Saturday, November 30, 2019

He Was Fully Convinced That God Is Able To Do Whatever He Promises.


He Was Fully
Convinced That God
Is Able To Do Whatever He Promises.
Scripture
Romans 4
20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 
21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 
22 And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. 
23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded 
24 for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 
25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.
Observation
The story of Abraham is a story of incredible faith. The Bible says
“Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.” Rom. 4:17-19
How about your story? How about my story? Is my life and is your life both stories of incredible faith?
“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. … And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Hebrews 11:1,6
What are we believing God for right now?
Application
I will hold on to and I will believe every promise that God has for me in the Bible.
How about you? Will you believe?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that You have given me thousands of promises in Your Word so I could live my life by faith. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Don't let me doubt Your promises.
I pray for my friend who is close to death. You know better than anyone how sad this makes me. I pray that during the time that he has left that he will call out to You. I pray for his salvation. Help him as he goes through this difficult time. I pray for his brothers and sister. Give them strength and comfort them.
Daily Bible Reading: Romans 1,2,3,4



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Friday, November 29, 2019

Always Be Joyful. Never Stop Praying. Be Thankful In All Circumstances …


Always Be Joyful.
Never Stop Praying.
Be Thankful In All Circumstances …
Scripture
1 Thessalonians 5
16 Always be joyful.
17 Never stop praying.
18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Observation

Always, Never and All … 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 is a good word for all of us a day after Thanksgiving!

The Apostle Paul didn't say always be happy! Happiness can be lost in a moment, but joy is a deep seated emotion that comes from our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Sometimes we needed to be reminded that there is a big difference between joy and happiness!

I am also glad that the Apostle Paul reminds me to never stop praying.

There are times to be perfectly honest when I am tempted to give up on some people and quit praying for them. It just doesn't seem like they are ever going to change the direction of their lives. What gives me hope to hear the testimonies of how God has changed someone's life after years of someone praying for them. So I will never quit praying.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul is not saying to be thankful for all of our circumstances.

There are plenty of bad things that happen to us that we should not be thankful for! What Paul is saying that in the middle of all of our circumstances both good and bad you and I need to have a grateful heart.

“A thankful heart is a 'joyful' heart.”
Application
I will be joyful. I will never quit praying. I will be thankful in all circumstances!
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to put into practice 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 this week. I know that You are constantly at work in my life and in the lives of those that I pray for. Don't ever let me give up on them. Help me to look above my circumstances and look to You when things get tough.
Daily Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4,5; 2 Thessalonians 1,2,3



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Thursday, November 28, 2019

We Always Thank God For All Of You And Pray For You Constantly.


We Always
Thank God For All Of You
And Pray For You Constantly.
Scripture
1 Thessalonians 1
2 We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. 
3 As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Observation
I was up at 5:30 this morning because it is my job to cook the Thanksgiving day turkey.
As I was trying to put a 27 1/2 pound turkey into a 24-pound browning bag I couldn't stop thinking about Mr. Bean and his turkey. I will try to put up a link to the Mr. Bean/turkey video. If you haven't seen it … you have just got to take time to see it!
I am thankful for you today. I am praying for you and your family as I write this short blog. All of our friends and family mean so much to us. Life without you would not be living.
Thanksgiving is getting crowded out with the rise in popularity of Halloween and the intense pressure on all of us to start Christmas shopping on the afternoon of Thanksgiving! It is crazy.
Don't shop today – spend time with your family and take time to give thanks for all that God has done for you!
Application

I am taking time to be thankful this Thanksgiving. I am going to enjoy time with my family today.

How about you?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for everything. You are so good to me and my family. We are so blessed. Thank You for all of our friends. They are so important to us. Help them to enjoy this day.
For our friends who have recently lost a loved one I pray that You comfort them. May they sense Your joy in the midst of their sorrow. Brighten their day today with the encouragement from a friend.
For those who seem to be all alone today I pray that they are able to sense Your presence. Show them that they are not alone and that You are with them.
Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 28; 1 Thessalonians 1,2,3
> 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.
Mr. Bean/turkey video link



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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

At About Three O'Clock, Jesus Called Out With A Loud Voice, “Eli, Eli, Lema Sabachthani?” Which Means “My God, My God, Why Have You Abandoned Me?”


