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!

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

It was the best thing that ever happened to me! What was the best thing that ever happened to you Eddy? I am glad that you asked! The best day of my life was when I realized that God loved me and that He had a plan for my life and when I turned from sin and self and turned to God. The best day of my life was when I surrendered my life to the Lord Jesus Christ and repented of my sins and I asked Jesus to save me. I was 19 years old. Wow! God has been so good to me!

Scripture

Luke 13

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

Observation

It was the best thing that ever happened to me!

What was the best thing that ever happened to you Eddy?

I am glad that you asked!

The best day of my life was when I realized that God loved me and that He had a plan for my life and when I turned from sin and self and turned to God. The best day of my life was when I surrendered my life to the Lord Jesus Christ and repented of my sins and I asked Jesus to save me. I was 19 years old. Wow! God has been so good to me!

Yes, I know that I am still a sinner, but because of God’s mercy He provided a way for me to change the direction of my life and now I am a forgiven sinner.

Repent! It is one of the best words found in the Bible!

Here is the million-dollar question for you today. Have you turned from sin and self and turned to the Lord Jesus Christ? Have you received the gift of forgiveness?

“You will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God.” Luke 13:3b

If you have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior why don’t you say so and give testimony of your relationship to Jesus Christ. Maybe it will encourage one of your friends to also become a Christ follower!

Why don’t you take a second and write a short comment declaring your relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ.


For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—Jews first and also Gentiles.  Romans 1:16

Application

I will look for an opportunity to share my testimony with someone today. Will you do the same?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I realize that someone may be reading this blog this morning that does not understand how to have a relationship with You. Show them today that it is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in Him alone that they can have forgiveness of his or her sins. Help them to turn from sin and self, help them to repent and turn to You. I pray that You open up the spiritual eyes of their hearts so that they can be saved. Thank You for saving me.

Daily Bible Reading:  Zechariah 7,8,9; Luke 13; Psalms 145-147

> If you are reading this simple blog this morning you are an encouragement to me!

> I will pray for you!

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

Seek The Kingdom Of God Above All Else, And He Will Give You Everything You Need

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

Seek The Kingdom Of God
Above All Else,
And He Will Give You Everything You Need

Every week after Kathy and I volunteer at Mission Tampa our conversation on the way home is about the situations of those we talked with. We have the awesome privilege of sharing Christ and the Word of God with so many people each week through this ministry. Kathy and I always talk about the tremendous needs that these people face. Oh my goodness we could write a book!

Scripture

Luke 12

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

Observation

Every week after Kathy and I volunteer at Mission Tampa our conversation on the way home is about the situations of those we talked with. We have the awesome privilege of sharing Christ and the Word of God with so many people each week through this ministry.

On Monday mornings we serve at Cook’s Hat which is a food pantry operated by Mission Tampa. The people that come to Cook’s Hat come for emergency food and that provides us with the opportunity of sharing the Bread of Life with them.

On our way home from serving at the food pantry Kathy and I always talk about the tremendous needs that these people face. Oh my goodness we could write a book!

Since we talk to people on Monday mornings the first thing that I usually ask them is this, “Did you get a chance to go to church yesterday?” Their answer to that question helps me discern a lot about the circumstances that they share with me in the moments that follow.

As they share with me about broken relationships, homelessness, terrible abuse, sickness, addictions of every kind, etc. I do my best to point them to the answer to all of these problems. Yes, I share with them about the relationship that they can have with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Yesterday over and over again I shared with couples the triangle illustration. In describing this to them I would put God up at the top of the triangle and I would put them at each of the bottom corners. And I shared that as they put God first in their lives and as they grew closer to God then they would grow closer and closer to each other.  

With others yesterday I shared that if they would just put God first in their lives then God would provide for them. He would provide for them what they needed.

I can share Luke 12:31 (Matthew 6:33) with confidence and with boldness because I know from personal experience that my God can and will meet everyone of his or her needs.

The Key for successful living in this difficult world is a right relationship with God! Yes, daily putting Him first!  And YES, I am talking to you.

Do you need to change the direction of your life? Getting back to church is a step in the right direction!

Making Jesus Christ the Number One Priority of your life = successful living!

