Theology for Dummies 101
Exodus 6; Exodus 7; Exodus 8; Luke 23
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
The Crucifixion
Luke 23
26 As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. 28 Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For the time will come when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!'
30 Then
" 'they will say to the mountains, "Fall on us!"
and to the hills, "Cover us!" ' 31 For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."
38 There was a written notice above him, which read:|sc THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
40 But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Observation
I don’t know what you believe about end time’s stuff. I don’t know if you are a pre-tribulation, a mid-tribulation, or a post-trib. I don’t know if you are Premillennial, Amillennial, or Postmillennial, or if you even understood any of the terms I just mentioned.
The bottom line of my eschatology (end times stuff) is this: when I die, the moment I die, I am going to be with Jesus. Where ever Jesus is at that moment that is where I am going to be and it will be paradise! End of discussion (at least for me).
Application
I will focus on extending His Kingdom and not arguing over stuff that I don’t know about.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for letting us see how you handled the two men on the cross. We deserve the cross just like they did and worse but your death gives us the privilege to be with you in paradise. Thank you for dying on the cross in my place. Thank you for taking the penalty of my sin away by suffering on the cross for me. I don’t deserve the life I have today. You are Wonderful and you are Worthy to be Praised! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Why Swords?
Exodus 3; Exodus 4; Exodus 5; Luke 22
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Jesus Arrested
Luke 22
47 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
49 When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
51 But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.
Observation
Ok. Am I the only one that ever asks why certain things are mentioned in the Bible? Have you ever wondered why Jesus said to his disciples in Luke 22:36 "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” Have you ever wondered why Jesus wanted his disciples to have swords?
Remember this conversation about the need for swords took place was when he and his disciples had just finished taking the Lord’s Supper and he had shared with Peter that Peter would deny him. When Jesus told the disciples that they should buy swords they responded that they had two swords in their possession. He told them that two was enough. Interesting to me that if they were going to need swords then how could two swords be enough, but Jesus knew what he was doing.
The scene then moves to the Mount of Olives where we find Jesus praying in such agony that the scripture says that His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. After he finishes praying the high priest, temple guards, and Romans soldiers led by Judas approach Jesus and his disciples to arrest them. In one of the other Gospel accounts it says that a cohort of Roman soldiers came with Judas to arrest Jesus. A cohort would consist of at least 300 soldiers.
I think that the disciples must have still been asleep because then they asked Jesus what seems at first to be a very dumb question or was it? They said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” Remember what they were actually saying was, “Lord, should we strike with our two swords?” Before the Lord answered their question Simon Peter takes out his sword and whacks off the servant of the high priest’s ear!
OK. These are the disciples that had seen Jesus take a few small fish and a few small pieces of bread and feed over 5,000. And they had watched Jesus miraculously heal people probably on a daily basis. They watched him walk on water. He said to make sure that they had swords and he said that two swords were enough. I believe that they thought that with two swords and Jesus that they could win the fight in the garden that night. They were half way right. Jesus wanted to show them that they didn’t really need two swords and Jesus. He was going to show them that all they needed was Jesus.
When Peter whacked off that ear and that ear fell to the ground I imagine that for just a few seconds the disciples must have realized how stupid that action was and how helpless they suddenly were. I imagine that they instantly counted up the number of swords that Judas’ team had and realized that their two swords were not going to be enough. I am sure that at that very moment the disciples had a sick feeling in the pit of their stomachs.
It doesn’t say it here in Luke but I believe in the Gospel of John Jesus tells Peter to put up his sword and when he tells him Jesus uses a Greek word that means “little sword or dagger”. Then the scripture says that Jesus reached up and healed the servant’s ear and says, "No more of this!” At that moment all of the soldiers that came to arrest Jesus realized that Jesus was in charge and he had the power to protect his disciples and swords were no match for him.
Application
I will apply Philippians 4:13 “I can do everything through him who gives me strength”.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I see your Power and Majesty in this passage today. Those men did not have the power within themselves to come and arrest Jesus. He could have called ten thousand angels down to rescue him, but he wanted to suffer and die in my place instead. I serve such a Powerful God. Absolutely nothing is too hard for you. Thank you for showing me that nothing, nothing, nothing is too hard for you. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 3; Exodus 4; Exodus 5; Luke 22
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Jesus Arrested
Luke 22
47 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
49 When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
51 But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.
Observation
Ok. Am I the only one that ever asks why certain things are mentioned in the Bible? Have you ever wondered why Jesus said to his disciples in Luke 22:36 "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” Have you ever wondered why Jesus wanted his disciples to have swords?
Remember this conversation about the need for swords took place was when he and his disciples had just finished taking the Lord’s Supper and he had shared with Peter that Peter would deny him. When Jesus told the disciples that they should buy swords they responded that they had two swords in their possession. He told them that two was enough. Interesting to me that if they were going to need swords then how could two swords be enough, but Jesus knew what he was doing.
The scene then moves to the Mount of Olives where we find Jesus praying in such agony that the scripture says that His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. After he finishes praying the high priest, temple guards, and Romans soldiers led by Judas approach Jesus and his disciples to arrest them. In one of the other Gospel accounts it says that a cohort of Roman soldiers came with Judas to arrest Jesus. A cohort would consist of at least 300 soldiers.
I think that the disciples must have still been asleep because then they asked Jesus what seems at first to be a very dumb question or was it? They said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” Remember what they were actually saying was, “Lord, should we strike with our two swords?” Before the Lord answered their question Simon Peter takes out his sword and whacks off the servant of the high priest’s ear!
OK. These are the disciples that had seen Jesus take a few small fish and a few small pieces of bread and feed over 5,000. And they had watched Jesus miraculously heal people probably on a daily basis. They watched him walk on water. He said to make sure that they had swords and he said that two swords were enough. I believe that they thought that with two swords and Jesus that they could win the fight in the garden that night. They were half way right. Jesus wanted to show them that they didn’t really need two swords and Jesus. He was going to show them that all they needed was Jesus.
When Peter whacked off that ear and that ear fell to the ground I imagine that for just a few seconds the disciples must have realized how stupid that action was and how helpless they suddenly were. I imagine that they instantly counted up the number of swords that Judas’ team had and realized that their two swords were not going to be enough. I am sure that at that very moment the disciples had a sick feeling in the pit of their stomachs.
It doesn’t say it here in Luke but I believe in the Gospel of John Jesus tells Peter to put up his sword and when he tells him Jesus uses a Greek word that means “little sword or dagger”. Then the scripture says that Jesus reached up and healed the servant’s ear and says, "No more of this!” At that moment all of the soldiers that came to arrest Jesus realized that Jesus was in charge and he had the power to protect his disciples and swords were no match for him.
Application
I will apply Philippians 4:13 “I can do everything through him who gives me strength”.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I see your Power and Majesty in this passage today. Those men did not have the power within themselves to come and arrest Jesus. He could have called ten thousand angels down to rescue him, but he wanted to suffer and die in my place instead. I serve such a Powerful God. Absolutely nothing is too hard for you. Thank you for showing me that nothing, nothing, nothing is too hard for you. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, January 21, 2008
What in Your Past is Holding You Back?
Exodus 1; Exodus 2; Psalm 88; Luke 21
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Moses Flees to Midian
Exodus 2
11 One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. 12 Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 13 The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, "Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?"
14 The man said, "Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid and thought, "What I did must have become known."
15 When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well.
Observation
If you murder someone and are convicted of that crime in our country it automatically disqualifies you from voting in the election of a president. A person with a felony would not get to vote. And for sure if you murdered someone it would disqualify you from running for president of the United States. But Moses murdered the Egyptian and yet God still used him to lead His people out of Egypt. In fact, God used King David even after he had killed Uriah and had committed adultery Uriah’s wife Bathsheba. God took the Christian killing Paul and made him a missionary to reach the world.
So do you have a past that keeps getting in the way of you being used by God?