At About Three O'Clock, Jesus Called Out
With A Loud Voice, “Eli, Eli, Lema Sabachthani?” Which Means
“My God, My God, Why Have You Abandoned Me?”
Scripture
Matthew 27
45 At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 
46 At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
Observation
I don't know about you but for me, it is really hard for me to read about the crucifixion of Jesus. What my Heavenly Father did to Jesus He will never do to me! He abandoned Jesus on that cross. He will never abandon me!
Even knowing that this was God's plan from the beginning of time it still doesn't make it any easier for me to read about what Jesus did for me.
Like Jesus had told his disciples a few hours earlier when He was arrested, “Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly?”.
Matthew 28:20
“... And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Hebrews 13:5
Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
John 14:16
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.
John 10:28-29
28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 

29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. 

Application
I am safe and secure in my Heavenly Father's hand.
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me eternal life. I know that it was a free gift for me, but a very costly gift for You. Help me to live every day secure in my relationship with You. I am one of Your children. I am safe. You have me in the palm of Your hand and no one can snatch me out of Your powerful hand. Thank You for sending Your Son to die in my place on that cross.
I pray for anyone reading this blog that may be worried about their future. Help them to trust in You. Show them that they don't need to worry. Help them to walk by faith today.
Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 125; Matthew 26,27



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Tuesday, November 26, 2019

I Was Hungry, And You Fed Me. I Was Thirsty, And You Gave Me A Drink. I Was A Stranger, And You Invited Me Into Your Home.


I Was Hungry, And You Fed Me.
I Was Thirsty, And You Gave Me A Drink.
I Was A Stranger, And You Invited Me Into Your Home.
Scripture
Matthew 25
35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 
36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 
38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 
39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Observation
This time of the year, Thanksgiving and Christmas should remind us to be generous with what the Lord has given us! Even people that don't know Jesus tend to be generous during this holiday season so we sure need to step up to the plate and help those around us.
There are countless ministries that need our help plus there are lonely individuals and struggling families all around us that could use a helping hand. It might be in the way of a phone call, a visit, a meal, a letter, or a love gift.
Our Heavenly Father is watching us. We serve Him by serving others.
Application
I will look for those who need help during this holiday season.
How about you?
Matthew 25
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 
38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 
39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don't want to miss out on helping someone that You send my way. Don't let me get so busy with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays that I miss out on being Your hands and Your feet. Use me to help someone in need. Give me wisdom and discernment so I give to help those who are truly in need of help.
I pray for those who have recently lost loved ones. I know that this is a difficult time of year for them. Smile on them, Lord. Bring people into their lives to encourage them.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 23,24,25



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Monday, November 25, 2019

Love The Lord Your God With All Your Heart, All Of Your Soul, And All Your Mind. This Is The First And Greatest Commandment. A Second Is Equally Important: “Love Your Neighbor As Yourself.”


Love The Lord Your God With All Your Heart, All Of Your Soul,
And All Your Mind. This Is The First And Greatest Commandment.
A Second Is Equally Important: “Love Your Neighbor As Yourself.”
Scripture
Matthew 22
35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 
36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’
38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 
39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Observation
It was another trick question.
The religious leaders were trying to trap Jesus by asking Him questions that they hoped would cause Him to say something that they could use to condemn Him, but every time they tried they failed.
Hey, trying to hoodwink the Creator of the Universe didn't work back then and it won't work today.
Jesus knows our thoughts. There is no tricking or hoodwinking Him.
We might be able to fool those around us, but we are not going to fool God.
Obedience to these two commandments is what He desires from me and what He desires from you this week.
Application
This week I will strive to put Jesus first, others second, and myself last!
How about you?
Matthew 20
26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,
27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.
28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to love You with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my mind. And help me to love my neighbor as much as I love myself. Don't let me miss opportunities to serve You by serving those around me. Help me to be sensitive to the needs of those around me.
Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 20,21,22



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Sunday, November 24, 2019

In The Same Way, It Is Not My Heavenly Father's Will That Even One Of These Little Ones Should Perish.


