You Will Always Have Everything You Need And Plenty Left Over To Share With Others.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

You Will Always
Have Everything You Need
And Plenty Left Over To Share With Others.



Scripture

2 Corinthians 9

⁶ Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. ⁷ You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” ⁸ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

Observation

Generosity! “God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

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

You and I are most like God when we are generous with our money that God has loaned to us!

Everything we have is His and He did not loan it to us for us to hoard it on ourselves!

This week – will we be stingy or generous – will we plant a few seeds or will we plant generously?

 Application

I am going to get Kathy to give me a $10 dollar bill and I am going to look for a way to bless someone with it! Maybe I will get 2 $5 Starbuck gift cards to give away! How about you? Stingy or Generous this week?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, show me ways to be generous this week. Help me to be a cheerful giver. Help me to be more concerned for the person that You place in my path than anything else this week. Help me to live out John 3:30 “He must increase but I must decrease”. Help me to be more generous with what You have allowed us to be stewards over. I want to be a cheerful giver!

   

 

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 28,29,30; 1 John 3; Psalm 22, Psalm 122, Proverbs 22; 2 Corinthians 9

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Those Who Say They Live In God Should Live Their Lives As Jesus Did.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!


Those Who Say
They Live In God
Should Live Their Lives As Jesus Did.





Scripture

1 John 2

6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

Observation

Hypocrites!

Yes, those rascals kept my father-in-law from church for most of his life. Kathy’s Dad, Clayton Bearden saw men from the church doing things that were morally and ethically wrong and yet on Sundays these men acted “Holy” and “Dignified”.

But wait a minute … you and I are sometimes “Hypocrites” too. And when is that you may ask? When we live a life on Sunday that doesn’t match our conduct Monday through Saturday!

It is true. When our lives don’t match the life of the Master, we cause people to stumble.

Our children look up to us. Our grandchildren need to see Jesus in us. Our coworkers and our neighbors don’t need to see a contradiction in our lives. No what they need to see in us is Jesus!

You and I need to live our lives as Jesus did. Here is the test: Is what I am doing something that would please Jesus? Will it bring Him glory?

If the answer is “no” then don’t do it!

 Application

I want to live my life as Jesus did. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are Holy and You have called me to be holy too. I know that You want me to live my life as Jesus did. Help me to do just that. Keep me away from stupid sins. Help me to confess my sins as soon as I commit them. Don’t let me be a stumbling block to my children, my grandchildren, or anyone else. I pray for those who are sick. Give them strength today. Heal their bodies. Show them Your Power. Help them to trust in You through the storm in their life. Nothing is too hard for You. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 21,24,27; Psalms 118; 1 John 2

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

May God Be Merciful And Bless Us. May His Face Smile With Favor On Us.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

May God Be
Merciful And Bless Us.
May His Face Smile With Favor On Us.


Scripture

Psalm 67

1 May God be merciful and bless us.
    May his face smile with favor on us.

Observation

Many times when I don’t know specifically how to pray for you I ask God to bless you. I ask God to smile on you with His favor.

You see I know from God’s stories in His Word that when His children pray a blessing on someone we know that God loves to respond.

If you want to pray for me and Kathy and you don’t know any specific need that we may have then please pray for God’s face to smile with favor on us.

That is plenty good enough for me! How about you? 

 Application

When I pray for those that read this blog I will pray Psalm 67:1 over them. How about you? Will you ask God to bless someone today?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Every morning as I read Your Word You speak to me. Thank You for giving me the privilege of praying for others. Thank You that I can ask You to bless people and smile with Your favor on them and You are happy to answer my prayer. I pray for anyone that may be reading this blog be merciful and bless them. May Your face smile with Your favor on each one of them. You are so good to us. We do not deserve Your kindness. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 48,49; Psalms 67; 1 John 1

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

As For You, Follow Me

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

As For
You,
Follow Me

Scripture

John 21

²¹ Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”

²² Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” ²³ So the rumor spread among the community of believers that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

Observation

Why do we always want to worry about what someone else gets to do, is doing, or are not doing?

I don’t know the answer but Simon Peter had the same problem!

It is easy for me to look at others and what they are doing and think to myself and say to the Lord, “Well what about them Lord?”

His reply to me comes in verse 22 when Jesus says to Peter, “What is that to you? As for you, follow me.”

God’s calling on my life and His calling on your life is unique. His plan for my life is not the same as it is for yours. His orders are: Follow me! Keep your eyes on me!

