My Times Are In Your Hands

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

My Times
Are In
Your Hands

Scripture

Psalm 31

¹⁵ My times are in your hands

Observation

In all of my 64 years (almost 65) I had never ever fallen off of a ladder until yesterday!

I just got home from the hospital a few minutes ago and I will be fine. I have a few stitches in my ear and a couple of places on my head that they had to staple together, but other than that I am okay. They kept me overnight for observation just because of the injuries to my head.

I was helping Angel Cruz, Jim White, Robert Sullivan, and Jack Roush work up in KidsCity changing out some lights. They climbed up and down the ladders I was just there giving them my support. After we had finished for the day and had finished cleaning up I went up a ladder in our maintenance shop to a loft where we store air conditioning filters. I have been up there hundreds of times before without a problem.

When I lost my balance and fell I fell and landed on my shoulders and then hit my head. If my head had hit first I would not be writing this simple blog.

As I was lying there trying to stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure with my hand I could still feel blood coming out from somewhere else. I was able to call Angel who was still on the church grounds and he ran over to help me.  Special thanks to Myrna Cruz, and Brian Sommers for running over to help me too.

My times are in the Lord’s hands! One day God will decide to take me home and I will be with Him in glory!

Application

I am grateful that God has allowed me more time on planet earth!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing more time to be here on this earth. My times are in Your hands. You are good. All the time! Thank You for all the people that prayed for me. Thank You for giving us such wonderful friends.


Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 28,29; Acts 7; Psalm 31; Proverbs 31



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

> I have made it a habit to pray for those who read this blog! I enjoy lifting you and your family up to the Lord in prayer.

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

You Are The Salt Of The Earth You Are The Light Of The World

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

You Are The Salt Of The Earth
You
Are The Light Of The World

Scripture

Matthew 5

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Observation

Do you have a “life verse”? My life verse is Matthew 5:16. I learned that verse I guess when I was a in the R.A.’s (Royal Ambassadors for Christ) in a small Baptist church that my Granny took me to when I was just a little guy about 8 or 9 years old. I have never forgotten that verse!

You and I, if we are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, are to be to those around us like salt and light. Salt both influences and preserves. As salt you and I are called on to influence those around us and cause them to have a hunger and thirst for Jesus Christ. Our godliness is also supposed to slow down the moral rot that is going on all around us.

We are to be the light of the world. Our lives should shine in such a way that people see Jesus in us.

Today we have the opportunity to be both “salt” and “light”. Let’s do it!

Application

I will light my light shine today! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me live up to my life verse today. Help my influence count for what matters today. Don’t let me lose my saltiness. Don’t let me lose my influence for You. I pray for our leadership team today. Give them strength to serve You well. Keep them away from stupid sins that would cause them to lose their influence. Help them to be the salt and the light that You have called them to be! Bless my children and my grandchildren today. Help them to see the need for being in church tomorrow. Give them the desire to go and help them to grow in Christ.

Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 25,26,27; Acts 6; Psalm 30, Proverbs 30; Matthew 5:13-20



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

Only Fools Say In Their Hearts There Is No God

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

Only Fools
Say In Their Hearts
There Is No God

Scripture

Psalm 14

1 Only fools say in their hearts,
    “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;
    not one of them does good!

Observation

We don’t use the word “Fool” too much these days to describe those around us! Some folks (not us) use other derogatory words that I will not repeat to describe someone who is a “fool”. 

So we could use these synonyms when we talk about someone that does not believe there is a God: simpleton, dolt, dunce, blockhead, numskull, ignoramus, dunderhead, ninny, nincompoop, booby, saphead, sap, zany, clown, moron, imbecile, and an idiot.

Believing that there is a God is a good start, but the Bible says that we must do more than just believe that God is for real. 

Even the demons believe that there is a God. 

“You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.” James 2:19

Foolish people believe that there is no God. Smart people believe that there is a God that loves us and that God has sent His Son Jesus Christ to save us from our sins!

⁸ But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. ⁹ And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. ¹⁰ For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. ¹¹ So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:8-11


Genius or Fool the choice is ours! 

Application

I believe that God loves me. I believe that God sent Jesus Christ to this earth to die for my sins. I put all of my faith and trust in Him. I am no fool. I am a friend of God through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that some that are reading this simple blog may not yet believe that Jesus Christ came to this earth to save them. Open up their spiritual eyes and allow them to understand the truth of Your Word. Don’t let them be fooled, blinded and deceived by the Evil one.

