Time is Short! Hell is Hot!
Revelation 10; Revelation 11; Revelation 12; Revelation 13; Revelation 14
Scripture
Revelation 14:6-7
“Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."
Observation
Fear God and give Him Glory! Time is short! How much time do we have on this earth? Soon the year 2007 will be here and none of know if we will see the year 2008! Now is the time to Fear Him and bring Him Glory! Now is the time!
Application
Beginning a New Year is a great time to start learning some new good habits and getting rid of some bad ones! It is a great time to repent and live differently! Repent means turning from sin and self and turning to God! It means turning our lives around and living for God. Time is short! The hour of judgment is coming!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to help others turn back to you! Help me to share the Good News with the folks around me! Help me live for you in 2007!
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Friday, December 29, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Prayers of His Saints are Precious!
Revelation 5; Revelation 6; Revelation 7; Revelation 8; Revelation 9
Scripture
Rev. 5
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. 9And 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
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth."
11Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12In a loud voice they sang:
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!"
Observation
To think that God is saving my prayers as sweet smelling incense!
Application
Yes, my prayers are being heard and even saved in Heaven!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, may my prayers be according to your Will! Help me not to be so selfish and help me pray prayers more for other people than myself!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Revelation 5; Revelation 6; Revelation 7; Revelation 8; Revelation 9
Scripture
Rev. 5
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. 9And 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
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth."
11Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12In a loud voice they sang:
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!"
Observation
To think that God is saving my prayers as sweet smelling incense!
Application
Yes, my prayers are being heard and even saved in Heaven!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, may my prayers be according to your Will! Help me not to be so selfish and help me pray prayers more for other people than myself!
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Wednesday, December 27, 2006
You Are Worthy!
Revelation 1; Revelation 2; Revelation 3; Revelation 4
Scripture
Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things,
and by your will they were created and have their being."
Observation
He is worthy to receive glory, and honor and power! He is the Creator God that made us and has made everything else.
Application
The book of Revelation gives us a glimpse of what it is going to be like in Heaven. I don’t know everything we will do in Heaven but one thing I know for sure is that we will surround His throne and worship Him. All of heaven will bow down and worship Him. We get to practice while we are here on earth. I need to constantly give Him glory and praise!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are worthy of honor and praise. I love you and recognize that no one compares with you. Help me to keep you as my first love.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Revelation 1; Revelation 2; Revelation 3; Revelation 4
Scripture
Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things,
and by your will they were created and have their being."
Observation
He is worthy to receive glory, and honor and power! He is the Creator God that made us and has made everything else.
Application
The book of Revelation gives us a glimpse of what it is going to be like in Heaven. I don’t know everything we will do in Heaven but one thing I know for sure is that we will surround His throne and worship Him. All of heaven will bow down and worship Him. We get to practice while we are here on earth. I need to constantly give Him glory and praise!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are worthy of honor and praise. I love you and recognize that no one compares with you. Help me to keep you as my first love.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
You are My Hiding Place!
Psalm 117; Psalm 119:81-176; 2 John 1; 3 John 1
Scripture
Psalm 119:114 "You are my hiding place and my shield.
My hope is based on your word."
Observation
In the Psalms, we find word pictures describing how God protects us. In Psalm 119:14, we find that God is our hiding place and our shield. Is God your hiding place? Have you learned to go to Him for protection and for security? This world is out of control and we desperately need a hiding place.
Application
May I take time to retreat daily to my hiding place. Your Word is full of promises of your protection. I plan to search His Word everyday for strength and guidance.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for being my hiding place. Thank you for providing me a safe place that I can always retreat to during life’s storms. You are my Rock, my Shield, my Fortress, and a very secure hiding place.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Psalm 117; Psalm 119:81-176; 2 John 1; 3 John 1
Scripture
Psalm 119:114 "You are my hiding place and my shield.
My hope is based on your word."
Observation
In the Psalms, we find word pictures describing how God protects us. In Psalm 119:14, we find that God is our hiding place and our shield. Is God your hiding place? Have you learned to go to Him for protection and for security? This world is out of control and we desperately need a hiding place.
Application
May I take time to retreat daily to my hiding place. Your Word is full of promises of your protection. I plan to search His Word everyday for strength and guidance.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for being my hiding place. Thank you for providing me a safe place that I can always retreat to during life’s storms. You are my Rock, my Shield, my Fortress, and a very secure hiding place.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, December 22, 2006
The Light of Christmas!
John 12; John 13; John 14
Scripture
John 12:46 “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”
Observation
The world today is so full of darkness! It desperately needs the light of Jesus! I love Matthew 5:16 that says, “let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify the Father which is in Heaven.” It is my life verse! Christ-followers are the light in this dark world!
Application
One way that the world can see the light in our lives is by their witnessing our love for one another!
Prayer
Father, thank you for the Light of Christmas! Thank you for sending your Son as a gift for me and for the entire world. I pray that this Christmas lives will be changed forever because of the witness of our church family. Help me to be a light to those around me this Christmas.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
John 12; John 13; John 14
Scripture
John 12:46 “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”
Observation
The world today is so full of darkness! It desperately needs the light of Jesus! I love Matthew 5:16 that says, “let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify the Father which is in Heaven.” It is my life verse! Christ-followers are the light in this dark world!
Application
One way that the world can see the light in our lives is by their witnessing our love for one another!
Prayer
Father, thank you for the Light of Christmas! Thank you for sending your Son as a gift for me and for the entire world. I pray that this Christmas lives will be changed forever because of the witness of our church family. Help me to be a light to those around me this Christmas.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Is God’s Hand Big Enough?
John 9; John 10; John 11
Scripture
John 10:28-30 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one."
Observation
I know someone that believes that a person can lose their salvation. It is amazing that these verses don’t help them change their belief. I believe that if I am safe in my Heavenly Father’s Hand and since Jesus says that no one can snatch me out then in His Hand is a very secure place to be. I have had someone say that “yes, no one can snatch you out but you can get out of His hand on your own!” God saves us and God keeps us. We should be depending completely on Him for our security. When Jesus says, “and they shall never perish” I believe Him completely. How about you?
Application
Christmas is all about His Gift to us. Eternal Life is something that we can’t earn and once we have it we can’t lose it no matter what we do or don’t do!
