today is a very good day to do an evaluation and see if something still owns us.

Jesus Christ wants and must be number One in our lives. What has taken His place?

Application

I will ask God to show me anything in my life that is still under my ownership and control and I will yield it to Him today. Will you do the same?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I do want to be your disciple. Show me anything in my life that has not had the ownership transferred over to You. Don’t let me be consumed with the stuff of life. Help me to focus on Your Kingdom instead of myself. You are God Almighty! You own everything. I don’t own anything. Everything I have is Yours. Everything that I enjoy has been loaned to me for just a little while. Don’t ever let me forget it.

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

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

And You Will Perish Too, Unless You Repent Of Your Sins And Turn To God.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 31; Genesis 32; Genesis 33; Luke 13

And You Will Perish

Too,

Unless You Repent Of Your Sins And Turn To God. 

Scripture

Luke 13

³ … And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God.

Observation


Do you believe this? People around us will perish unless they repent and turn to God. Do you and I really believe this? Is there urgency to our lives to help people know our Savior? Do we care?
Chapter 10 of Romans is one of my favorite passages of scripture and it is possibly one of your favorites too. 

    For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. [11] As the Scriptures tells us, "Anyone who believes in him will not be disappointed." [12] Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They all have the same Lord, who generously gives his riches to all who ask for them. [13] For "Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 

    [14] 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? [15] 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 10:9-15 

Application

I will share Jesus and I will help others learn how to share their faith. Tonight in our life group we will practice sharing our faith!

 Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me share my faith with those that You bring into my path. Give me the boldness to share without fear. Give me Your heart for people. I pray today for the people at Mission Tampa. I pray that they would understand the Gospel and I pray that they would be saved. You are the Mighty God. Nothing is too hard for You.

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

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

“…A Person Is A Fool To Store Up Earthly Weath But Not Have A Rich Relationship With God.”

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 29; Genesis 30; Luke 12

“…A Person Is A Fool

To Store Up Earthly Weath

But Not Have A Rich Relationship With God.”

Scripture

Luke 12

¹⁶ Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. ¹⁷ He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ ¹⁸ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. ¹⁹ And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

²⁰ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

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

Observation

Are you and I working on a rich relationship with God? If not then you and I are fools and we are no different than this rich man who only thought about himself.

Your relationship with your spouse, your children and those around you and your relationship with God is way more important than accumulating a bunch of stuff.

When we leave this earth none of our toys are going with us. Only the reward of living a godly life, our investment in the people around us and our relationship with God those are the things that are going to count.

How are we doing? Are we more like rich man in this story or are we more like Jesus Who is telling us this story?

Application

I will strive today to be rich in my relationship with God by focusing on the needs of others.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, don’t let me be like this rich man in this story. Don’t let me be a fool. Help me keep my eyes focused on the important things in life and not on stuff that will be gone tomorrow.

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

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

If Any Of You Wants To Be My Follower, You Must Turn From Your Selfish Ways, Take Up Your Cross Daily, And Follow Me.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 23; Genesis 24; Luke 9

If Any Of You Wants To Be My Follower,

You Must Turn From Your Selfish Ways,

Take Up Your Cross Daily, And Follow Me. 

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.

Observation

I wouldn’t have any problems in my life at all if I could just do away with “self”. I am my biggest problem. Don’t laugh … you have the same problem!

Every day when I get up I need to make sure that Jesus is number One in my life! Eddy wants to take that position every day. It is my daily choice – who I allow to be in charge of my life. When Eddy wins out and I take control I can tell you that it is not a very good day.

“I” is my biggest problem! Do you have an “I” problem too?

Application

I will strive to daily take “I” down and put Jesus up on the throne of my life everyday.  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to keep Jesus number One in my life today. Guide me and direct me today. Help me bring You glory and honor by the way I live today.

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

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

… “Who Is This Man, That He Goes Around Forgiving Sins?”

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 18; Genesis 19; Psalm 3; Luke 7

… “Who 

Is This Man,

That He Goes Around Forgiving Sins?”

Scripture

Luke 7

 

… “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?”

⁴⁷ “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” ⁴⁸ Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”

⁴⁹ The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?”

⁵⁰ And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Observation

 I talked to a fellow yesterday that just couldn’t understand that God’s forgiveness is a gift. You can’t work for it. You must accept it. You must receive God’s gift of forgiveness by faith.

