Saturday, September 30, 2017

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

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

What are you putting your hope in? The Internet is a dangerous place to get your “truth”. (Unless you are reading the Bible on line like I do every morning!) So many young people are swallowing hook line and sinker what they are reading on the Web.  
They are becoming radicalized, influenced by hate and evil, thinking that what they are buying into something that is truth! They are being deceived! Truth is found in the Word of God. And it is where I will put my hope! This is always a good question to ask: “How does what I am reading and getting myself involved in line up with the Word of God?”
There is a very dark evil side to the Internet and to what is now called social media. I am afraid that a lot of the information being streamed to us via our computers, our tablets, and our smart phones is under the control of the prince of this world.
Don't let it entice and deceive you. Don't let it suck you in. Remember that Satan is the great deceiver. He is the father of lies!
Application
I will continue to put my hope in God's Word. How about you? There is no information more relevant for today than the Bible!
Prayer

Heavenly Father, the great deceiver seems to be doing a very good job of deception these days. I pray for the young people and the not so young people who have been deceived. I pray for them. May they place their faith and their trust in Jesus Christ. Show them the Truth. Open up their eyes. Don't let them continue to be deceived.

Daily Bible Reading: Zechariah 7,8,9; Luke 13; Psalm 30, Psalm 130; Proverbs 30



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Friday, September 29, 2017

A Person Is A Fool To Store Up Earthly Wealth But Not Have a Rich Relationship With God

A Person Is A Fool
To Store Up Earthly Wealth
But Not Have a Rich Relationship With God
Scripture
Luke 12
16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops.

17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’

18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods.

19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’
21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
Observation

“Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life” –
What you and I need to focus on today is having a rich relationship with God.
Reading and meditating on what Jesus says in Luke 12 is a very good place to start!
It is one of my favorite passages in the Bible!
Why not slow down today and take a few minutes to think about what God is telling us about our “everyday life”.
Luke 12
4 “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that.
5 But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear.
6 “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them.
7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Application
I will put my relationship with God and His Kingdom above everything else today. How about you?
Luke 12
31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to put You first today. Show me what is Kingdom business and what is not. Don't let me get bogged down by things that don't really matter, things that are not really important to You. I know that You know me down to the number of hairs that I still have on my head and I know that I am valuable to You. And I know that if I will put Your Kingdom first in my life that You will take care of me and provide everything that I need. You are an Awesome God.


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



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Thursday, September 28, 2017

Keep On Asking, And You Will Receive Keep On Seeking, And You Will Find Keep On Knocking, And The Door Will Be Opened

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

10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Observation

We have a Heavenly Father who wants us to depend on Him. He created us and He knows everything about us. And even though He knows everything about us He still wants to be our Heavenly Father!

Amazing isn't it!

In Luke 11 Jesus gives us a model prayer. In that model prayer Jesus tells us what is most important to our Heavenly Father.

He then tells us in Luke 11:9-10 to be persistent in our prayers, letting us know to never give up!

Let's take time today to find a quiet place and pray!
Luke 11
“Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
2 Jesus said, “This is how you should pray:
“Father, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
3 Give us each day the food we need,
4 and forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Never stop praying.
Luke 18:1
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.
Application

I will pray and I will never give up! How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, here I am. I am coming to You in prayer ... “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!” (Psalm 139:1-18 personalized)
Daily Bible Reading: Zechariah 1,2,3; Luke 11



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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

You Must Love The Lord Your God With All Your Heart, All Your Soul, All Your Strength, And All Your Mind. And, Love Your Neighbor As Yourself. … And Who Is My Neighbor?

