Even When There Was No Reason For Hope, Abraham Kept Hoping – Believing That He Would Become The Father Of Many Nations.

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

Even When There Was No Reason For Hope,
Abraham Kept Hoping –
Believing That He Would Become The Father Of Many Nations. 




Scripture

Romans 4

¹⁸ Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” ¹⁹ And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.

²⁰ Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. ²¹ He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.

 ²² And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. ²³ And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded ²⁴ for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.
 

Observation

You know the story; Abraham was 100 years old when God finally gave him his son Isaac.
Here is an amazing part of the story that you might have missed; Abraham’s faith grew stronger and stronger as he got older and older! 

Amazing! 

He must have been thinking to himself, “Lord, I don’t know how You are going to do this with this old body of mine but I know that you are going to do it – and then God finally did it! 

There are some things in my life that I am by faith waiting on God to do. How about you? There is still some of my family that I am still waiting to see live and walk in a close relationship with the Lord. 

And I am fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises. How about you?

Application

I will hold on to all of God’s promises. How about you? 

John 16:24
    Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

   

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to have the faith of Abraham. Help my faith to grow stronger and stronger everyday. Don’t let me doubt You for a minute. Nothing is too hard for You.

Ephesians 3:20

    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,

   

Daily Bible Reading:  Romans 1,2,3,4



> 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!

Keep Away From Everything That Even Looks Like Sin.

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

Keep Away
From Everything
That Even Looks Like Sin.



Scripture

1 Thessalonians 5

¹⁶ Always be joyful. ¹⁷ Never stop praying. ¹⁸ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

¹⁹ Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Do not scoff at prophecies, ²¹ but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. ²² Stay away from every kind of evil. NLT

1 Thessalonians 5

22 Keep away from everything that even looks like sin. NLV

Observation

In the King James Version of the Bible it says, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” If we are tempted to dabble with something or in something that is questionable this verse warns us not to do it! If it is a gray area, something that is not black or white, don’t do it; Stay away from it. Do things that will bring God glory and honor. Let’s live our lives in a way that makes God smile. Let’s not do anything that even looks like sin! 

1 Peter 5

⁸ Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.

Ephesians 6

11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Application

I will strive to live my life in a way that honors God. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, keep me away from stupid sins, sins that will destroy my life, sins that will damage my testimony, sins that will make You frown. Keep me away from anything that even looks like sin. If it is questionable help me say no to it. I pray for those that are reading this blog that may be holding onto a habit that does not glorify You. Give them strength to let it go. Give them the strength to say, “No”. Help them to live lives worthy of their calling. 

Daily Bible Reading:  1 Thessalonians 4,5; 2 Thessalonians 1,2,3



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

We Pleaded With You, Encouraged You, And Urged You To Live Your Lives In A Way That God Would Consider Worthy.

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

We Pleaded With You, Encouraged You,
And
Urged You To Live Your Lives In A Way That God Would Consider Worthy.



Scripture

1 Thessalonians 2

12 We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.

Observation

God loves you and He loves me just like we are, but He loves us way too much to let us stay the way we are!

As followers of Jesus Christ we have been given the mandate to make disciples, to help people grow in Christ. Nobody said that the job was going to be easy.

We must plead, encourage, and urge people to grow in Christ. Some folks are not ready for our encouragement to grow so they resist and they push back, but there are other folks when encouraged grow by leaps and bounds.

They get it!

You and I need to keep our eyes and our focus on them.

Don’t ever let resistant, faltering, half-hearted people consume all of your time and energy.

Invest most of your time, pleading, encouraging, and urging those who get it.

And let’s continue to pray for those who are having a hard time committing his or her life to Christ so that one day the light will turn on in their heart and they will hopefully finally get it.

 Application

I will not give up pleading, encouraging, and urging believers to grow in Christ. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, this is my prayer for those reading this blog this morning:

 “I always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As I pray to our God and Father about you, I think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 I know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. For when I brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what I said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you.” I Thessalonians 1:1-5 (Personalized)

Help more and more people understand the Gospel. I pray that more and more of the people I love will commit their lives to You and turn from sinful and selfish living. Open up their eyes and their hearts Lord to the Good News that You have for them!

Daily Bible Reading:  Matthew 28; 1 Thessalonians 1,2,3

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

Teach Me How To Live, O LORD.

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

Teach Me
How
To Live, O LORD.