Application

I will continue to encourage people to change the priority and direction of their lives. How about you? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that the principle found in Luke 12:31 and Matthew 6:33 is for all of us. When we put You first everything changes. Help anyone reading this blog today that is struggling with a relationship, with finances, with health issues, help them to put You first. Show them that they can trust in You.

I believe what You say in Luke 12:23-28

Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. ²³ For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. ²⁴ Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! ²⁵ Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? ²⁶ And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

²⁷ “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. ²⁸ And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. 

And Heavenly Father, thank You for the safe delivery into this world of Mason Coogle! Thank You that Mom and Dad, Jamie and Doug are also doing fine. We praise You for this wonderful gift. We know that every child is a gift from You!

Daily Bible Reading:  Zechariah 4,5,6; Luke 12

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

Keep On Asking, And You Will Receive What You Ask For. Keep On Seeking, And You Will Find. Keep On Knocking, And The Door Will Be Opened To You.

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

Keep On Asking, And You Will Receive What You Ask For.
Keep On Seeking, And You Will Find.
Keep On Knocking, And The Door Will Be Opened To You.

Jesus wants us to know that our persistence in prayer will pay off. In Luke 11 Jesus teaches us about how much our Heavenly Father cares about us. He also teaches us about what kind of attitude we should have when we pray. Why don’t you take time to read Luke 11:5-13 for yourself this morning?

Scripture

Luke 11

9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

Observation

Jesus wants us to know that our persistence in prayer will pay off. In Luke 11 Jesus teaches us about how much our Heavenly Father cares about us. He also teaches us about what kind of attitude we should have when we pray.

Why don’t you take time to read Luke 11:5-13 for yourself this morning? 

Luke 18:1 “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.”

In Luke 11 and in Luke 18 Jesus taught His disciples and He is now teaching us that we should be persistent in our prayers. We should always pray and never to give up

I don’t know about you but this is a huge encouragement to me. God knows that my most persistent prayer requests are for some very special people in my life. I want them to know and experience the abundant Christian life. 

I don’t want them to miss what Kathy and I have had the opportunity to experience. 

I want them to taste and see that the Lord is good! 

I imagine that you have people on your prayer list or that are on your heart that you want to see transformed too! Lets keep on praying for them.

Application

I will not give up praying for those that God has brought into my life. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that this past week You have been trying to teach me some important things about prayer. Today You are giving me another lesson. Help me catch on to what You are trying to teach me. Really I think all of this is an opportunity to know You better.

You know all about me and every day I have the chance to learn more and more about You. Don’t let me miss out on what You are trying to teach me. I want to grow in my relationship with You.

So I pray for those that are on my prayer list. I pray for those who are heavy on my heart. Do a mighty work in their lives Lord. I pray for them. Don’t let me ever give up!

Daily Bible Reading:  Zechariah 1,2,3; Luke 11

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

As Iron Sharpens Iron, A Friend Sharpens A Friend

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

As Iron Sharpens Iron,
A
Friend Sharpens A Friend

Friends! Nothing is more important than making good friends! God designed us and created us for friendships! Friendships that Kathy and I made over 40 years ago mean more to us now than ever! I don’t know what we would have done or what we would have become if God had not brought those life long friends into our lives! Every chance I can I encourage couples to work at making strong friendships with other couples. The best place to do that is in a life group at church!

Scripture

Proverbs 27

17 As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.

Observation

Friends! Nothing is more important than making good friends! God designed us and created us for friendships!

Every chance I can I encourage couples to work at making strong friendships with other couples. The best place to do that is in a life group at church!

Friendships that Kathy and I made over 40 years ago mean more to us now than ever! I don’t know what we would have done or what we would have become if God had not brought those life long friends into our lives!

So let me strongly encourage you – begin building those great friendships with some other couples. Couples that are also seeking to live for God. Get into a life group! Make great friends!

Men need to build close friendships with other men. Women need to build close friendships with other women. 

Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin. Proverbs 18:24

Romans 5:11
So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

The theme of our Sunday School lesson this morning is “God always answers persistent prayer” and I have been pondering why. Why does He want us to be persistent? Why doesn’t He just answer our prayer the first time we ask? Why does He want us to keep on asking and asking and asking? 

Part of the reason that God wants us to be persistent, at least in my opinion, is that He wants us to spend time with Him. What do you think? 