Don’t be envious of what others are getting to do! In fact, rejoice that they are getting to do it!

Application

I will try hard to keep my eyes on Jesus and not on stuff that doesn’t matter. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I have to admit that it is easy for me to look around and think that I am missing out on some things. The truth is that I am very blessed. I have had the opportunity to experience more than most people will ever get to experience! You have been so good to me. I am blessed. Help me not to whine or feel sorry for myself or be concerned with how You are blessing those around me. Help me to rejoice with others when they have something to rejoice about. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 45,46,47; Psalms 105; John 21

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

“Put Your Finger Here, And Look At My Hands. Put Your Hand Into The Wound In My Side. Don’t Be Faithless Any Longer. Believe!”

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

“Put Your Finger Here, And Look At My Hands.
Put Your Hand Into The Wound In My Side.
Don’t Be Faithless Any Longer. Believe!”



Scripture

John 20

²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

²⁸ “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.

²⁹ Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Observation

What will it take for you to believe? 

Not every person that takes time to read this blog is a believer in Jesus Christ. Maybe you are a skeptic, a doubter, like Thomas! 

Thomas had made the statement earlier that he wasn’t going to believe that Jesus had come back to life unless, “I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” 

A week later after Thomas had made that statement Jesus suddenly appeared and said to him, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

 What will it take for you to believe? 

God is doing so many wonderful things in the lives of the people that I have been praying for. 

Maybe you are one of those people! 

Proverbs 3:5 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. 

Romans 10:9-10 

    That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.  "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 

Application

I will continue to pray for people asking God to transform their lives. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are doing so much. So many people are responding to You and to Your calling on their lives. Thank you for working so powerfully in their lives. I am so grateful. Don’t let me miss what You are doing. I want to be able to thank You. I pray for healing for those close to me that are struggling with health issues. Show them that they can trust in You. I pray for any skeptics, any doubters that may be reading this blog. Open up their spiritual eyes so they can see Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 26,35,36; John 20

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Grandchildren Are The Reward Of Old People

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Grandchildren
Are The Reward
Of Old People


Scripture

Proverbs 17

6 Grandchildren are the reward of old people. And children are proud of their parents.

Observation

Kathy and I had a good chuckle this morning when I read this verse to her in several different translations.

I liked this translation because it called us “old people”! For us “old people” our grandchildren do make our day!

We have 10 grandchildren and we don’t get to see them nearly as much as we would like. But we have the best grandchildren in the world and we love it when we do get to see them.

We took Amelie (our youngest granddaughter who is almost 3) to the library yesterday and we laughed when she decided that the place was way too quiet and she to let out a few shouts/screams of joy!

She couldn’t understand and got her feelings hurt when Grandpa got on to her and told her Shhhhh!

Grandchildren are definitely the reward for us “old people”!

The second part of the verse is our desire and our hope! Kathy and I want to live out our lives in a way that makes our children proud of us. Hope that is your goal too!

Application

I will enjoy my grandkids when we get to see them. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for our grandchildren Lyric, Hayley, Chloe, Liliana, Bub, Sierra, Louie, Alyssa, Tori, and Amelie. And I pray for their parents too! Don’t let us miss any opportunities to enjoy time with them. I pray that all of them will be drawn to a close relationship with You. Work in their hearts and help them to put their trust in You. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 23,24,25; John 19, Psalm 17, Psalm 117, Proverbs 17

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

As Jesus Said “I AM He,” They All Drew Back And Fell To The Ground!

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

As Jesus Said
“I AM He,”
They All Drew Back And Fell To The Ground!

Scripture

John 18

⁴ Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to him, so he stepped forward to meet them. “Who are you looking for?” he asked.
⁵ “Jesus the Nazarene,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.) ⁶ As Jesus said, “I am he,” they all drew back and fell to the ground!

Observation

What is your favorite picture of Jesus? 

This is one of my most favorites found in John 18! 

When I see pictures of Jesus that people have painted with Him looking weak and slightly feminine I think about how unlike those pictures reflect the Jesus pictured in John 18! 

Read John 18 and you will see just what I am talking about! It seemed like everyone else was in charge of the situation that night of His arrest. 

Judas, the Jewish leaders, the Roman soldiers, even Simon Peter as he whacked off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave. Everybody thought they were in charge! 