Prayer
Father, help me explain better to our people that it is all by your grace that we are saved and not our works. Help those that are confused, and correct those that are causing the confusion by their dogmatic teaching that “works” are a means of gaining salvation or that “works” are necessary to keep one’s salvation.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
John 9; John 10; John 11
Scripture
John 10:28-30 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one."
Observation
I know someone that believes that a person can lose their salvation. It is amazing that these verses don’t help them change their belief. I believe that if I am safe in my Heavenly Father’s Hand and since Jesus says that no one can snatch me out then in His Hand is a very secure place to be. I have had someone say that “yes, no one can snatch you out but you can get out of His hand on your own!” God saves us and God keeps us. We should be depending completely on Him for our security. When Jesus says, “and they shall never perish” I believe Him completely. How about you?
Application
Christmas is all about His Gift to us. Eternal Life is something that we can’t earn and once we have it we can’t lose it no matter what we do or don’t do!
Prayer
Father, help me explain better to our people that it is all by your grace that we are saved and not our works. Help those that are confused, and correct those that are causing the confusion by their dogmatic teaching that “works” are a means of gaining salvation or that “works” are necessary to keep one’s salvation.
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Monday, December 18, 2006
Christmas was God’s Idea!
John 2; John 3; John 4
Scripture
John 3:16-18 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
Observation
Christmas is what John 3:16 is all about! God’s Great Love for us opened up Heaven and God sent His one and His only Son to be born, live, and die so that we might live forever with Him!
Application
Many don’t know how to celebrate “Christmas” yet because they have not met the Christ of Christmas! I need to look for people to share with during this Christmas Season!
Prayer
Thank you for loving me so much that You sent your Son to die for me and to die for those around me. Help me share that Good News this week!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
John 2; John 3; John 4
Scripture
John 3:16-18 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
Observation
Christmas is what John 3:16 is all about! God’s Great Love for us opened up Heaven and God sent His one and His only Son to be born, live, and die so that we might live forever with Him!
Application
Many don’t know how to celebrate “Christmas” yet because they have not met the Christ of Christmas! I need to look for people to share with during this Christmas Season!
Prayer
Thank you for loving me so much that You sent your Son to die for me and to die for those around me. Help me share that Good News this week!
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Thursday, December 14, 2006
Salvation Lost…Never!
Hebrews 12; Hebrews 13; Jude 1
Scripture
Jude 1:24-25
“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”
Observation
God saves those who put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and then Jesus Christ keeps us and presents us to our Heavenly Father without fault! God looks at a Christ-Follower and He only sees the Righteousness of His Son Jesus. We are righteous because Christ has exchanged His sinless life for our sinful lives. We are not and we will never be worthy of what God has given us…Salvation. We can’t work to get it, we can’t work to keep it, and once we have it we can’t lose it! End of story! It is all undeserved! It is all God!
Application
Don’t let anyone try to make you believe that “works” are necessary for salvation or that “works” are necessary to keep your salvation! A believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is capable of committing any sin. There is no sin that a Christian commits that could cause him or her to lose their salvation. Our salvation is not based on what sin or sins we did or did not commit, our salvation is based on what Christ did for us on the cross! Period!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help those that can’t understand this truth to get it. Show them your truth and keep them from harming other believers with their teaching. Thank you for saving me and providing forgiveness for my sins, past…present…and future!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Hebrews 12; Hebrews 13; Jude 1
Scripture
Jude 1:24-25
“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”
Observation
God saves those who put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and then Jesus Christ keeps us and presents us to our Heavenly Father without fault! God looks at a Christ-Follower and He only sees the Righteousness of His Son Jesus. We are righteous because Christ has exchanged His sinless life for our sinful lives. We are not and we will never be worthy of what God has given us…Salvation. We can’t work to get it, we can’t work to keep it, and once we have it we can’t lose it! End of story! It is all undeserved! It is all God!
Application
Don’t let anyone try to make you believe that “works” are necessary for salvation or that “works” are necessary to keep your salvation! A believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is capable of committing any sin. There is no sin that a Christian commits that could cause him or her to lose their salvation. Our salvation is not based on what sin or sins we did or did not commit, our salvation is based on what Christ did for us on the cross! Period!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help those that can’t understand this truth to get it. Show them your truth and keep them from harming other believers with their teaching. Thank you for saving me and providing forgiveness for my sins, past…present…and future!
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Tuesday, December 12, 2006
We do have a High Priest!
Hebrews 5; Hebrews 6; Hebrews 7; Hebrews 8
Scripture
Hebrews 7:24-25 “but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
Observation
When we read the Bible we sometimes come across passages that are difficult to understand. Hebrews 6 is one of those difficult passages. If you read Hebrews 6 and no other scripture you could believe that it would be possible to lose your salvation. In fact, just by reading Hebrews 6 you would think that once you lost it you could never be saved again. So how are we to understand that passage? I would suggest that you keep on reading to Hebrews 7:24-25 which says,
“but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
Jesus is our high priest. He sacrificed His life for you and me and now He lives to constantly intercede for us on our behalf. And because Jesus is God He is able to save us completely!
Application
The Bible is to be understood by reading all of it and not taking a verse out of context to teach that we can lose our salvation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that you are always interceding for me and thank you for saving me completely. You are my high priest!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Hebrews 5; Hebrews 6; Hebrews 7; Hebrews 8
Scripture
Hebrews 7:24-25 “but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
Observation
When we read the Bible we sometimes come across passages that are difficult to understand. Hebrews 6 is one of those difficult passages. If you read Hebrews 6 and no other scripture you could believe that it would be possible to lose your salvation. In fact, just by reading Hebrews 6 you would think that once you lost it you could never be saved again. So how are we to understand that passage? I would suggest that you keep on reading to Hebrews 7:24-25 which says,
“but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
Jesus is our high priest. He sacrificed His life for you and me and now He lives to constantly intercede for us on our behalf. And because Jesus is God He is able to save us completely!
Application
The Bible is to be understood by reading all of it and not taking a verse out of context to teach that we can lose our salvation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that you are always interceding for me and thank you for saving me completely. You are my high priest!
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Monday, December 11, 2006
Sharp, Penetrating, Powerful!
Philemon 1; Hebrews 1; Hebrews 2; Hebrews 3; Hebrews 4
Scripture
Hebrews 4:12-13
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Observation
The Word of God is sharper than any two edge sword and that means that it is very sharp! It can penetrate the hardest heart and it can bring life to the spiritually dead. It shows us just what we are and it has the Power to change us! It is living and Powerful!