I am getting ready to go to church in few minutes where I will get to talk to some of the greatest people on the planet. I love greeting people when they arrive. I think that it is the best job anyone could have at a church! Care to volunteer? 

If you are not part of a church then you are missing a great opportunity to make some great life long friends. So let me strongly encourage you to:

Get in church! Where you can make some great friends!

Application

I hope that I have the opportunity to put this verse into practice this week. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Kathy and I may not have a lot of money, but we are rich in friends. Nothing is more important than that. Plus we have You as our Friend. You are on our side. You are for us. Nothing is any better than that! I am so glad that through Jesus Christ You have provided a way for us to have that kind of relationship, that kind of friendship with You.

So I will keep praying for the people in my life that do not yet know You as Friend. I will be persistent. I will never give up.

Thank You for all of the wonderful friends that You have brought into our lives. Help us to be good friends to them.

Daily Bible Reading:  Haggai 1,2; Psalms 129; Luke 10; Proverbs 27

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

I Am Counting On The LORD; Yes, I Am Counting On Him. I Have Put My Hope In His Word.

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

I Am Counting On The LORD;
Yes, I Am Counting On Him.
I Have Put My Hope In His Word. 

We learned this past Wednesday from Pastor Bruce Moore and his wife Heather that our spouse is to complement our life but they were never intended to complete us. If you and I are looking to our spouse to complete us then we are sooner or later going to be disappointed they will never ever no not ever be able live up to or fulfill all of our expectations. They are not God.

Scripture

Psalm 130

⁵ I am counting on the Lord;
    yes, I am counting on him.
    I have put my hope in his word.
 
⁶ I long for the Lord
    more than sentries long for the dawn,
    yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.

Observation

We learned this past Wednesday from Pastor Bruce Moore and his wife Heather that our spouse is to complement our life but they were never intended to complete us. If you and I are looking to our spouse to complete us then we are sooner or later going to be disappointed they will never ever no not ever be able live up to or fulfill all of our expectations. They are not God. 

Are you struggling in your marriage or struggling with your significant other right now? 

Here is an idea for you to try. 

Put God totally first in your life. 

If you have never surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus Christ then that is the first step. Ask Jesus Christ to be Lord of your life. Ask Him to come into your life and ask Him to forgive you of all of your sins. Ask Jesus to meet the deep needs of your life. Ask Him to restore the broken relationship with your spouse or significant other. 

Then get yourself in church and everyday live for the Lord Jesus Christ. 

God can and will meet the deepest needs of your life. Your wife, husband, girlfriend, or boyfriend will never ever no not ever be able to do that for you. 

 Application

I will strongly encourage people to put the Lord first in their lives and I will unashamedly tell them that they need to be in church. How about you?

Prayer

From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help. Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer. Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you. I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn. Psalms 130:1-6

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezra 4; Psalms 113; Psalms 127; Luke 9; Psalms 126-130; Proverbs 26

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

The Right Word Spoken At The Right Time Is As Beautiful As Gold Apples In A Silver Bowl

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

The Right Word
Spoken At The Right Time
Is As Beautiful As Gold Apples In A Silver Bowl

I am sure that my parents must have given me some good advice before I married Kathy back when we were both 18 years old, but the advice I remember (advice that has shaped who we are) came from other adults that God placed in our lives after we were married and after we surrendered our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ.  It was the Sunday school teachers, Sunday school directors, Pastors, College and Seminary Professors, Missionary colleagues and many godly friends that spoke truth into our lives.

Scripture

Proverbs 25:11

¹¹ Timely advice is lovely,
    like golden apples in a silver basket. NLT

11 The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl. NCV

Observation

Advice!

When it comes at just the right time it is a beautiful thing!

It seems like that when I try to give advice to my kids the timing never seems right. Do you ever have that problem?

So I am praying that someone besides me will speak words of wisdom into my kids’ lives at just the right time!

I am sure that my parents must have given me some good advice before I married Kathy back when we were both 18 years old, but the advice I remember (advice that has shaped who we are) came from other adults that God placed in our lives after we were married and after we surrendered our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. 

It was the Sunday school teachers, Sunday school directors, Pastors, College and Seminary Professors, Missionary colleagues and many godly friends that spoke truth into our lives.

I can also remember that at times I didn’t like the advice or counsel that these godly people shared with me because they were advising me to make corrections in my life.

