And There Moses Received Life-Giving Words To Pass On To Us.

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And There Moses
Received Life-Giving Words
To Pass On To Us.

Scripture

Acts 7

38b… And there Moses received life-giving words to pass on to us.

Observation

The Bibles sitting around our homes, some gathering dust, others hid in a closet, forgotten, neglected, unread … Oh how tragic! In those Bibles are “Life-Giving” words; words that when read and put into practice will radically change our lives forever – in the best possible way! Find that Bible right now, or put a Bible app on your phone or tablet or computer right now and begin to read and receive those “Life-Giving” words that God wrote especially for you!

It was during those 40 years of wandering in the wilderness God gave Moses the “Life-Giving” words. It is time for all of us to quit wandering! How old are you – 20, 30, 40, and 50, 60+?  – Isn’t it time to stop living like God doesn’t exist and turn to Him and receive His forgiveness that He offers through His Son Jesus Christ?

If the nation of Israel obeyed those “life-giving” they would be blessed, but if they decided to disobey and disregard those “Life-Giving” words they would be cursed.

Blessings or Curses … it all depends on what we do with those “Life-Giving” words – I hope that you and I will begin to read them and put them into practice today!

 Application

I will read God’s Word everyday and I will strive to put into practice what I read. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we are blessed. We have the freedom to read the Bible, Your Life-Giving Words everyday without worrying whether we will be arrested and put into prison for having a copy of Your Word. People around the world are not so fortunate. To them Your Word is so precious and in our country Your Word is so plentiful and yet goes unread.

I pray for the person who may be reading this blog. Put a hunger and a thirst in their heart for Your Word. Give them the desire to read it and then give them the power, strength, and courage to put it into practice. Make Your Word come alive as they read it. Show them just how transforming the Bible can be in his or her life. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 28,29; Acts 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!

I Have Put My Hope In His Word

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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

It is Monday! Yes, Already!

As you face this week what are you putting your hope in? I can tell you what I am going to do I am going to put my hope in God’s Word.

Why would you and I go through this week not digging in and holding on to all of God’s promises for us?

Crazy as it seems many of the people that I love the most this week will act like God does not even exist! Drama and pain will dominate their week and they will wonder why life is so bad for them and why everything seems so hopeless?

If we would only read God’s Word then we would know that all we have to do is put God first in our life and God will take care of us and He will meet everyone of our needs. (Matthew 6:33)

Oh, if we would just do like the Psalmist says to do in Psalm 130 and put our hope in God’s Word.

Lets take time this week to read God’s Word. Lets make a commitment to the Lord to at least spend a few minutes everyday reading the Bible.

Don’t know where to start? I suggest starting with the Gospel of John, then the maybe the Gospel of Mark, and of course Philippians, and the Psalms. 

Go to BibleGateway.com and you will find plenty of devotionals and reading plans.

 Application

I will enjoy my time in God’s word this week. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for those who may be reading this blog this morning. Bless them Lord. Put in his or her heart a desire to be in Your Word. I pray that Your Word changes their lives as they open it up and read it. Give them a hunger for Your Word. Give them a desire to read it every day. Show them how important Your Word is for them. Give them the boldness to make a commitment to read Your Word every day and as they do I pray that you shower them with Your blessings and Your favor.

Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 25,26,27; Acts 6; Psalm 30, Psalm 130; Proverbs 30

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Dear Brothers And Sisters, Pattern Your Lives After Mine, And Learn From Those Who Follow Our Example

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Dear Brothers And Sisters,
Pattern Your Lives After Mine,
And Learn From Those Who Follow Our Example

 
Scripture

Philippians 3

¹⁰ I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,

¹⁷ Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.

Observation

These words would seem arrogant if they weren’t coming from a man like the Apostle Paul, but every one of us if we are followers of Christ should be able to say that same thing to those that know us. 

To our children, and our grandchildren, our friends, our extended family, our neighbors, and to those at church we should be able to say, “Imitate me!”

 Here is a memory verse for all of us.