If you do then you need to wake up to the fact that God wants to forgive and forget your past sin and He wants to use you in his kingdom’s work. Two of God’s promises come to my mind as I write this, 1John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
I had a friend while I was in Seminary in Ft. Worth and this friend had his marriage fail right in the middle of his seminary studies. His wife had left him for another seminary student taking his 3 children and he never saw his children again. When I met him he had already remarried a girl that had a young child and they adopted another. This friend told me that because of his failed marriage he could never be used again to pastor a church and he told me that he was going to dedicate his life to working at a Gospel tract publishing company and in that way he would still be serving God.
My friend couldn’t forgive himself for this past sin of his failed marriage. I told him that God could still use him to pastor churches and with a little encouragement he took a pastorate up in the state of Ohio. After serving for many years faithfully and successfully in Ohio he once again returned to serve as pastor in Texas until he recently retired. He thought that his past sin had disqualified him for service. But God had other plans for this humble man. All of us have a past. All of us live with failures and all of us have made mistakes, but God is in the business of taking broken and humbled men and women to reach others for Christ. Little wonder why the Bible says that Moses was the most humble man to ever walk the earth.
Application
I will look for someone today that needs to be encouraged to be all that God wants them to be.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for bringing people into my life that helped me know your plan for my life. Thank you for not giving me what I deserve. I am a sinner, but my past sin has been forgiven and forgotten by you and my future sin even though it will make you sad will not keep me from having a Father-son relationship with you. I am your child. Lord, use me to help someone else understand your great love and forgiveness. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 1; Exodus 2; Psalm 88; Luke 21
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Moses Flees to Midian
Exodus 2
11 One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. 12 Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 13 The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, "Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?"
14 The man said, "Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid and thought, "What I did must have become known."
15 When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well.
Observation
If you murder someone and are convicted of that crime in our country it automatically disqualifies you from voting in the election of a president. A person with a felony would not get to vote. And for sure if you murdered someone it would disqualify you from running for president of the United States. But Moses murdered the Egyptian and yet God still used him to lead His people out of Egypt. In fact, God used King David even after he had killed Uriah and had committed adultery Uriah’s wife Bathsheba. God took the Christian killing Paul and made him a missionary to reach the world.
So do you have a past that keeps getting in the way of you being used by God?
If you do then you need to wake up to the fact that God wants to forgive and forget your past sin and He wants to use you in his kingdom’s work. Two of God’s promises come to my mind as I write this, 1John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
I had a friend while I was in Seminary in Ft. Worth and this friend had his marriage fail right in the middle of his seminary studies. His wife had left him for another seminary student taking his 3 children and he never saw his children again. When I met him he had already remarried a girl that had a young child and they adopted another. This friend told me that because of his failed marriage he could never be used again to pastor a church and he told me that he was going to dedicate his life to working at a Gospel tract publishing company and in that way he would still be serving God.
My friend couldn’t forgive himself for this past sin of his failed marriage. I told him that God could still use him to pastor churches and with a little encouragement he took a pastorate up in the state of Ohio. After serving for many years faithfully and successfully in Ohio he once again returned to serve as pastor in Texas until he recently retired. He thought that his past sin had disqualified him for service. But God had other plans for this humble man. All of us have a past. All of us live with failures and all of us have made mistakes, but God is in the business of taking broken and humbled men and women to reach others for Christ. Little wonder why the Bible says that Moses was the most humble man to ever walk the earth.
Application
I will look for someone today that needs to be encouraged to be all that God wants them to be.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for bringing people into my life that helped me know your plan for my life. Thank you for not giving me what I deserve. I am a sinner, but my past sin has been forgiven and forgotten by you and my future sin even though it will make you sad will not keep me from having a Father-son relationship with you. I am your child. Lord, use me to help someone else understand your great love and forgiveness. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Out of The Mouths of Babes
Genesis 49; Genesis 50; Psalm 8; Luke 20
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 8
1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise
Observation
I am sure that you have heard a child talk about God. Children know how to praise Him. It is not forced. They don’t make up stuff that sounds nice like we adults can do when we are asked to pray out loud.
Kids need the opportunity to hear God’s word. They need to have the chance to be in church so they can learn about God. I am so glad that as a young child my grandmother took me to church.
I believe she is the reason that I have a personal relationship with Christ today. God’s word penetrated my young heart and later I responded to a loving Heavenly Father’s call on my life for salvation.
Application
I will personally thank all of my children’s workers this week for the important work they are doing with our children.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, children and infants know how to praise you. It comes naturally for them. Give me that kind of child like faith. I want to praise you from a sincere heart. Search my heart today Lord and show me anything that is not pleasing to you. Be glorified in our church today. I pray for our people that there may be an excitement for you in their hearts. Use people that are on fire for you to fire up the rest of us. Revive us oh Lord. Help us to reach more and more families that have young children. Bless our children’s ministry and bless our children’s workers today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 49; Genesis 50; Psalm 8; Luke 20
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 8
1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise
Observation
I am sure that you have heard a child talk about God. Children know how to praise Him. It is not forced. They don’t make up stuff that sounds nice like we adults can do when we are asked to pray out loud.
Kids need the opportunity to hear God’s word. They need to have the chance to be in church so they can learn about God. I am so glad that as a young child my grandmother took me to church.
I believe she is the reason that I have a personal relationship with Christ today. God’s word penetrated my young heart and later I responded to a loving Heavenly Father’s call on my life for salvation.
Application
I will personally thank all of my children’s workers this week for the important work they are doing with our children.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, children and infants know how to praise you. It comes naturally for them. Give me that kind of child like faith. I want to praise you from a sincere heart. Search my heart today Lord and show me anything that is not pleasing to you. Be glorified in our church today. I pray for our people that there may be an excitement for you in their hearts. Use people that are on fire for you to fire up the rest of us. Revive us oh Lord. Help us to reach more and more families that have young children. Bless our children’s ministry and bless our children’s workers today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Praise God in Loud Voices – A Glimpse of Heaven
Genesis 47; Genesis 48; Psalm 10; Luke 19
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 19
37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38 "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"
40 "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
Observation
Last night Kathy and I went to a concert and my head has still not recovered. It was awesome! It was LOUD! It was PRAISE!
I wonder if one of reasons that the Pharisees didn’t like all the people joyfully praising the Lord was the loudness of the praise! We don’t know! Last night when the group “Skillet” played I immediately told myself that the next concert I was bringing my earplugs. It was that loud! But I watched the kids around me, no I watched 8,000+ kids around me and even though I couldn’t even hear the words that were being sung all the kids knew the words and were singing all the songs. I don’t know how they learned the words (because they surely couldn’t have heard the words for the loudness of the music) but somehow they did.
On the last song that the group Mercy Me sang, and by the way that is the group I went to the concert to hear, on that last song Bart the band’s lead singer had all 8,000 sing a praise song with no music and without the band, just the crowd. It was awesome! It was beautiful and yes it too was loud! It was a glimpse of heaven!
Application
I will remember to bring my earplugs to the next concert, but I will not criticize LOUD!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are worthy of praise. Last night I believed that you smiled as you watched all of those young people sing praises to you. Over 400 of those teenagers made decisions to accept your offer of salvation. Help me not to have a critical heart about the way others want to give you praise. “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 47; Genesis 48; Psalm 10; Luke 19
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 19
37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38 "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"
40 "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
Observation
Last night Kathy and I went to a concert and my head has still not recovered. It was awesome! It was LOUD! It was PRAISE!
I wonder if one of reasons that the Pharisees didn’t like all the people joyfully praising the Lord was the loudness of the praise! We don’t know! Last night when the group “Skillet” played I immediately told myself that the next concert I was bringing my earplugs. It was that loud! But I watched the kids around me, no I watched 8,000+ kids around me and even though I couldn’t even hear the words that were being sung all the kids knew the words and were singing all the songs. I don’t know how they learned the words (because they surely couldn’t have heard the words for the loudness of the music) but somehow they did.
On the last song that the group Mercy Me sang, and by the way that is the group I went to the concert to hear, on that last song Bart the band’s lead singer had all 8,000 sing a praise song with no music and without the band, just the crowd. It was awesome! It was beautiful and yes it too was loud! It was a glimpse of heaven!