God can surround us with godly people but you and I must have a teachable spirit or all of their advice will just be shared in vain. The writer of Proverbs has a name for people that refuse to accept godly counsel and godly advice. No, it is not the word “stupid”; it is even stronger than that … how about FOOL!

Application

I will strive to give godly advice and I will ask the Lord to give me a teachable spirit. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for my grown children. I pray that You bring godly people into their lives that will give them godly advice. Help them to have a teachable spirit. I pray the same thing for myself. 

I pray for young couples that we know who are trying to make their relationships work. Bring godly people into their lives that will give them godly advice just like You did for Kathy and I. 

We will be forever thankful for all the help that You sent our way. We didn’t deserve it. We didn’t even know that You were doing it. But we are so grateful for every person that You placed in our lives to keep us heading in the right direction.

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezra 2,3; Luke 8; Ps 120-125:

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

“Are You The Messiah We’ve Been Expecting, Or Should We Keep Looking For Someone Else?”

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

“Are You The Messiah We’ve Been Expecting,
Or
Should We Keep Looking For Someone Else?”

Pope Francis’ visit to the US is dominating World News at the moment and thousands of people are trying to get close to the Pope! Kathy made this comment to me a few minutes ago about all of the commotion about the Pope’s visit, she said, “Well it shows you that a lot of people are searching for something!” And I agree with her! I don’t have any reason to criticize the Pope or anyone that might have a desire to be close to him. But I will say this.

Scripture

Luke 7

²⁰ John’s two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’”

Observation

Pope Francis’ visit to the US is dominating World News at the moment and thousands of people are trying to get close to the Pope! Kathy made this comment to me a few minutes ago (as I was reading my daily Bible reading) about all of the commotion about the Pope’s visit, she said, “Well it shows you that a lot of people are searching for something!” And I agree with her!

I don’t have any reason to criticize the Pope or anyone that might have a desire to be close to him.

But I will say this.

People are searching today for something! And that something they are searching for is a Someone and His name is Jesus! Someone (that is you and me) needs to share Jesus with them!

Now if Billy Graham were younger and had the ability to visit Tampa I would probably be out in a crowd trying to see him. Not because he was a messiah but because I greatly admire him for his walk with Christ.

The truth is that you and I as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ have Hope! We don’t need to keep looking for anyone else! He is our Hope. He is our Salvation! He is all that we need!  

¹⁶ Great fear swept the crowd, and they praised God, saying, “A mighty prophet has risen among us,” and “God has visited his people today.” ¹⁷ And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding countryside. Luke 7:16-17

At this same time John the Baptist was in prison and was evidently having some doubts about whether Jesus was the long awaited Messiah and so he sent two of his disciples to double check with Jesus. Jesus sent them back with this answer, 

“Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.  And tell him, ‘God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.” Luke 7:22-23

Application

I will look for opportunities to share the Good News about Jesus Christ. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray that You use the Pope’s visit to our country to somehow further Your Kingdom and Your agenda. We realize that no world leader comes to power by his or her strength alone. You put world leaders in positions of power and You take them down. You are totally in control of world events. I pray that those crowds of people who are searching for something will find their hope in Jesus.

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezra 1; Psalms 84,85; Luke 7

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

A Tree Is Identified By Its Fruit

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

A Tree
Is Identified
By Its Fruit

It is interesting that when a Christian decides to disregard godly counsel and when he or she makes the decision to reject the godly counsel and continue in a particular sin it is so very easy for that person to quote Luke 6:37 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you.” It is true that we are not to judge and condemn. But it is also just as true that you and I are to help brothers and sisters in Christ when they get hoodwinked into sin and veer off God’s path.

Scripture

Luke 6

⁴³ “A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. ⁴⁴ A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes. ⁴⁵ A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.

Observation

Love your enemies. Don’t judge others. Why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your eye? Luke 6 is loaded with great instruction for us to follow!

Even though we are not to judge or condemn others I think that you and I are encouraged by Jesus to be fruit inspectors!

It is interesting that when a Christian decides to disregard godly counsel and makes the decision to reject the godly counsel and continue in a particular sin it is so very easy for that person to quote Luke 6:37 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you.”

It is true that we are not to judge and condemn. But it is also just as true that you and I are to help brothers and sisters in Christ when they get hoodwinked into sin and veer off path.

¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, ²⁰ you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. James 5:19-20
So let me offer yet another thought that comes from Luke 6 and might be as helpful for you and it has been for me when it comes to helping other brothers and sisters in Christ.
You and I are not to condemn but we are supposed to inspect! “A tree is identified by its fruit! You are I are supposed to be “fruit inspectors”. Luke 6:44

If you have rejected godly counsel and if you are now trying to shield yourself by saying that they (whoever “they” might be) are just being judgmental maybe just maybe you ought to revisit God’s Word and reexamine the direction of your life.

Application

I will continue to help brothers and sisters when I see them making ungodly decisions. And if they reject my counsel I will continue to pray for them and love them. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You know how sad it makes me when a friend decides to continue to live in sin even when they know that what they are doing is contrary to Your word. When they reject me and reject all attempts to turn them away from the ungodly direction that they are heading help me to remember to pray for them. Help me not to be judgmental, but help me to be a good fruit inspector. Fill me with Your love for people and give me compassion for them. I know that I am a sinner and that I am capable of doing exactly what I am encouraging them to turn away from. Guard my heart Lord. I know that what I say and what I do come from my heart.

Daily Bible Reading: Daniel 11,12; Luke 6

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

“Lord,” He Said, ‘If You Are Willing, You Can Heal Me And Make Me Clean.” Jesus Reached Out And Touched Him. “I Am Willing,” He Said. “Be Healed!”

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

“Lord,” He Said,
‘If You Are Willing, You Can Heal Me And Make Me Clean.”
Jesus Reached Out And Touched Him. “I Am Willing,” He Said. “Be Healed!”

This morning in my daily Bible reading there were so many things that I could have said something about. I hope that you are taking the time to read God’s Word everyday. I hope that you have a reading plan that helps you consistently be in His Word.  Are you sick? Do you know someone who is sick? I think this man’s words to Jesus make a good model for us to use in our prayers for healing.

Scripture

Luke 5

¹² In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”

¹³ Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.

Observation

This morning in my daily Bible reading there were so many things that I could have said something about. I hope that you are taking the time to read God’s Word everyday and I hope that you have a reading plan that helps you be consistent.

That is why I started doing this blog in 2006 (http://tampabaptistchurch.blogspot.com/). 

I heard a Pastor named Wayne Cordeiro talk about life journaling using the S.O.A.P. Each day I take a Scripture from that day’s reading, then I write an Observation about it, then I decide on an Application, and then I write a simple Prayer to pray what I have learned back to God. S.O.A.P.

Why don’t you try it? If you start doing a life journal using the S.O.A.P. method and if you put it up on the Internet somewhere please let me know because I would love to read it. 

I love the encounter that Jesus had with this man who had advanced leprosy. A person with leprosy would be considered unclean and the man had to keep his distance from people and was a social outcast. This man knew that Jesus could heal him if Jesus was willing to do it. 

I love this! Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing, He said. “Be healed!” 

Are you sick? Do you know someone who is sick? I think this man’s words to Jesus make a good model for us to use in our prayers for healing. 

Lord, if You are willing I know that You can heal!

Application

I will use this prayer for those that are sick and for those who need Jesus to heal their relationships and their marriages.

Prayer

Lord, if You are willing I know that You can heal. You can heal the broken relationships and the marriages that cause me to be sad. You can heal those who physically seem beyond the point of recovery. I personally know that You can do that because You brought me back from death to life. Don’t let me give up praying for people. I am counting on You. You are the only Hope they have whether they know that or not! 

           
Daily Bible Reading:  Daniel 9,10; Psalms 123; Luke 5

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

And My God Will Meet All Your Needs According To the Riches Of His Glory In Christ Jesus

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

And My God
Will Meet All Your Needs
According To the Riches Of His Glory In Christ Jesus

Not everybody can count on God meeting all of his or her needs! Rick Warren shared the following five conditions that you and I must follow if we want to live under God’s care. Today is Monday! What kind of week do you and I want to have?

Scripture

Philippians 4

19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. NIV

Observation

Yesterday’s Sunday school lesson was on God’s promise of provision. The lesson was taken from Psalm 34, but this morning I thought I would share something that I read while I was preparing for that lesson. It is something that Rick Warren had shared about Philippians 4:19.