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 23,24; Psalms 14; Acts 5

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

There Is Salvation In No One Else! God Has Given No Other Name Under Heaven By Which We Must Be Saved

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

There Is Salvation In No One Else!
God Has Given
No Other Name Under Heaven By Which We Must Be Saved

Scripture

Acts 4

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

Observation

There is a Savior and He is not presently running for President of the United States!

Jesus Christ – Do you know Him?

Is He Your Savior? Have you prayed and surrendered your life to Him?

Why not call on Him right now?

 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.  for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:9-10,13

There is salvation in no one else!

All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen. Jude 1:25

   

  

Application

I will continue to share the Good News about my Savior every chance I get. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, if I was not one of your children I would be scared to death right now thinking about the future of our country. I don’t understand what is going on but I know that You are in control. You are Sovereign. I put my faith and my trust in You. I do pray for our President that you give him wisdom and that you guide his heart. I pray for the leadership of our country that they would seek Your face and put their trust and their faith in You. If an ungodly person is elected to lead our country I realize that they are only allowed to lead because you have let them. I know that who ever is elected it will not catch You by surprise and I know that You are still in control. One day Jesus Christ my Savior will return and He will straighten out this mess once and for all! Come Lord Jesus! Come!

Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 21,22; Psalms 12; Acts 4; Psalm 28; Proverbs 28


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

My Heart Has Heard You Say, “Come And Talk With Me.” And My Heart Responds, “LORD, I Am Coming.”

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

My Heart Has Heard You Say,
“Come And Talk With Me.”
And My Heart Responds, “LORD, I Am Coming.”

Scripture

Psalm 27

⁸ My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
    And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

Observation

If you and I are Christ followers, believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, then everyday we need to listen for the Lord. He wants to talk with us. Your heart and my heart have heard God say, “Come and talk to me.”

Slow down. Take a few minutes and talk with the Lord! Open us His Word everyday and spend time with Him.

Listen and your heart will hear the Lord say, “Come and talk to me.” Then let your heart respond, “Lord, I am coming.”

Take time everyday to read God’s Word. You can find some great devotionals and Bible reading plans at https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/  

I use the Bible reading plan http://www.enewhope.org/bible/ and I sometimes add a Psalm and Proverb to that plan like I did today!

Application

I will pay attention and I will listen for God to say, “Come and talk to me.”

Prayer

 Lord, You are my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? You are my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path …  I am confident I will see Your goodness while I am here in the land of the living.   I will wait patiently for the Lord. I will be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:1,3,11-14 (Personalized)


Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 17,18,19,20; Acts 3; Psalm 27; Proverbs 27


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

So The People Of Israel Walked Through The Middle Of The Sea On Dry Ground, With Walls Of Water On Each Side!

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

So The People Of Israel
Walked Through The Middle Of The Sea On Dry Ground,
With Walls Of Water On Each Side!

Scripture

Exodus 14

¹⁵ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!

¹⁶ Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.

²¹ Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. ²² So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!

Observation

Can you imagine if God opened up a path for us to walk across the Tampa Bay with walls of water on each side? Kathy and I drove over the Sunshine Skyway this past Friday. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to walk through a stretch of water like that with the water walled up on each side!

When the Israelites got across (there were probably 1.5 to 2 million of them) Moses raised his hand over the sea and it rushed back to it usual place drowning every Egyptian that had been chasing them. We serve a Mighty God!

“I will sing to the Lord,
    for he has triumphed gloriously;
he has hurled both horse and rider
    into the sea.
² The Lord is my strength and my song;
    he has given me victory.
This is my God, and I will praise him—
    my father’s God, and I will exalt him!
³ The Lord is a warrior;
    Yahweh is his name!
⁴ Pharaoh’s chariots and army
    he has hurled into the sea.
The finest of Pharaoh’s officers
    are drowned in the Red Sea.
⁵ The deep waters gushed over them;
    they sank to the bottom like a stone.
Exodus 15:1-5

This is the same God who is on our side! Lets give Him praise!

Application

The Lord is on my side. There is no reason to be afraid!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, everyday I experience your miracles. Don’t let me complain like the Israelites did after you walked them through the Red Sea! Don’t let me complain. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Give me the faith to believe You everyday. Nothing is too hard for You! I praise You for how powerfully You have worked in my life. You are Worthy of Praise!

Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 14,15,16; Acts 2; Psalm 26, Proverbs 26

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

O LORD I Give My Life To You, I Trust In You, My God!

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

O LORD
I Give My Life To You,
I Trust In You, My God!

Lets start this week out right! Lets say in our hearts and lets even say it out loud on this Monday morning, “O LORD I give my life to You, I trust in You, my God!” Jesus Christ came to this earth so that we could have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. He died on a cross to pay the penalty for our sins, but each of us must acknowledge what God did for us on that cross. We must surrender our lives to God through the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Scripture

Psalm 25

¹ O Lord, I give my life to you.
    I trust in you, my God!

Observation

Lets start this week out right! Lets say in our hearts and lets even say it out loud on this Monday morning, “O LORD I give my life to You, I trust in You, my God!”

Jesus Christ came to this earth so that we could have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. He died on a cross to pay the penalty for our sins, but each of us must acknowledge what God did for us on that cross.

We must surrender our lives to God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Are we going to trust in ourselves this week and live this week like God does not exist or are we going to acknowledge that there is a Creator God who loves us and wants us to have a relationship with Him?

Application

I don’t know about you, but I am surrendering my life to Jesus Christ right now. He is my Lord and my Savior. Have you surrendered your life to Christ? Have you said with all of your heart, “O LORD, I give my life to you, I trust in you, my God?

Prayer

This is going to be a great week. No matter what happens it is still going to be a great week. I know because I am letting you be in control of my life. I pray for any of my friends that might be reading this simple blog. I pray that they would give their lives to You totally, completely, 100 %. Help them. Give them boldness; give them the courage to surrender. 



Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 12,13; Psalms 21, 25; Acts 1; Proverbs 25

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

Then He Opened Their Minds To Understand The Scriptures

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

Then He
Opened Their Minds
To Understand The Scriptures

Jesus had been crucified. He had been placed in a tomb. And on the third day Jesus came back to life! As Jesus met with his disciples and talked to them about everything that had happened to Him Jesus opened their minds so that they could understand the Scriptures. I pray that as you read your Bible that God will open up your mind so that you can understand the Scriptures.

Scripture

Luke 24

⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

Observation

Jesus had been crucified. He had been placed in a tomb. And on the third day Jesus came back to life! As Jesus met with his disciples and talked to them about everything that had happened to Him Jesus opened their minds so that they could understand the Scriptures.

I pray that as you read your Bible that God will open up your mind so that you can understand the Scriptures.

In a few minutes I will be teaching a Bible study class and as I was preparing for the class and looking at the Scripture for today I prayed for God to give me understanding of His Word. Our lessons over the next 6 weeks will come from Matthew 5, which is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

As I read God’s Word everyday it is always new and exciting. I understand and see more every time I read through the Bible. And I am sure that you do too!

Application

I will ask God to help me to understand and apply His Word.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, today we celebrate the 5-year anniversary of our church. Help this day bring You honor and glory. We praise You. Thank You for what You are doing and all of what You have done. Thank You for all of the changed lives at Christ Fellowship! Continue to bless our Pastor and his wife and their children. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 9,10,11; Luke 24; Psalm 24; Proverbs 24; Matthew 5:1-12



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

> I have made it a habit to pray for those who read this blog! I enjoy lifting you and your family up to the Lord in prayer.

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

O My Son Give Me Your Heart. May Your Eyes Take Delight In Following My Ways.

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

O My Son
Give Me Your Heart.
May Your Eyes Take Delight In Following My Ways.

What does God want from me? What does God want from you? He wants our hearts! There is a battle over our hearts today. Do we put Him first today? Will we love Him with all of our heart, with all of our strength, with all of our mind, and with all of our soul? Everyday we have this choice to make!

Scripture

Proverbs 23

²⁶ O my son, give me your heart.
    May your eyes take delight in following my ways.

Observation

What does God want from me? What does God want from you? He wants our hearts! 

 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27

“But put God’s kingdom first. Do what he wants you to do. Then all those things will also be given to you.” Matthew 6:33 NIRV

There is a battle over our hearts today. Do we put Him first today? Will we love Him with all of our heart, with all of our strength, with all of our mind, and with all of our soul? 

Everyday we have this choice to make!

