Don’t be Afraid Just Believe!
Genesis 20; Genesis 21; Genesis 22; Luke 8
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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.
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Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Monday, January 07, 2008
He Was Amazed At Him!
Genesis 18; Genesis 19; Psalm 3; Luke 7
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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.
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Genesis 18; Genesis 19; Psalm 3; Luke 7
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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.
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Sunday, January 06, 2008
Don’t Hoard – Give It Away
Genesis 15; Genesis 16; Genesis 17; Luke 6
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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.
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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.
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Saturday, January 05, 2008
B.B.Y.S.S. or B.Y.S.S.
Genesis 12; Genesis 13; Genesis 14; Luke 5
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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.
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Genesis 12; Genesis 13; Genesis 14; Luke 5
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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.
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Friday, January 04, 2008
What Do All These Men Have In Common?
Genesis 9; Genesis 10; Genesis 11; Luke 4
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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.
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Genesis 9; Genesis 10; Genesis 11; Luke 4
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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.
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Thursday, January 03, 2008
Finding Favor With God
Genesis 6; Genesis 7; Genesis 8; Luke 3
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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.
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Genesis 6; Genesis 7; Genesis 8; Luke 3
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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.
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Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Enoch’s Walk!
Genesis 3; Genesis 4; Genesis 5; Luke 2
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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.
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Genesis 3; Genesis 4; Genesis 5; Luke 2
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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.
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Tuesday, January 01, 2008
In the beginning God - 2008
Genesis 1; Genesis 2; Luke 1
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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.
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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.
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Monday, December 31, 2007
He is Coming Soon!
Revelation 19; Revelation 20; Revelation 21; Revelation 22
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Scripture
Revelation 19
11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
Observation
This description of our returning Savior is so different than Jesus when we walked the earth with his twelve disciples. This is no longer the meek, gentle, Savior that because of His great love for us, allowed himself to suffer and die for our sin. No this is the picture of a conquering King. Nothing and no one will stop Him when He comes again. He will come as Victor.
Application
Come, Lord Jesus, come!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am ready for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords to come. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last. Thank you that my name is written in the Lamb’s book of life and I have a place in heaven waiting for me. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
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Revelation 19; Revelation 20; Revelation 21; Revelation 22
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Scripture
Revelation 19
11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
Observation
This description of our returning Savior is so different than Jesus when we walked the earth with his twelve disciples. This is no longer the meek, gentle, Savior that because of His great love for us, allowed himself to suffer and die for our sin. No this is the picture of a conquering King. Nothing and no one will stop Him when He comes again. He will come as Victor.
Application
Come, Lord Jesus, come!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am ready for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords to come. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last. Thank you that my name is written in the Lamb’s book of life and I have a place in heaven waiting for me. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
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Sunday, December 30, 2007
Played a Harp Lately?
Revelation 15; Revelation 16; Revelation 17; Revelation 18
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Scripture
Revelation 15
They held harps given them by God 3 and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb:
"Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the ages.
4 Who will not fear you, O Lord,
and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed."
Observation
For sure we don’t know exactly what it is going to be like in Heaven, but one thing we do know is that someone will be playing a harp! It could be that place a harp in the same group of instruments as church organs, but you need to rethink that if you do. Church organs might be a thing of the past, but the harp is here to stay. I haven’t done a study on it yet to see what other musical instruments are mentioned as being in heaven, but the harp sure is.
King David played, yes you guessed it, a harp!
Don’t get me wrong I love contemporary Christian music, but we need to be careful what we discard as no longer useful.
Application
I am going to search and see if any other musical instruments are mentioned in the book of Revelation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to love the things that you love. I pray for our people today that you bless them. I pray that this will be a day of true worship. I pray for Trevor Thomas that you use him in a mighty way today in our worship services. Give my family wisdom as they seek your direction in some very important issues today. I love you Lord. You are worthy of our praise. Amen.
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Revelation 15; Revelation 16; Revelation 17; Revelation 18
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Revelation 15
They held harps given them by God 3 and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb:
"Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the ages.
4 Who will not fear you, O Lord,
and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed."
Observation
For sure we don’t know exactly what it is going to be like in Heaven, but one thing we do know is that someone will be playing a harp! It could be that place a harp in the same group of instruments as church organs, but you need to rethink that if you do. Church organs might be a thing of the past, but the harp is here to stay. I haven’t done a study on it yet to see what other musical instruments are mentioned as being in heaven, but the harp sure is.