Application
I will remember to bring my earplugs to the next concert, but I will not criticize LOUD!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are worthy of praise. Last night I believed that you smiled as you watched all of those young people sing praises to you. Over 400 of those teenagers made decisions to accept your offer of salvation. Help me not to have a critical heart about the way others want to give you praise. “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Always Pray and Not Give Up
Genesis 44; Genesis 45; Genesis 46; Luke 18
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 18
The Parable of the Persistent Widow
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'
4 "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "
6 And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
Observation
Have you ever had one of your children beg and beg and beg for something until you finally gave in and got it for them? I don’t think Jesus is telling us to do that in this passage. I don’t think that is the lesson here. So what is the lesson for us today about prayer?
I think Jesus is telling us that we should pray and not give up because we are praying to an all-powerful God who loves us and wants to respond to our requests. We should continue to bring Him what is on our hearts because of our faith in who He is. He is not some mean unjust judge that we have to wear down with our persistence and make him do something that he does not want to do. It is not that way at all!
In verse 27 of this same chapter Jesus the following to his disciples, “What is impossible with men is possible with God." Ok! We are praying to God who loves us and always has our best interest in mind so we should never give up. Our impossible situations that we bring to God are a piece of cake for Him.
In verse 40 of this same chapter a blind beggar cried out to Jesus and Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Lord, I want to see," he replied. Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight;”
God is asking today, “What do you want me to do for you?” And maybe your request is an impossible one like the blind beggar’s request was, “Lord, I want to see.” If it is then that is good, because He can respond to you just like he did to the blind beggar, “Receive your sight.”
Application
I will continue to pray and not give up for my church, my family, unsaved friends, and for those in my life that need to be physically healed.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, today as I read this chapter I have been overwhelmed with your goodness. I marvel at your character … that for some reason you have chosen to love me. You want to not only hear my prayers this morning but you delight in answering them. Changing the impossible things in my life brings you Glory. I don’t deserve this kind of relationship. My love for you does not compare with your love for me. Thank you for this wonderful relationship that I have with you. I realize that you have blessed me so I can bless those around me. Thank you for Smiling on my family and me today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 44; Genesis 45; Genesis 46; Luke 18
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 18
The Parable of the Persistent Widow
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'
4 "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "
6 And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
Observation
Have you ever had one of your children beg and beg and beg for something until you finally gave in and got it for them? I don’t think Jesus is telling us to do that in this passage. I don’t think that is the lesson here. So what is the lesson for us today about prayer?
I think Jesus is telling us that we should pray and not give up because we are praying to an all-powerful God who loves us and wants to respond to our requests. We should continue to bring Him what is on our hearts because of our faith in who He is. He is not some mean unjust judge that we have to wear down with our persistence and make him do something that he does not want to do. It is not that way at all!
In verse 27 of this same chapter Jesus the following to his disciples, “What is impossible with men is possible with God." Ok! We are praying to God who loves us and always has our best interest in mind so we should never give up. Our impossible situations that we bring to God are a piece of cake for Him.
In verse 40 of this same chapter a blind beggar cried out to Jesus and Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Lord, I want to see," he replied. Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight;”
God is asking today, “What do you want me to do for you?” And maybe your request is an impossible one like the blind beggar’s request was, “Lord, I want to see.” If it is then that is good, because He can respond to you just like he did to the blind beggar, “Receive your sight.”
Application
I will continue to pray and not give up for my church, my family, unsaved friends, and for those in my life that need to be physically healed.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, today as I read this chapter I have been overwhelmed with your goodness. I marvel at your character … that for some reason you have chosen to love me. You want to not only hear my prayers this morning but you delight in answering them. Changing the impossible things in my life brings you Glory. I don’t deserve this kind of relationship. My love for you does not compare with your love for me. Thank you for this wonderful relationship that I have with you. I realize that you have blessed me so I can bless those around me. Thank you for Smiling on my family and me today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice
Genesis 42; Genesis 43; Psalm 5; Luke 17
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 5
3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.
Observation
I feel the excitement in this Psalm of King David don’t you! I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. When you prayed today is that how you felt after you prayed? Are you waiting in expectation on God to answer you this morning? What requests did you lay before him this morning? Do you believe He can answer you?
In Luke 17:6 Jesus says, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you. Wow!
David must have had that kind of faith! We need to expectantly wait on the Lord to answer our requests!
Application
I will meditate on this verse today as I wait expectantly on the Lord to answer my requests!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as the disciples said in Luke 17 I say to you this morning, increase my faith. Help my unbelief. Give me the confidence of David this morning as I lay out my requests before you. Give me the faith that you talk about in Luke 17. Put on my heart requests that are part of your will so that when I pray I can expect you to answer them. Give me the ability or discernment to pray according to your will today. I pray for my children and my grandchildren today that they would be filled with your love for the people around them. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 42; Genesis 43; Psalm 5; Luke 17
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 5
3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.
Observation
I feel the excitement in this Psalm of King David don’t you! I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. When you prayed today is that how you felt after you prayed? Are you waiting in expectation on God to answer you this morning? What requests did you lay before him this morning? Do you believe He can answer you?
In Luke 17:6 Jesus says, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you. Wow!
David must have had that kind of faith! We need to expectantly wait on the Lord to answer our requests!
Application
I will meditate on this verse today as I wait expectantly on the Lord to answer my requests!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as the disciples said in Luke 17 I say to you this morning, increase my faith. Help my unbelief. Give me the confidence of David this morning as I lay out my requests before you. Give me the faith that you talk about in Luke 17. Put on my heart requests that are part of your will so that when I pray I can expect you to answer them. Give me the ability or discernment to pray according to your will today. I pray for my children and my grandchildren today that they would be filled with your love for the people around them. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
A Glimpse Into HELL!
Genesis 39; Genesis 40; Genesis 41; Luke 16
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
The Rich Man and Lazarus
Luke 16
19 "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'
25 "But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'
27 "He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'
29 "Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'
30 " 'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'
31 "He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' "
Observation
In the Bible we get glimpses of heaven from several different books and probably even more looks into heaven than of hell. But in this passage today we get to see a little of what it is going to be like for those going to spend an eternity there. By the way, I want you to know that I am not going to hell.
I asked someone yesterday if he was at heaven’s gate and God asked him why should I let you into my heaven what would he say. The response was something like, “Well, I don’t know.”
Do you have an answer to that question? If you were to die today where would you spend eternity? If you answer I don’t know or if you answer I am not sure but I hope heaven then you better really pay attention to what it is like in hell because if you don’t know the Way to heaven then you are on your way to hell.
If you click on the word Billy Graham in this sentence you will be taken to a website where the Good News of Jesus Christ is fully explained and you can find out what you need to know to have eternal life.
Here are a couple of bad things about hell that I see from this passage:
1.It is a real place and it is a real place of continual torment.
2.It is a place of regrets.
3. Part of the torment seems to be that you will be able to see family and friends enjoying heaven while you are being tormented. You will be eternally separated from the people that you love.
4. People in hell will think of their family members that are still on earth and will want them to be warned but it is too late because God doesn’t respond to prayers made once a person is in hell.
5. It is going to be very hot! VERY HOT!
Application
I want to talk to someone else about how to get to heaven.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me share with someone today that hell is a real place and that he or she doesn’t have to spend an eternity in hell. Bring someone into my life that needs to hear the Good News. I pray that someone searching for you will be led to the blog today and will click over and check out what Billy Graham says about the Bridge of Life. Thank you for allowing me to know you and thank you for giving me eternal life. Make our church a strong witness for you and help our people snatch lives from this place of torment called hell. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 39; Genesis 40; Genesis 41; Luke 16
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
The Rich Man and Lazarus
Luke 16
19 "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'
25 "But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'
27 "He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'
29 "Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'
30 " 'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'
31 "He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' "
Observation
In the Bible we get glimpses of heaven from several different books and probably even more looks into heaven than of hell. But in this passage today we get to see a little of what it is going to be like for those going to spend an eternity there. By the way, I want you to know that I am not going to hell.
I asked someone yesterday if he was at heaven’s gate and God asked him why should I let you into my heaven what would he say. The response was something like, “Well, I don’t know.”
Do you have an answer to that question? If you were to die today where would you spend eternity? If you answer I don’t know or if you answer I am not sure but I hope heaven then you better really pay attention to what it is like in hell because if you don’t know the Way to heaven then you are on your way to hell.