You Must Love The Lord Your God With All Your Heart,
All Your Soul, All Your Strength, And All Your Mind.
And, Love Your Neighbor As Yourself. … And Who Is My Neighbor?
Scripture
Luke 10
27 The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
28 “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”
29 The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
...
36 “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?”Jesus asked.
37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”
Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
Observation
Who is my neighbor?
The story that Jesus tells to answer that question, the story of the “Good Samaritan” makes the answer very clear!
We are to love the people around us regardless of the color of their skin, regardless of whether English is their heart language or not, and regardless of whether they believe the same way we do or not!
I think our attention should be on those impacted and devastated by the recent hurricanes and earthquakes and not worry so much about what happens before an NFL football game begins!
Application
I will look for ways to be a “Good neighbor”. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, don't let me miss an opportunity to love people like I love myself. Help me stay focused on the important things and don't let me get sidetracked by things that are not important to You. Give me Your heart for those around me. Don't let me be prejudiced. Help me to see the value in every person that comes into my path. I pray for those in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Texas, all the islands and even in our own state that are suffering from the effects of the hurricanes and the earthquakes.
I pray for my son Tim today on his birthday! May Your face shine brightly on him. Give him a great year! Help him to grow closer to You in the year ahead. Meet the needs of his life. Show him that he can trust You with every detail of his life.
Daily Bible Reading: Haggai 1,2; Psalms 129; Luke 10



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Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Then His Disciples Began Arguing About Which Of Them Was The Greatest.

Then His Disciples
Began Arguing
About Which Of Them Was The Greatest.
Scripture
Luke 9
46 Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest.
47 But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side.
48 Then he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me.
Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.”
Observation
Jesus had just been talking with His disciples about His upcoming death and the terrible suffering that would happen to Him before He was killed. 
You would have thought that hearing that from Jesus would have taken the disciples thoughts off of themselves, but it didn't. You and I are no different. 
Our biggest problem in life is “Me, Myself, and I”! Jesus knows our thoughts! 
That is why every morning you and I should ask Jesus to take the number One place in our life!
Matthew 6:33
33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Thanks to everyone that prayed for Kathy and I while I was in the hospital! 
Everything checked out okay! Kathy and I were able to leave the hospital at 12:15 am last night! I still have to have a nuclear stress test just to check out a small potential problem, that the doctor couldn't see when he did the heart cath! Big shout out to the special care givers at Florida Hospital Fletcher! They were super!
Application

I will ask Jesus to take the Number One spot in my life. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Me, myself, and I, they are my biggest problem. I want Jesus to be Number One today in my thoughts and in my actions. Don't let me be selfish. Thank You for bringing such wonderful people into our lives. Our family, our friends, and our neighbors are so special. Thank You for allowing me to meet some very special people while I was in the hospital. Maybe getting to meet and talk to them was the reason that I went to the hospital. Thank You that they didn't find anything wrong with my heart that needed to be fixed right now. You are so good. You take such good care of us! We are blessed!
Daily Bible Reading: Ezra 4; Psalms 113; Psalms 127; Luke 9




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Saturday, September 23, 2017

Do To Others As You Would Like Them To Do To You.

Do To Others
As You
Would Like Them To Do To You.
Scripture
Luke 6
31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
Observation

So glad to be back home and glad to be where I can write this blog.
What a hard 2 weeks these have been! But for those in Naples and for those down in Key West and other parts of Florida and Texas so many of them have it so much worse than we have!
With all this destruction, with so much suffering and so much hardship, you and I have plenty of opportunities to apply Luke 6:31!
Lets keep looking for people that need our help!
So grateful to have had the opportunity to go to Naples with our Disaster Relief team from our church. James Hartley did a great job leading our group!
Application
I will look for ways to apply Luke 6:31. How about you?


Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to be a part of helping those in Naples and allowing me the privilege of working with guys from our church. I pray for those affected by all of these storms and earthquakes. I pray that many of them will turn to You during this time of need. I pray for all of the disaster relief workers still down in Naples and in other parts of Florida. Help them to be Your hands and Your feet to those in need.

Daily Bible Reading: Daniel 11,12; Luke 6




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Sunday, September 17, 2017

Guard Me As You Would Guard Your Own Eyes. Hide Me In The Shadow Of Your Wings.

This may be my last blog for this week because we are heading to Naples to help the people in Naples that have been impacted by Hurricane Irma! Pray for our team and all the other teams in both Texas and in Florida.
Guard Me As You Would Guard Your Own Eyes.
Hide Me
In The Shadow Of Your Wings.
Scripture
Psalm 17
 6 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.
Bend down and listen as I pray.
7 Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.
By your mighty power you rescue
those who seek refuge from their enemies.
8 Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.
Hide me in the shadow of your wings.
Observation

King David really knew how to pray!

Psalm 17 is a great prayer of David's that you and I can pray too!

Why not take a couple of minutes, quiet yourself and pray these verses back to the Lord.