In The Same Way,
It Is Not My Heavenly Father's Will
That Even One Of These Little Ones Should Perish.
Scripture
Matthew 18
1 About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”

2 Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. 
3 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 
4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
12 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? 
13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! 
14 In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.
Observation
Those who are lost, those who are without a relationship to Jesus Christ, come in all shapes and sizes. And no matter what they look like, smell like, or act like, it is our Heavenly Father's will that not even one of them should perish.
I was reminded last night during a conversation with someone, that people who are in desperate need of Jesus quite likely are not living a lifestyle that maybe you and I would find acceptable.
But as a believer, as a follower of Jesus Christ, it is my calling to love and accept the person in spite of the decisions that they are making.
Tax collectors, prostitutes, and other notorious sinners felt very comfortable around Jesus and were attracted to Him like a magnet!
Application
I will work hard at loving people just the way they are.
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me. Give me the ability to look at a person with Your eyes and see them as You see them. Give me spiritual understanding and give me compassion for the lost.
Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 17,18,19



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Saturday, November 23, 2019

And What Do You Benefit If You Gain The Whole World But Lose Your Soul? Is Anything Worth More Than Your Soul?


And What Do You Benefit If You Gain The Whole World
But
Lose Your Soul? Is Anything Worth More Than Your Soul?
Scripture
Matthew 16
26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
Observation

I am trying to write this blog in the dark. We have to be at a park early this morning for a birthday party for two of our granddaughter's so I had to get up at 5 instead of 6 this morning. My laptop and the little desk where I have my quiet time are in the bedroom and Kathy is still asleep. Kathy came to bed late last night because she was working on stuff for the birthday party.
Anyway, “Good morning!” Top of the world to you! …
Is anything worth more than my soul? … Just the fact that I can read that question is proof to me that God has created and designed me and has given me a soul that will live forever. Who gave me and who gave you the ability to think and to have all of the thoughts that we have – it was God.
This tent that I am living in is definitely wearing out. When I woke up a few minutes ago I immediately felt several familiar aches and pains. One day this old tent that I live in will totally and completely give out, but my soul will live forever.
And I know that I am going to get a new body that is never going to wear out!
Psalm 139
1 O Lord, you have examined my heart
    and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
    You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel
    and when I rest at home.
    You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
    even before I say it, Lord.
5 You go before me and follow me.
    You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too great for me to understand!
Application
Nothing is worth more than my soul!
How about you? How are you investing your time?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I was created to live forever with You. This Earth is not my home. I am just passing through. These present troubles are small potatoes and don't compare to what I get to experience when I am in Heaven with You.
Psalm 139
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
    as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
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!
Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 14,15,16



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Friday, November 22, 2019

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


Come To Me,
All Of You Who Are Weary And Carry Heavy Burdens,
And I Will Give You Rest.
Scripture
Matthew 11
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 
29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 
30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Observation

I watch as people close to me struggle. Their lives are filled with strife, with fighting, with so much drama, and with so much hurt. And usually it intensifies on the weekend and oh no, today is Friday!
The answer to life's weariness is Jesus!
No Jesus No Peace. Know Jesus Know Peace.
Maybe it is time for you to surrender! Aren't you tired of fighting 24/7?
You can't change the people around you. But you can change YOU!
It is the weekend. I know that I will hear of more fighting, more strife, and more drama! And I also know that it is not going to end, it is not going to change, it is not going to get any better, until those I love come to Jesus.
Application
I will continue to pray for those who need a personal relationship with Jesus!
How about you? Is your life filled with strife and turmoil?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You know how my heart hurts for people that continue to live like You do not exist. I hold out hope and I continue to pray for loved ones that are living life without You. I want to hear from their lips that Jesus Christ is their Lord and their Savior. I want to hear from them that Jesus is helping them each and every day. I want You to receive glory from the way that they live. Work in their hearts, Lord. Open up their spiritual eyes to the truth. Do it soon, Lord. Do it soon!
Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 11,12,13



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Thursday, November 21, 2019

So Don't Be Afraid; You Are More Valuable To God Than A Whole Flock Of Sparrows.