If you click on the word Billy Graham in this sentence you will be taken to a website where the Good News of Jesus Christ is fully explained and you can find out what you need to know to have eternal life.
Here are a couple of bad things about hell that I see from this passage:
1.It is a real place and it is a real place of continual torment.
2.It is a place of regrets.
3. Part of the torment seems to be that you will be able to see family and friends enjoying heaven while you are being tormented. You will be eternally separated from the people that you love.
4. People in hell will think of their family members that are still on earth and will want them to be warned but it is too late because God doesn’t respond to prayers made once a person is in hell.
5. It is going to be very hot! VERY HOT!
Application
I want to talk to someone else about how to get to heaven.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me share with someone today that hell is a real place and that he or she doesn’t have to spend an eternity in hell. Bring someone into my life that needs to hear the Good News. I pray that someone searching for you will be led to the blog today and will click over and check out what Billy Graham says about the Bridge of Life. Thank you for allowing me to know you and thank you for giving me eternal life. Make our church a strong witness for you and help our people snatch lives from this place of torment called hell. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Story of the Prodigal Father
Genesis 37; Genesis 38; Psalm 7; Luke 15
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
The Parable of the Lost Son
Luke 15
11 Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
13 "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17 "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20 So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
25 "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'
28 "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
31 " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "
Observation
This story has been called the story of the Prodigal Son, but it is really a story of a Prodigal Father. Yes while it is true the young son wasted his father’s money on all the wrong things prostitutes and partying, and yes he lavished his father’s money on all the wrong things. And yes he was extravagant and wasteful but look what the father did he lavished extravagant love and attention on a son that didn’t deserve it.
When the son returned to him after wasting all of his inheritance the Father poured out his love and affection toward this scoundrel of a son. "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate.For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate”
That is how the Heavenly Father feels about every one of us that turn from our lives of sin and self and turn to Him. When we come to our senses like the prodigal son did we are welcomed into the arms of our Extravagant Heavenly Father who lavishes his love on us.
Application
I learned last night in our small group study that I need to be a 3D Christ-Follower: 1. Develop friendships 2. Discover stories 3. Discern next steps.
I need to be intentional about developing deep friendships with people that are far from God. I need to take time to get to know about them. Then I need to discern what are the next steps to help them in their journey toward God!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be extravagant in my love toward people in my life that don’t deserve it. I didn’t deserve it when you opened up your arms to welcome me as your son. I don’t deserve the love that you pour out and lavish on me every day. Help me live out the 3D’s and bring people closer to you. Psalm 7:17 “I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.” Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 37; Genesis 38; Psalm 7; Luke 15
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
The Parable of the Lost Son
Luke 15
11 Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
13 "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17 "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20 So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
25 "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'
28 "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
31 " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "
Observation
This story has been called the story of the Prodigal Son, but it is really a story of a Prodigal Father. Yes while it is true the young son wasted his father’s money on all the wrong things prostitutes and partying, and yes he lavished his father’s money on all the wrong things. And yes he was extravagant and wasteful but look what the father did he lavished extravagant love and attention on a son that didn’t deserve it.
When the son returned to him after wasting all of his inheritance the Father poured out his love and affection toward this scoundrel of a son. "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate.For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate”
That is how the Heavenly Father feels about every one of us that turn from our lives of sin and self and turn to Him. When we come to our senses like the prodigal son did we are welcomed into the arms of our Extravagant Heavenly Father who lavishes his love on us.
Application
I learned last night in our small group study that I need to be a 3D Christ-Follower: 1. Develop friendships 2. Discover stories 3. Discern next steps.
I need to be intentional about developing deep friendships with people that are far from God. I need to take time to get to know about them. Then I need to discern what are the next steps to help them in their journey toward God!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be extravagant in my love toward people in my life that don’t deserve it. I didn’t deserve it when you opened up your arms to welcome me as your son. I don’t deserve the love that you pour out and lavish on me every day. Help me live out the 3D’s and bring people closer to you. Psalm 7:17 “I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.” Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Fully Devoted Christ-Followers = Salty
Genesis 34; Genesis 35; Genesis 36; Luke 14
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
The Cost of Being a Disciple
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. 27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'
31 "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
34 "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
Observation
Jesus is laying out the cost of being one of his disciples and it is costly. Christ says in verses 25-27 that He has to come first in our relationships if we are going to follow Him.
He uses two illustrations to make his point: 1. A person building a tower should count the cost before beginning construction. 2. A king going to war better size up his enemy and negotiate with the opposing force if there is no way to win. In both cases his point is that if you are going to be a Christ-Follower then you need to think about the cost and realize that it is the smart thing to surrender our lives to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The last illustration he uses is found in verse 34 and it is the importance of being “salty”. Salt when it maintains its saltiness is a powerful thing. But what good is salt if it is not “salty”. A fully devoted Christ-Follower is powerful and of tremendous value to the kingdom of God, but the believer that has lost his or her focus has become as useless as salt that has lost its saltiness.
Application
I want to help more of our people especially our men to become fully devoted Christ-Followers by encouraging them to be a part of accountability groups.
Do you have someone in your life that you are allowing to hold you accountable spiritually?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, today I want to take up my cross and it is my desire to follow you. Take away anything in my life that keeps me from being fully devoted to you. Help me to be like the salt you talk about in this passage that still is useful. I want to influence men and women to be more Christ-like. I pray that you help me to encourage our men to be completely devoted to you. You are Worthy to be Praised. You are Worthy of our complete devotion! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 34; Genesis 35; Genesis 36; Luke 14
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
The Cost of Being a Disciple
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. 27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'
31 "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
34 "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
Observation
Jesus is laying out the cost of being one of his disciples and it is costly. Christ says in verses 25-27 that He has to come first in our relationships if we are going to follow Him.
He uses two illustrations to make his point: 1. A person building a tower should count the cost before beginning construction. 2. A king going to war better size up his enemy and negotiate with the opposing force if there is no way to win. In both cases his point is that if you are going to be a Christ-Follower then you need to think about the cost and realize that it is the smart thing to surrender our lives to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The last illustration he uses is found in verse 34 and it is the importance of being “salty”. Salt when it maintains its saltiness is a powerful thing. But what good is salt if it is not “salty”. A fully devoted Christ-Follower is powerful and of tremendous value to the kingdom of God, but the believer that has lost his or her focus has become as useless as salt that has lost its saltiness.
Application
I want to help more of our people especially our men to become fully devoted Christ-Followers by encouraging them to be a part of accountability groups.
Do you have someone in your life that you are allowing to hold you accountable spiritually?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, today I want to take up my cross and it is my desire to follow you. Take away anything in my life that keeps me from being fully devoted to you. Help me to be like the salt you talk about in this passage that still is useful. I want to influence men and women to be more Christ-like. I pray that you help me to encourage our men to be completely devoted to you. You are Worthy to be Praised. You are Worthy of our complete devotion! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
One Door and Only One and Yet The Sides are Two
I’m On The Inside on Which Side Are You
Genesis 31; Genesis 32; Genesis 33; Luke 13
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 13
The Narrow Door
22 Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"
He said to them, 24 "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25 Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.'
"But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'
26 "Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.'
27 "But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!'
28 "There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. 29 People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. 30 Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last."
Observation
Do you remember this song, “One door and only one and yet the sides are two I’m on the inside on which side are you?” Jesus was asked the question, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?”
Have you ever been in a huge crowd and looked around and thought, “I wonder how many of these people are saved?” You go to a football game and as you look through the stands have you ever wondered how many of the people around you have a personal relationship with Jesus? I have.
One of the most positive words ever shared by Jesus is found at the beginning of this chapter, the word “REPENT”. Jesus said two times in verses three and five that you and I must repent or we will perish. Have you repented of your sins and have you ever turned from your life of sin and self and turned to Jesus. At nineteen years of age I realized that I needed to repent and I needed to turn my life over to Christ. I did and He saved me. One door (Jesus) and only one and yet the sides are two I am on the inside on which side are you?