Not everybody can count on God meeting all of his or her needs! Rick Warren shared the following five conditions that you and I must follow if we want to live under God’s care:

1. If I ask for His help.
2. If I learn to be content.
3. If I practice giving in faith.
4. If I maintain financial integrity.
5. If I trust Him with my life – completely.

Today is Monday! What kind of week do you and I want to have?

Let’s remember and hold on to Philippians 4:19, “God provides for those who choose to live under His care.”

Application

I choose to live under God’s care this week. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I will take You at Your word today.  With Your help I will not worry about anything; instead, I will pray about everything. I will tell You what I need, and thank You for all You have done. 

I know that if I you do this, I will experience Your peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. Your peace will guard my heart and my mind as I live in Christ Jesus. 

And because You are my God I know that You will meet all of my needs according to Your glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7,19 Personalized

   

   

Daily Bible Reading:  Daniel 7,8; Psalms 137; Luke 4; Psalms 103-107; Philippians 4

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

They Saw The Fingers Of A Human Hand Writing On The Plaster Wall Of The King’s Palace

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

They Saw The Fingers
Of A Human Hand
Writing On The Plaster Wall Of The King’s Palace

 “He saw the handwriting on the wall.” We hear that saying from time to time when some company or organization is about to get fired and he quits before they can fire or get rid of him. I guess Daniel 5 is where that comes from.

Scripture

Daniel 5

[5] At that very moment they saw the fingers of a human hand writing on the plaster wall of the king's palace, near the lampstand. The king himself saw the hand as it wrote, [6] and his face turned pale with fear. Such terror gripped him that his knees knocked together and his legs gave way beneath him. 

Observation

“He saw the handwriting on the wall.” We hear that saying from time to time when some company or organization is about to get fired and he quits before they can fire or get rid of him. I guess Daniel 5 is where that comes from.

King Belshazzar was hard headed. During his father’s reign, King Nebuchadnezzar, God had to teach his Dad a drastic lesson on humility

Daniel 5

[20] But when his heart and mind were hardened with pride, he was brought down from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. [21] He was driven from human society. He was given the mind of an animal, and he lived among the wild donkeys. He ate grass like a cow, and he was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he learned that the Most High God rules the kingdoms of the world and appoints anyone he desires to rule over them. 

    [22] "You are his successor, O Belshazzar, and you knew all this, yet you have not humbled yourself.

So King Belshazzar saw the actual handwriting on the wall and his life was taken that very night!
And Daniel moved up to the third highest position in the land! 

Don’t wait until you see the handwriting on the wall to humble yourself and seek God with all of your heart!

Application

I will make sure this morning that God is number One in my life. I will ask Him to take His place on the throne of my heart. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords! You are All Powerful! I realize that I am nothing without You. Show me if there is anything in my life that is taking Your place. Don’t let me be hard headed. Show me when I am messing up so that I can repent and turn back to You. Don’t let me yield to stupid sins. Don’t let me doing anything that will make You sad. You are the Lord of my life. I give You Praise!

Daily Bible Reading:  Daniel 5,6; Psalms 130; Luke 3;

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

The Angel Of The Lord Encamps Around Those Who Fear Him

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

The Angel Of The Lord
Encamps
Around Those Who Fear Him

Yesterday a car made a left turn right in front of us and the car next to us that was in the outside lane. How Kathy was able to stop in time and the other car was able to swerve and not get hit was unbelievable. We were just about a second away from total disaster. And whether God has an angel assigned to protect us or He is the Angel that protects us doesn’t make any difference to me. I know that God protects us and that is what is important to me.

Scripture

Psalm 34

1 I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace.

7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
    and he delivers them.

Observation

Yesterday a car made a left turn right in front of us and the car next to us that was in the outside lane. How Kathy was able to stop in time and the other car was able to swerve and not get hit was unbelievable. We were just about a second away from total disaster.

I don’t know what you believe about angels but yesterday our guardian angel was protecting us. But the praise and all the glory goes to my Heavenly Father and not to the angel that protected us. And whether God has an angel assigned to protect us or He is the Angel that protects us doesn’t make any difference to me. I know that God protects us and that is what is important to me.

We pray in the car before we make trips to see our kids in Riverview and St Pete. Now I am thinking that we probably should pray and ask God to keep us safe every time we get in the car.