Scripture

Psalm 27

¹¹ Teach me how to live, O Lord.
    Lead me along the right path,
    for my enemies are waiting for me.

Observation

King David knew what to pray. He knew that he needed God’s help so that he didn’t mess up his life. There is no way to live life and not mess it up if you and I are not asking God to show us how to live. 

Life is full of enemies. There is always something or someone fighting against us. 

Enemies really are out there waiting for us. King David’s confidence was in God and not in himself. And that is exactly where our confidence and our security need to be.  

Application

I will ask God to teach me how to live. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I do want You to teach me how to live my life so I don’t mess it up. Keep me on the right path. I know that Satan and all of his cronies are out to get me off onto the wrong path. Help me to trust You with all my heart and help me to not lean on my own understanding. Help me to acknowledge You in all that I do so that You will direct my path. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Psalms 125; Matthew 26,27; Psalm 27, Psalm 127; Proverbs 27



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

But You Will Not Even Need To Fight. Take Your Positions; Then Stand Still And Watch The LORD’s Victory.

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

But You Will Not Even Need To Fight.
Take Your Positions;
Then Stand Still And Watch The LORD’s Victory.


Scripture

2 Chronicles 20

¹⁵ He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. ¹⁶ Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel.  

¹⁷ But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”

²⁰ Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.”

²¹ After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: 

“Give thanks to the Lord;
    his faithful love endures forever!”

²² At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. ²³ The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other.  

²⁴ So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.

Observation

“Give thanks to the LORD; His faithful love endures forever!” Singers went out ahead of the army singing praises and giving thanks.

The enemy greatly out numbered them! God had promised them victory. In fact, God told them that they would not even have to fight!

God told them, “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

What battles are you fighting that belong to God?

Let’s turn them over to Him and let’s let Him fight our battles. The Bible is full of stories like this one and that is because God wants to show us that we can depend on Him.

Why so many stories?

We are slow learners! At least I am!

Did you notice that they were giving thanks to the Lord for the victory as they marched out to fight!

What do we need to thank God for in advance? 

 Application

I will give thanks now to the Lord for victory in some difficult situations even though I don’t see victory yet. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, if I was strong enough to win all of my battles by myself then why would I need to depend on You. But I can’t win these fights without Your help. I am helpless without You. You are my strength. I give You thanks right now for the battles that do not yet have a good outcome. These are Your battles; I will not be discouraged. I will not be afraid. I will trust in You.

I pray for others who are facing battles right now with health issues, relationship problems, and financial struggles. Help them to trust in You. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Matthew 23,24,25; Psalm 26, Psalm 126; Proverbs 26; 2 Chronicles 20

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

O LORD, Do Good To Those Who Are Good, Whose Hearts Are In Tune With You.

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

O LORD, Do Good To Those Who Are Good,
Whose
Hearts Are In Tune With You.




Scripture

Psalm 125

⁴ O Lord, do good to those who are good,
    whose hearts are in tune with you.

Observation

Does your heart need a tune up? Is my heart and your heart in tune with God? 

Don’t expect you, your spouse, your grown kids, or anyone else to act godly if hearts are not in tune with God! 

Yesterday, on Thanksgiving Day I snapped at Kathy! 

I wasn’t mad at Kathy. She hadn’t done a thing, but I had gotten upset and angry over something else! 

Of course, it was over something stupid! 

I had prayed an hour earlier asking God to let me enjoy all of our company and I had already blown it! 

Once again, I had to say to Kathy, “I am sorry”. 

It is amazing how fast our hearts can get out of tune and become so unlike the heart of God! 

I am glad that God’s heart never needs a tune up! 

Do you need to tell someone, “I am sorry”? … Do you need a tune-up? 

Application

God showed me every time my heart gets out of alignment!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, nobody needs to tell me that I am a sinner. I show that to myself everyday. I want to have a heart that is in tune with Your heart. I want people to see Jesus in me and not the mean guy that so easily comes out with the least little inconvenience or problem.  Thank You for showing me through Your Word how to love those around me. Now help me love them like I know that I should. Thank You Lord for everyone person in our family. I did get to enjoy them all yesterday even with some bumps along the way! 

Daily Bible Reading:  Matthew 20,21,22; Psalm 25, Psalm 125; Proverbs 25

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

Give Thanks To Him And Bless His Name!

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

Give Thanks
To Him
And Bless His Name!

Scripture

Psalm 100

A psalm of thanksgiving.

Shout with joy to the Lord, O earth! 