That is what I am doing right now!

Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.”
Application
I will pray Psalm 17:6-8 back to the Lord. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am praying to You because I know You will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me Your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By Your mighty power You rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.
Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 42,43,44; Revelation 22; Psalm 17, Psalm 37; Proverbs 17




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Saturday, September 16, 2017

But You Must Be Blameless Before The Lord.

But You
Must Be
Blameless Before The Lord.
Scripture
Deuteronomy 18
9 “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, be very careful not to imitate the detestable customs of the nations living there.
10 For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft,
11 or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead.
12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord. It is because the other nations have done these detestable things that the Lord your God will drive them out ahead of you.
13 But you must be blameless before the Lord your God.
Observation

When a person has Jesus Christ as his or her personal Lord and Savior they have all that they need.

There is not a need to believe or put our trust in horoscopes or any other paranormal thing!

What God wants from us is our total devotion. He wants us to put Him first in everything.

To be “blameless” does not mean that we are going to be perfect!

It does mean that we should strive to be godly, totally committed to Him.

Matthew 6:33
Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well.
1 Peter 1:15
But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.
Application
I will strive to keep my relationship with God my main priority. How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for everything that happened during this past week. I know that You were in control of all the details. Thank You for relationships that are closer now because of this storm. Show me doors that You have opened with the people that You bring into my life this week. Don't let me miss an opportunity to be used by You.
I pray today for my daughter Jenny on her birthday. Bless her Lord. May Your face shine brightly on her. Give her a great year this next year. Draw her closer and closer to You!
Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 40,41; Psalms 128; Revelation 21; Deuteronomy 18




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Friday, September 15, 2017

The Lord Always Keeps His Promises; He Is Gracious In All He Does. The Lord Helps The Fallen...

The Lord Always Keeps His Promises;
He Is Gracious In All He Does.
The Lord Helps The Fallen...
Scripture
Psalm 145
The Lord always keeps his promises;
he is gracious in all he does.

14 The Lord helps the fallen
and lifts those bent beneath their loads.

15 The eyes of all look to you in hope;
you give them their food as they need it.

Observation

Friends, Family, and Neighbors and just how important they are to us has been reinforced through this storm experience!
Yes, we are still camping out!
No power yet just like so many other people, but I know that it won't be too much longer.
My son Hugh is an electrician and he has brought over a brand new generator and installed it directly to our house so we do have lights when we run the generator.
At night we use my neighbor's electricity across the street to run 2 fans!
We have had so many people check on us and offer their help. Thanks to all of you!
Psalm 145 is a great Psalm for us today! God is good!
Application

My eyes will look to the Lord because He is my hope! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for all of our family, friends and our neighbors! They have blessed us so much and I know that You are the One that touched their hearts to be so compassionate and kind to us. Show us how to help others who are dealing with troubles so that we can help and encourage them. You are an awesome God!
Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 38,39; Psalms 145; Revelation 20



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Thursday, September 14, 2017

In My Desperation I Prayed, And The Lord Listened; He Saved Me From All My Troubles

In My Desperation I Prayed, And The Lord Listened;
He Saved Me
From All My Troubles
Scripture
Psalm 34
6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.

7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him.

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
for those who fear him will have all they need.

Observation

During the night of the Hurricane when Irma passed through I wonder how many thousands of people were praying all across the USA and the same thing must have happened when Harvey hit Texas.

And to think that our God can hear all of us at the same time!
What an awesome God we serve! Fear the Lord, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need. God is so good!
Application

I will praise Him in the storm and I will continue to praise Him again after the storm passes by! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it has been a hard day, but it has been a good day too! I know that things will get better. Not one bit of what is going on surprises You. You will take care of us. Our job is to trust You and wait on You. And talk to You about every detail of our lives. Help me to do just that!

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 36,37; Psalms 110; Revelation 19; Psalm 14, Psalm 34; Proverbs 14



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Wednesday, September 13, 2017

How Wonderful And Pleasant It Is When Brothers Live Together In Harmony!