 Application

I will love the Lord today with all of my heart, with all of my strength, with all of my mind, and with all of my soul! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, “You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Create in me a clean heart, O God.  Renew a loyal spirit within me. Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt.  Purify me from my sin.” 

Help me to Love You with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my strength and with all my mind’; and, ‘Help me to love my neighbor as myself.    Psalm 51:16,17,10,1-2; Luke 10:27

Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 6,7,8; Luke 23; Psalm 23; Proverbs 23

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

I Am Teaching You Today – Yes, You --- So You Will Trust In The LORD

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

I Am Teaching You Today –
Yes, You ---
So You Will Trust In The LORD

I have heard people say and you probably have heard it said too, “Just trust in yourself.” Maybe we have even said that phrase to ourselves or to someone else that lacked self-confidence, but it much more important for us to learn to put our total trust in the Lord. Living your life and living my life like God doesn’t exist is a lousy way to live. God wants to bless you. He wants to bless me. It is impossible for Him to do that if we don’t trust Him and put our faith in Him.

Scripture

Proverbs 22

¹⁹ I am teaching you today—yes, you—
    so you will trust in the Lord.

Observation

I have heard people say and you probably have heard it said too, “Just trust in yourself.” Maybe we have even said that phrase to ourselves or to someone else that lacked self-confidence, but it much more important for us to learn to put our total trust in the Lord.

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6 

“Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.” Psalm 34:10

“The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7

 Living your life and living my life like God doesn’t exist is a lousy way to live. God wants to bless you. He wants to bless me. It is impossible for Him to do that if we don’t trust Him and put our faith in Him. 

    “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

   

Application

I will strive to trust the Lord today with every detail of my life today. I will talk to Him all day long. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, because You are my Shepherd, I have everything I need! You let me rest in the meadow grass and You lead me beside the quiet streams. You give me new strength. You help me do what honors him the most. Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way. You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow! Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home. Psalm 23:1-6 (Personalized)

   

Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 3,4,5; Luke 22; Psalm 22; Proverbs 22


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

Nations Will Be In Turmoil, Perplexed By The Roaring Seas And Strange Tides

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

Nations Will Be In Turmoil,
Perplexed
By The Roaring Seas And Strange Tides

Global warming … we haven’t seen anything yet! I don’t know if what is happening around our planet, this rising of the oceans and the melting of the ice caps, the fierce storms, the droughts, record heat, record cold, etc. are caused by our abuse and misuse as some government leaders seem to think. But this one thing I do know … we haven’t seen “anything” yet! Jesus says that what is going to happen in the future will be terrifying. Any one government won’t cause what is coming and no government no matter what kind of drastic measures are put in place is going to stop it.  

Scripture

Luke 21

²⁵ “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. ²⁶ People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. ²⁷ Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸ So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”

Observation

Global warming … we haven’t seen anything yet! I don’t know if what is happening around our planet, this rising of the oceans and the melting of the ice caps, the fierce storms, the droughts, record heat, record cold, etc. are caused by our abuse and misuse as some government leaders seem to think. But this one thing I do know … we haven’t seen “anything” yet!

Jesus says that what is going to happen in the future will be terrifying. Any one government won’t cause what is coming and no government no matter what kind of drastic measures are put in place is going to stop it.  

Just sayin … we have not seen anything yet!

Do I think Global warming is real? Yes, I do. Do I think that is man made? I am not sure that all of what is happening can be blamed or be credited to mankind. Who knows, maybe God is getting ready to turn up the heat. Maybe just maybe God is getting this earth prepared for the arrival of His Son Jesus Christ.

God tells us what to do when we see these things start happening. Just look at verse twenty-eight, “ So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”

Application

As I read and hear of all of the weather phenomena happening around the world, I am going to stand and look up. God has this whole world in His hand!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that Jesus Christ is returning soon. I am looking up. I am standing my ground. I am not fretting or worrying about what is happening around the world. I know that You are Sovereign. You are in control. None of this takes You by surprise. The tides, the oceans, the ice caps, blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes, and droughts not one of them happens without Your permission. One day Jesus Christ will return on a cloud in power and glory. Come Lord Jesus! Come! 


Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 1,2; Psalms 88; Luke 21



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

What Are Mere Mortals That You Should Think About Them, Human Beings That You Should Care For Them?

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

What Are Mere Mortals
That You Should Think About Them,
Human Beings That You Should Care For Them? 