Application
I want to help someone see Jesus as the Door today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, so many around me don’t know your Son Jesus as their Savior. Don’t ever let me quit thinking about them and praying for them. I pray that people will be saved today as they hear your word preached in the many churches in our city. I pray that people would be saved in our church today. I pray for Ryan as he preaches today that you would empower him and use him in a mighty way. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
I’m On The Inside on Which Side Are You
Genesis 31; Genesis 32; Genesis 33; Luke 13
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 13
The Narrow Door
22 Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"
He said to them, 24 "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25 Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.'
"But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'
26 "Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.'
27 "But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!'
28 "There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. 29 People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. 30 Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last."
Observation
Do you remember this song, “One door and only one and yet the sides are two I’m on the inside on which side are you?” Jesus was asked the question, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?”
Have you ever been in a huge crowd and looked around and thought, “I wonder how many of these people are saved?” You go to a football game and as you look through the stands have you ever wondered how many of the people around you have a personal relationship with Jesus? I have.
One of the most positive words ever shared by Jesus is found at the beginning of this chapter, the word “REPENT”. Jesus said two times in verses three and five that you and I must repent or we will perish. Have you repented of your sins and have you ever turned from your life of sin and self and turned to Jesus. At nineteen years of age I realized that I needed to repent and I needed to turn my life over to Christ. I did and He saved me. One door (Jesus) and only one and yet the sides are two I am on the inside on which side are you?
Application
I want to help someone see Jesus as the Door today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, so many around me don’t know your Son Jesus as their Savior. Don’t ever let me quit thinking about them and praying for them. I pray that people will be saved today as they hear your word preached in the many churches in our city. I pray that people would be saved in our church today. I pray for Ryan as he preaches today that you would empower him and use him in a mighty way. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Do not worry about it!
Genesis 29; Genesis 30; Luke 12
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 12
Do Not Worry
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27 "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Observation
Worry... what are you worrying about today? Jesus says, don’t do it. He gives some good reasons in these few verses why we shouldn’t bother to worry. Did they jump out at you as you read the passage? Here are some He showed me:
1. Don’t worry about stuff like the rest of the world does things like food and clothes, which are the basic necessities of life. If you can’t add a single hour to your life by worrying then why are you worrying.
2. The reason why we shouldn’t worry about those things is that our Heavenly Father cares about us and He is going to provide those needs for us.
3. He says in verse 31 as long as we put his kingdom first then all these needs will be taken care of.
4. He says in verse 32-34 that we should not only not be afraid of being without but that we should give stuff away so that are treasure will be safe in heaven.
5. Are hearts follow after our treasures. Transfer all our treasures to heaven and we don’t have to worry about them. They will be safe. (1 Peter 5:7)
Application
Today I will focus on kingdom stuff and not worry about other stuff!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for this passage. Thank you for letting me know that I don’t have to worry about things because you are concerned about me. Your word says that I am the apple of your eye and that I am delight to you. Help me live in a way today that would bring you Glory and Honor. Help me not to worry. Help me to transfer my treasures to heaven so my heart is on the right thing. Thank you for your healing power. Thank you for taking such good care of me and my family and our church family. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 29; Genesis 30; Luke 12
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 12
Do Not Worry
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27 "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Observation
Worry... what are you worrying about today? Jesus says, don’t do it. He gives some good reasons in these few verses why we shouldn’t bother to worry. Did they jump out at you as you read the passage? Here are some He showed me:
1. Don’t worry about stuff like the rest of the world does things like food and clothes, which are the basic necessities of life. If you can’t add a single hour to your life by worrying then why are you worrying.
2. The reason why we shouldn’t worry about those things is that our Heavenly Father cares about us and He is going to provide those needs for us.
3. He says in verse 31 as long as we put his kingdom first then all these needs will be taken care of.
4. He says in verse 32-34 that we should not only not be afraid of being without but that we should give stuff away so that are treasure will be safe in heaven.
5. Are hearts follow after our treasures. Transfer all our treasures to heaven and we don’t have to worry about them. They will be safe. (1 Peter 5:7)
Application
Today I will focus on kingdom stuff and not worry about other stuff!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for this passage. Thank you for letting me know that I don’t have to worry about things because you are concerned about me. Your word says that I am the apple of your eye and that I am delight to you. Help me live in a way today that would bring you Glory and Honor. Help me not to worry. Help me to transfer my treasures to heaven so my heart is on the right thing. Thank you for your healing power. Thank you for taking such good care of me and my family and our church family. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Are You Blessed?
Genesis 27; Genesis 28; Psalm 4; Luke 11
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 11
27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you."
28 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
Observation
Have you ever asked someone how he or she were doing and the response was, “I’m blessed”? I think that is a very cool way for a Christ-follower to respond to that question. Don’t you!
But…
If you and I want to be truly blessed in this life and live a life filled with purpose and meaning then there is only one way that is going to happen. Just saying, “I’m blessed” doesn’t make it happen, but living out the Word of God is the key to a life that is blessed.
A disobedient Christian is not living a blessed life. A Christian that has made a decision to disregard God’s GPS (Psalms 119:105) for his or her life is miserable. That is why it is so important to read God’s word everyday and then live it.
How are you this morning? Can you say truthfully, “I’m blessed”? Have you made a choice in your life to disobey what God has said in his Word? If you have, then you need to repent, turn from sin and self and turn back to God. Here is a verse that will help you get things right with God (1John 1:9).
Application
I will ask God to show me any disobedience in my life so I can confess it because I want to live a life that is blessed. (Psalm 119:9 &11)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, search my heart today and show me any sin in my life that I need to confess. Show me any area of disobedience. May the Word of God that is in my heart keep me from sinning today. I pray for our church members that they to would have sensitive hearts and would live in obedience to your Word. Help me bring you Glory and Honor today. Thank you for your mercy, for your kindness, for your goodness, for your many blessings. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 27; Genesis 28; Psalm 4; Luke 11
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 11
27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you."
28 He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
Observation
Have you ever asked someone how he or she were doing and the response was, “I’m blessed”? I think that is a very cool way for a Christ-follower to respond to that question. Don’t you!
But…
If you and I want to be truly blessed in this life and live a life filled with purpose and meaning then there is only one way that is going to happen. Just saying, “I’m blessed” doesn’t make it happen, but living out the Word of God is the key to a life that is blessed.
A disobedient Christian is not living a blessed life. A Christian that has made a decision to disregard God’s GPS (Psalms 119:105) for his or her life is miserable. That is why it is so important to read God’s word everyday and then live it.
How are you this morning? Can you say truthfully, “I’m blessed”? Have you made a choice in your life to disobey what God has said in his Word? If you have, then you need to repent, turn from sin and self and turn back to God. Here is a verse that will help you get things right with God (1John 1:9).
Application
I will ask God to show me any disobedience in my life so I can confess it because I want to live a life that is blessed. (Psalm 119:9 &11)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, search my heart today and show me any sin in my life that I need to confess. Show me any area of disobedience. May the Word of God that is in my heart keep me from sinning today. I pray for our church members that they to would have sensitive hearts and would live in obedience to your Word. Help me bring you Glory and Honor today. Thank you for your mercy, for your kindness, for your goodness, for your many blessings. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
What must I do to inherit eternal life?
Do You Know the Answer?
Genesis 25; Genesis 26; Psalm 6; Luke 10
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 10
25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Observation
Paul was asked the same question even though it was worded a little bit different in the book of Acts by someone when he was asked, “what must I do to be saved?” Do you remember the story? I asked some men in my accountability group that same question this morning at breakfast. I asked them to search the book of Acts and I asked them to come back next week with the answer. I will now ask you to do the same thing. If you know the answer why don’t you write me and let me know.
Application
Jesus surrounded himself with a small group of men and so did the apostle Paul. I am going to spend even more time mentoring men so they can live victorious lives and impact the lives of other men.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me the men that you want me to spend more time with and help me to challenge them spiritually. You have shown us in your Word how important it is to mentor other people. I thank you for the men that you brought into my life over the years, especially Charles Hartwig, Waylon Moore, and Hugh Roberts. Thank you for the guys in our Thursday morning accountability group Zane Edwards, Scott Harding, Sam Cull and Richard King. Father, bless these guys and bless their families. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Do You Know the Answer?