King David played, yes you guessed it, a harp!
Don’t get me wrong I love contemporary Christian music, but we need to be careful what we discard as no longer useful.
Application
I am going to search and see if any other musical instruments are mentioned in the book of Revelation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to love the things that you love. I pray for our people today that you bless them. I pray that this will be a day of true worship. I pray for Trevor Thomas that you use him in a mighty way today in our worship services. Give my family wisdom as they seek your direction in some very important issues today. I love you Lord. You are worthy of our praise. Amen.
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Saturday, December 29, 2007
A Call For Patient Endurance
Revelation 10; Revelation 11; Revelation 12; Revelation 13; Revelation 14
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Scripture
Revelation 14
12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.
Observation
I don’t know if you are a Christ-Follower or not, but if you are maybe you have noticed that some that started out strong are now floundering in their faith. I know so many that were very active in church, but now don’t even act like church was ever part of their lives. What happened? I sure that there are many different reasons: maybe they never had a personal relationship with Christ in the first place; maybe they have allowed sin to take over the throne of his or her life; or maybe they have allowed the cares of this world to squeeze out their joy for the Savior. It is sad.
The Christian life is not like a sprint; it is a marathon. It calls for patient endurance to remain faithful to Jesus. How have you been running the race?
Application
I will pray and ask God for the patience and the endurance to finish this Christian race well.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that you have already won the battle with the Devil and yet I know that today he is still very powerful, “but greater is he that is in me than he that is of this world.” Give me the patience and endurance I need to finish this race well. Help me to be a good finisher. Amen.
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Revelation 10; Revelation 11; Revelation 12; Revelation 13; Revelation 14
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Scripture
Revelation 14
12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.
Observation
I don’t know if you are a Christ-Follower or not, but if you are maybe you have noticed that some that started out strong are now floundering in their faith. I know so many that were very active in church, but now don’t even act like church was ever part of their lives. What happened? I sure that there are many different reasons: maybe they never had a personal relationship with Christ in the first place; maybe they have allowed sin to take over the throne of his or her life; or maybe they have allowed the cares of this world to squeeze out their joy for the Savior. It is sad.
The Christian life is not like a sprint; it is a marathon. It calls for patient endurance to remain faithful to Jesus. How have you been running the race?
Application
I will pray and ask God for the patience and the endurance to finish this Christian race well.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that you have already won the battle with the Devil and yet I know that today he is still very powerful, “but greater is he that is in me than he that is of this world.” Give me the patience and endurance I need to finish this race well. Help me to be a good finisher. Amen.
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Friday, December 28, 2007
Does God Hear Your Prayers?
Revelation 5; Revelation 6; Revelation 7; Revelation 8; Revelation 9
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Scripture
Revelation 5
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
Revelation 8
3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel's hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
Observation
Not only does God hear them, but also He saves them! They are an offering to Him; “golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” It says in Revelation 8:4 that the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went before God from the Angel’s hand.
Our prayers are enjoyed so much by God that He saves them to be enjoyed over and over again. I think that these two chapters should encourage us to pray more knowing how much God loves our prayers.
I wonder if He saves all of our prayers or just the ones that are not self-centered?
Application
I will pray today realizing how much God wants to hear my prayers.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for not only wanting to hear me, but you even save my prayers somehow to be a delight to you later. I am sure that most of my prayers aren’t worth saving and probably focus way too much on myself. Thank you for loving me enough to allow me to pray to you. I don’t deserve this privilege, but I am glad that you take time to listen. Amen.
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Revelation 5; Revelation 6; Revelation 7; Revelation 8; Revelation 9
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Scripture
Revelation 5
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
Revelation 8
3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel's hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
Observation
Not only does God hear them, but also He saves them! They are an offering to Him; “golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” It says in Revelation 8:4 that the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went before God from the Angel’s hand.
Our prayers are enjoyed so much by God that He saves them to be enjoyed over and over again. I think that these two chapters should encourage us to pray more knowing how much God loves our prayers.
I wonder if He saves all of our prayers or just the ones that are not self-centered?
Application
I will pray today realizing how much God wants to hear my prayers.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for not only wanting to hear me, but you even save my prayers somehow to be a delight to you later. I am sure that most of my prayers aren’t worth saving and probably focus way too much on myself. Thank you for loving me enough to allow me to pray to you. I don’t deserve this privilege, but I am glad that you take time to listen. Amen.