Scripture

Psalms 8

³ When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
    the moon and the stars you set in place—

⁴ what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
    human beings that you should care for them?

⁵ Yet you made them only a little lower than God
    and crowned them with glory and honor.

Observation

Why does the God Who created everything care about us? Just look at us! Why should He care for us? It is hard to imagine why, but He does!

Nothing escapes Him; He even knows how many hairs we have or how many hairs we used to have on our heads.

²⁹ What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. ³⁰ And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31
God loves us. We don’t deserve it.
    “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”. Romans 5:8


   

God is for us. He is not against us.
“My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!” Psalm 56:9

Application

I will pray Psalm 8 back to the Lord this morning!

Prayer

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

² You have taught children and infants
    to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
    and all who oppose you.
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?
⁵ Yet you made them only a little lower than God
    and crowned them with glory and honor.

⁶ You gave them charge of everything you made,
    putting all things under their authority—
⁷ the flocks and the herds
    and all the wild animals,
 
⁸ the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
    and everything that swims the ocean currents.
⁹ O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!


Daily Bible Reading:  Genesis 49,50; Psalms 8; Luke 20

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

He Has Gone To Be The Guest Of A Notorious Sinner

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

He Has Gone
To Be The
Guest Of A Notorious Sinner

Scripture

Luke 19

Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. ² There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. ³ He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. ⁴ So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.

⁵ When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

⁶ Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. ⁷ But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.
⁸ Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
⁹ Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. ¹⁰ For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

Observation

I love this story! This story should give you and me hope! Why? Jesus came to seek and to save you and He came to save me – because we are sinners that need a Savior?

Maybe you are wrongly thinking right that you aren’t so bad and maybe you are even thinking that you are good enough to get into Heaven. Let me burst your bubble. You and I are not getting into Heaven because of our goodness. You and I are sinners. You and I both deserve to go to Hell.

You and I need to put our faith and our trust in the only Savior that can take away the penalty of our sins – the Lord Jesus Christ.

Zacchaeus was so bad that nobody liked him. He was the worst of the worst. He was a crooked, corrupt, tax collector. He was so bad that he had become notorious! Yet, he realized his condition and he turned and trusted in Jesus Christ and was forever changed!

I can still remember that day when I was forever changed. I can remember when I put my trust and my faith in Jesus Christ. 

Have you made the decision to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior and as your Lord? You can do that right now. Just talk to Him right now and ask Him to be your Lord and your Savior. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins. Ask Him to come into your life. And then thank Him for saving you and for giving you Eternal life. 

I am a sinner. I have quit bluffing. I have put my faith and my trust in Jesus Christ and I have asked Him to save me from my sins. 

 How about you? 

Jesus said, ^“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

Application

I will share with everyone that I can the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, this morning as I read this story about Zacchaeus I am reminded how much You love us. But You showed Your great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8) I know that You sent Jesus to this earth to seek and to save those who are lost. Help anyone that may be reading this blog to understand this Good News and help them to put their faith and their trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Set them free today just like you set Zacchaeus free!

   

Daily Bible Reading:  Genesis 47,48; Psalms 10; Luke 19

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

I Don’t Fear God Or Care About People, But This Woman Is Driving Me Crazy

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

I Don’t Fear God
Or Care About People,
But This Woman Is Driving Me Crazy

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

I love this story. Jesus tells us this story to encourage us that we should always pray and never give up!

What have you been praying for and praying for and are tempted to give up? Don’t do it! Keep on praying. Don’t give up!

I have been praying for my children since they were little. I prayed for them even before they were born. My children are now grown, but I am still praying for them. This past week I read in an old spiritual journal that I have written in off and on in since the early 1970’s and in that journal I was constantly praying for my children.

Application

Today I am still praying for my children and I will never give up! I am praying to my Heavenly Father who loves me and who will answer my prayers.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You have told me in Your Word that “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!  He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates. You have given to me a full quiver and I give You thanks for each and every one of them. Bless them. Direct their lives so that they can be pleasing to You. Thank You for working in their lives. I know that You will answer all of my prayers that I have ever prayed for them. I will never give up!


Daily Bible Reading:  Genesis 44,45,46; Luke 18

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

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!

Listen
To My Voice In The Morning, LORD.
Each Morning I Bring My Requests To You And Wait Expectantly. 