I plan to memorize it this week, “For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20

Here are some more places where the Apostle Paul said, “Imitate me”.

1 Corinthians 4:16
So I urge you to imitate me.

1 Corinthians 11:1
And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:7
For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you.

Application

I will strive to live my life in a way that others can imitate. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that You want me to live a godly life, a life that is an example to those around me. Help me be the godly husband, the godly father, and the godly grandfather, to my wife, children, and my grandchildren. I want them to be able to see Jesus in me. Don’t let me do stupid sins that would mess up my relationship with You and cause me to be a poor example to those that You have placed around me. “For Your kingdom is not just a lot of talk: it is living by Your power.” 

Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 23,24; Psalms 14; Acts 5; Psalm 29, Psalm 129; Proverbs 29

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Send Your Healing Power, And May Miracles And Wonders Be Done By The Name Of Your Holy Servant Jesus

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Send Your Healing Power,
And May Miracles And Wonders
Be Done By The Name Of Your Holy Servant Jesus


Scripture

Acts 4

²⁹ And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and grant to your servants great boldness in their preaching, ³⁰ and send your healing power, and may miracles and wonders be done by the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

³¹ After this prayer, the building where they were meeting shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and boldly preached God’s message.

Observation

Here is what I believe. I believe that Jesus who we read about in Acts 4 is the same Jesus that lives in my life.   

And the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in each one of us if we are followers of Jesus Christ. 

Prayer unleashes the power of the Holy Spirit and allows God to work in our lives and in the lives of those we pray for. 

After the disciples prayed the building that they were in shook and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. 

Lets pray for that kind of faith, and that kind of boldness, and that same kind of Power!

 Application

I am praying for boldness. I am praying for God to send His healing power, so that miracles and wonders will be done through Jesus Christ for the people that I am praying for. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as I read Your Word and I see how You worked in the lives of all of the Saints in the Old Testament and then in the lives of the believers in the New Testament it gives me faith and confidence that You are going to work in the lives of those I pray for too. I know that You are at work in my life. And I know that You are constantly at work in the lives of those who I pray for. Help me continue to pray and never let me give up!

I pray for anyone reading this blog that may be at the point of giving up. Increase their faith. Show them Your Power. Work miracles in their lives. Give them courage and boldness. Help them to believe!

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



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

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



Scripture

Psalm 27
⁷ Hear me as I pray, O Lord.
    Be merciful and answer me!

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

Observation

Listen to your heart! God is speaking.

He wants you and me to come and talk with Him. Are we listening?

Maybe we need to slow down today and listen to our hearts. God is speaking. Are we listening?

What is God saying to you? What is God saying to me?

The Psalmist ends this Psalm with these verses,

“ Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, wait and he will help you.”

Lets spend time with the Lord today. Let’s listen to our hearts. 

Application

I will listen to my heart and I will spend time talking with my Heavenly Father today. How about you? 

Prayer

Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me!  My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” I will be patient. I will wait on You. Help me to be brave, strong and courageous. You are my light and my salvation; You protect me from danger—whom shall I fear? (Taken from Psalm 27 & personalized)

Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 17,18,19,20; Acts 3; Psalm 27, Psalm 127; Proverbs 27




> 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!

The LORD Himself Will Fight For You. Just Stay Calm

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The LORD
Himself
Will Fight For You. Just Stay Calm

It seemed totally hopeless for the children of Israel as they were trapped by the Red Sea with no way to escape the Egyptian army. It seemed hopeless. It was an impossible situation! Maybe you are caught in that kind of situation this morning. Maybe your situation right now seems hopeless and you can’t see a way out. Maybe you feel trapped with no way of escape.


Scripture

Exodus 14

¹³ But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. ¹⁴ The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

Observation

It seemed totally hopeless for the children of Israel as they were trapped by the Red Sea with no way to escape the Egyptian army. It seemed hopeless.

It was an impossible situation! Maybe you are caught in that kind of situation this morning. Maybe your situation right now seems hopeless and you can’t see a way out.