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Thursday, December 27, 2007
Peek Into Heaven
Revelation 1; Revelation 2; Revelation 3; Revelation 4
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Scripture
Revelation 4
The Throne in Heaven
1 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. 6 Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
Observation
Do you ever ask God to let you see what it is going to be like in Heaven? I have but so far He hasn’t chosen to let me have a peek! That is not completely true, this morning as I was reading in Revelation I did get a peek didn’t I!
A door standing open in Heaven says to me, “Whosoever may come.” I wonder who the twenty-four elders will be: will the list include guys like Moses, Abraham, Paul, Peter, Billy Graham, you? I will be happy just being there and experience being in God’s presence at the throne. Won’t you?
Application
I will enjoy my relationship with my Heavenly Father today. Rev. 3:20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. “
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am glad that you knock at the door of our hearts and I am glad that you desire to have fellowship with us. Help me to hear your voice today and help me to be obedient to do your will. Guide me today. Put your thoughts on my mind and in my heart today. It is my desire to please you today. Amen.
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Revelation 1; Revelation 2; Revelation 3; Revelation 4
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Scripture
Revelation 4
The Throne in Heaven
1 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. 6 Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
Observation
Do you ever ask God to let you see what it is going to be like in Heaven? I have but so far He hasn’t chosen to let me have a peek! That is not completely true, this morning as I was reading in Revelation I did get a peek didn’t I!
A door standing open in Heaven says to me, “Whosoever may come.” I wonder who the twenty-four elders will be: will the list include guys like Moses, Abraham, Paul, Peter, Billy Graham, you? I will be happy just being there and experience being in God’s presence at the throne. Won’t you?
Application
I will enjoy my relationship with my Heavenly Father today. Rev. 3:20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. “
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am glad that you knock at the door of our hearts and I am glad that you desire to have fellowship with us. Help me to hear your voice today and help me to be obedient to do your will. Guide me today. Put your thoughts on my mind and in my heart today. It is my desire to please you today. Amen.
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Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Meditation & Praise
Psalm 117; Psalm 119:81-176; 2 John 1; 3 John 1
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Scripture
Psalm 119
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
164 Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.
Observation
During the night when you can’t sleep don’t count sheep, instead meditate of the promises of God. During the day when nothing is going right don’t kick the cat, instead praise Him for His precious Word.
I love Psalm 119. I memorized Psalm 119:9-11 when I first became a Christian and Psalm 119:105. It is the longest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible and Psalm 118:8 is the middle of your Bible.
Getting back to meditation, Dr. Waylon B. Moore years ago taught me that meditation is like a cow chewing its cud. The cow chews the grass and then regurgitates it and chews it over and over again. The Word of God once it is memorized and is in our hearts can be meditated on day and night. When I can’t sleep I meditate on God’s promises and I pray God’s promises back to Him. Just like the Psalmist is doing in Psalm 119.
Praising Him seven times a day is something I definitely need to work on. How about you?
Application
I will praise God seven times today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I give you praise for your Word. Your Word is my delight. Thank you for guiding someone to write Psalm 119. It is long, but very good. Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you. Your Word is a light to light up my path. Your Word is more precious than gold. Thank you for giving me the desire to read your Word this morning. Help others that may read this blog dig into your Word everyday. Amen.
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Psalm 117; Psalm 119:81-176; 2 John 1; 3 John 1
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 119
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
164 Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.
Observation
During the night when you can’t sleep don’t count sheep, instead meditate of the promises of God. During the day when nothing is going right don’t kick the cat, instead praise Him for His precious Word.
I love Psalm 119. I memorized Psalm 119:9-11 when I first became a Christian and Psalm 119:105. It is the longest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible and Psalm 118:8 is the middle of your Bible.
Getting back to meditation, Dr. Waylon B. Moore years ago taught me that meditation is like a cow chewing its cud. The cow chews the grass and then regurgitates it and chews it over and over again. The Word of God once it is memorized and is in our hearts can be meditated on day and night. When I can’t sleep I meditate on God’s promises and I pray God’s promises back to Him. Just like the Psalmist is doing in Psalm 119.
Praising Him seven times a day is something I definitely need to work on. How about you?
