Thursday, January 31, 2019

But Stephen, Full Of The Holy Spirit, Gazed Steadily Into Heaven And Saw The Glory Of God


But Stephen, Full Of The Holy Spirit,
Gazed Steadily Into Heaven
And Saw The Glory Of God
Scripture
Acts 7
55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand.
Observation
If I am to be filled with the Holy Spirit, or full of God's Holy Spirit it means that I have to empty myself of my self and allow God to be in control of my life.
If I am full of my 'self' then there is no room for God's Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18 is a verse that helps me to understand what it means to be filled with the Spirit. The verse says, “Don’t drink too much wine, for many evils lie along that path; be filled instead with the Holy Spirit and controlled by him.”
Have you ever been drunk? Unfortunately during my teenage years, before someone introduced me to Jesus Christ, ashamedly I admit to being under the influence of alcohol to the point of being drunk? So drunk that I could have at several different times crashed and killed my date Kathy, myself, and who knows how many other people.
So I know personally that a drunk person is no longer in control, but is being controlled by the alcohol that they have consumed.
The Bible says that we are to be filled with God's Holy Spirit and allow God to be in control of our life. God doesn't not want to be the co-pilot in our life – God wants to be behind the wheel.
Yes, we are filled with God's Holy Spirit when we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ and ask Him to be our Lord and Savior.
But we must daily be filled with the Holy Spirit … why you might ask? … because we leak!
Application
Everyday, I will confess my sins as I commit them so that God's Holy Spirit will have control of my life.
Romans 8
9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
1 John 1:9
9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for sparing me during those years of stupidity. Thank You for not allowing anything bad to happen to me or those around me when I was allowing something other than Your Holy Spirit to control my life. I know that every day I have a choice. I know that I can life for myself or I can live for You. I can control my own life or I can allow You to be in control. Please don't let me be in control of my own life. I make a mess of things every single time that I try to take the wheel. I want You behind the steering wheel of my life. I surrender control to You right now.
I pray for anyone that may be reading this blog that is struggling with an addiction. Bring people, godly people into his or her life who can help them. I pray that they surrender their life totally to You and allow You to be in control. Help them to bring You glory with the choices that they make. Help them to walk in victory today.
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 28,29; Acts 7



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Wednesday, January 30, 2019

An Adulterous Woman Consumes A Man, Then Wipes Her Mouth And Says, “What's Wrong With That?”


An Adulterous Woman Consumes A Man,
Then Wipes Her Mouth And Says,
“What's Wrong With That?”
Scripture
Proverbs 30
20 An adulterous woman consumes a man,
    then wipes her mouth and says, “What’s wrong with that?”

Observation
What I have noticed and maybe you have too is that when someone gets caught committing adultery regardless of whether its a man or its a woman they seem to always try to defend their behavior by blaming someone else!
In other words, “What's wrong with that?”
But the truth is when you or I step over the line, if we ever did, or if we ever do, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
I warn couples all the time to be on their guard. I tell them that Satan will bring someone into their path that will be attracted to them other than their spouse and Satan will do it right at the time the couple is going through a rough time in their marriage.
Plain and simple: Satan intends to kill, steal, and destroy your marriage.
So lets establish and maintain guardrails for our marriage so Satan will not be successful in derailing the relationship that we have with our spouse.
You and I do have an enemy that wants to destroy our marriage and it is not our spouse.
Application
I will guard my relationship with my wife.
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I see so many couples who are not experiencing what You intended for them to experience in their marriage. And Satan is ready to pounce on them. Lord, I pray for them. If they would only put You first in their lives and if they would only put each other second it would make all the difference in the world. They could experience a marriage like You planned for them. You know who I am praying for. You know who needs to repent. You know who needs to put You back on the throne in their life. Help them to do that today.
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 25,26,27; Acts 6; I added: Psalm 60, Psalm 90; Proverbs 30



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Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Only Fools Say In Their Hearts, “There Is No God.”