Maybe you feel trapped with no way of escape. Then this story most definitely is for you.

In fact, God has placed story after story after story in the Bible showing us that we can trust Him when life seems impossible.

Every day you and I are being tested. Will we walk by faith? Will we whine and complain and get angry with God or will we walk by faith and trust our Heavenly Father. Today is a test. 

“Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today.”
“The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

2 Corinthians 5:7
Our life is lived by faith. We do not live by what we see in front of us. NLV

Application

I will walk by faith and not by sight today! How about you? 

2 Corinthians 5:7
Our life is lived by faith. We do not live by what we see in front of us.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, everyday seems like it is a test for us. At least it seems that way for me. I am challenged everyday to live my life by faith and not to live my life influenced by what I see or at least by what I think I see in front of me. The children of Israel saw the Red Sea and were filled with dread. Then they saw You turn the Red Sea into a super highway built just for them. You were trying to get them to walk by faith. Over and over and over again You tried to show them that You would take care of them. Don’t let me be that hardheaded. Give me Your eyes and Your heart so I can walk in obedience and so that I can walk by faith. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 14,15,16; Acts 2; Psalm 26, Psalm 126; Proverbs 26

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But You Will Receive Power When The Holy Spirit Comes Upon You

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But You Will Receive Power
When
The Holy Spirit Comes Upon You


Scripture

Acts 1:8

⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Observation

Power! On those dark and difficult days when you and I feel weak and powerless and things seem totally out of our control and things are going against us we need to remember this: that even though we are not God we do have God’s Holy Spirit living within us if we are followers of Jesus Christ and we are most definitely not powerless!

We are not powerless because our Heavenly Father has empowered us with His very own Spirit! The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead!

And God has given us direct access to His throne every moment, every second of each and every day!

1 Corinthians 4:20

For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.

2 Corinthians 4:7

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

2 Corinthians 13:4
Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power.

Ephesians 1:19-20
¹⁹ I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power ²⁰ that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.
 
Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

Ephesians 6:10
¹⁰ A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
 
Philippians 3:10
I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,

Colossians 1:29
That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.

2 Thessalonians 1:11
So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Hebrews 13:21
May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

James 5:16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.


Application

I will rely on the power of God’s Holy Spirit that lives in me to handle whatever comes my way. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, when I feel weak and powerless, in those moments would You bring to my mind, would You remind me, of all of the great promises that You have given me in Your Word. Nothing is more powerful than Your Holy Spirit that lives inside of me. So I agree with the Apostle Paul when he says in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” “For You have not given me a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 personalized) 

I pray for those reading this blog this morning. Give them boldness. Help them to rely on Your Holy Spirit today. Give them strength and give them wisdom. 

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

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I Know That As You Pray For Me And The Spirit Of Jesus Christ Helps Me

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I Know
That As You Pray For Me
And The Spirit Of Jesus Christ Helps Me




Scripture

Philippians 1

¹⁹ For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.

Observation

Maybe it is my age (I feel like I am old as dirt!). Maybe it is from 40 plus years of walking with Jesus Christ. Or maybe it is from the experience of being raised back from the dead, but this one thing is for sure, praying for you has never been so important to me than it is right now.

I am sure that it is probably because so many of you prayed for me when I was so very close to death. Now I have the chance to do the same thing for you. It is a joy for me.

And I know that God loves it when we pray and ask Him to work in the lives of others.

The Apostle Paul realized it. Just read the short book of Philippians and see for yourself!

Application

I will pray more for people, not less! How about you? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You know that as I write this my thoughts are focused on those whom I have been praying for that are still having trouble. Some of those that are sick are still sick, some of those who have relationship problems still have problems, and some who have legal issues are still in the middle of those issues. For some I pray for healing, for others I pray for reconciliation, for others I pray for salvation and life transformation. Even though I do not see an answer yet in the lives of many of those for whom I pray for I will never give up praying for them. I know that You are work in their lives even when I cannot see it. And so I will not give up! You alone are God. You are Sovereign! Nothing, absolutely nothing, is too hard for You!

Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 9,10,11; Luke 24; Psalm 24, Psalm 124; Proverbs 24; Philippians 1



> 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!

Because The Lord Is My Shepherd, I Have Everything I Need!

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Because
The Lord Is My Shepherd,
I Have Everything I Need!




Scripture

Psalm 23

1 Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!

Observation

If we are not careful we will waste our time fretting over what we don’t have and be consumed with what we think we are missing out on. 

And we will totally miss the truth and the blessing that the Lord has provided us with all that we need! “All that we need” is not the same as “All that we want” 

So when we are getting ready to make a purchase shouldn’t we ask the question, “Is this something I need or is this just something that I want?” 

Just in case you think that I am saying all of this for your benefit, I am not. I spent some time (too much time) last night on the Internet looking at computers. Only because our computers have aged to the point that the new TurboTax software I bought won’t run on either machine! 

So Psalm 23:1 caught my attention this morning to remind me that the Lord is my shepherd and He does provide me with everything that I need! 

It must be a test! Will I trust Him? 

Maybe the Lord gives you these same kinds of tests!

Application

The Lord is my Shepherd. I will trust Him to take care of all of our needs. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that You own everything. You are the Creator. And I also know that You are aware of everyone of our needs. Nothing gets by You. Help me to walk by faith. Help me to trust You.  Because You are my shepherd; I have all that I need. You renew my strength. You guide me along right paths. I will not be afraid for you are close beside me. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 6,7,8; Luke 23; Psalm 23, Psalm 123; Proverbs 23


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I Was Glad When They Said To Me, “Let Us Go To The House Of The LORD.”

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I Was Glad When
They Said To Me,
“Let Us Go To The House Of The LORD.”




Scripture

Psalm 122

¹ I was glad when they said to me,
    “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

Observation

Is that your reaction when someone mentions going to church?

In just a few minutes I will be heading to Christ Fellowship Church. I am looking forward to getting there and being there with my friends!

I have to remind myself that there was a time when church did not always have that kind of importance to me! When I first started going to church as a teenager it was just to sit by a very pretty blond. God used that teenager over 48 years ago to get me started going to church.

Now we go to church because we want to go, but back then Kathy went because it was a rule in their house and they had to go!

When I was 19 years old I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. He became my Lord and my Savior. And when Christ became the most important person in my life then going to church made all the sense in the world.

And today I never like to miss! I am so grateful to God for bringing that beautiful blond into my life.

And I am glad when someone says to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” How about you?

Application

I will enjoy worshiping today with my friends. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, this is the day that You have made I will rejoice and be glad in it. I pray for Pastor Bruce and Pastor Brian today. Use them to speak to us. I pray that You empower them with Your Holy Spirit. I pray for Aaron Myers as he teaches our Bible study lesson. Speak through Him directly to us. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 3,4,5; Luke 22; Psalm 22, Psalm 122; Proverbs 22



> 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!

It Is Better To Live Alone In The Desert Than With A Quarrelsome, Complaining Wife.

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It Is Better
To Live Alone In The Desert
Than With A Quarrelsome, Complaining Wife. 


Scripture

Proverbs 21
¹⁹ It’s better to live alone in the desert
    than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.

Proverbs 12:4
A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.

Proverbs 19:13
A foolish child is a calamity to a father; a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping.

Proverbs 21:9
It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.

Proverbs 27:15
A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day.

Proverbs 31:10
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.

Proverbs 19:14
Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife.

Proverbs 18:22
The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.

Observation

Okay, I know that I am treading on dangerous ground this morning, but Proverbs 21:19 caught my attention! 

Guys, I don’t know about you, but when I read these passages in Proverbs I am so grateful that God gave me a treasure as my wife and not a nagging, complaining, and quarrelsome woman! 

After hearing a woman tear down, put down, gripe, complain, and rip up her husband, I try to remember to shoot up this prayer to the Lord, “Thank you Lord for giving me such a good wife!” And thank you for not giving me a wife like this one!” 