How Wonderful
And Pleasant It Is
When Brothers Live Together In Harmony!
Scripture
Psalm 133
1 How wonderful and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in harmony!
Observation

Here is something way more important than having our electricity turned back on! Love and harmony! Lets not grumble about what we don't have or how long it is taking for the electric company to get to our house instead lets look for ways to show our love to others during this time of difficulty! Consider it an extended camping out experience without the tent!
“… if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.” Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:2b,7
Application

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

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me not to complain today. Show me how I can express love to those around me. Thank You for taking such good care of us. You are a good good Father!
Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 33,34,35; Revelation 18; Psalm 33, Psalm 133; Proverbs 13




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Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Always Be Full Of Joy In The Lord. I Say It Again – Rejoice!

Always Be Full
Of Joy In The Lord.
I Say It Again – Rejoice!
Scripture
Philippians 4
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Observation

Always be full of joy, even when you get shocked when you turn on the knobs in the shower even though your house does not have any usable electricity.
We have the main breakers off because the fallen tree that is over our garage ripped down the conduit pipe above the electric meters where the feed comes in from TECO's big lines!
But somehow there is enough juice flowing in to give you a good shock while you are getting that cool shower.
I am very grateful for running water that allows me to be able to get that electrifying shower! I did very quickly learn that all you have to do is turn off the shower knob using the shampoo bottle.
Kathy is going to get a shower in a minute. This ought to be interesting!
I am so grateful to our neighbors, family and our friends who have helped us so much.
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice!
Application
As I go to bed in a few minutes... no TV to keep us up! I will continue to thank my Lord for His goodness. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I will rejoice in You. You are worthy to be praised! Great is Your Faithfulness!
Daily Bible Reading: Daniel 3,4; Psalms 81; Revelation 17; Philippians 4



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Monday, September 11, 2017

Giant Hailstones, each weighing about A Hundred Pounds, Fell From The Sky Upon People!

Giant Hailstones, each weighing about
A Hundred Pounds,
Fell From The Sky Upon People!
Scripture
Revelation 16
21 Giant hailstones, each weighing about a hundred pounds, fell from the sky upon people. People cursed God for the disaster of the hail, because this disaster was so terrible.
Observation

Giant Hailstones, each weighing about a hundred pounds, fell from the sky upon people! No, I am not talking about Hurricane Irma's wrath, but this is what I just read in Revelation16! So if we think this natural disaster is something just wait until 100 pound hailstones start falling on people's heads! Something good can come out of any disaster if it turns people to the Lord.
I am looking forward to helping others this coming week. Our church disaster relief team is ready to deploy this Saturday.
Not sure where we will be heading but it will be where people are a lot worse off than we are.
All we have is giant tree sitting on top of our garage and no electricity! God is good!
Application

I will not complain about this unexpected camping experience! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us this opportunity to help our neighbors. Thank You for sending us supper tonight via some very special people. Thank You for giving us such great neighbors who are letting us use some electricity and their WiFi. Thank You for the cool evening to be able to type out this blog on our front porch. Thank You for sparing Tampa from the worst part of the storm. I pray for those who have lost so much. Bring people into their lives that will help them. May they be receptive to the message of salvation.
I pray for my granddaughter Sierra today on her birthday!
Daily Bible Reading: Daniel 1,2; Revelation 16



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Sunday, September 10, 2017

The Faithful Love Of The Lord Never Ends! His Mercies Never Cease. Great Is His Faithfulness; His Mercies Begin Afresh Each Morning.

The Faithful Love Of The Lord Never Ends!
His Mercies Never Cease. Great Is His Faithfulness;
His Mercies Begin Afresh Each Morning.
Scripture
Lamentations 3
22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
23 Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!”
25 The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
to those who search for him.
26 So it is good to wait quietly
for salvation from the Lord.

Observation
I am already looking forward to Monday evening and having the worst of Irma behind us here in Tampa. Lamentations 3:22-26 is a good reminder for all of us who are waiting and anticipating the wrath of this storm that our hope is in the Lord.
His faithful love never ends, His mercies never cease, and they begin afresh each morning!
Application
So I will wait quietly for salvation from the Lord. How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for everyone in the path of this storm. I know that Your faithful love never ends! Your mercies never cease. Great is Your faithfulness; Your mercies begin afresh each morning. Help me to wait quietly for Your salvation. You alone are my Savior. Nothing is too hard for You.
Daily Bible Reading: Lamentations 3,4,5; Revelation 15



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