So Don't Be Afraid;
You
Are More Valuable To God Than A Whole Flock Of Sparrows.
Scripture
Matthew 10
28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.
30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.
31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Observation
Insignificant … small … nobody cares … afraid … lonely … unloved … scared … overwhelmed … defeated … worthless … maybe you have had some of those kinds of feelings lately or know someone who has!
Matthew 10:28-31 should encourage all of us.
If you and I would only read the Bible every day and let all of God's promises sink into that hard head of ours – we would be just fine.
God loves us so much. If we could just grasp how much He loves us. And … If you and I could just understand how much God wants to use our lives to touch the lives of others – we could walk in sobriety and in victory.
Application
I am the apple of God's eye. He delights in me. He is concerned about every detail of my life.
How about you?
Psalm 17:8
Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,
Psalm 37:23
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Psalm 18:19
He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me.
Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for making me the way that I am. Thank You for putting up with me. I don't deserve Your love or Your attention but I am glad that I get it. It is amazing that You can think about me and millions of other people at the very same time. You care about every detail of my life and You even know how many hairs are left on my balding head. You are amazing. You are worthy of all praise!
I pray for those who are struggling with addictions. Help them to turn to You. Help them to feel Your love. Give them the strength to turn away from what has enslaved them and help them to turn to You. Give them victory, Lord. Help them to realize how much You love them and how much You want to use them to help others.
Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 8,9,10



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Wednesday, November 20, 2019

If A Soldier Demands That You Carry His Gear For A Mile, Carry It Two Miles.


If A Soldier
Demands That You Carry His Gear For A Mile,
Carry It Two Miles.
Scripture
Matthew 5
41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.
Observation
Your marriage is suffering if you haven't learned this principle!
Marriage is not a 50/50 relationship. To have a great marriage both partners must practice Matthew 5:41. 50/50 won't cut it in a marriage, it has to be 100/100.
Last night I washed the dishes. That is not unusual, I wash the dishes almost every day. Even when we have had a dishwasher in some of the houses that we have lived in I still would wash the dishes by hand.
Kathy cooked our supper last night. That is not unusual, she cooks our supper every night. Except for when we have the opportunity to go out for dinner.
I started washing dishes every day after hearing a sermon by a preacher who happened to be preaching in chapel at Dallas Baptist University where I was attending way back in the late '70s. The preacher was preaching on this passage and he was talking about going the second mile for people and when I went home that day I told Kathy that I was going to wash the dishes at our house.
Last night Kathy helped me with the dishes and she rinsed! Marriage, at least a great marriage, is all about teamwork. It is 100%/100%!
Tonight we both get a break because tonight we eat at church!
Please come join us … 5:30 for dinner and 6:30 for small groups! Christ Fellowship Church 300 E. Sligh Ave, Tampa
Application
I will do my best to give 100% to my marriage.
How about you? What do you need to do differently?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for letting me hear that sermon in chapel that day and thank You for touching my life with what the preacher that day said. I know that You were speaking through him directly to me. Give me a servant's heart. Help me to serve Kathy and help me treat her the way You intend for a husband to treat his wife.
I pray for couples that just don't understand the principle of going the second mile for their spouse. Help them, Lord. Give them a servant's heart for each other.
Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 5,6,7



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Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Then They Opened Their Treasure Chests And Gave Him Gifts Of Gold, Frankincense, And Myrrh.


Then They Opened Their Treasure Chests
And Gave Him
Gifts Of Gold, Frankincense, And Myrrh.
Scripture
Matthew 2
9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 
10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 
11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Observation
Well over 100 years ago, a single missionary named Lottie Moon, while serving in China, began writing letters challenging the American church to send and support more workers to go there.
Since 1845, Southern Baptist churches across the United States have partnered together to reach the world for Christ by raising half of the support needed to take the Gospel to the unreached world through one annual offering named after this tough missionary from China.
The “Lottie Moon Christmas Offering” has been the way that Kathy and I have supported International missions for over 45 years.
The goal this year is 165 million dollars to support 3,678 missionaries in taking the message of Christ to 4-5 billion lost people.
If you want to give and your church doesn't promote this offering you can give directly by going to the International Mission Board website IMB dot org
Application
Kathy and I will give again this year to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
How about you? Will you open up your treasure chest and sacrificially give to reach this world for Christ?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help our churches reach out with a worldwide vision. Renew the vision to reach the lost of this world. I pray for my missionary friends as they serve in very difficult places. Use them in a mighty way for Your kingdom. I pray that You will use this offering to further Your kingdom. Give our churches a vision to fulfill the great commission, “to go and make disciples of all the nations”. Help them not be so inward-focused.
Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 1,2,3,4



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