Ladies, look for the good that your husband does and praise him for those good things, even if those good things are few and far between. The more you praise him the better husband he will be.
Nagging, complaining, griping, fussing will never make or move your man in the right direction! 

Here is something to remember and it is the key to a successful marriage or relationship:
God first, spouse second, and me (or you) third! Lets think about that the next time that we want to gripe, put down, rip, nag, or complain! 

By the way men, the same thing goes for us too! 

Solomon who was the wisest man in the world was very stupid when it came to women in his own personal life. His 700 wives and 300 concubines were Solomon’s downfall. 

Application

I will treat Kathy the way that I want to be treated. How about you? How will you treat your spouse?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I agree with Solomon this morning that a wife is a treasure from You. You have given me a wonderful wife. Help me to treat her like the treasure that she is. Bless her Lord.

I pray for those that may be reading this blog this morning. Help them to love their spouse in the way that brings You glory and honor. Show them how to love each other.

Daily Bible Reading:  Exodus 1,2; Psalms 88; Luke 21; Psalm 21, Psalm 121; Proverbs 21

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May He Grant Your Heart’s Desires And Make All Your Plans Succeed. May The LORD Answer All Your Prayers.

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May He Grant Your Heart’s Desires
And Make All Your Plans Succeed.
May The LORD Answer All Your Prayers.


Scripture

Psalm 20

⁴ May he grant your heart’s desires
    and make all your plans succeed.
⁵ May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory
    and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.

Observation

Psalm 20:4-5 is a great prayer of blessing that you and I can and I think that you and I should pray for those we love. It is a great prayer to pray for your pastor and the leadership team of your church. 

It is a great prayer to pray for your spouse and for your children and grandchildren. God loves to respond when we ask Him to bless others. 

Read your Bible and you will find that when men and women of God prayed and they asked God to bless others God always responded and blessed them. 


May God grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed and may the Lord answer all your prayers. 

***  How are you doing on scripture memory so far this year? I am off to a slow start, but I have started. How about you?

Application

I will ask God to bless you today.  Who will you bless today?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, this is my prayer for any person that may be reading this blog this morning. Grant them their heart’s desires. Make all of their plans succeed. Please answer all of their prayers! 

Daily Bible Reading:  Genesis 49,50; Psalms 8; Luke 20; Psalm 20, Psalm 120; Proverbs 20

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May The Words Of My Mouth And The Meditation Of My Heart Be Pleasing To You, O LORD, My Rock And My Redeemer.

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May The Words Of My Mouth And The Meditation Of My Heart
Be Pleasing To You,
O LORD, My Rock And My Redeemer.



Scripture

Psalm 19

¹⁴ May the words of my mouth
    and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Observation

Verbal abuse! Being mean!

Friend, let me tell you that how we talk to people, especially those who we love the most shows what we are really like!

There is no place for abusive words from me or from you aimed at my spouse or your spouse and especially not directed at our children. This should be our prayer: Lord, May the words of my mouth directed at my spouse be pleasing to You. 

Careless words stab like a sword but wise words bring healing. (Proverbs 12:18 NCV)

Kathy has learned how to respond back to me when I am being mean spirited and verbally abusive. She will say something like, “Oh, so we are going to be grouchy today!”

Her responding to me in a way that lets me know I am being mean gives me the chance to change my tone and my words and lets me say, “I am sorry”, “Will you forgive me”, and “I love you” 

Men, if we want to bully somebody, why don’t we go and bully some guy that is 6’6” tall and weighs 280 pounds instead of being a bully to our wife and kids.

Just sayin’ that Eddy needs to make sure that every word that comes out of Eddy’s mouth and every thought that rolls around in Eddy’s head are pleasing to his Heavenly Father. 