Application
God’s Word is what changes lives. We need to get people into His Word!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me help others to get into your Word. Thank you for what it does in my life. Thank you for its Power. Thank You that it is Living and new every morning!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Philemon 1; Hebrews 1; Hebrews 2; Hebrews 3; Hebrews 4
Scripture
Hebrews 4:12-13
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Observation
The Word of God is sharper than any two edge sword and that means that it is very sharp! It can penetrate the hardest heart and it can bring life to the spiritually dead. It shows us just what we are and it has the Power to change us! It is living and Powerful!
Application
God’s Word is what changes lives. We need to get people into His Word!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me help others to get into your Word. Thank you for what it does in my life. Thank you for its Power. Thank You that it is Living and new every morning!
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Friday, December 08, 2006
First of All, Pray for Everyone!
1 Timothy 1; 1 Timothy 2; 1 Timothy 3; 1 Timothy 4
Scripture
1 Timothy 2:1-2
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Observation
Paul is encouraging Timothy to pray for everyone and especially pray for those in authority. Our president needs our prayers today more than ever!
Application
I will pray for President Bush and for those in leadership of our country. Paul was saying to pray for them so that we may experience peace. It is not a bad prayer for us to pray today also!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for President Bush that you give him all the wisdom he needs to lead our country. Be with his family and give them strength. Help him to make good decisions based on Your Word and Your guidance!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Timothy 1; 1 Timothy 2; 1 Timothy 3; 1 Timothy 4
Scripture
1 Timothy 2:1-2
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Observation
Paul is encouraging Timothy to pray for everyone and especially pray for those in authority. Our president needs our prayers today more than ever!
Application
I will pray for President Bush and for those in leadership of our country. Paul was saying to pray for them so that we may experience peace. It is not a bad prayer for us to pray today also!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for President Bush that you give him all the wisdom he needs to lead our country. Be with his family and give them strength. Help him to make good decisions based on Your Word and Your guidance!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
ALL MY NEEDS!
Philippians 1; Philippians 2; Philippians 3; Philippians 4
Scripture
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Observation
Christmas is not about having our needs met! For most of us at Christmas we talk to our loved ones about what each of us want not need! Even though Christmas should be focused on Jesus it gravitates to gift giving to each other. I am not knocking that because I love the gift giving at Christmas! There is no greater joy than watching a child at Christmas open gifts that you have bought for him or her.
The “Christ” of Christmas promises to supply all of our needs and He is very rich! He is ready and willing to meet ALL of our needs if we will just put Him first in our lives!
When we are consumed with desiring “things” it is hard to see the needs that Jesus is meeting in our lives. It is interesting how a certain “want of a particular thing” can dominate our thoughts. When you catch that happening then you can be sure that you are not putting into practice Matthew 6:33 which says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God…”!
Application
What “need” do you have that Christ has not met? Why not talk to Him about it right now!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so blessed. You provide me with so many good things. You take care of my every need. Thank you for your Goodness. Thank you for providing me with so many good things. I pray today for Kathy’s Mom and sister Donna. You are the Healer and we put our faith in you!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Philippians 1; Philippians 2; Philippians 3; Philippians 4
Scripture
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Observation
Christmas is not about having our needs met! For most of us at Christmas we talk to our loved ones about what each of us want not need! Even though Christmas should be focused on Jesus it gravitates to gift giving to each other. I am not knocking that because I love the gift giving at Christmas! There is no greater joy than watching a child at Christmas open gifts that you have bought for him or her.
The “Christ” of Christmas promises to supply all of our needs and He is very rich! He is ready and willing to meet ALL of our needs if we will just put Him first in our lives!
When we are consumed with desiring “things” it is hard to see the needs that Jesus is meeting in our lives. It is interesting how a certain “want of a particular thing” can dominate our thoughts. When you catch that happening then you can be sure that you are not putting into practice Matthew 6:33 which says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God…”!
Application
What “need” do you have that Christ has not met? Why not talk to Him about it right now!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so blessed. You provide me with so many good things. You take care of my every need. Thank you for your Goodness. Thank you for providing me with so many good things. I pray today for Kathy’s Mom and sister Donna. You are the Healer and we put our faith in you!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
In “ALL” Circumstances
1 Thessalonians 4; 1 Thessalonians 5; 2 Thessalonians 1; 2 Thessalonians 2; 2 Thessalonians 3
Scripture
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Observation
I think we need to understand what this verse says and what it doesn’t say. Paul says that we need to give thanks in all circumstances, but he doesn’t say give thanks for all circumstances. We don’t thank the Lord for a tragedy, but we should be thankful to the Lord while we go through the tragedy. We don’t thank God for a terrible automobile accident where several of our family members were injured badly, but we are thankful to God that He will help us endure the crisis and see us through it.
Application
I need to look around today and be thankful for what God is doing in my “circumstances” right now!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to have a thankful heart. Thank you for being with us no matter what we go through. We never go through any circumstance alone; you are always with us, guiding and strengthening us.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
1 Thessalonians 4; 1 Thessalonians 5; 2 Thessalonians 1; 2 Thessalonians 2; 2 Thessalonians 3
Scripture
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Observation
I think we need to understand what this verse says and what it doesn’t say. Paul says that we need to give thanks in all circumstances, but he doesn’t say give thanks for all circumstances. We don’t thank the Lord for a tragedy, but we should be thankful to the Lord while we go through the tragedy. We don’t thank God for a terrible automobile accident where several of our family members were injured badly, but we are thankful to God that He will help us endure the crisis and see us through it.
Application
I need to look around today and be thankful for what God is doing in my “circumstances” right now!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to have a thankful heart. Thank you for being with us no matter what we go through. We never go through any circumstance alone; you are always with us, guiding and strengthening us.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
May Your Love Increase and Overflow!
Matthew 28; 1 Thessalonians 1; 1 Thessalonians 2; 1 Thessalonians 3
Scripture
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.”
Observation
When a toilet overflows it is not a good thing, but when a heart overflows with God’s love that is a very good thing. Paul is praying a blessing asking that their love increase and that it overflow. It is a good prayer for you today.
Application
I will pray this prayer of blessing today to the folks that God brings to my mind.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, may our church staff’s love increase and overflow to all of our church members today. May You strengthen our staff’s hearts so they will be blameless and holy in Your presence.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Matthew 28; 1 Thessalonians 1; 1 Thessalonians 2; 1 Thessalonians 3
Scripture
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.”