Scripture

Psalms 5


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

Observation

Every morning I wake up get my cup of coffee and meet the Lord as I sit at our dining room table! How about you?

This morning I read about Joseph in the book of Genesis, I read from the Psalms, and then I got to read in the Gospel of Luke.

After I read and after I write this simple blog I take time to pray for every person that clicked “like”. I pray for some people that I have never had the opportunity to meet but it seems like I already know them.

You and I have some big requests that we are asking the Lord to answer. 

I don’t come to the Lord begging for Him to answer me this morning, no, I come and I wait expectantly.

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you if you have surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus Christ.

    And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Romans 8:38

   

Application

I come expectantly to the Lord this morning. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray these scriptures back to You this morning:

    Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? Will God? No! He is the one who has given us right standing with himself. [34] Who then will condemn us? Will Christ Jesus? No, for he is the one who died for us and was raised to life for us and is sitting at the place of highest honor next to God, pleading for us. 

    [35] Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death? [36] (Even the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") [37] No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 

    [38] And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. [39] Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:33-39

   

Daily Bible Reading:  Genesis 42,43; Psalms 5; Luke 17



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

Use Your Worldly Resources To Benefit Others And Make Friends

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

Use Your
Worldly Resources
To Benefit Others And Make Friends

Scripture

Luke 16

⁸ “The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light.
 
⁹ Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.

¹⁰ “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. ¹¹ And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? ¹² And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?

Observation

The people around us can be and they are very shrewd. Just read the newspaper and you can see just how shrewd people can be! 

Jesus tells a story about a rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus a little further down in this same chapter of Luke. The rich man thought that he was pretty shrewd. Read the story and you will find out that it didn’t turn out well at all for that shrewd rich man!

If you and I are going to be rich then lets be rich in friends! 

I find it interesting to hear how generous all of us would be if we won a lottery. 

I have said to Kathy that if I ever found a winning lottery ticket on the ground this is what I would do. I would do blah, blah, and blah and then I would give most of it away, and you have probably said the same thing.

The real hard question for all of us is this, “How generous are we now”? 

Don’t think that the man and woman that live in Tennessee that just won a third of the Powerball jackpot are going to now live a worry free life. On the contrary, their lives will never be free of worry anymore! Not unless, they really do quickly give it all away!

Application

The message to me this morning is that I need to be a good steward of what God has allowed me to have. I am to use it well. I need to be generous and not stingy.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to live in a way that brings You honor and glory. Don’t let me look at possessions and money as anything other than being on loan from You. I don’t own anything. I am not taking anything with me when I die. Show me how to use what I have in a way that pleases You. 


Daily Bible Reading:  Genesis 39,40,41; Luke 16

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

For You Look Deep Within The Mind And Heart, O Righteous God

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

For You Look
Deep Within The Mind And Heart,
O Righteous God

Scripture

Psalm 7

9…b For you look deep within the mind and heart,
    O righteous God.

¹⁰ God is my shield,
    saving those whose hearts are true and right.

¹¹ God is an honest judge.
    He is angry with the wicked every day.

Observation

Adam and Eve after they had sinned tried to hide from God in the Garden. It is impossible to hide from God; we can’t even think a thought without Him knowing exactly what we are thinking.

“Those dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.” Romans 8:5

I don’t know about you, but there are a lot of thoughts that have gone around in my head that would not be pleasing and must not have pleased my Heavenly Father.

If your thoughts and my thoughts were put up on a big screen for everyone to see both of us would be very embarrassed. Yet God does see them and in spite of what He sees He still loves us.

You and I are both sinners. I am a forgiven sinner. I don’t know about you. Neither of us, because we are sinners deserve a relationship with God. We deserve to go to Hell. God sent Jesus His own Son to give His life as a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for all my sins in full with His death on the cross.

¹ O Lord, you have examined my heart
    and know everything about me.
² You know when I sit down or stand up.
    You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
³ You see me when I travel
    and when I rest at home.
    You know everything I do.
⁴ You know what I am going to say
    even before I say it, Lord.
⁵ You go before me and follow me.
    You place your hand of blessing on my head.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too great for me to understand! Psalm 139:1-6

Application

I will pray Psalm 139:23-24 to the Lord this morning.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, this is my prayer to You this morning!

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ Point out anything in me that offends you,
    and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24


Daily Bible Reading:  Genesis 37,38; Psalms 7; Luke 15

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