Genesis 25; Genesis 26; Psalm 6; Luke 10
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 10
25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Observation
Paul was asked the same question even though it was worded a little bit different in the book of Acts by someone when he was asked, “what must I do to be saved?” Do you remember the story? I asked some men in my accountability group that same question this morning at breakfast. I asked them to search the book of Acts and I asked them to come back next week with the answer. I will now ask you to do the same thing. If you know the answer why don’t you write me and let me know.
Application
Jesus surrounded himself with a small group of men and so did the apostle Paul. I am going to spend even more time mentoring men so they can live victorious lives and impact the lives of other men.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me the men that you want me to spend more time with and help me to challenge them spiritually. You have shown us in your Word how important it is to mentor other people. I thank you for the men that you brought into my life over the years, especially Charles Hartwig, Waylon Moore, and Hugh Roberts. Thank you for the guys in our Thursday morning accountability group Zane Edwards, Scott Harding, Sam Cull and Richard King. Father, bless these guys and bless their families. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Hearts Grown Cold!
Genesis 23; Genesis 24; Luke 9
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 9
Who Will Be the Greatest
46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48 Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest."
49 "Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us."
50 "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you."
Observation
I have no greater joy on Sunday mornings than to greet children as they come to church. There is no greater joy. Those children depend totally on their parents or their grandparents to get them to church.
I want to be the best pastor in the world to those kids and to their parents.
It is sad but some of those kids that I greet on Sunday will become skeptical and will become disillusioned about church because of the attitudes they catch from Dad and Mom.
Negative/critical remarks they hear from their parents about church or about the pastor or someone on the staff go deep into the heart of that child, but I intend to do my best to show them Christ ever time I am in their presence.
Application
It is my plan today to be the “Whoever” in verse 48!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you know my heart breaks over families that have allowed one thing or another from keeping them from attending church. It is a drift that soon has the family completely out of church. We are under attack. I don’t understand it. Lord, help our people grow strong in you. Give them the desire to be in your church. Help them live lives of joy lives of purpose and meaning. Bring revival to hearts today that have grown cold. Put on my heart those I need to encourage and those that I need to pray for. I love you Lord. Bless our church today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 23; Genesis 24; Luke 9
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 9
Who Will Be the Greatest
46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48 Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest."
49 "Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us."
50 "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you."
Observation
I have no greater joy on Sunday mornings than to greet children as they come to church. There is no greater joy. Those children depend totally on their parents or their grandparents to get them to church.
I want to be the best pastor in the world to those kids and to their parents.
It is sad but some of those kids that I greet on Sunday will become skeptical and will become disillusioned about church because of the attitudes they catch from Dad and Mom.
Negative/critical remarks they hear from their parents about church or about the pastor or someone on the staff go deep into the heart of that child, but I intend to do my best to show them Christ ever time I am in their presence.
Application
It is my plan today to be the “Whoever” in verse 48!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you know my heart breaks over families that have allowed one thing or another from keeping them from attending church. It is a drift that soon has the family completely out of church. We are under attack. I don’t understand it. Lord, help our people grow strong in you. Give them the desire to be in your church. Help them live lives of joy lives of purpose and meaning. Bring revival to hearts today that have grown cold. Put on my heart those I need to encourage and those that I need to pray for. I love you Lord. Bless our church today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Don’t be Afraid Just Believe!
Genesis 20; Genesis 21; Genesis 22; Luke 8
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 8
40 Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years but no one could heal her. 44She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
45 "Who touched me?" Jesus asked.
When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you."
46 But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me."
47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
49 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher any more."
50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."
51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep."
53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.
Observation
Can you imagine the emotions running through the head and heart of Jairus? He goes to Jesus to get help for his dying daughter and on his way back Jesus who is surrounded by a crowd of people stops to heal a sick woman that touched him. At that moment some people came with news that his daughter had already died and there was no sense bothering Jesus now that she was dead. Can you imagine the feeling of hopelessness that must have swept over Jairus? It was his only daughter and she was dead. He was too late getting Jesus.
Then Jesus says to him what we need to memorize, words that are repeated over and over again in scripture, he says to Jairus, “don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Do you have something going on in your life similar to Jairus? Then it is very good to know that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He has not lost any of his saving or healing power. Don’t be afraid; just believe.
I do need to add that you need to believe in Jesus. It is in his name. It is in his power. Nothing is too hard for him. Nothing.
In Genesis we read today about Abraham being willing to sacrifice his only son Isaac because God told him to do so. Abraham told Isaac when Isaac asked his father where was the sacrifice he was told that God would provide the sacrifice. Do you know the story? Take time to read it today in Genesis 22. Don’t be afraid; just believe!
Application
Today I will not be afraid; I will just believe. I will believe in the Name that is above every name. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus there is just something about that Name!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to fear. Help me to believe. Help me rely on Jesus today. I want to share the Good News with someone today. Bring someone into my life that needs to hear about you today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 20; Genesis 21; Genesis 22; Luke 8
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 8
40 Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years but no one could heal her. 44She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
45 "Who touched me?" Jesus asked.
When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you."
46 But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me."
47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
49 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher any more."
50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."
51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep."
53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.
Observation
Can you imagine the emotions running through the head and heart of Jairus? He goes to Jesus to get help for his dying daughter and on his way back Jesus who is surrounded by a crowd of people stops to heal a sick woman that touched him. At that moment some people came with news that his daughter had already died and there was no sense bothering Jesus now that she was dead. Can you imagine the feeling of hopelessness that must have swept over Jairus? It was his only daughter and she was dead. He was too late getting Jesus.
Then Jesus says to him what we need to memorize, words that are repeated over and over again in scripture, he says to Jairus, “don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Do you have something going on in your life similar to Jairus? Then it is very good to know that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He has not lost any of his saving or healing power. Don’t be afraid; just believe.
I do need to add that you need to believe in Jesus. It is in his name. It is in his power. Nothing is too hard for him. Nothing.
In Genesis we read today about Abraham being willing to sacrifice his only son Isaac because God told him to do so. Abraham told Isaac when Isaac asked his father where was the sacrifice he was told that God would provide the sacrifice. Do you know the story? Take time to read it today in Genesis 22. Don’t be afraid; just believe!
Application
Today I will not be afraid; I will just believe. I will believe in the Name that is above every name. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus there is just something about that Name!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to fear. Help me to believe. Help me rely on Jesus today. I want to share the Good News with someone today. Bring someone into my life that needs to hear about you today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, January 07, 2008
He Was Amazed At Him!
Genesis 18; Genesis 19; Psalm 3; Luke 7
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
The Faith of the Centurion
1 When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue." 6 So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
Observation
If only I could have the kind of faith that would amaze Jesus! Imagine what kind of faith this centurion must have had. He didn’t even go out to meet Jesus and he then told Jesus that he didn’t need to walk all the way to his house because he knew that Jesus could heal his servant from right where Jesus was and there was no need to arrive in person. Wow! I am amazed at that kind of faith too! The centurion understood that sickness was under the authority of Jesus and Jesus only had to say the word and the centurion’s servant would be healed. Just say the word Jesus!
Application
Increase my faith! I will pray for centurion kind of faith!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you know that I love this Bible passage. Humans do not amaze you very often, but I would love to be able to amaze you with my faith in you. I realize that faith is a gift from you. Centurion kind of faith also comes to a person’s life when their focus is entirely on you. Lord give me this kind of faith. I love you. You are worthy of praise. You have conquered and have authority over sickness and death. Give me the faith to trust you to do a mighty work in people’s lives that need healing today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 18; Genesis 19; Psalm 3; Luke 7
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
The Faith of the Centurion
1 When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue." 6 So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
Observation
If only I could have the kind of faith that would amaze Jesus! Imagine what kind of faith this centurion must have had. He didn’t even go out to meet Jesus and he then told Jesus that he didn’t need to walk all the way to his house because he knew that Jesus could heal his servant from right where Jesus was and there was no need to arrive in person. Wow! I am amazed at that kind of faith too! The centurion understood that sickness was under the authority of Jesus and Jesus only had to say the word and the centurion’s servant would be healed. Just say the word Jesus!