 Application

Eddy needs to make sure that every word that comes out of his mouth and every thought that rolls around in Eddy’s head need to be pleasing to his Heavenly Father. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am ashamed at how I have talked down to Kathy at times in the past and have been so mean and abusive with my tone and with my words. You know my heart. It is just as bad as you said it was in Jeremiah 17:9 “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” Help me to control my words and my thoughts so that they are pleasing to You. Especially help me to use words that build Kathy, my kids, and grandkids up and not words that tear them down. Help me to guard my heart. I want to please You with what comes out of my mouth and with what rolls around in my head. 


Daily Bible Reading:  Genesis 47,48; Psalms 10; Luke 19; Psalm 19, Psalm 119; Proverbs 19

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The LORD Is For Me, So I Will Have No Fear. What Can Mere People Do To Me?

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The LORD Is For Me,
So I Will Have No Fear.
What Can Mere People Do To Me? 


Scripture

Psalm 118

⁶ The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.
    What can mere people do to me?

Psalm 18

19 He led me to a place of safety;
    he rescued me because he delights in me.

Observation

Psalm 18 and Psalm 118 both remind me this morning that God is on my side. He is for me. He delights in me!

Think about that with me for a couple of minutes. So here is the lesson for me this morning and maybe this can be a take home for you too this morning: When God is on our side, when He has our backs, nothing or no one should cause us to fear!

What can mere people do to us if God is on our side?

So if at your job they are talking layoffs and cutbacks, or maybe someone has decided to be your enemy and make life difficult for you then may I suggest memorizing Psalm 18:19 and Psalm 118:6 and to hold on tightly to God’s promises and God will get you through. 

Psalm 118

 ⁵ In my distress I prayed to the Lord,
    and the Lord answered me and set me free.
⁶ The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.
    What can mere people do to me?
⁷ Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me.
    I will look in triumph at those who hate me.
⁸ It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in people.
⁹ It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in princes.

Isaiah 41:10

10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 43:1-4

“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
    I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
    When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
    it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
    The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:

Application 

I will memorize Psalm 118:6 and Psalm 18:19 so I can hold on to these promises when I run into difficult people and difficult situations.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to remember that You are on my side. Help me to have the necessary faith when adversity comes my way. Help me to take refuge in You and trust in You and You alone. I will pray to You when I am in trouble and I know that You will answer me because You delight in me. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Genesis 44,45,46; Luke 18; Psalm 18, Psalm 118; Proverbs 18




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I Am Certain That God, Who Began The Good Work Within You, Will Continue His Work Until It Is Finally Finished …

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I Am Certain That God,
Who Began The Good Work Within You,
Will Continue His Work Until It Is Finally Finished …

Scripture

Philippians 1

³ Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. ⁴ Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, ⁵ for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. ⁶ And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Observation

God is not finished with you and He is not finished with me yet either; you and I my friend is what is called, “a work in progress”! So don’t be so hard on yourself or on those around you. 

I am amazed all the time and you probably are too at how God suddenly begins to work in someone’s life and we see his or her life radically transformed right before our eyes!

Of course, God had been at work in that person’s life the entire time but we were not able to see everything that was going on. I don’t know about you but for me this gives me hope!

I am praying for people who are very close to me and I want to see their lives transformed. I want to be able to hear them give testimony of God’s mighty power and saving grace. I want to see them walking in victory and not defeat. 

I want to see them living godly lives. I want to see them living lives filled with meaning and purpose!

Application

Whenever I pray, I am going to make my requests for all of you with joy!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am encouraged by these words of the Apostle Paul to pray for others with the faith of knowing that You are constantly at work in their lives. You will do a work in their life that only You can do. 

So right now I pray. I pray for those who are depressed and discouraged and who don’t seem to have any hope. Give them hope Lord. Lift up their heads. 

I pray for those who are sick. Heal their bodies and give them strength today. 

I pray for those who are dealing with problems with a spouse or a loved one. Help them to turn to You for help. 

And I am confident that You, who began a good work in their lives, will continue Your work until it is finished. Amen

Daily Bible Reading:  Genesis 42,43; Psalms 5; Luke 17; Philippians 1

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Use Your Worldly Resources To Benefit Others And Make Friends.