God provides for and protects those who choose to live under His care. That is the theme of our Sunday school lesson tomorrow.

Application

I will thank God for His provision and His protection over my family. How about you?

Prayer

    I prayed to You Lord, and You answered me, freeing me from all my fears.     Those who look to You for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. I cried out to You Lord in my suffering, and You heard me.       You set me free from all my fears. For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear him, and he rescues them. Psalm 34:4-7 Personalized

   

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 47,48; Luke 2; Psalm 34; Proverbs 19; Psalms 93-97

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

Great Blessings Are Yours Because You Believed What The Lord Said To You! You Believed This Would Happen.

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

“Great Blessings Are Yours
Because You Believed
What The Lord Said To You! You Believed This Would Happen.”

And because Mary believed she was blessed. But you and I are tempted everyday to believe this lie from Satan. Here is the lie that he whispers into our hearts about the character of God, he whispers, “God is trying to withhold something good from you that is why God says not to commit adultery or sexual immorality, not to lie, not to steal, not to covet, not to drink, not to do drugs, not to look at pornography, not to party; go ahead and do it the Devil whispers, you deserve it.

Scripture

Luke 1

⁴⁴ When I heard your voice, the baby inside me jumped with joy. ⁴⁵ Great blessings are yours because you believed what the Lord said to you! You believed this would happen.”
Mary Praises God

⁴⁶ Then Mary said,
“I praise the Lord with all my heart. ERV

Observation

The Angel Gabriel told Mary that she would give birth to the Son of God. This would happen even though she had never slept with any man. And she believed it would happen! And because she believed she was blessed.

You and I are tempted everyday to believe this lie from Satan. Here is the lie that he whispers into our hearts about the character of God, he whispers, “God is trying to withhold something good from you that is why God says not to commit adultery or sexual immorality, not to lie, not to steal, not to covet, not to drink, not to do drugs, not to look at pornography, not to party; go ahead and do it the Devil whispers, you deserve it.

You and I are made in the image of God. You and I know that when we do the things that are mentioned above we know that they are wrong. But the Devil challenges what we instinctively know is wrong with a lie and the lie is that God is really mean and wants to withhold good things from us.

Adam and Eve believed Satan’s lie in the Garden and people have been deceived by his lies ever since!

Here is the Truth! God is for us. He is not against us. He only wants what is good for us. He has given us His commands for our good and not for our harm. He wants to protect us. He does not want to hurt us or deprive us of any good thing.

We are blessed when we say “Yes” to God and “No” to Satan’s lies.

Mary believed and because she believed she was blessed!

Application

I believe. And I will ask the Lord to help my unbelief! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I want to have the faith that Mary exhibited when she was told that she would have the Christ Child even though she had never had sex with a man. Give me that kind of faith. I know that without faith it is impossible to please You. Help me not to believe Satan’s lies when he attacks Your character and tries to make me think that You would withhold something good from me. You are on my side. You delight in me. I am the apple of Your eye. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for forgiving me when I sin. Help me to remember “Nothing is too hard for You!”

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 45,46; Luke 1

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

Worship Only God!

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

Worship
Only
God!

Turn my heart toward your statutes and not towards selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things

Scripture

Revelation 22

⁸ I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. ⁹ But he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!”

Observation

    Direct me in the path of your commands,

        for there I find delight.

    [36] Turn my heart toward your statutes

        and not toward selfish gain.

    [37] Turn my eyes away from worthless things;

        preserve my life according to your word.  Psalm 119:35-37

Everyday when we wake up our Monday night life group has the assignment to read these verses back to God out loud.

There are so many worthless things that our eyes can worship that can turn our hearts away from God.

Have you opened up God’s word this week? Maybe reading Psalm 119:35-37 everyday this week out loud would keep us all heading the right direction this week.

I love how John ends Revelation 22:

²⁰ He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!”
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

Application

I will read Psalm 119:35-37 everyday this week out loud to the Lord. How about you? Will you worship Him?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

DIRECT ME IN THE PATH OF YOUR COMMANDS,

FOR THERE I FIND DELIGHT.

TURN MY HEART TOWARD YOUR STATUTES

AND NOT TOWARD SELFISH GAIN.

TURN MY EYES AWAY FROM WORTHLESS THINGS;

PRESERVE MY LIFE ACCORDING TO YOUR WORDS.