Observation
When a toilet overflows it is not a good thing, but when a heart overflows with God’s love that is a very good thing. Paul is praying a blessing asking that their love increase and that it overflow. It is a good prayer for you today.
Application
I will pray this prayer of blessing today to the folks that God brings to my mind.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, may our church staff’s love increase and overflow to all of our church members today. May You strengthen our staff’s hearts so they will be blameless and holy in Your presence.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, November 27, 2006
A Gift 100% Free, Yet Very Costly!
Psalm 125; Matthew 26; Matthew 27
Scripture
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
Matthew 27: 27-31
“Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.”
Observation
A gift has to be completely free for the person that receives it or it is not a gift. Jesus offers us salvation/eternal life and it doesn’t cost us anything, yet it cost Him everything! He was nailed to a cross for me and for you. He suffered for me and for you. It is the Christmas story!
Application
This weekend we begin our Mission’s Conference. Missionaries will tell their story and we will experience “Christmas”. On Wednesday, Dec. 6th we have the opportunity to bring our Lottie Moon offering and present it to Him. It is His birthday that we celebrate at Christmas so next week is really Christmas for us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me bring you an offering worthy of a King. May our church give sacrificially and may our offerings honor you.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Psalm 125; Matthew 26; Matthew 27
Scripture
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
Matthew 27: 27-31
“Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.”
Observation
A gift has to be completely free for the person that receives it or it is not a gift. Jesus offers us salvation/eternal life and it doesn’t cost us anything, yet it cost Him everything! He was nailed to a cross for me and for you. He suffered for me and for you. It is the Christmas story!
Application
This weekend we begin our Mission’s Conference. Missionaries will tell their story and we will experience “Christmas”. On Wednesday, Dec. 6th we have the opportunity to bring our Lottie Moon offering and present it to Him. It is His birthday that we celebrate at Christmas so next week is really Christmas for us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me bring you an offering worthy of a King. May our church give sacrificially and may our offerings honor you.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
For Out of the Overflow of the Heart the Mouth Speaks!
Matthew 11; Matthew 12; Matthew 13
Scripture
Matthew 12:33-37
"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
Observation
Have you ever heard someone defend another person's mean or ugly comments by saying, “Oh, they really don’t mean what they are saying”? Sorry, but Jesus says, “for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks”. So when a person blurts out with a mean, hurtful, or thoughtless remark they are just expressing what is already in their heart.
Application
I am going to think about what I say today and how I say it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me guard my heart today. May the meditation of my heart and the words of my mouth be pleasing to you today!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Matthew 11; Matthew 12; Matthew 13
Scripture
Matthew 12:33-37
"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
Observation
Have you ever heard someone defend another person's mean or ugly comments by saying, “Oh, they really don’t mean what they are saying”? Sorry, but Jesus says, “for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks”. So when a person blurts out with a mean, hurtful, or thoughtless remark they are just expressing what is already in their heart.
Application
I am going to think about what I say today and how I say it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me guard my heart today. May the meditation of my heart and the words of my mouth be pleasing to you today!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Simple as a Cool Cup of Water!
Matthew 8; Matthew 9; Matthew 10
Scripture
Matthew 10:40-42
"He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. 41 Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
Observation
In Heaven we are going to receive rewards for what we do down here for others in the name of Jesus. As we worked in Gulf Port, Mississippi repairing homes and a Baptist Church I thought about this verse. We just went to help out, but we went in the Name of Jesus, as Christ-Followers. Now if our hearts were right as we did the work in Mississippi then when we get to Heaven we will be rewarded for the things we accomplished.
Application
Serving others is serving Jesus; when we are do things with the right motives!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, search my heart and show me anything that is not right so I can confess it to You and have a clean heart. Help my motives for serving You today be from a pure heart. Help me touch someone’s life today for you!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Matthew 8; Matthew 9; Matthew 10
Scripture
Matthew 10:40-42
"He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. 41 Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
Observation
In Heaven we are going to receive rewards for what we do down here for others in the name of Jesus. As we worked in Gulf Port, Mississippi repairing homes and a Baptist Church I thought about this verse. We just went to help out, but we went in the Name of Jesus, as Christ-Followers. Now if our hearts were right as we did the work in Mississippi then when we get to Heaven we will be rewarded for the things we accomplished.
Application
Serving others is serving Jesus; when we are do things with the right motives!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, search my heart and show me anything that is not right so I can confess it to You and have a clean heart. Help my motives for serving You today be from a pure heart. Help me touch someone’s life today for you!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Hey! What's That Sticking Out of Your Eye?
Matthew 5; Matthew 6; Matthew 7
Scripture
Matthew 7:3-5
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Observation
It is so easy to pick out the faults in other people and miss the major shortcomings in our own lives. Jesus says that we shouldn’t worry about the speck of sawdust in someone else’s eye until we get the plank out of ours. I can visualize someone walking around with a big board sticking out of one of his or her eyes as they criticize someone else. It is so easy to be critical because it is how our flesh operates.
Application
I am going to look for any planks in my eyes today and try hard not to be critical of another brother!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me today to only see the good in the people I encounter today, give me your eyes today. Thank you for the decisions made in church yesterday. May you continue to help the new believers grow that you have brought to our fellowship. Use us to help them grow!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Matthew 5; Matthew 6; Matthew 7
Scripture
Matthew 7:3-5
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Observation
It is so easy to pick out the faults in other people and miss the major shortcomings in our own lives. Jesus says that we shouldn’t worry about the speck of sawdust in someone else’s eye until we get the plank out of ours. I can visualize someone walking around with a big board sticking out of one of his or her eyes as they criticize someone else. It is so easy to be critical because it is how our flesh operates.
Application
I am going to look for any planks in my eyes today and try hard not to be critical of another brother!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me today to only see the good in the people I encounter today, give me your eyes today. Thank you for the decisions made in church yesterday. May you continue to help the new believers grow that you have brought to our fellowship. Use us to help them grow!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, November 10, 2006
Gulf Port, Mississippi Mission Trip!
Fulfilling The Great Commission!
NO NEW BLOGS UNTIL SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH
Job 35; Job 36; 1 Corinthians 7; 1 Corinthians 8
Scripture
Matthew 28:18-20 “Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Observation
This week we will be traveling to Gulf Port, Mississippi on a mission trip to help rebuild houses and churches that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina! Pray that we will be a strong witness for our Lord while we are in Gulf Port. Pray that we will have opportunities to share our faith as we work.