This woman, who knew that she was a sinner, understood that she had to receive God’s forgiveness. She didn’t deserve it and she couldn’t earn it.

You and I don’t deserve to be forgiven either. You and I deserve death and judgment. You and I both deserve to go to Hell. But we don’t have to go to Hell. We can receive God’s gift of forgiveness.

I believe that Jesus Christ came down from Heaven and was born in a manger. He lived 33 years on earth and did not sin one time. He allowed Himself to be put on a cross and He died a criminal’s death. He died as a Perfect sacrifice to pay the penalty of my sins and your sins. He laid down His life for you and for me as a Gift.

Have you received God’s Gift of forgiveness? Have you trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord?

    for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13

     

I think that after I finished to talking to that man yesterday he understood at least a little more clearly how a person receives God’s forgiveness. May his eyes be opened completely to the Good News of the Gospel message.

Application

I will look up passages in my Bible today on God’s forgiveness.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Your word says, 

“as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12 

    In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace Ephesians 1:7

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. Acts 2:38

“Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Acts 13:38

    For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 

I pray for the man that I talked to yesterday and several others I pray that You
… open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’ Acts 26:18

 

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

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

Give And You Will Receive

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 15; Genesis 16; Genesis 17; Luke 6

Give

And 

You Will Receive

Scripture

Luke 6

³⁸ Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

Observation

 I plan to go to India on a mission trip in a few weeks. I have been overwhelmed at the response of people giving to help me go on this mission trip. I am amazed at their generosity. God has used their generosity to speak to me about my giving to people when they ask me to help them to go on a mission trip. 

From this verse it is obvious that Jesus plans to make sure that their investment returns to them in a very big way. When Jesus makes such a bold promise … why don’t we believe it? We cannot out give our God. 

I know that I will be blessed as I go to India, but a lot of other people will share in that blessing. 

Why not memorize Luke 6:38 this week or maybe even better lets put this verse into practice!

    Bring the full amount of your tithes to the Temple, so that there will be plenty of food there. Put me to the test and you will see that I will open the windows of heaven and pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things.  Malachi 3:10 

Application

I will say “yes” when someone asks me to help him or her go on a mission trip. How about you? 

 Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to really believe and put into practice Luke 6:38. Help me trust You and give as You put on my heart to give. Bless those who have been so generous to Kathy and I. You are Mighty. Nothing is too hard for You. Be with those struggling with relationships. Help them to not give up. 

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

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

I Have Come To Call Not Those Who Think They Are Righteous, But Those Who Know They Are Sinners And Need To Repent.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 12; Genesis 13; Genesis 14; Luke 5

I Have Come 

To Call Not Those Who Think They Are Righteous,

But Those Who Know They Are Sinners And Need To Repent.

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

Jesus came to save sinners like me and like you. But you and I must acknowledge that we are sinners and that we are in need of a Savior. We must turn from our sins and turn to God, or in Biblical terms we must repent! 

Jesus told His disciples, “Follow Me.” Jesus today is telling us to do the same thing.  Are we willing? Are we willing to leave everything and follow Him? 

Are we willing to answer His call today to follow Him? 

    And He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. Matthew 6:33 

 Application

 I will live for Jesus today and make His kingdom my primary concern. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for those who are close to me that need to realize that they are sinners in need of a Savior. I pray for them. I pray that they would repent of their sins and turn to You. I ask that You transform their lives. Help me to never quit praying for them. Thank You for the opportunity to pray for them. I know that You hear me and I know it is the desire of Your heart for them to be saved. 

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

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

I Must Preach The Good News Of The Kingdom Of God In Other Towns, Too, Because That Is Why I Was Sent.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 9; Genesis 10; Genesis 11; Luke 4

I Must Preach The Good News

Of The Kingdom Of God In Other Towns, Too,

Because That Is Why I Was Sent.

Scripture

Luke 4

⁴³ But he replied, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.”

Observation

There is urgency in getting the Gospel message out or at least there should be. Jesus said, “I must preach the Good News” there was urgency in His voice.

Why the urgency, someone might ask?

Because there is a world of people who are lost and going to a real place called Hell. We who have heard and received the Gospel message are their only hope.