But all Jesus had to do was say these three words and everyone fell to the ground in fear, He said, “I AM he!” A cohort of soldiers, around 500 men with swords and spears all fell backwards to the ground when Jesus said, “I AM he.” 

The situation looked bleak. It looked desperate. It didn’t look good at all for Jesus. But Jesus was totally in charge. He voluntarily allowed them to arrest Him. He could have called down 12 legions of Angels to rescue Him. 

Your situation and my situation may not look good at the moment. 

The circumstances that we find ourselves in may not be good at all, but if we are followers of Jesus Christ, we can rest assured that He is in control of what happens in our lives! He is in control!

Application

Jesus is totally in charge of every detail of my life. How about your life? Who is in control?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ died for me. He came to this earth to live a sinless life and then die as a Perfect Sacrifice for my sins. I pray for anyone that may be reading this blog today that has not yet trusted in Jesus Christ as his or her personal Savior. Help them to believe. Help them to put all of their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. I pray for those who are going through difficult times. Show them that they can trust in You. 

Daily Bible Reading:  2 Kings 24; Jeremiah 22; Psalms 112; John 18

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

As The Clay Is In The Potter’s Hand, So Are You In My Hand.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

As The Clay
Is In The Potter’s Hand,
So Are You In My Hand.

Scripture

Jeremiah 18

6 … As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.

Isaiah 64:8

And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand. 

Isaiah 29:16

16 How foolish can you be?
    He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you, the clay!
Should the created thing say of the one who made it,
    “He didn’t make me”?
Does a jar ever say,
    “The potter who made me is stupid”? 

Observation

Who do we think we are?

Don’t we realize, don’t we know, that we are not Creators but you and I are the ones that have been “created”?

Just look at a new born baby – I saw a new born at church today and her beautiful delicate life shouts out to everyone what a Wonderful Creator God we serve!

God created us and we are His masterpiece!

He is the Potter and we are the clay. Hear this – God wants to use you and He wants to use me to change our world! I am in 100%! How about you?

Application

You are the Potter Lord and I am the clay. I want you to use me Lord to change my world. How about you? Will you surrender your life to Him and let God use you?

And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. John 17:3

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I recognize that You are the Potter and I am just clay. Mold me and make me into someone that You can use to further Your kingdom. Don’t let me do stupid things, stupid sins that mess me up and cause me to make You sad. 

I thank You for the men at our church who are making changes in their lives so that they can bring You honor and glory. Thank You for the men that are sacrificing to be in church on Sundays with their family. Don’t let anything keep them from putting You first in their lives. Bless them Lord. Show them that they can put You first and You will meet every need in their life. Show them just what a Great God they serve!

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 18,19,20; Psalms 93; John 17

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Blessed Are Those Who Trust In The LORD And Have Made The LORD Their Hope And Confidence.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Blessed Are Those
Who Trust In The LORD
And Have Made The LORD Their Hope And Confidence.

Scripture

Jeremiah 17

7 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
    and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
⁸ They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
    with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
    or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
    and they never stop producing fruit.

Observation

Blessed and highly favored are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence!

What are they like?

They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.

What else would you and I put our trust in - our government, our bank account, our health, and our investments? I say “no way”.

I want to be like a tree planted along a riverbank. How about you? 

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men’s advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God.  But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely. They are like trees along a riverbank bearing luscious fruit each season without fail. Their leaves shall never wither, and all they do shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3

Application

I will put my trust in the LORD! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to be like a tree planted along a riverbank. I want to be productive. I want the things that I do to prosper. My trust, my faith, my confidence, and my hope are all in You! 


Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 16,17; Psalms 96; John 16


> If you are reading this simple blog this morning you are an encouragement to me!

> I have made it a habit to pray for those who read this blog! I enjoy lifting you and your family up to the Lord in prayer.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

For Apart From Me You Can Do Nothing

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

For Apart
From Me
You Can Do Nothing

Scripture

John 15

⁵ “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. ⁷ But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!

Observation

Let’s look back on our lives and think about this passage! What have we really accomplished that matters?

Jesus compares our lives to that of a branch in a vineyard. If we stay connected to the Vine then we will bear much fruit. If we are not connected to the Vine (Jesus) we can do “nothing”.

Jesus is the Vine. Are you and I connected?

If we are connected to Jesus Christ by faith and we walk in a close relationship to Him by obeying what He says in His Word then John 15:7 is a promise we can count on!