Application
“Go”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us as we go to be effective in sharing our faith and help us to share your love with the people of Gulf Port!
8 Team Members
James Hartley
Jose Crespo
Wayne Varnes
Keith Bonner - Pastor West Hillsborough Baptist Church
Barry Huffman
Frank Chillura
Pam Chillura
Eddy Williams
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Fulfilling The Great Commission!
NO NEW BLOGS UNTIL SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH
Job 35; Job 36; 1 Corinthians 7; 1 Corinthians 8
Scripture
Matthew 28:18-20 “Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Observation
This week we will be traveling to Gulf Port, Mississippi on a mission trip to help rebuild houses and churches that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina! Pray that we will be a strong witness for our Lord while we are in Gulf Port. Pray that we will have opportunities to share our faith as we work.
Application
“Go”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us as we go to be effective in sharing our faith and help us to share your love with the people of Gulf Port!
8 Team Members
James Hartley
Jose Crespo
Wayne Varnes
Keith Bonner - Pastor West Hillsborough Baptist Church
Barry Huffman
Frank Chillura
Pam Chillura
Eddy Williams
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Never! If We Set Boundaries...
Job 34; 1 Corinthians 4; 1 Corinthians 5; 1 Corinthians 6
Scripture
Sexual Immorality
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
"Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything. 13 "Food for the stomach and the stomach for food"—but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh." 17 But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Observation
A television pastor/evangelist once again makes the headlines with involvement in sexual immorality. Evangelists and pastors need to realize that sexual immorality will destroy them and they have to set boundaries so they don’t fall into sin. It is said that Billy Graham will not even enter an elevator alone with a woman. We must make sure that we have people that will hold us accountable so that we are not ruined by sexual sin. I will not be with a woman alone. I will not be in a car alone with a woman unless it is my wife, or one of my daughters. I will not meet a woman for a business lunch or dinner meeting alone. All of us are tempted and if you say you don’t have a problem with temptation then you are either “dead” or a “liar”!
Application
I realize that Satan wants to destroy me and the ministry that God has called me to so I will be very careful with my relationships.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me set and maintain boundaries that will keep me from falling into sexual immorality. Keep my mind pure and my thoughts free of sexual ideas that would cause me to sin. Help me keep the men around me accountable and help them to keep me accountable so my life and their lives will be pleasing to you.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 34; 1 Corinthians 4; 1 Corinthians 5; 1 Corinthians 6
Scripture
Sexual Immorality
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
"Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything. 13 "Food for the stomach and the stomach for food"—but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh." 17 But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Observation
A television pastor/evangelist once again makes the headlines with involvement in sexual immorality. Evangelists and pastors need to realize that sexual immorality will destroy them and they have to set boundaries so they don’t fall into sin. It is said that Billy Graham will not even enter an elevator alone with a woman. We must make sure that we have people that will hold us accountable so that we are not ruined by sexual sin. I will not be with a woman alone. I will not be in a car alone with a woman unless it is my wife, or one of my daughters. I will not meet a woman for a business lunch or dinner meeting alone. All of us are tempted and if you say you don’t have a problem with temptation then you are either “dead” or a “liar”!
Application
I realize that Satan wants to destroy me and the ministry that God has called me to so I will be very careful with my relationships.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me set and maintain boundaries that will keep me from falling into sexual immorality. Keep my mind pure and my thoughts free of sexual ideas that would cause me to sin. Help me keep the men around me accountable and help them to keep me accountable so my life and their lives will be pleasing to you.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
I Can Only Imagine!
Job 33; 1 Corinthians 1; 1 Corinthians 2; 1 Corinthians 3
Scripture
1 Cor. 2:9 “However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"
1 Cor. 3:16 “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?”
Observation
God loves us so much that He has even decided to live in us! We are the temple of God! We can’t even imagine what God has prepared for us. It is beyond our comprehension! Paul is saying in these first 3 chapters of 1 Corinthians that we don’t need to be fighting with each other. God is doing a work in us and we need to realize that He is the main thing and that we should not let anything divide us.
Application
I can’t wait to see what God is preparing for us. But while we are here on earth, He wants us to be Holy. He wants us to keep our bodies clean because they are His dwelling place.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for preparing something for me that is beyond my wildest dreams. Help me to keep my body clean from sin and a place where You have total control. Show me anything that I need to change, any sin that I need to confess, so that I will be a clean useable vessel for You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 33; 1 Corinthians 1; 1 Corinthians 2; 1 Corinthians 3
Scripture
1 Cor. 2:9 “However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"
1 Cor. 3:16 “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?”
Observation
God loves us so much that He has even decided to live in us! We are the temple of God! We can’t even imagine what God has prepared for us. It is beyond our comprehension! Paul is saying in these first 3 chapters of 1 Corinthians that we don’t need to be fighting with each other. God is doing a work in us and we need to realize that He is the main thing and that we should not let anything divide us.
Application
I can’t wait to see what God is preparing for us. But while we are here on earth, He wants us to be Holy. He wants us to keep our bodies clean because they are His dwelling place.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for preparing something for me that is beyond my wildest dreams. Help me to keep my body clean from sin and a place where You have total control. Show me anything that I need to change, any sin that I need to confess, so that I will be a clean useable vessel for You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
THEREFORE!
Job 31; Job 32; Galatians 5; Galatians 6
Scripture
Doing Good to All
Galatians 6:1-10
"Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5for each one should carry his own load.
6Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
Observation
Someone told me a long time ago that when you come across a “Therefore” in the scriptures you need to look and see what it is “there for”! Looking at verse ten we find a “Therefore”. Paul is finishing up his letter to the Galatians and his last word to them is a word of encouragement; “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.” In verse nine he says that we should not grow weary of doing good because one day we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up!
When we do good stuff, but we moan and groan about it while we are doing it then we probably need to check our motives. But sometimes we grow weary because we don’t see the fruit or the harvest, we don’t see that it is making a difference and that is why Paul says that we should not give up.
Who needs a word of encouragement this week? Who needs a phone call? Who needs a note from you this week? Who can we encourage?
Application
Therefore! Let’s look for someone to encourage this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me do some good things this week for someone that really needs to be encouraged. Place that person in my path or on my heart so I will know they are the ones that need to be encouraged. Thank you for sending people into my life to encourage me. You are so good to me.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 31; Job 32; Galatians 5; Galatians 6
Scripture
Doing Good to All
Galatians 6:1-10
"Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5for each one should carry his own load.
6Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
Observation
Someone told me a long time ago that when you come across a “Therefore” in the scriptures you need to look and see what it is “there for”! Looking at verse ten we find a “Therefore”. Paul is finishing up his letter to the Galatians and his last word to them is a word of encouragement; “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.” In verse nine he says that we should not grow weary of doing good because one day we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up!
When we do good stuff, but we moan and groan about it while we are doing it then we probably need to check our motives. But sometimes we grow weary because we don’t see the fruit or the harvest, we don’t see that it is making a difference and that is why Paul says that we should not give up.
Who needs a word of encouragement this week? Who needs a phone call? Who needs a note from you this week? Who can we encourage?
Application
Therefore! Let’s look for someone to encourage this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me do some good things this week for someone that really needs to be encouraged. Place that person in my path or on my heart so I will know they are the ones that need to be encouraged. Thank you for sending people into my life to encourage me. You are so good to me.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, November 06, 2006
We are so Rich!
Job 30; Psalm 120; Galatians 3; Galatians 4
Scripture
Gal. 4:1-7
"What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. 4But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Observation
We have full rights as sons of our Heavenly Father! We are Heirs of the Kingdom of God. Everything that God has belongs to his children! As believers, we are very rich! Can you imagine being an heir to some billionaire, well that is nothing compared to being an heir to everything that God possesses! We have lots to enjoy now and lots to look forward to in the future!
Application
I need to act like I am the child of “The King” and quit thinking about what I don’t have! I have everything! I don’t lack any good thing!
Prayer
God, thank you for allowing me to become your son. I don’t deserve it. Thank you for allowing me to be your heir! Thank you, that today I do not lack one good thing. I am very blessed.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 30; Psalm 120; Galatians 3; Galatians 4
Scripture
Gal. 4:1-7
"What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. 4But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Observation
We have full rights as sons of our Heavenly Father! We are Heirs of the Kingdom of God. Everything that God has belongs to his children! As believers, we are very rich! Can you imagine being an heir to some billionaire, well that is nothing compared to being an heir to everything that God possesses! We have lots to enjoy now and lots to look forward to in the future!
Application
I need to act like I am the child of “The King” and quit thinking about what I don’t have! I have everything! I don’t lack any good thing!
Prayer
God, thank you for allowing me to become your son. I don’t deserve it. Thank you for allowing me to be your heir! Thank you, that today I do not lack one good thing. I am very blessed.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, November 04, 2006
The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
Job 26; Job 27; Mark 15; Mark 16
Scripture
The Death of Jesus
Mark 15:33-39
“At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
35When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah."
36One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said.
37With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
38The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"
Observation
Mark 15:38 “The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” The curtain of the temple kept ordinary people from having access to God. The high priest was the only person able to pass through the curtain. Anyone else that entered would die. Jesus death on the cross now removes the barrier between us and God and gives us direct access to our Heavenly Father. It is a very big deal even though we don’t think about it very much. I can talk directly to God and I don’t have to go to a priest to have him intercede for me. My Intercessor is the Lord Jesus Christ and it is through His death on the cross that I have direct access to the Father!
Application
My conversation with God is possible because Jesus Christ gave His life for me. I desire to live for Him today. It is important to know that the curtain was torn from the top to the bottom. God is always reaching down to man!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me live for you today. Help me to think about your kingdom today and to focus on your Will. Reveal to me the important things that you want me to do. Thank you that I don’t need to go to a priest to talk with you. Thank you for hearing me today. You are Awesome!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 26; Job 27; Mark 15; Mark 16
Scripture
The Death of Jesus
Mark 15:33-39
“At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
35When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah."
36One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said.
37With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
38The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"
Observation
Mark 15:38 “The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” The curtain of the temple kept ordinary people from having access to God. The high priest was the only person able to pass through the curtain. Anyone else that entered would die. Jesus death on the cross now removes the barrier between us and God and gives us direct access to our Heavenly Father. It is a very big deal even though we don’t think about it very much. I can talk directly to God and I don’t have to go to a priest to have him intercede for me. My Intercessor is the Lord Jesus Christ and it is through His death on the cross that I have direct access to the Father!
Application
My conversation with God is possible because Jesus Christ gave His life for me. I desire to live for Him today. It is important to know that the curtain was torn from the top to the bottom. God is always reaching down to man!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me live for you today. Help me to think about your kingdom today and to focus on your Will. Reveal to me the important things that you want me to do. Thank you that I don’t need to go to a priest to talk with you. Thank you for hearing me today. You are Awesome!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
"We have left everything to follow you!"
Psalm 121; Mark 9; Mark 10
Scripture
Mark 10:28-31 Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!"
29"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. 31But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
Observation
I like the first part of this passage. The part that says that everyone that has left family, homes, fields etc will receive a hundred times as much in this present age, I like. I don’t like the last part…and with them, persecutions!
Kathy and I are celebrating our 37th wedding anniversary today, November 1st! It is hard to believe that she has put up with me that long! She deserves a medal! Kathy is my best friend. She is the best wife any guy could ever ask for. She has been a tremendous support to me during our ministry. I received a card this week from Kathy. She mailed it to my office here at church.
She wrote, “I am proud to call you “my” pastor. Your love for God and the people you are called to serve is an inspiration to me. I wish everyone could see your heart the way I do.” WOW! Isn’t she great! I am very proud of her. She is the very best wife, the very best mom, and the very best Grandma, in the world!
Application
I am going to spend Thursday and Friday with Kathy at the beach to show how much I appreciate her! God has blessed us with so much. We have been away from our families for most of our married life. We have moved many, many times. We have sold all of our possessions 4 different times, but God has blessed many times over as we have served Him. So when we experience a little persecution we need to remember that it just goes with the calling and ministry!
Prayer
Father, bless Kathy today! Continue to use her in my life to keep me focused on you and to keep my life balanced. She is a wonderful gift from you. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy these 37 years together with her in marriage! I am so blessed! Bless her with health and continue to use her to touch the lives of my children and my grandchildren in their walk with You!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Psalm 121; Mark 9; Mark 10
Scripture
Mark 10:28-31 Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!"
29"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. 31But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
Observation
I like the first part of this passage. The part that says that everyone that has left family, homes, fields etc will receive a hundred times as much in this present age, I like. I don’t like the last part…and with them, persecutions!