You and I must preach the Good News of the kingdom of God in other towns, cities, countries, and nations.

    For "Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

     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 10:13-15

 Application

I will continue to help people share the Good News!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, don’t let me lose the urgency of the Gospel. Thank You for those who have sacrificed to help me travel to India. I pray that You continue to help our church to be outward focused. Don’t let us lose the urgency of the Gospel message. I pray for Pastor Bruce and Heather. I pray that You give them strength and heal them completely. Give them the energy that they need to lead our church to reach the lost in our city.

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

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

But Noah Found Favor With The LORD.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 6; Genesis 7; Genesis 8; Luke 3

But 

Noah

Found Favor With The LORD.

Scripture

Genesis 6

⁸ But Noah found favor with the Lord.

Observation

God destroyed every person on the face of the earth except for Noah and his family. As God looked over the earth the Bible says that the LORD found only one righteous man, Noah. 

If God were searching the earth for righteous men would our names come to the top of the list or would our names even be in the list at all?

It is an incredible story of faith! At 600 years old Noah was given a huge task. No electricity, no power tools, and not a lot of public support to help him build the Ark. He was probably ridiculed and laughed at everyday as his neighbors watched him construct an odd looking enormous boat in his front yard not even close to any water.

It seemed crazy I am sure, but here is the verse that sums up why God asked Noah to do the job; the answer is found in verse 22, “So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him. Obedience … God knew that Noah would do exactly what He asked him to do.

In 2014 will you and I be obedient to do everything God asks us to do?

Will we find favor with the LORD?

Application

 I will trust in the Lord with all my heart. I will not depend on my own understanding. I will seek his will in all I do, and he will direct my paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

   

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me live in such a way that You find favor in me. Help me to obey You. Don’t let me let You down. Give me the faith and trust in You that Noah had as he built that Ark. I pray for Cheryl and Je Ann as they go through this very difficult time. You are the Mighty God. You are Worthy of all Praise.

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

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

Enoch Lived 365 Years, Walking In Close Fellowship With God. Then One Day He Disappeared Because God Took Him.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 3; Genesis 4; Genesis 5; Luke 2

Enoch Lived 365 Years,

Walking In Close Fellowship With God.

Then One Day He Disappeared Because God Took Him. 

Scripture

Genesis 5

²³ Enoch lived 365 years, ²⁴ walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him.

Observation

Have you ever prayed and asked God to take you like He did Enoch? I think it would be very cool just to be beamed up to Heaven like Enoch or Elijah!

Regardless of how our lives come to an end we need to live everyday of 2014 walking in close fellowship with God.

What’s one thing you and I could do this year to increase our enjoyment of God?

Application

I will enjoy my relationship with God more this year by helping others walk closer to Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to enjoy my relationship with You more this year. Help me to be more obedient to You. Help me be more responsive to the people around me. Give me the heart of your servant Enoch.

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

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

You Will Tell His People How To Find Salvation Through Forgiveness Of Their Sins.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 1; Genesis 2; Luke 1

You Will Tell His People

How To Find Salvation

Through Forgiveness Of Their Sins.

Scripture

Luke 1

⁷⁷ You will tell his people how to find salvation
    through forgiveness of their sins.

Observation

Zechariah’s prophecy about his son John the Baptist is true for us today. It is what we are to do. It is the Great Commission. 

Only forgiven people will have the opportunity to go to Heaven, only people who have heard and responded positively to the message that Jesus Christ came to this earth to die in our place. Jesus Christ lived 33 years without sinning one time. He was nailed to a cross. He died. He was buried and on the third day He came back to life. And He is coming back again very soon. 

He died to pay the penalty for our sins. Here are a few of my favorite verses that speak of sin; it’s consequences, and God’s forgiveness. 

    "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.   John 3:16  

    For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

    For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 

    He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven. Ephesians 1:7

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.    Romans 5:8     

    "I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. John 5:24

Application

I will continue to share with people how they can experience God’s forgiveness and how they can have a personal relationship with Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me not to miss an opportunity to share about Jesus with every person You send my way. May You be gloried and highly exalted in 2014! May those we love seek You with all of their hearts and I pray that You would bring them back from captivity. Jeremiah 29:11-14 (Kathy’s verses for our family this year)

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

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