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Use Your Worldly Resources
To Benefit Others
And Make Friends.




Scripture

Luke 16

⁹ Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your 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


Who needs our help? Who can we help with what God has provided us? 

Jesus says that you and I should use our worldly resources to benefit others. God has provided us with extra; He has given us more than we need so that we can be generous with others.
Lets not misspend it and miss the blessing! 

It is a Win-Win for us when we are generous with others!

“For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give—large or small—will be used to measure what is given back to you.” Luke 6:38

Application

I will look for someone this week that needs some help. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that the word “stingy” should not describe me or anyone else that is born again. Help us to be generous. Help us to believe what You say about how we should use what we have. Show me who needs our help this week. I know that You provide for me more than I need and I know that You will provide even more if I will be generous with others. 

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

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May The LORD Richly Bless Both You And Your Children, May You Be Blessed By The LORD, Who Made Heaven And Earth.

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May The LORD Richly Bless
Both You And Your Children,
May You Be Blessed By The LORD, Who Made Heaven And Earth.
 


Scripture

Psalm 115

¹⁴ May the Lord richly bless
    both you and your children.
¹⁵ May you be blessed by the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

Observation

Today is “Sanctity of Life Sunday” across the United States. Today we remember the value of every human life. 

It is a day to remember the tragic Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions in 1973 that stripped away the legal protection and cost the lives of over 57 million children. 

It has been 44 years of unimaginable loss of life in our country, yet most of us would rather not think about it as it goes on day after day. 

Lets not ever forget that every human life was designed and created by God and has great value, the born and the yet to be born. Our sick, our elderly, those with special needs, as well as the unborn, all are highly valued because they are all created in the image of God. 

My prayer for you and your family today found in Psalm 115:14-15 ‘May the Lord richly bless both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

Application

I will support those who would propose laws to further protect human life and I will do more to help our Crisis Pregnancy Center here in Tampa. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it breaks Your heart I know when human life is discarded like trash or tossed out like something that has no worth. Thank You for those who spend their time helping young mothers and encouraging them to deliver their unwanted babies instead of aborting and killing them. Show me how I can do more to help the Crisis Pregnancy Center here in town.

To anyone that may be reading this blog today I pray, “May the Lord richly bless both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

Daily Bible Reading:  Genesis 37,38; Psalms 7; Luke 15; Psalm 15, Psalm 115; Proverbs 15

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I Knew You Before I Formed You In Your Mother’s Womb

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I Knew You
Before I Formed You
In Your Mother’s Womb



Scripture

Jeremiah 1

⁵ “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
    Before you were born I set you apart
    and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

Observation

Before you and I were born, God designed us with great value. You have heard it before and it is worth repeating, “God don’t make junk”! 

Take a good look at yourself and think about the truth of Jeremiah 1:5, “God knew you before He formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born God set you apart …” 

You many feel like you are junk, but that is not God’s view of me and you. 

I love Psalm 139 that also lets me know what God thinks about me and how He thinks about you. 

Take a minute and read Psalm 139 today when you get a chance. 
.

Psalm 139

 ¹⁶ 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.
¹⁷ How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
    They cannot be numbered!
¹⁸ I can’t even count them;
    they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
    you are still with me!
.

Psalm 18:19

He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me.

Psalm 37:24

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

Proverbs 3:12

For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

Galatians 1:15-16

¹⁵ But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him ¹⁶ to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.

Application

Even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, just as you chose Jeremiah before he was born I know that You did the same thing for me. Not because I deserved it, but it was because of your marvelous grace! I know that You delight in every detail of my life. I know because Your Word tells me that You delight in me!

Help those reading this blog today realize just how much You love them. Show them that they can trust in You. Bring joy into their lives as they draw close to You. I pray for those who are struggling with purpose and meaning and self worth. Show them just have valuable they are to You. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Genesis 34,35,36; Luke 14; Psalm 14, Psalm 114; Proverbs 14; Jeremiah 1

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