Kathy and I are celebrating our 37th wedding anniversary today, November 1st! It is hard to believe that she has put up with me that long! She deserves a medal! Kathy is my best friend. She is the best wife any guy could ever ask for. She has been a tremendous support to me during our ministry. I received a card this week from Kathy. She mailed it to my office here at church.
She wrote, “I am proud to call you “my” pastor. Your love for God and the people you are called to serve is an inspiration to me. I wish everyone could see your heart the way I do.” WOW! Isn’t she great! I am very proud of her. She is the very best wife, the very best mom, and the very best Grandma, in the world!
Application
I am going to spend Thursday and Friday with Kathy at the beach to show how much I appreciate her! God has blessed us with so much. We have been away from our families for most of our married life. We have moved many, many times. We have sold all of our possessions 4 different times, but God has blessed many times over as we have served Him. So when we experience a little persecution we need to remember that it just goes with the calling and ministry!
Prayer
Father, bless Kathy today! Continue to use her in my life to keep me focused on you and to keep my life balanced. She is a wonderful gift from you. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy these 37 years together with her in marriage! I am so blessed! Bless her with health and continue to use her to touch the lives of my children and my grandchildren in their walk with You!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
"Do you still not understand?"
Job 22; Mark 7; Mark 8
Scripture
Mark 8:14-21 “The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15"Be careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod."
16They discussed this with one another and said, "It is because we have no bread."
17Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? 19When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?"
"Twelve," they replied.
20"And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?"
They answered, "Seven."
21He said to them, "Do you still not understand?"
Observation
We are just like the disciples that walked with Jesus. "Slow" They listened to Jesus’ warning about the yeast of the Pharisees and thought that he must have been saying that because they had forgotten to bring bread with them. Jesus then reminds them of the feeding of the 5,000 and the feeding of the 4,000 and how much food was left over! They were in the boat with the “Bread of Life”; He could supply them with their daily bread. He was trying to get them to think on a spiritual level, but they just didn’t get it. We don’t get it a lot of times too! Our thoughts are on our daily needs and usually more on our daily wants and we don’t hear the voice of God as He tries to teach us spiritual lessons!
Application
What is God trying to teach us about our spiritual walk? We need to quit worrying for a moment about our physical needs and look at what is happening around us that is Eternal. There is some Big Stuff that God wants to involve us in but we need to be able to hear His voice and understand His plan.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me open my spiritual ears and my spiritual eyes. Help me see the important stuff today. You are the “Bread of Life.” Help me not to miss what you are trying to teach me!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 22; Mark 7; Mark 8
Scripture
Mark 8:14-21 “The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15"Be careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod."
16They discussed this with one another and said, "It is because we have no bread."
17Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? 19When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?"
"Twelve," they replied.
20"And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?"
They answered, "Seven."
21He said to them, "Do you still not understand?"
Observation
We are just like the disciples that walked with Jesus. "Slow" They listened to Jesus’ warning about the yeast of the Pharisees and thought that he must have been saying that because they had forgotten to bring bread with them. Jesus then reminds them of the feeding of the 5,000 and the feeding of the 4,000 and how much food was left over! They were in the boat with the “Bread of Life”; He could supply them with their daily bread. He was trying to get them to think on a spiritual level, but they just didn’t get it. We don’t get it a lot of times too! Our thoughts are on our daily needs and usually more on our daily wants and we don’t hear the voice of God as He tries to teach us spiritual lessons!
Application
What is God trying to teach us about our spiritual walk? We need to quit worrying for a moment about our physical needs and look at what is happening around us that is Eternal. There is some Big Stuff that God wants to involve us in but we need to be able to hear His voice and understand His plan.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me open my spiritual ears and my spiritual eyes. Help me see the important stuff today. You are the “Bread of Life.” Help me not to miss what you are trying to teach me!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, October 30, 2006
Celebrate Recovery!
Job 21; Mark 5; Mark 6
Scripture
The Healing of a Demon-possessed Man
Mark 5:1-20 "They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.[a] 2When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil[b] spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. 4For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
6When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!" 8For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!"
9Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"
"My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many." 10And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
11A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." 13He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
14Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.
18As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." 20So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[c]how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
Observation
Our church has a ministry called “Celebrate Recovery”!
Every week I watch as people involved in that ministry grow in Christ! They have been set free! This demon-possessed man was helpless and on the road to complete self-destruction until Jesus came into his life! Jesus Christ set him free and we find the man sitting at Jesus’ feet, clothed and in his right mind! As Jesus was getting into a boat to leave the area this man wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus said “No”. Then He said in my paraphrase, “Go home and celebrate your recovery.” “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you!” Every week as I hear testimonies in “Celebrate Recovery”, it is all about people sharing how much the Lord has done for them! What a great ministry!
Application
Go and tell how much the Lord has done for you!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, broken lives and folks on the road to self-destruction are all around me. Help me to involve them in our Celebrate Recovery ministry! Thank you for the leadership we have in this ministry. May they continue to grow stronger and may lives continue to be changed through this ministry!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 21; Mark 5; Mark 6
Scripture
The Healing of a Demon-possessed Man
Mark 5:1-20 "They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.[a] 2When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil[b] spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. 4For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
6When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!" 8For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!"
9Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"
"My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many." 10And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
11A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." 13He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
14Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.
18As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." 20So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[c]how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
Observation
Our church has a ministry called “Celebrate Recovery”!
Every week I watch as people involved in that ministry grow in Christ! They have been set free! This demon-possessed man was helpless and on the road to complete self-destruction until Jesus came into his life! Jesus Christ set him free and we find the man sitting at Jesus’ feet, clothed and in his right mind! As Jesus was getting into a boat to leave the area this man wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus said “No”. Then He said in my paraphrase, “Go home and celebrate your recovery.” “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you!” Every week as I hear testimonies in “Celebrate Recovery”, it is all about people sharing how much the Lord has done for them! What a great ministry!
Application
Go and tell how much the Lord has done for you!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, broken lives and folks on the road to self-destruction are all around me. Help me to involve them in our Celebrate Recovery ministry! Thank you for the leadership we have in this ministry. May they continue to grow stronger and may lives continue to be changed through this ministry!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, October 28, 2006
My Redeemer Lives!