Only Fools
Say In Their Hearts,
“There Is No God.”
Scripture
Psalm 14
1 Only fools say in their hearts,
    “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;
    not one of them does good!
Observation
There are at least two types of fools or nincompoops in this world that immediately come to my mind as I read Psalm 14:1 this morning: First, the person that says in his or her heart, “There is no God.” And second, the person who says that they believe in God, but then lives his or her life as though God does not exist. If either one of those two describe us, then my friend, you and I are fools.
The word 'fool' or 'foolish' is found 258 times in the Bible and Solomon wrote about 'fools' 83 times in the book of Proverbs.
So we are “idiots, halfwits, blockheads, ignoramuses, morons, and nincompoops”, if we disregard God's Word or if we disregard God.
By the way, in contrast to “fool”, the word “wise” is found 85 times in the book of Proverbs and a total of 248 in the Bible!
Proverbs 6:32
But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself.
Proverbs 18:2
Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
Psalm 94:7-9
7 “The Lord isn’t looking,” they say, “and besides, the God of Israel doesn’t care.” 8 Think again, you fools! When will you finally catch on? 9 Is he deaf—the one who made your ears? Is he blind—the one who formed your eyes?
Proverbs 10:14
Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.
Proverbs 12:15
Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.
Proverbs 12:18
Careless words stab like a sword, but wise words bring healing.
Application
I will ask God for wisdom.
How about you?
James 1:5
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray that I will be wise today. Don't let me be a fool. Help me to read Your Word and help me to obey what Your Word says to me. Guard my heart. Guide and direct me. Give me understanding. Help me to obey everything I read in Your Word.

I pray for the sick today. I pray for healing. Give strength to those fighting cancer and strength for those with weak hearts. I pray for those who are having a difficult time in a relationship. Draw them close to You. Help them to put You first in their life today.

Don't let me be a fool by not trusting in You with what ever comes into my life today.
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 23,24; Psalms 14; Acts 5



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Monday, January 28, 2019

When They Had Prayed, The Place Where They Were Assembled Was Shaken


When They Had Prayed,
The Place
Where They Were Assembled Was Shaken
Scripture
Acts 4
31 When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak God’s message with boldness.
Observation
I can clearly remember what I am getting ready to share with you like it was yesterday, even though it was years ago during our Seminary days in Fort Worth, Texas.
Kathy and I were involved in a prayer meeting that went through the entire night. Our pastor had asked the entire church to come together to pray for one of our church members who was going to have brain surgery the next morning.
The young woman was given less than a ten percent chance of surviving the surgery, and we were told that even if she did survive the surgery she most probably would be severely handicapped.
Humanly speaking it did not look good. So we prayed, all of us, and we prayed and prayed all through the night. We all gathered together at our church in our church's prayer chapel.
The following morning the doctors removed the tumor and this sister in Christ made a total and complete recovery.
It was unforgettable! It was an Acts 4 kind of experience.
2 Chronicles 7:14
Then if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, if they will pray and seek me and stop their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven. I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land.
James 5:13-16
13 Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they should pray over him after anointing him with olive oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will restore him to health; if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.
Application
I will always respond when our pastor calls on us to come together to pray!
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have personally seen what happens when the church comes together and prays. Nothing can stop Your church. It is the most powerful institution on this planet. When Your people humble themselves and come together and pray nothing is impossible. 
Lord, I have been on the receiving end of having people, lots of people, praying for me. When the doctors thought it was hopeless for me to recover Your church never gave up hope. Maybe the experience of what You did during our seminary days was in the back of Kathy's mind, I don't know, but I know that she never gave up praying for me to be healed. You are the mighty God. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is too hard for You.
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 21,22; Psalms 12; Acts 4



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Sunday, January 27, 2019

Do Not Covet Your Neighbor’s House. Do Not Covet Your Neighbor’s Wife, … Or Anything That Belongs To Your Neighbor.


Do Not Covet Your Neighbor’s House.
Do Not Covet Your Neighbor’s Wife, …
Or Anything That Belongs To Your Neighbor.
Scripture
Exodus 20
17 Do not covet your neighbor’s house. Do not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male or female slave, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
Observation

Probably one of the most unhealthy things about social media (Facebook especially) is that it causes us, or at least it could cause us, to want what everybody has, or cause us to want to do what everybody else gets to do, that we for one reason or another do not get to do.