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” John 15:7

I think knowing this one verse should be motivation enough for us to repent of any known sin and live our lives in a way that pleases Jesus!

¹⁰ When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. ¹¹ I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! ¹² This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. ¹³ There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command.  John 15:10-14

Application

I choose to live for Jesus Christ today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is my desire today to live in close relationship to You. Don’t let any sin mess that up. Show me anything that does not please You so I can confess it. I want to be able to count on what You say in John 15:7.  I want to be able to ask for anything in Jesus’ name and know that You are going to say, “Yes” to my requests. You are my Father. I can come to You with complete trust and I know that You are watching out for me. Help those that may be reading this blog today to trust You with all of their hearts. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 13,14,15; John 15



Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

So Correct Me LORD, But Please Be Gentle

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

So Correct Me
LORD,
But Please Be Gentle

Scripture

Jeremiah 10

⁶ Lord, there is no one like you!
    For you are great, and your name is full of power.

²³ I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own.
    We are not able to plan our own course.
²⁴ So correct me, Lord, but please be gentle.
    Do not correct me in anger, for I would die.

Observation

Jeremiah was very honest when he prayed. You and I need to be honest in our prayers too!

And this morning I agree with Jeremiah whole-heartedly when he said, “So correct me, LORD, but please be gentle.”

I want the Lord to keep me on course and I want to finish well, but I want the Lord to keep his cool while He corrects me.

In fact, God has given me promise after promise in His Word so I know that is how he is going to treat me. 

I don’t have to be afraid.

I don’t have to worry about Him mistreating me because He is angry with me.

If we are His children then we don’t have to be afraid of anything!

.

The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Exodus 34:6
.
 The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” Lamentations 3:22-24
.
Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.  There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:1-3

Application

I will trust the Lord to keep me on course. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power.  I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course. So correct me, Lord, but please be gentle. Do not correct me in anger, for I would die. Your faithful love never ends! Your mercies never cease. Great is Your faithfulness; Your mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “You, Lord are my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in You! 


Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 10,11,12; John 14

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Don’t Let The Wise Boast In Their Wisdom, Or The Powerful Boast In Their Power, Or The Rich Boast In Their Riches.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Don’t Let The Wise Boast In Their Wisdom,
Or The Powerful Boast In Their Power,
Or The Rich Boast In Their Riches. 

Scripture

Jeremiah 9

²³ This is what the Lord says:
“Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom,
    or the powerful boast in their power,
    or the rich boast in their riches.

²⁴ But those who wish to boast
    should boast in this alone:
that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord
    who demonstrates unfailing love
    and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth,
and that I delight in these things.
    I, the Lord, have spoken!

Observation

The moment someone says something about us in a positive way is the very moment when we need to think of Jeremiah 9:23-24 because pride has a way of messing everything up and especially messing us up.

There is only one thing, or better yet there is only One Person to ever boast about and His name is Jesus! You and I are sinners. We are broken. And in our brokenness and humbleness is where God can do His work. 

I just came back from a breakfast meeting with some of the men that are leading out at Christ Fellowship. It is amazing to me to see how God is using each one of them to minister to different people in our fellowship.

Each one of them is gifted in a very special unique way, but none of them can boast in that uniqueness. We can only boast in our relationship with Jesus.

Pride has a way of creeping into our lives.

Dr. Waylon B. Moore gave me this advice and so I will give it to you, “Never take a pat on the back unless it is way down low.”

Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

Application

I will memorize this verse and strive to put it into practice, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 How about you? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive me for thinking that I am something when I am not. I realize that anything good in me is because of Jesus Christ. I pray John 3:30 and I ask You to help me decrease so Jesus can increase and shine in my life. Be glorified in and through me today. I pray for those close to me who are going through sickness. I pray that Your power will be evident in their lives. I pray for healing. You are All-Powerful. Nothing is too hard for you! You are Healer. You are the Mighty God. Awesome is Your Power!


Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 7,8,9; John 13

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Those Who Care Nothing For Their Life In This World Will Keep It For Eternity

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Those Who Care Nothing
For Their Life In This World
Will Keep It For Eternity

Scripture

John 12

²⁵ Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.

Observation

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to visit my little sister Bea up in Shalimar, Florida and attend church with her and her family. I heard an amazing story of a surgeon’s work and ministry in the country of Bangladesh.