Application
I will praise God seven times today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I give you praise for your Word. Your Word is my delight. Thank you for guiding someone to write Psalm 119. It is long, but very good. Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you. Your Word is a light to light up my path. Your Word is more precious than gold. Thank you for giving me the desire to read your Word this morning. Help others that may read this blog dig into your Word everyday. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas!
1 John 1; 1 John 2; 1 John 3; 1 John 4; 1 John 5
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Scripture
1 John 1
The Word of Life
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
Observation
Today is Christmas! We have had a Wonderful Christmas so far! We had all 9 of our grandchildren and all five of our grown kids at our house to celebrate Christmas this past Sunday night and it was a blast!
Our kids have given us some great, wonderful, and fun grandkids!
Now it is our job to proclaim to them the Good News of Christmas! Jesus is the only reason for the season! He is what makes it so special. He is what makes life worth living. The Word of Life!
Application
Today I will celebrate the Savior’s birth and enjoy our family! Kathy and I hope that you are able to do the same!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Indescribable Gift – Jesus. Amen.
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1 John 1; 1 John 2; 1 John 3; 1 John 4; 1 John 5
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
1 John 1
The Word of Life
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
Observation
Today is Christmas! We have had a Wonderful Christmas so far! We had all 9 of our grandchildren and all five of our grown kids at our house to celebrate Christmas this past Sunday night and it was a blast!
Our kids have given us some great, wonderful, and fun grandkids!
Now it is our job to proclaim to them the Good News of Christmas! Jesus is the only reason for the season! He is what makes it so special. He is what makes life worth living. The Word of Life!
Application
Today I will celebrate the Savior’s birth and enjoy our family! Kathy and I hope that you are able to do the same!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Indescribable Gift – Jesus. Amen.
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Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Is All About The Empty Tomb!
John 19; John 20; John 21
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Scripture
John 20
The Empty Tomb
1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.
Observation
God’s Indescribable Gift to us this Christmas was something that God began to prepare before He even created the world. And since the time of Abraham & Moses over 1400 years before the birth of Christ the prophets began telling of the coming of the Messiah.
Most Jewish people did not accept the Messiah, Christ Jesus; they were looking for a different kind of Christ child. They were not looking for a Jesus that would die for their sins, but rather they were looking for a national leader that would take them out of bondage and would lead the entire world. One day Jesus will do just that, in fact in Revelation 22 Jesus reminds us that He is returning soon.
Jesus was born that first Christmas. He lived a sinless life and then died on the cross voluntarily for your sins and for my sins. Then on Easter morning He came back to life and soon He is coming back for everyone that has received Him into his or her life. That’s the real story of Christmas!
Application
I will share the Good News that Christ has come!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we are celebrating the birth of your Son. I know that you love it when we celebrate and do it in the right way. Our grandchildren heard the Christmas story last night told by their grandmother sitting on the floor with them. I believe that you must have smiled last night as you watched. Lord, thank you for giving us Christmas. It is such a special time with our family and with our church family. Tonight as we celebrate at church with a candle light service and I want you to be glorified and exalted. It is my desire and our church’s desire to bring you glory and honor this Christmas. Amen.
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John 19; John 20; John 21
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Scripture
John 20
The Empty Tomb
1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.
Observation
God’s Indescribable Gift to us this Christmas was something that God began to prepare before He even created the world. And since the time of Abraham & Moses over 1400 years before the birth of Christ the prophets began telling of the coming of the Messiah.
Most Jewish people did not accept the Messiah, Christ Jesus; they were looking for a different kind of Christ child. They were not looking for a Jesus that would die for their sins, but rather they were looking for a national leader that would take them out of bondage and would lead the entire world. One day Jesus will do just that, in fact in Revelation 22 Jesus reminds us that He is returning soon.
Jesus was born that first Christmas. He lived a sinless life and then died on the cross voluntarily for your sins and for my sins. Then on Easter morning He came back to life and soon He is coming back for everyone that has received Him into his or her life. That’s the real story of Christmas!
Application
I will share the Good News that Christ has come!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we are celebrating the birth of your Son. I know that you love it when we celebrate and do it in the right way. Our grandchildren heard the Christmas story last night told by their grandmother sitting on the floor with them. I believe that you must have smiled last night as you watched. Lord, thank you for giving us Christmas. It is such a special time with our family and with our church family. Tonight as we celebrate at church with a candle light service and I want you to be glorified and exalted. It is my desire and our church’s desire to bring you glory and honor this Christmas. Amen.