Application
Increase my faith! I will pray for centurion kind of faith!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you know that I love this Bible passage. Humans do not amaze you very often, but I would love to be able to amaze you with my faith in you. I realize that faith is a gift from you. Centurion kind of faith also comes to a person’s life when their focus is entirely on you. Lord give me this kind of faith. I love you. You are worthy of praise. You have conquered and have authority over sickness and death. Give me the faith to trust you to do a mighty work in people’s lives that need healing today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Don’t Hoard – Give It Away
Genesis 15; Genesis 16; Genesis 17; Luke 6
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 6
38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Observation
King David says in 1 Chronicles 29:11, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.”
Everything we have belongs to God even our very lives and God says that we should give it away. I just read some statistics that said that we have over 1.8 billion square feet of stuff stored in the United States. We have hoarded up a whopping 1.8 billion square feet of stuff that is too valuable to get rid of even though it is stuff that we don’t even see and probably don’t even use.
God says we should be giving it away and not hoarding it. We should do what the Owner says to do with His stuff. We don't own it we have been allowed the privilege of being God's managers. The Owner of the stuff we are hoarding is telling us to give it to folks who need it.
In Luke 12:15 Jesus warns us about greed and tells the story of the rich man that wanted to hoard. He calls him a fool.
Application
Kathy and I plan to give more stuff away and keep a lot less.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to let go of my treasures so that my treasure will be in heaven. Help me to be more generous and less concerned about myself. It all belongs to you. I belong to you. You have blessed me with so much. Help me bless others with all the extra you have given me. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 15; Genesis 16; Genesis 17; Luke 6
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 6
38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Observation
King David says in 1 Chronicles 29:11, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.”
Everything we have belongs to God even our very lives and God says that we should give it away. I just read some statistics that said that we have over 1.8 billion square feet of stuff stored in the United States. We have hoarded up a whopping 1.8 billion square feet of stuff that is too valuable to get rid of even though it is stuff that we don’t even see and probably don’t even use.
God says we should be giving it away and not hoarding it. We should do what the Owner says to do with His stuff. We don't own it we have been allowed the privilege of being God's managers. The Owner of the stuff we are hoarding is telling us to give it to folks who need it.
In Luke 12:15 Jesus warns us about greed and tells the story of the rich man that wanted to hoard. He calls him a fool.
Application
Kathy and I plan to give more stuff away and keep a lot less.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to let go of my treasures so that my treasure will be in heaven. Help me to be more generous and less concerned about myself. It all belongs to you. I belong to you. You have blessed me with so much. Help me bless others with all the extra you have given me. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, January 05, 2008
B.B.Y.S.S. or B.Y.S.S.
Genesis 12; Genesis 13; Genesis 14; Luke 5
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 5
1 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2 he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."
5 Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Observation
Impossible, no not only impossible but stupid, that is what was probably going through Simon Peter’s head when Jesus told him to go out and put out their nets after they had fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus being a carpenter telling Peter a fishermen how to fish how stupid is that that is what Peter was probably thinking. They had fished all night and caught nothing and any fisherman knows that you don’t net fish in the daytime when the fish could see the nets. It would be like me telling my son Hugh who is a very good electrician how to do some wiring or some other electrical work. I am sure he would think, I am an electrician you are a preacher who do you think you are telling me how to do electrical work. And he would have been right in his thinking because I don’t know a thing about electrical stuff. But back to the fishing story…then in verse 5 the most incredible thing happens, tired Peter makes this unbelievable statement of faith and says to Jesus, “but because you say so I will let down my nets”. B.B.Y.S.S.! Wow!
Yes, things may look impossible for you at this very moment but let me encourage you to walk by faith and not by sight. Claim God’s promises and do what he has told you to do. Peter could have told Jesus “no” that he was not going to go back out to fish. He could have explained to Jesus who was the carpenter that you don’t catch fish in the daytime. Peter could have told Jesus that if they didn’t catch fish at night when you were supposed to catch fish then they sure wouldn’t catch fish now that it was daylight. But tired Peter didn’t argue with Jesus, he just said, “BBYSS”!
BBYSS – What do you need to say that to this morning? Luke 1:37 “For nothing is impossible with God."
Application
BBYSS to all my impossible situations today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, “but because you say so” is why I can continue to pray for people that seem impossible. Some of the people on my heart this morning are not believers and I am praying that you save them. Others on my heart are believers that have drifted into sin and are living lives of self-destruction, which is beyond my comprehension, BBYSS I continue to pray for them. BBYSS I continue to pray for healing for my nephew Jonathan and put my trust in your word that nothing is impossible with you. So today Lord help me see above my circumstances and help me see your powerful hand working in the lives of the people that I love. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 12; Genesis 13; Genesis 14; Luke 5
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Luke 5
1 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2 he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."
5 Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Observation
Impossible, no not only impossible but stupid, that is what was probably going through Simon Peter’s head when Jesus told him to go out and put out their nets after they had fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus being a carpenter telling Peter a fishermen how to fish how stupid is that that is what Peter was probably thinking. They had fished all night and caught nothing and any fisherman knows that you don’t net fish in the daytime when the fish could see the nets. It would be like me telling my son Hugh who is a very good electrician how to do some wiring or some other electrical work. I am sure he would think, I am an electrician you are a preacher who do you think you are telling me how to do electrical work. And he would have been right in his thinking because I don’t know a thing about electrical stuff. But back to the fishing story…then in verse 5 the most incredible thing happens, tired Peter makes this unbelievable statement of faith and says to Jesus, “but because you say so I will let down my nets”. B.B.Y.S.S.! Wow!
Yes, things may look impossible for you at this very moment but let me encourage you to walk by faith and not by sight. Claim God’s promises and do what he has told you to do. Peter could have told Jesus “no” that he was not going to go back out to fish. He could have explained to Jesus who was the carpenter that you don’t catch fish in the daytime. Peter could have told Jesus that if they didn’t catch fish at night when you were supposed to catch fish then they sure wouldn’t catch fish now that it was daylight. But tired Peter didn’t argue with Jesus, he just said, “BBYSS”!
BBYSS – What do you need to say that to this morning? Luke 1:37 “For nothing is impossible with God."
Application
BBYSS to all my impossible situations today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, “but because you say so” is why I can continue to pray for people that seem impossible. Some of the people on my heart this morning are not believers and I am praying that you save them. Others on my heart are believers that have drifted into sin and are living lives of self-destruction, which is beyond my comprehension, BBYSS I continue to pray for them. BBYSS I continue to pray for healing for my nephew Jonathan and put my trust in your word that nothing is impossible with you. So today Lord help me see above my circumstances and help me see your powerful hand working in the lives of the people that I love. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, January 04, 2008
What Do All These Men Have In Common?
Genesis 9; Genesis 10; Genesis 11; Luke 4
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Genesis 11
Shem lived 500 years, Arphaxad lived 403 years, Shelah lived 403 years, Eber lived 430 years, Peleg lived 209 years, Reu lived 207 years, Serug lived 200 years, Nahor lived 119 years, Terah lived 205 years
Observation
What Do All These Men Have In Common?
They have at least two things in common: 1. They all lived a long time. 2. They are all dead!
We are also going to die. Unless Jesus Christ comes before I die then I am going to experience death. Come Lord Jesus! These men lived long lives but I am sure that death probably caught them by surprise. How long do you have to live? Do you think you have fifty more years left on earth, thirty, twenty, ten, five, three, one, six months, one month? What if you only had one month to live? What if this January would be your last? What would you do different? In front of me I have a poster that I can look at everyday that says, “Live each day like its your last – make the most out of every moment.”
Application
I will do the most important things first today. Reading His Word was a good start.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t know how much time I have left to serve you. Help me put the important things first. Help me not to waste my time and my energy. Guide me today. Direct my thoughts and keep me focused on the important things the things that are on our heart for me to do. I love you Lord. Help me keep you first in my life today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 9; Genesis 10; Genesis 11; Luke 4
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Genesis 11
Shem lived 500 years, Arphaxad lived 403 years, Shelah lived 403 years, Eber lived 430 years, Peleg lived 209 years, Reu lived 207 years, Serug lived 200 years, Nahor lived 119 years, Terah lived 205 years
Observation
What Do All These Men Have In Common?