[2] Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. 

[3] Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 

[4] Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. 

[5] For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

 Observation

You missed a blessing last night if you were not able to attend the special prayer and thanksgiving service! I appreciate Angel Cruz guiding us during this special time of prayer and praise! We were able to hear and share testimonies of God’s goodness in our lives. So before you and I gobble up that turkey lets take time to give him thanks! Our families don’t need a long sermon from us before we eat, but letting everyone share one thing that they are thankful for could make the day a day of real Thanksgiving! 

 Application

We will take time to make Thanksgiving a day of giving thanks! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I have so much to be thankful for. I am especially thankful today for my family, friends, and my health. I am so full of joy, a joy that comes from my relationship with You. Help me today to enjoy all the people that will walk through the door of our house this Thanksgiving Day!

Daily Bible Reading:  Matthew 17,18,19; Psalm 24, Psalm 124, Psalm 100; Proverbs 24

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

I Will Build My Church And All The Powers Of Hell Will Not Conquer It.

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

I Will Build My
Church
And All The Powers Of Hell Will Not Conquer It. 

Over that past 47 years of marriage Kathy and I have had the opportunity to be a part of many different churches in different parts of the country and in many different parts of the world. With everything that you and I might find wrong with “church” it is still the most powerful living force on this planet. Nothing is going to stop it! It is impacting and changing culture everywhere.

Scripture

Matthew 16

¹⁷ Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.
 
¹⁸ Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
 
¹⁹ And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

Observation

Over that past 47 years of marriage Kathy and I have had the opportunity to be a part of many different churches in different parts of the country and in many different parts of the world.

With everything that you and I might find wrong with “church” it is still the most powerful living force on this planet. Nothing is going to stop it! It is impacting and changing culture everywhere.

I first started going to church 48 years because I wanted to sit by a pretty teenager named Kathy!

Over the past 48 years I have watched hundreds and hundreds of people attending that same church have their lives completely transformed, one miracle after another!

It is not a perfect church; it is most definitely still a work in progress, but it is a wonderful powerful place where God is constantly changing lives!

My life was radically and forever changed by the power of Jesus Christ through His church!

Application

I look forward to being at church tonight for the Thanksgiving Prayer Service!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, when I think about how powerful Your church is working all over the world it amazes me. No matter where I go in this world I know that You are at work. Where there is no church there soon will be one, because You are sending out missionaries to take the Gospel to those places. Nothing is going to stop Your church. It will complete its mission! Help me to be a part of what You are doing. Don’t let me lose Your vision for what You are doing in and through our congregation. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Matthew 14,15,16

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

Come To Me, All Of You Who Are Weary And Carry Heavy Burdens, And I Will Give You Rest.

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

Come To Me,
All Of You Who Are Weary And Carry Heavy Burdens,
And I Will Give You Rest. 

Scripture

Matthew 11

²⁸ Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
 
²⁹ Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
 
³⁰ For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Observation

It is so easy to become weary! Life is brutal! It is Tuesday and maybe you are already wishing that it were Friday!

This world can and will beat us up.

That is why it is so good this morning to read Matthew 11:28-30.  Need to get away? Need rest?

Come to Jesus, and He will give you rest. You and I were created for a relationship with our Creator and life works when we depend on Him.

Life without Jesus is just a daily grind, an existence; it is a life filled with busyness and weariness.

So if you are weary and are carrying heavy burdens – Come to Jesus! 

It is what I am doing this morning. I am taking time to roll off my burdens onto Him!

“”””””””””””””””””””””””””

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

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

Application

I am taking time this morning to roll off my burdens onto Jesus!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that You want me to take time this morning and focus on You. Everything, all the things that seem crazy and out of control, not a one of them goes unnoticed by You. I am holding on to Your Word this morning. In the craziness and weariness of life You are my strength and my refuge. I pray for those who are going through hard times right now. I pray that they will come to You and find rest!

Daily Bible Reading:  Matthew 11,12,13


> 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!

Follow Me And Be My Disciple

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

“Follow Me
And
Be My Disciple.”



Scripture

Matthew 9

⁹ As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.

Observation

God’s intention and His purpose for you and me is that we become “disciples” of Jesus Christ! 

The call of Jesus on your life and on my life is for us to follow Him. How is that going? 

Can’t get out of bed on Sunday morning? Can’t open up your Bible and read it after you wake up? Don’t care about the people around you whether they know Jesus or not? 