This man could have chosen to work in the US where he could have made a very good living at a top hospital in one of our major cities, but instead he made the decision to serve the Lord helping the poorest of the poor in very difficult conditions.

He and his wife and people like them are my heroes.

His motivation for serving and for making this sacrifice is not to just heal a person’s physical body; it is to see these people come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ! People that are making this kind of sacrifice need our support and they need for us to pray for them.

Application

I will pray for this family. I will support them. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for those serving overseas in countries where life is very difficult and dangerous. I pray that You protect them. I pray that You use them to further Your kingdom. I pray for You to call out people from our church to go and serve all over this world. I pray for Martha Moore as she goes to serve You Europe. Open up doors for her to have a successful ministry. Bring people into her life that will help her. Answer all of her prayers. Make her plans successful. Give her the desires of her heart. I pray for the surgeon that I met this past Sunday. Bless he and his wife and family. Use them. Protect them. Help them to raise the support that they need to continue Your work where they serve!

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 5,6; John 12

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

I Am The Resurrection And The Life. Anyone Who Believes In Me Will Live, Even After Dying.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

I Am The Resurrection And The Life.
Anyone
Who Believes In Me Will Live, Even After Dying. 

Scripture

John 11

²⁵ Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.

Observation

John 11 is definitely one of my favorite chapters in the Bible if not my favorite! God didn’t create you and me just to live a few measly years here on planet Earth. He designed us to live forever with Him. Lazarus wasn’t just dead, as Kathy told me the other day after she had read a devotional on John 11, “he wasn’t just dead he was stinking dead!” He had been dead for 4 days and he stunk!

Only Jesus Christ has gone through death, burial, and then back to life again by His own power.

One day this body of mine is going to shut down and so is yours, but I am going to continue to live forever – are you?

Put your name in verse 25 right where it says “anyone”.

Don’t go another day without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Trust Him. Invite Him to be the Lord and Savior of your life right now.

    For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.] For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.   For "Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:9-10

Application

I am going to live forever with a new body. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that one day I am going to die. This old body of mine is wearing out. I also know that even though I am going to die I know that I am going to live forever. I am going to get an upgrade and You are going to give me a new body, one that is designed to last forever. It will never grow old and it will never wear out! I will be glad to get the new body with no more aches and pains! 

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 3,4; John 11

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

I Give To Them Eternal Life

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

I
Give To Them
Eternal Life

Scripture

John 10

²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.

Observation

Eternal Life – How can you have it?

If you go to a funeral, just about any funeral and listen to what people share about their departed loved one you would think that all you have to do to go to Heaven is to die.

Going to Heaven is easy, but it is not that easy.

You see not everybody is going to Heaven when they die.

Don’t get the wrong idea either. It is not good people that go to Heaven and bad people that go to Hell. Only the people that have received the “Gift” of Eternal Life are going to Heaven. Have you received God’s gift?

Lets back up for a second and start with this fact. You and I are sinners and our sins have separated us from God. (Romans 3:23) And God says that what we deserve because we are sinners is death – physical death and spiritual death. (Romans 6:23) And God says that after death comes judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)

Now if you and I want to avoid death, judgment, and Hell we need to receive God’s gift of Eternal Life by putting our faith and trust in Jesus Christ and in what Christ did for us on the cross. He died for you and for me on the cross. He laid down His life on that cross as a Gift.

Okay at your funeral and at my funeral they may talk about us being in Heaven with all of our loved ones, but is that where we will be? Our final destination, Heaven or Hell, depends on whether we have received the Gift of Eternal Life or not.

I was nineteen years old when someone shared this Good News with me. I prayed and I asked Jesus Christ to come into my life as my Lord and my Savior.

I am sixty-five years old and I can tell you for certain that the moment I die I will be with Jesus Christ.

Not because I am a good person, not because I do good things, not because I do more good things than bad things, oh no, I am going to be in Heaven because I have received Jesus Christ,

I have received the Gift of Eternal Life. How about you? Have you received the Gift of Eternal Life? Have you received forgiveness of your sins?

Why not pray and Jesus Christ to come into your life right now. I want to see you when I get to Heaven and you are not going to be there if you have not received God’s gift of Eternal Life. 