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Sunday, December 23, 2007
Take Heart! I Have Overcome the World.
John 15; John 16; John 17; John 18
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Scripture
John 16
33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Observation
Just because someone gives his or her life to Jesus Christ and that person has eternal life it doesn’t mean that his or her life will be trouble free. On the contrary, Jesus says, “in this world you will have trouble.” Don’t think that your life will ever be without problems, without challenges, without trouble because it isn’t going to happen. Life is full of trouble. Then here is the important, “BUT” Jesus says, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” “In Christ” you and I can have peace in spite of what this world throws at us. The important thing is to make sure that you are “in Christ”. Have you asked Him to be your Lord and Savior? Someone has said that if you do not have Christ in your heart then you will not find Christmas under the tree.
Application
I will look to Christ to help me with all of today’s troubles. Why don’t you do the same thing!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to abide in you. Thank you for the privilege of taking every problem I have to you today. Thank you for overcoming this world. It seems that this world and all of its evil is winning, but thanks for the reminder that you have already overcome the world. Help my family as they struggle with challenges, with difficulties; life is so tough for them right now. I pray that you would be their strength during this crisis and that they would draw closer to you during this time of need. Thank you for your Indescribable Gift. Thank you for Jesus! Amen.
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John 15; John 16; John 17; John 18
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Scripture
John 16
33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Observation
Just because someone gives his or her life to Jesus Christ and that person has eternal life it doesn’t mean that his or her life will be trouble free. On the contrary, Jesus says, “in this world you will have trouble.” Don’t think that your life will ever be without problems, without challenges, without trouble because it isn’t going to happen. Life is full of trouble. Then here is the important, “BUT” Jesus says, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” “In Christ” you and I can have peace in spite of what this world throws at us. The important thing is to make sure that you are “in Christ”. Have you asked Him to be your Lord and Savior? Someone has said that if you do not have Christ in your heart then you will not find Christmas under the tree.
Application
I will look to Christ to help me with all of today’s troubles. Why don’t you do the same thing!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to abide in you. Thank you for the privilege of taking every problem I have to you today. Thank you for overcoming this world. It seems that this world and all of its evil is winning, but thanks for the reminder that you have already overcome the world. Help my family as they struggle with challenges, with difficulties; life is so tough for them right now. I pray that you would be their strength during this crisis and that they would draw closer to you during this time of need. Thank you for your Indescribable Gift. Thank you for Jesus! Amen.
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Saturday, December 22, 2007
The Triumphal Entry
John 12; John 13; John 14
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Scripture
The Triumphal Entry
John 12
12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
"Hosanna!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Blessed is the King of Israel!" 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written,
15 "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion;
see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey's colt."
Observation
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, and Heaven and nature sing.”
“All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” Isaiah 7:14
She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. Luke 2:7
How Jesus came to this earth the first time will be quite different from His second coming. He came the first time as a babe in the manger, but when He returns the second time He will return as Victorious King.
Application
I am making sure that I have room in my heart for Jesus this Christmas! How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love the Christmas story. I love to read it over and over again. It is amazing to me. Only You could have ever planned it. You created it. We try so hard to enjoy it, but so much of what we try to enjoy is not part of it. Thank you for your Indescribable gift. Thank you for coming to this earth. You are worthy to be Praised. Amen.
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John 12; John 13; John 14
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Scripture
The Triumphal Entry
John 12
12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
"Hosanna!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Blessed is the King of Israel!" 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written,
15 "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion;
see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey's colt."
Observation
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, and Heaven and nature sing.”
“All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” Isaiah 7:14
She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. Luke 2:7
How Jesus came to this earth the first time will be quite different from His second coming. He came the first time as a babe in the manger, but when He returns the second time He will return as Victorious King.
Application
I am making sure that I have room in my heart for Jesus this Christmas! How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love the Christmas story. I love to read it over and over again. It is amazing to me. Only You could have ever planned it. You created it. We try so hard to enjoy it, but so much of what we try to enjoy is not part of it. Thank you for your Indescribable gift. Thank you for coming to this earth. You are worthy to be Praised. Amen.
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Friday, December 21, 2007
"Lazarus, come out!"