The word 'covet' is a word that we don't hear much about today, but it is something we probably all struggle with, if we were to be honest with each other.

It is still very much alive in the USA today.

Every once in a while when I see what some of you post on Facebook I will admit that the Lord has to remind me of this commandment.

Remember, the Ten Commandments were given to us to help us, not hurt us. God was looking out for our well being when He gave them to us.
Lets not forget that they are 10 commandments and not 10 suggestions.

And when we step over the line and let covetousness rule in our hearts and we let covetousness go unchecked, the end result will always be hurt, misery, and destruction.

Philippians 4:11-12
I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.
1Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is a great gain.
1Timothy 6:8
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.
James 4:2
You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You do not have because you do not ask.
Application
I want to learn the secret of being content 24/7 and I want to be able to say what the Apostle Paul said, “In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content”
How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that every day is a test. Today is a test to see if I am going to live for You or live for myself. Tomorrow I will be tested again. I want to learn Paul's secret. I want to be content right where I am right now. Help me to do that. When I look at what someone else has or what someone else does, and I begin to covet, please bring conviction to my heart quickly so I can repent. Help me to see Your hand in everything that goes on in my life. Give me a thankful and grateful heart.
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 17,18,19,20; Acts 3



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Saturday, January 26, 2019

The LORD Himself Will Fight For You. Just Stay Calm


The LORD
Himself
Will Fight For You. Just Stay Calm
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.”
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"
Exodus 15:1-4
Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord: “I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; he has hurled both horse and rider into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—my father’s God, and I will exalt him! The Lord is a warrior; Yahweh is his name!  Pharaoh’s chariots and army he has hurled into the sea.
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.
Lord, 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



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Friday, January 25, 2019

You Will Receive Power When The Holy Spirit Comes Upon You. And You Will Be My Witnesses, Telling People About Me Everywhere –


You Will Receive Power When The Holy Spirit Comes Upon You.
And You Will Be My Witnesses,
Telling People About Me Everywhere –
Scripture
Acts 1
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
We live in a country in desperate need of Jesus. How can anyone in their right mind vote to approve full term abortions like people just did in New York?
I never would have thought that anyone else would have ever thought that this was okay, but this week I watched in horror (and maybe you did too), people celebrating, lighting up buildings with pink lights, in celebration of legalizing the murder of unborn babies all the way up to full term.
Haven't they ever held a new born baby in their arms? How can this be happening? Romans 1:28 tells us “Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.” … He 'let' them do things that should never be done … think about that!
So what does this have to do with Acts 1:8?
You and I, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, are the salt and the light. We have received the power of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses in this world filled with this kind of darkness, and this week we got a brutal reminder of just how dark our world has become!
Application
Life is precious. I will always support the pro-life movement. I will be light in this world of darkness.
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are the God of mercy and the God of forgiveness. You are also a just God and a God of righteousness. Lord, I pray for our country. I pray for our leaders. Things seem to be so out of control, but I know that none of this takes You by surprise. I know that You have a plan and Your plan will happen just as You want it to. Evil will not prevail. I know that You will win in the end and I know that I am on Your winning team. Raise up leaders in our country, Lord, that will change our course and get us off this dark road that is taking us to destruction. I know, Lord, that as Christians we are the most powerful people in this world. No one else in this world is possessed and empowered by Your Holy Spirit.
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 12,13; Psalms 21; Acts 1
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I just saw that I wrote this on this day in 2017
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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.

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Thursday, January 24, 2019

Then He Opened Up Their Minds So They Could Understand The Scriptures.