This week lets take our eyes off of ourselves and actually be followers of the Lord Jesus Christ! 

Men, lets make a difference in someone’s life this week! Shock your family and friends by totally surrendering every part of your life to Jesus Christ! 

Lets shine for Jesus Christ! Lets be the followers that Christ wants us to be!
He saved us and transformed us to live lives that reflect Jesus!

Jesus is calling – “follow me and be my disciple.”

Application

I will follow Jesus Christ. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me and giving me Eternal Life. Thank You for allowing me to experience the Christian life. Help me to be the follower, the disciple that You want me to be. Help me to grow. Keep me away from stupid sins. Help me to challenge other men and women to be followers of Jesus Christ. I pray for anyone that may be reading this blog this morning. Help them to say “yes” to You. Help them to be obedient followers of Jesus Christ. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Matthew 8,9,10

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

That Is Why I Tell You Not To Worry About Everyday Life –

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

That Is Why
I Tell You
Not To Worry About Everyday Life –


Scripture

Matthew 6

²⁵ “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? ²⁷ Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

³³ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Observation

Here is why you and I should not worry about everyday life – Because your Heavenly Father already knows all our needs.  And if we will seek God’s Kingdom as our first priority then He will take care of all of our needs. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. This is not coming from Eddy Williams, no sir … it is coming directly from the Lord Jesus Christ. Trust Him today! Church starts in a few minutes. Lets get moving!

Application

I will not worry about everyday life. I will strive to put the Kingdom of God first today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for taking such good care of my family. Kathy and I are blessed. I pray today for those who are overwhelmed with problems. I pray for those who have pressing financial needs. Help them Lord. Help them to trust in You. I pray for those who have broken relationships. Give them strength. For those dealing with sickness I pray for healing. Help all of us to put our trust in You. You know exactly what we need!

Daily Bible Reading:  Matthew 5,6,7



> 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!

Prove By The Way You Live That You Have Repented Of Your Sins And Turned To God.

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

Prove By The Way
You Live
That You Have Repented Of Your Sins And Turned To God. 

Scripture

Matthew 3

8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.

Observation

Good Works won’t save anybody – that is very true, but if you and I are still living the same old way and still doing the same old sins Monday thru Saturday and coming to church on Sunday looking and acting like a saint - then something stinks!

 John the Baptist would call you and me, my friend, “Poisonous Snakes”. 

Pharisees and Sadducees acted one way when they were with church people and another way when they were not! 

It is true that we are all sinners, but there should be a marked difference in the way we live our lives 24/7! 

If there is not then we need to repent and get our hearts right with God. God wants to use you and He wants to use me for His Kingdom. 

He wants us to bring Him glory, but He can’t if we are only have half-heartedly committed to following Him. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 

    What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun! 

Matthew 5:16 

    In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

   


   


   

Application

Show me anything in my life that is not pleasing to You Lord so that I can stop it. And give me the inner strength to let it go.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we are all slaves to something. Don’t let me be a slave to sin. I want to be a slave only to You. Show me anything in my life that doesn’t please You. Help me to walk close to You today. I pray for others that may be reading this blog who may be living life with some contradictions in his or her walk. Help them to repent and confess it as sin. Give them the strength to turn from anything and everything that does not bring You glory. Help the men and women I know be 100% sold out to You. Help them to walk in victory today as mighty men and women of God!

Daily Bible Reading:  Matthew 1,2,3,4

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

Give Thanks To The LORD, For He Is Good!

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

Give Thanks
To The LORD,
For He Is Good!

Scripture

Psalm 118

21 I thank you for answering my prayer
    and giving me victory!
²⁹ Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
    His faithful love endures forever.

Observation

Have you noticed that Halloween and Christmas have swallowed up Thanksgiving! Both Halloween and Christmas have become such big commercial moneymaking holidays that stores hardly stock anything that has to do with Thanksgiving!

So I thought I would start a little early and begin today to give Thanks!

What are you thankful for?

Thank you Lord for my family, especially Kathy. Thank you Lord for my friends. Thank you Lord for my health.

Thank you Lord for You are good!

Psalm 100

¹ Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
²     Worship the Lord with gladness.
    Come before him, singing with joy.
³ Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
    He made us, and we are his.
    We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
    go into his courts with praise.
    Give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵ For the Lord is good.
    His unfailing love continues forever,
    and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.  1 Chronicles 16:8

Psalm 50:23  ^“But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.”