Application

I am praying for those close to me that God gives them spiritual understanding and they will put their trust totally in Jesus for their salvation. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that You are the only One that saves. I pray for those I love. I pray that You open up their spiritual eyes so that they can understand the message of salvation. Don’t let them trust in doing good things or being good to get them to Heaven. Show them that the only way to be saved is through Your Son Jesus Christ. Thank You for working in their lives. Thank You for transforming lives one at a time. Nothing is too hard for You. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Jeremiah 1,2; John 10



Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

This Happened So The Power Of God Could Be Seen In Him

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

This Happened
So The Power Of God
Could Be Seen In Him

Scripture

 John 9

1 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth.
 
² “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?”

³ “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.
 

Observation

Why? Why did this happen to me? Why did this happen to some one that I love?

When it comes to our health or the health of someone close to us we have a thousand whys?

I know I do!

This man was born blind. When Jesus met him the disciples of Jesus were asking the “why” question. “Why was he born blind they asked? Was it because of his own sins or his parents sins?”

It was neither.

It was so the power of God could be seen in him. God hears our questions that we are asking Him. We need to take time to listen to Him as He answers us. 

And we need to trust Him when we don’t understand.

Do not fear … do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you., He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. {Zephaniah 3:16-17}

 Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes. 5:17-18

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

   

 Application

I will trust God with everything that I cannot understand. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, there are some things that I will never understand this side of Heaven. There are so many questions that I have that go unanswered. This is what I do know. You are good. You love me. You are always working in our lives to bring us to a closer relationship with You. And I have Your promise that You gave me in Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” And I will hold on to that promise when I don’t have the answer to why something has happened. 

   

Daily Bible Reading:  Zephaniah 1,2,3; John 9

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Yet I Will Rejoice In The LORD!

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Yet I Will
Rejoice
In The LORD!

Scripture

Habakkuk 3

¹⁷ Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
    and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
    and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
    and the cattle barns are empty,

¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
    I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
¹⁹ The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
    He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
    able to tread upon the heights.

Observation

If I can paraphrase what Habakkuk 3:17-19, “No matter how bad it gets or no matter how bad it looks I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful no matter what comes my way because the Lord is my strength! 

¹⁶ Always be joyful. ¹⁷ Never stop praying. ¹⁸ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 

Sometimes in life when life is spinning out of our control all we can do is hold on to the great promises of God. 

He keeps every one of them!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Matthew 14:27

   

Application

I will hold on to the promises of God. He will never let me down. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, this morning as I read the great statement of faith that Habakkuk made I say, “Amen”. Help me to have that same kind of faith in You. You said it so I believe it kind of faith. Don’t let me doubt You for a minute. You are the Mighty God. There is no one like You. You alone are Worthy of Praise. I trust You with every detail of my life. Show me Your Power, Your Strength, Your Love for those around me today. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Habakkuk 1,2,3; John 8; Psalm 6, Psalm 106; Proverbs 6

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Each Morning I Bring My Requests To You And Wait Expectantly

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Each Morning
I Bring My Requests To You
And Wait Expectantly

Scripture

Psalm 5

¹ O Lord, hear me as I pray;
    pay attention to my groaning.
 
² Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,
    for I pray to no one but you.
 
³ Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
    Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

Observation

“O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning.” I identify with King David this morning. I know without a doubt that God hears my prayers.  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

For all of you that are going through extremely difficult times right now I want you to know that there is hope.

I have a little booklet called “Facing Illness with Hope” and as I read through this morning I found this and I want to share it with you this morning.

Why?

I know I can ask you, Jesus. Help me listen to your response. Teach me to trust you, even when you’re quiet, or so it seems. These days present so many questions. The questions seem to outnumber the answers. I need wisdom to ask the right questions, as well as answers to those questions others ask me. It’s tough right now. But I also see blessings. I do. That helps. You help and give me hope. Thank you. By the way, I have another question … Why are you so good to me, Jesus? 

Isaiah 43:2
    When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. 

Application

I will pray holding on to all of God’s promises. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, whenever You work and act we call it a miracle. Miracles are happening every day around us and we don’t even recognize them for what they are. We know that You are constantly at work in the lives of those we pray for. Help me to have faith in You whether I see Your Hand in what is happening or not. Help me trust You with the things that I have no control over which is just about everything going on at the moment. You are Lord. You are Sovereign. You are totally in control You love me and You love those who I am concerned about. You are constantly at work in their lives. You are my Hope! 


Daily Bible Reading:  2 Kings 23; 2 Chronicles 35; John 7; Psalm 5, Psalm 105; Proverbs 5

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!