Psalm 119:35-37

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 42,43,44; Revelation 22;

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

May You Live To Enjoy Your Grandchildren!

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

May
You
Live To Enjoy Your Grandchildren!

God has blessed us with 10 wonderful grandchildren and He has allowed us to live long enough to enjoy them! What a blessing! Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing us with such great kids and for them giving us such wonderful grandchildren. They are amazing.

Scripture

Psalm 128

¹ How joyful are those who fear the Lord—
    all who follow his ways!
 
² You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
    How joyful and prosperous you will be!
 
³ Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
    flourishing within your home.
 
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
    as they sit around your table.
 
⁴ That is the Lord’s blessing
    for those who fear him.

6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.(a)

Observation

This is a great Psalm for everyone who follows the Lord! I especially like what the Psalmist says in verse 6!

Kathy and I just came back from an early morning breakfast at one of our grandchildren’s school in Riverview to celebrate Grandparent’s day with her. We are very proud of Tori Elise Williams whom we just got to have breakfast with!

In just a few minutes another one of our granddaughters will be here at our house. Kathy and I get the opportunity to take care of Amelie Veda Gandhi 3 days a week for a few hours each day.

God has blessed us with 10 wonderful grandchildren and He has allowed us to live long enough to enjoy them! What a blessing!

We are very proud of all 10 of them!

Application

I will enjoy every moment that we get with our grandchildren. And I will continue to pray for them and for their parents! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing us with such great kids and for them giving us such wonderful grandchildren. They are amazing. Thank You for these special gifts. Help them to grow up to love and to walk closely with You. I pray for their parents that they too would walk close to You and honor You with the way that they live. Bless them Lord. Show Your favor on each one of them. Bless our daughter Jenny today on her birthday. Give her a great day today and continue bless her with good health and Your favor in the years ahead.

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 40,41; Psalms 128; Revelation 21

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

Anyone Whose Name Was Not Found Recorded In The Book Of Life Was Thrown Into The Lake Of Fire

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

Anyone Whose Name
Was Not Found Recorded In The Book Of Life
Was Thrown Into The Lake Of Fire

Is your name recorded in the Book of Life? Are you 10% sure, 50% sure, 70%, or a 100% sure? Hell is a very real place. We don’t just cease to exist. We are going to either Heaven or Hell when we die.

Scripture

Revelation 20

¹⁴ Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. ¹⁵ And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Observation

Is your name recorded in the Book of Life? Are you 10% sure, 50% sure, 70%, or a 100% sure?

Hell is a very real place. We don’t just cease to exist when we die. We are going to either Heaven or Hell when we die.

A young man once told me that he was going to go to Hell when he died. I had just asked him the question, “If you were to die today where would you spend Eternity? His wife Sheila had visited our church when Kathy and I were serving at First Baptist Brandon and the following week I went to their house because I wanted to talk to her husband Greg.

I told Greg, “Do you realize what you are saying? You are saying that when you die you will be forever separated from your wife Sheila and from your son Greg Jr.” We talked a few more minutes. I gave him a Gospel tract and told him I would be back the next week to see if he had any questions about the tract that I had left with him. And he went back inside his house.

The next week I returned to talk to Greg again and this is what he said,

“Eddy, I want you to know that after you left I could not stop thinking about what you said. I couldn’t stop thinking about being separated forever from my family. I was scared. I couldn’t sleep for days. Finally I got up and I fell to my knees and I asked Jesus Christ to save me.” The last time I heard from Greg he was serving the Lord as a pastor of a local church. He and his wife Sheila were serving the Lord together.

Hell is a real place. It is a terrible place where you will be Eternally separated from your loved ones that know the Lord Jesus Christ.

 So I will ask you again, “Is your name recorded in the Book of Life? Are you 10% sure, 50% sure, 70%, or a 100% sure?”

Application

I will share the Good News with everyone that I can. The Good News that Hell is a real place but you don’t have to end up there.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, bring more people into my life like Greg that need to hear the Good News. Open their hearts to Your Gospel. Help them to understand that they are lost and that they need a Savior. Help them to trust Christ and receive Eternal Life. You are Lord. Nothing is too hard for You.

Daily Bible Reading:  Ezekiel 38,39; Psalms 145; Revelation 20

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