They have at least two things in common: 1. They all lived a long time. 2. They are all dead!
We are also going to die. Unless Jesus Christ comes before I die then I am going to experience death. Come Lord Jesus! These men lived long lives but I am sure that death probably caught them by surprise. How long do you have to live? Do you think you have fifty more years left on earth, thirty, twenty, ten, five, three, one, six months, one month? What if you only had one month to live? What if this January would be your last? What would you do different? In front of me I have a poster that I can look at everyday that says, “Live each day like its your last – make the most out of every moment.”
Application
I will do the most important things first today. Reading His Word was a good start.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t know how much time I have left to serve you. Help me put the important things first. Help me not to waste my time and my energy. Guide me today. Direct my thoughts and keep me focused on the important things the things that are on our heart for me to do. I love you Lord. Help me keep you first in my life today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Finding Favor With God
Genesis 6; Genesis 7; Genesis 8; Luke 3
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Genesis 6
5 The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. 7 So the LORD said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them." 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
9 This is the account of Noah.
Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. 10 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth.
11 Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 13 So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. 14 So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15 This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. 16 Make a roof for it and finish the ark to within 18 inches of the top. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks. 17 I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. 18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons' wives with you. 19 You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. 20 Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. 21 You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them."
22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him.
Observation
How would you like to be the only person on the face of the earth that was walking with God? You might feel like that today, but you aren’t, but for Noah it was the truth. He must have been some kind of guy for God to be able to tell him to go build this huge boat in the middle of a desert so big that it took him a hundred years to build. He was building this huge boat in front of everyone and they thought he was crazy…until it started to rain and rain and rain. How did Noah keep from quitting? I wonder how many times he got up in the morning and looked at his half finished project and thought, “this is crazy I’m quitting.”
My ministry at our church has been almost like building an ark in the middle of the desert. There are days when I think about what I am sure Noah must have thought about but he didn’t and I haven’t - quitting. I don’t know if God brought animals to visit with Noah during the construction or what he did to encourage him. God must have used something to keep him working a huge boat that was not even close to any water and to work on it for a hundred years.
What God uses in my life to encourage me are people that are growing in the Lord. They are my joy and my delight! Dr. Waylon B. Moore taught me a long time ago not to focus on the crowds or lack of a crowd, not to focus on my critics (though it is hard not to), but rather to focus on the people where I see God doing a mighty work. Let that keep me going and may the same thing keep you going on days when you want to quit. Verse 22 is so important, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” May we be found as faithful!
Application
Today I will be encouraged by what God is doing in the lives of many of our young and middle aged adults and I will think of someone to encourage with a phone call, visit, or a card.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for not giving up on me. I am sure that you have probably wanted to quit helping me, but you haven’t. Thank you for bringing encouragers into my life. Help me encourage someone today. Put that person(s) on my heart. May I be like Noah and may I do everything that you command me to do today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 6; Genesis 7; Genesis 8; Luke 3
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Genesis 6
5 The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. 7 So the LORD said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them." 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
9 This is the account of Noah.
Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. 10 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth.
11 Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 13 So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. 14 So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15 This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. 16 Make a roof for it and finish the ark to within 18 inches of the top. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks. 17 I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. 18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons' wives with you. 19 You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. 20 Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. 21 You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them."
22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him.
Observation
How would you like to be the only person on the face of the earth that was walking with God? You might feel like that today, but you aren’t, but for Noah it was the truth. He must have been some kind of guy for God to be able to tell him to go build this huge boat in the middle of a desert so big that it took him a hundred years to build. He was building this huge boat in front of everyone and they thought he was crazy…until it started to rain and rain and rain. How did Noah keep from quitting? I wonder how many times he got up in the morning and looked at his half finished project and thought, “this is crazy I’m quitting.”
My ministry at our church has been almost like building an ark in the middle of the desert. There are days when I think about what I am sure Noah must have thought about but he didn’t and I haven’t - quitting. I don’t know if God brought animals to visit with Noah during the construction or what he did to encourage him. God must have used something to keep him working a huge boat that was not even close to any water and to work on it for a hundred years.
What God uses in my life to encourage me are people that are growing in the Lord. They are my joy and my delight! Dr. Waylon B. Moore taught me a long time ago not to focus on the crowds or lack of a crowd, not to focus on my critics (though it is hard not to), but rather to focus on the people where I see God doing a mighty work. Let that keep me going and may the same thing keep you going on days when you want to quit. Verse 22 is so important, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” May we be found as faithful!
Application
Today I will be encouraged by what God is doing in the lives of many of our young and middle aged adults and I will think of someone to encourage with a phone call, visit, or a card.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for not giving up on me. I am sure that you have probably wanted to quit helping me, but you haven’t. Thank you for bringing encouragers into my life. Help me encourage someone today. Put that person(s) on my heart. May I be like Noah and may I do everything that you command me to do today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Enoch’s Walk!
Genesis 3; Genesis 4; Genesis 5; Luke 2
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Genesis 5
21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. 22 And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. 24 Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
Observation
I want to have a walk with the Lord like Enoch. He walked with God for 300 years and it was such an intimate walk that God decided to take him to Heaven. Enoch didn’t experience death; he was translated from this life to heaven just like that. Wow! I want a walk like that. It was a 300-year walk with the Lord. How did he maintain that close relationship? He didn’t have a Bible to guide him either. The world was evil too. Maybe not as evil as today, but it was still plenty evil. How did he do it? We don’t know. Yes, we do. He did it one day at a time, just like we have the opportunity to do.
Application
May I live my life so close to the Lord that He will be tempted to beam me on up to Heaven!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t know what made Enoch so special, but I want to be like him. I want that kind of walk with you. Lord, help me to walk today in obedience. Speak to me loud enough so I don’t miss your instruction. I desire this kind of relationship with you Lord. You are worthy of all praise! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 3; Genesis 4; Genesis 5; Luke 2
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Genesis 5
21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. 22 And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. 24 Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
Observation
I want to have a walk with the Lord like Enoch. He walked with God for 300 years and it was such an intimate walk that God decided to take him to Heaven. Enoch didn’t experience death; he was translated from this life to heaven just like that. Wow! I want a walk like that. It was a 300-year walk with the Lord. How did he maintain that close relationship? He didn’t have a Bible to guide him either. The world was evil too. Maybe not as evil as today, but it was still plenty evil. How did he do it? We don’t know. Yes, we do. He did it one day at a time, just like we have the opportunity to do.
Application
May I live my life so close to the Lord that He will be tempted to beam me on up to Heaven!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t know what made Enoch so special, but I want to be like him. I want that kind of walk with you. Lord, help me to walk today in obedience. Speak to me loud enough so I don’t miss your instruction. I desire this kind of relationship with you Lord. You are worthy of all praise! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
In the beginning God - 2008
Genesis 1; Genesis 2; Luke 1
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Genesis 1
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Observation
I don’t like making New Year’s Resolutions, but if you feel led to make a commitment to the Lord today I think that is a super good thing. How about this one as a commitment to make to the Lord, “in the beginning God”? Let’s start out 2008 with God as our first priority. How about that?
Application
Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”. Today I purpose to put God first in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are my God. Today on the first day of this New Year I want you to be the most important thing in my life. Help me not to put anything above you. Help me to keep Kathy as the second most important person in my life. Help me keep my children and my grandchildren next in importance, and then everybody else. It is my desire to serve you this year with all my heart and with all my soul. You are worthy to be served. Thank you Lord for blessing me with so much. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Genesis 1; Genesis 2; Luke 1
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Genesis 1
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Observation
I don’t like making New Year’s Resolutions, but if you feel led to make a commitment to the Lord today I think that is a super good thing. How about this one as a commitment to make to the Lord, “in the beginning God”? Let’s start out 2008 with God as our first priority. How about that?
Application
Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”. Today I purpose to put God first in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are my God. Today on the first day of this New Year I want you to be the most important thing in my life. Help me not to put anything above you. Help me to keep Kathy as the second most important person in my life. Help me keep my children and my grandchildren next in importance, and then everybody else. It is my desire to serve you this year with all my heart and with all my soul. You are worthy to be served. Thank you Lord for blessing me with so much. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)