Last year Kathy started a gratitude journal with the goal of writing down 1,000 things that she is thankful for! So far she has about 850 things written down that she is thankful for and is heading quickly now towards 1,000!

Application

I will offer the sacrifice of “Thanksgiving” today to my Lord. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, just as I love to hear it when my children and my grandchildren say the words “Thank you!” I know that You love to hear it too! In fact, You say that it is a sacrifice that truly honors You. So right now I want to say to You – Thank You! Thank You for giving me the life that You have allowed me to live. I am rich. I am so blessed. I have the best friends in the world. You have blessed Kathy and I with wonderful children and grandchildren and You have generously provided for us. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You!

Daily Bible Reading:  Psalms 124; 2 Corinthians 11,12,13; Psalm 18, Psalm 118; Proverbs 18

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

The One Who Plants Generously Will Get A Generous Crop

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

The One
Who Plants Generously
Will Get A Generous Crop




Scripture

2 Corinthians 9

⁶ Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. ⁷ You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” ⁸ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

Observation

Last night one of the men in our small group shared how this past Sunday during the sermon God had impressed on him the need for him to start tithing.

This man is on disability because of kidney failure and goes for kidney dialysis 3 times a week. He receives a small disability check each month.

He also shared last night that he was able to get a part-time job this week. He believes that God provided the job because he had made the commitment to begin tithing. He said that he is going to tithe on that income too.

I am so proud of this guy!

He has such a strong desire to be a man of God and walk in obedience!

How about you? How about me?

We must decide in our hearts how much to give!

    If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you." Luke 6:38

    Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Malachi 3:10

   

…. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” ⁸ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Corinthians 9:7b-8

Application

I will be a cheerful giver! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am challenged when I hear share testimonies and I see how serious they are getting with following and living for You. They encourage me in my walk. I pray for the men in our church today. Help them to step out in faith like this man has done. Bless them when they do. Show them that they can trust in You. I pray that more and more men will put You to the test just like You tell us to do in Malachi 3:10. Help me to be more generous and help me to be a better manager of what You have loaned us. 

Daily Bible Reading:  2 Corinthians 7,8,9,10; Psalm 17, Psalm 117; Proverbs 17

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

Our Hearts Ache, But We Always Have Joy

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

Our Hearts
Ache,
But We Always Have Joy


Scripture

2 Corinthians 6

10 Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.

Observation

Seems like a contradiction to have an aching heart and joy all at the same time, but I can identify with the Apostle Paul because I am experiencing it.

And maybe you are too!

When people we love and the people we try to help make poor choices and bad decisions, when they live like God doesn’t exist, it causes those of us who love and care for them excruciating pain.

Our hearts ache for them, yet because of our relationship with Christ we also always have joy.

We are not happy about the decisions and choices that they are making, but there is a joy in our hearts that “troubles” of any kind cannot take away! 

 Application

I will continue to be an Ambassador for Christ. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You have given us the ministry of reconciliation. We are Your ambassadors. It is our task to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and to bring people back to a right relationship with You. My heart does ache for those very close to me that are not depending on You to help them in life. They struggle and grind out a living when if they would just turn to You they could be living an abundant life full of purpose and meaning, yet they choose not to turn and they choose not to trust in You. You know the ache in my heart that their decision to live ungodly lives has caused me, yet I will never give up on them. One day they will have a change of heart and one day they will call You Lord. One-day things will change and they will be able to experience the joy that I have in my heart!

Daily Bible Reading:  2 Corinthians 3,4,5,6

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

He Comforts Us In All Of Our Troubles So That We Can Comfort Others

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

He Comforts Us
In All Of Our Troubles
So That We Can Comfort Others

 Scripture

2 Corinthians 

⁴ He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Observation

Are you going through a rough time or maybe you have been through some very terrible times.

Don’t worry; God does not waste a hurt!

He will use this difficult terrible time in your life later for you to comfort someone else.

So don’t go to comfort food, comfort drugs, or comfort alcohol, or sexual immorality to deal with your problems – Go to God! 

“”””””””””””””

 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 2 Corinthians 4:17

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:18

The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. Psalm 34:19

Application

I will fix my gaze on God. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for those going through tough times right now. Help them to look to You for help. I see so many people trying to find help in all the wrong places when all they need to do is look up and cry out to You. Nothing is too hard for You. Nothing is impossible for You. Help those close to me to trust and depend in You. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 41,42; 2 Corinthians 1,2; Psalm 14, Psalm 114; Proverbs 14

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

Be Strong And Immovable. Always Work Enthusiastically For The Lord, For You Know That Nothing You Do For The Lord Is Ever Useless.