John 9; John 10; John 11
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Scripture
John 11 (Take a minute to read the entire chapter today - just click here)
11:43 “When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
Observation
Sometimes when we have someone that is so sick like my nephew Jonathan we may begin to doubt whether God could ever make him well again. John 11 has to be one of my all time favorite Bible passages and it clearly shows that Jesus can restore someone to health even if they have been dead and in a tomb for 4 days. Take time to read the entire chapter today. Think about what Jesus did. Martha was shocked when Jesus said to roll the stone away, she blurted out, "But Lord by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." In other words it was impossible for anyone to expect Lazarus to come back from the dead especially after being dead that long.
Why is this story mentioned in scripture anyway? I will give you three reasons I think it is in the Bible: 1. To show us that Jesus has power over sickness and even death. 2. To show us that Jesus has compassion and He feels our pain. 3. To show us that sometimes sickness is to show His glory and a way for Jesus to receive glory and honor.
Application
This afternoon I have to do a funeral of one of our senior adults and I think I will use this passage to encourage the family and myself.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have no doubt that you have the power to heal Jonathan. If you can take someone that has been in the grave for four days and bring him back to life I know that you can heal Jonathan. I ask you to heal him for your glory and that by healing him you would receive honor. I understand that I can’t see things from your perspective, but I know that you totally understand how I feel and how my family feels and you feel our pain today. Just as Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus I know He feels our sorrow right now. You are the Mighty God; nothing is too hard for you. Amen.
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John 9; John 10; John 11
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Scripture
John 11 (Take a minute to read the entire chapter today - just click here)
11:43 “When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
Observation
Sometimes when we have someone that is so sick like my nephew Jonathan we may begin to doubt whether God could ever make him well again. John 11 has to be one of my all time favorite Bible passages and it clearly shows that Jesus can restore someone to health even if they have been dead and in a tomb for 4 days. Take time to read the entire chapter today. Think about what Jesus did. Martha was shocked when Jesus said to roll the stone away, she blurted out, "But Lord by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." In other words it was impossible for anyone to expect Lazarus to come back from the dead especially after being dead that long.
Why is this story mentioned in scripture anyway? I will give you three reasons I think it is in the Bible: 1. To show us that Jesus has power over sickness and even death. 2. To show us that Jesus has compassion and He feels our pain. 3. To show us that sometimes sickness is to show His glory and a way for Jesus to receive glory and honor.
Application
This afternoon I have to do a funeral of one of our senior adults and I think I will use this passage to encourage the family and myself.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have no doubt that you have the power to heal Jonathan. If you can take someone that has been in the grave for four days and bring him back to life I know that you can heal Jonathan. I ask you to heal him for your glory and that by healing him you would receive honor. I understand that I can’t see things from your perspective, but I know that you totally understand how I feel and how my family feels and you feel our pain today. Just as Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus I know He feels our sorrow right now. You are the Mighty God; nothing is too hard for you. Amen.
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Thursday, December 20, 2007
Putting Your Faith in the Right Place
John 7; John 8
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Scripture
John 8
30 Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him.
Observation
We hear a lot of people talking today about their faith. You hear people on TV saying that you just got to have faith. You can have all the faith that you want but if you don’t have faith placed in the right thing or in the right person Jesus Christ your faith won’t do you a bit of good. Putting your faith in Jesus Christ makes all the difference in the world. Where are you putting your faith? Have you placed your faith in Him?
Application
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Philip. 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
My faith is placed in Jesus Christ. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to rely on my own strength today. I am weak and needy but you are so strong. You can take care of every need that I have today. My faith is placed in you. I know that I can do everything through Jesus who gives me strength. Help my family today to keep trusting in you. Thank you for our daughter Debby who celebrates her birthday today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
John 7; John 8
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Scripture
John 8
30 Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him.
Observation
We hear a lot of people talking today about their faith. You hear people on TV saying that you just got to have faith. You can have all the faith that you want but if you don’t have faith placed in the right thing or in the right person Jesus Christ your faith won’t do you a bit of good. Putting your faith in Jesus Christ makes all the difference in the world. Where are you putting your faith? Have you placed your faith in Him?
Application
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Philip. 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
My faith is placed in Jesus Christ. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to rely on my own strength today. I am weak and needy but you are so strong. You can take care of every need that I have today. My faith is placed in you. I know that I can do everything through Jesus who gives me strength. Help my family today to keep trusting in you. Thank you for our daughter Debby who celebrates her birthday today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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