Then He
Opened Up Their Minds
So They Could Understand The Scriptures.
Scripture
Luke 22
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
Observation
It was on the road to Emmaus that two disciples of our resurrected Lord had the Scriptures explained to them by Jesus Himself.
Immediately their minds were opened and they realized that Jesus was way more than a Prophet, yes, they suddenly realized that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah!
I have had friends tell me that they have tried to read the Bible, but it was difficult for them to understand what they were reading. And I can understand what they are saying because I still run across passages that are difficult for me to grasp.
And I have read and re-read the Bible from beginning to end each year consistently since 2006. I write a short simple blog like this one and I have written one every day since 2006 (except for a few weeks in 2011 when I had a massive heart attack).
As of yesterday I had posted 4,041 blogs on https://tampabaptistchurch.blogspot.com/ and I have actually written more blogs than that but I wasn't able to post them all because there were times that I did not have access to the internet.
I use this simple acrostic S.O.A.P that I learned at a conference where a video was shown of Pastor Wayne Cordeiro sharing how he used this method to improve his daily Bible reading. This pastor continues to encourage his entire mega church to use this method of spiritual journaling.
Let me encourage you to use some kind of Bible reading plan so you will be able to have a consistent daily devotional time. You can 'google' Bible Gateway and you will find that they offer many different Bible reading plans for you to choose from.
Don't give up. Pick up your Bible, either in paper book form, or on your phone, or on your computer like I do, and start reading it every day.
Have a plan that you are going to follow and stick to the plan.
And may God open up your mind to all of the blessings that He has for you!
Application
I am looking forward to what I will read in God's Word tomorrow!
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I can remember when I had a hard time reading Your Word consistently every day. I can remember when it seemed like a chore. I remember reading it because I thought I had to and not particularly because I wanted to. Of course, You remember that too. Thank You for changing the way I feel about spending time in Your Word. Today it is a joy. I can almost feel what the Psalmist felt when he wrote Psalm 119 … almost. Give me an even greater love for Your Word. Help me to have an appetite for Your Word and devour it like Job described when he said, “I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food.” Job 23:12
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 9,10,11; Luke 24



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Wednesday, January 23, 2019

You, God, Are My God, Earnestly I Seek You; I Thirst For You, My Whole Being Longs For You


You, God, Are My God,
Earnestly I Seek You;
I Thirst For You, My Whole Being Longs For You
Scripture
Psalm 63
1 You, God, are my God,
    earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
    my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
    where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
    and beheld your power and your glory.
3 Because your love is better than life,
    my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
    and in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
    with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
Observation

Oh my goodness! Does this Psalm describe how you and I feel about God this morning? Did we wake up like King David full of praise? I can feel the emotion that David had as he penned this Psalm.

Wow! Wow! And Wow! Are you draggin', saggin', and baggin' this morning?

Take time to read Psalm 63 and let it sink deep down into your soul!

Let's not let the busyness of life and the concerns and worries of this life rob us of time alone with our Heavenly Father.

Lets slow down and read Psalm 63 as a prayer back to God.
Application
I will pray Psalm 63 back to my Heavenly Father this morning!
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me. (Psalm 63:1-8 personalized)
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 6,7,8; Luke 23; I added: Psalm 43, Psalm 63; Proverbs 23



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Tuesday, January 22, 2019

I Have Pleaded In Prayer For You


I Have
Pleaded In Prayer
For You
Scripture
Luke 22
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 

32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”

33 Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.”
34 But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
Observation

I remember waking up this morning at around 3:45 A.M., I was having a dream that wasn't ending very well. Don't know if you ever have any of those kind of bad dreams but I seem to have more than my share.

And I was having trouble getting back to sleep when I was prompted by the Lord to pray for my grown children.

It has taken a long time for me to learn, but I have finally learned that pleading with the Lord for others is the most important ministry that the Lord has asked to me to do.

And that is why I know that something, no, that is why I know “Someone” woke me up this morning at 3:45 A.M..

Oh sure, it is okay for me and you to pray for ourselves and the needs that we have, but if that is what we spend all of our prayer time doing then we have completely missed the boat.

The Lord already knows what we need. He wants us pleading for those He puts on our hearts.

He has given all of us the ministry of intercession.
1 Timothy 2:1
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Romans 8:34
Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Hebrews 7:25
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Application
I will pray specifically for many of you as I send out this blog. I pray for you because I know that the Lord hears me and I know that He wants to do great things, both in and through your life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You have shown me over and over and over again that life is not all about me. I am sorry that You have to keep reminding me, but it seems too easy just to think about and focus on myself. Thanks for the constant reminders.
I do pray for any person who might be reading this blog today. Help them to place his or her focus on the people around them and off of themselves. Help them to spend time today praying for others.
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 3,4,5; Luke 22



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