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

Be Strong And Immovable.
Always Work Enthusiastically For The Lord,
For You Know That Nothing You Do For The Lord Is Ever Useless. 


Scripture

1 Corinthians 15

58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

Observation

Yesterday, I had asked a team of volunteers to help grill steaks for a special Mission’s lunch after church.

My team served enthusiastically. They were serving the Lord.

Tired? Yes, I am sure that everyone that helped serve yesterday left tired, just like most volunteers that serve on any given Sunday do.

But without people volunteering to serve there is no church! Our church works because people sacrifice time and energy to serve God by serving people!

Special thanks to everyone that served and helped yesterday – doesn’t matter whether it was at our church or yours – Thanks!

A little warning to all of us who volunteer and this is coming from my own personal experience, “Burn out happens when I forget “Who” I am serving!”

 Application

I will look at how I can serve the Lord enthusiastically this week! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word today. What I read in 1 Corinthians 15 was just what I needed this morning! Everyday we have the opportunity to think about what we are doing and “Who” we are really serving! It is easy for me to see everything that I think is wrong with something, and miss what You are doing in the middle of what I see as a mess! Help me to stay focused. Help me to serve You enthusiastically. I know that it is what You have called me to do!

Daily Bible Reading:  Psalms 149; 1 Corinthians 15,16

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

Love Never Gives Up, Never Loses Faith, Is Always Hopeful, And Endures Through Every Circumstance.

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

Love Never Gives Up, Never Loses Faith,
Is Always Hopeful,
And Endures Through Every Circumstance.


Scripture

1 Corinthians 13

7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Observation

Here is an example of how and when to use “Never” and “Always”! 

When someone in a relationship says, “You Always …” or “You Never …” it is almost always said in a critical or negative way. 

But when God uses “Never” or “Always” you and I can be certain that it always reflects the character of who God is! 

Chapter thirteen of 1 Corinthians describes a love that only a follower of Christ can possess and share with others. It is God’s love! 

God’s love or Agape love is a selfless love. It is the highest form of love mentioned in the Bible.
It is the love that God showed us when He allowed His only Son to be nailed to the cross. It is the love that Jesus Christ has for us. 

Agape love is a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love. It is the love that we are to shower on those around us! Are they experiencing it from us? 

Application

I will never give up. I will never lose faith. I will always be hopeful. I will endure through every circumstance, through the power and strength of God’s love. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to love people with Agape love. Don’t let me be selfish. I don’t want to only think about myself. Help me to put others and their needs above my own. Give me the capacity to love people like You want me to love them.

I pray for healing for those who are recovering from surgery and for those who are dealing with sickness. I pray for those having to deal with broken relationships. Give them the ability to endure and cope. Thank You for loving my family and me with Agape love. Help us to do the same.

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 39,40; 1 Corinthians 13,14; Psalm 13, Psalm 113; Proverbs 13

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

Worry Weighs A Person Down, An Encouraging Word Cheers A Person Up.

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

Worry Weighs
A Person Down,
An Encouraging Word Cheers A Person Up. 

Scripture

Proverbs 12

²⁵ Worry weighs a person down;
    an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Observation

Encouragement, we all need it! ‘Cause in this world there seems to be one problem, one crisis, one right after another! 

Good News … not to be found in the media, not in the newspaper, not found on the Internet, nor on television or radio. All of these sources of news pretty much all thrive on bad news and sinister conspiracy theories! 

You and I can make a difference in someone’s life today. We can encourage someone that is weighed down with worry! 

We can cheer them up! 

Why not take a minute today to write a note and send it to someone via snail mail or make a phone call, send a text, or write an email. 

Or we could even walk across the street and say an encouraging word to one of our neighbors!

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2

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


   

Application

I will look for someone to encourage today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is so easy to get discouraged with everything that seems to come at us. Problems seem to abound these days. Help me look for and find someone that needs to be encouraged today. Help me to say just the right word that will lift them up and give them hope! I pray for anyone that is reading this blog today that may be discouraged or worried. I pray that You lift them up Lord. Fill them with Your strength. Encourage them through Your Word. Bring people into their lives that will encourage them. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 37,38; 1 Corinthians 12; Psalm 12, Psalm 112; Proverbs 12

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