Job 19; Mark 1; Mark 2
Scripture
Job 19:25-27
“I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
27 I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!”
Observation
Job knew that he served a Living God and he knew that one day the Lord would redeem him! He had a burning desire to see his Living God. Everyone close to him despised him, but he knew that his Redeemer lives!
Application
Faith in God through the Lord Jesus Christ is enough!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, may my focus be on You. You are my Redeemer and I know that you live. I know that one day I will stand before You and nothing else will matter! I look forward to the day when I have a chance to see You and stand in your presence! You are Worthy to be Praised.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 19; Mark 1; Mark 2
Scripture
Job 19:25-27
“I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
27 I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!”
Observation
Job knew that he served a Living God and he knew that one day the Lord would redeem him! He had a burning desire to see his Living God. Everyone close to him despised him, but he knew that his Redeemer lives!
Application
Faith in God through the Lord Jesus Christ is enough!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, may my focus be on You. You are my Redeemer and I know that you live. I know that one day I will stand before You and nothing else will matter! I look forward to the day when I have a chance to see You and stand in your presence! You are Worthy to be Praised.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, October 27, 2006
Hard Hearts, Dense, Deaf, and Blind!
Job 18; Psalm 114; Acts 27; Acts 28
Scripture
Acts 28:26-28 "Go to this people and say,
"You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving."
27For this people's heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.'
28"Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!"
Observation
Have you ever witnessed to someone that just did not get it? They did not understand, they could not hear, and they were blind to the Gospel. It is frustrating, especially if this is someone that you love very much, like a husband, or one of your children, or a very good friend. Paul writes in 2 Cor. 4 that Satan has blinded folks and they can’t see or understand the Gospel. So what do we do? We never give up!
I witnessed to someone several months ago that has terminal cancer. He was very angry with God and had nothing good to say about Him. It was difficult to visit him because he didn’t even want me to pray for him. He said that when I prayed for him only bad things happened to him.
I have gone back and visited with him several times over the past couple of weeks and I am amazed! This guy is now studying the Bible all day long and super excited about what he is reading. After listening to him praise God and share with me everything that he is learning from the Word, he asked, “Would you pray for me!” What has happened in this man’s life? He now has understanding and he is no longer blind! He is hearing God speak to him. It is truly amazing!
Application
I am going to ask God to show me who the next guy is that needs a visit!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving spiritual sight to this man. Father, I pray for healing for him. I pray that you remove the cancer completely. Bless this man as he reads your Word today. I pray that you open the eyes of others and let our people have the joy of witnessing to them! Show me who needs a visit and give me the boldness and concern to go!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 18; Psalm 114; Acts 27; Acts 28
Scripture
Acts 28:26-28 "Go to this people and say,
"You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving."
27For this people's heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.'
28"Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!"
Observation
Have you ever witnessed to someone that just did not get it? They did not understand, they could not hear, and they were blind to the Gospel. It is frustrating, especially if this is someone that you love very much, like a husband, or one of your children, or a very good friend. Paul writes in 2 Cor. 4 that Satan has blinded folks and they can’t see or understand the Gospel. So what do we do? We never give up!
I witnessed to someone several months ago that has terminal cancer. He was very angry with God and had nothing good to say about Him. It was difficult to visit him because he didn’t even want me to pray for him. He said that when I prayed for him only bad things happened to him.
I have gone back and visited with him several times over the past couple of weeks and I am amazed! This guy is now studying the Bible all day long and super excited about what he is reading. After listening to him praise God and share with me everything that he is learning from the Word, he asked, “Would you pray for me!” What has happened in this man’s life? He now has understanding and he is no longer blind! He is hearing God speak to him. It is truly amazing!
Application
I am going to ask God to show me who the next guy is that needs a visit!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving spiritual sight to this man. Father, I pray for healing for him. I pray that you remove the cancer completely. Bless this man as he reads your Word today. I pray that you open the eyes of others and let our people have the joy of witnessing to them! Show me who needs a visit and give me the boldness and concern to go!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
You are out of your mind, Paul!
Job 17; Acts 24; Acts 25; Acts 26
Scripture
Acts 26:24-28 "At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane."
25"I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do."
28Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"
29Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."
Observation
Paul was able to witness to Kings and witness in Palaces, of course the negative side was that he was under arrest and would probably be put to death. He had dreamed of going to Rome, but he never imagined that it would be as a prisoner. God allows us to do some great things while at the same time he allows difficult situations to overtake us. There were some really great things happening in Paul’s life and at the same time there was some really tough things happening!
Application
Blessings and Testings. It is ok to be tested as long as I can eventually see the Blessings!
Prayer
Father, help me to be strong like Paul. Give me boldness like Paul to proclaim your word. Help me take the good with the bad and I pray that you help me to endure. I pray for my family members that need to get right with Christ. Work in their hearts Lord!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 17; Acts 24; Acts 25; Acts 26
Scripture
Acts 26:24-28 "At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane."
25"I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do."
28Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"
29Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."
Observation
Paul was able to witness to Kings and witness in Palaces, of course the negative side was that he was under arrest and would probably be put to death. He had dreamed of going to Rome, but he never imagined that it would be as a prisoner. God allows us to do some great things while at the same time he allows difficult situations to overtake us. There were some really great things happening in Paul’s life and at the same time there was some really tough things happening!
Application
Blessings and Testings. It is ok to be tested as long as I can eventually see the Blessings!
Prayer
Father, help me to be strong like Paul. Give me boldness like Paul to proclaim your word. Help me take the good with the bad and I pray that you help me to endure. I pray for my family members that need to get right with Christ. Work in their hearts Lord!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Can You Imagine Being Chained to the Apostle Paul!
Job 16; Acts 21; Acts 22; Acts 23
Scripture
Acts 23:31-35 “So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. 32The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. 33When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. 34The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, 35he said, "I will hear your case when your accusers get here." Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod's palace.
Phil. 1:13 “As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.”
Observation
Paul’s arrest placed him in a strategic place for the spread of the Gospel. He realizes that and writes about it in Philippians 1:13. God had told Paul not to fear that he was going to be his witness not only in Jerusalem but also in Rome. Paul had always wanted to make a mission trip to Rome, but he didn’t realize that he would make the trip as a prisoner!
Application
God wants us to witness to everyone everywhere and sometimes it may be in the least expected places. God perfectly positioned Paul in a place where he could be the most effective witness. The whole palace guard heard the Gospel!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be your witness in every situation today. Bring people into my life today so I can share the Good News with them! Give me the boldness of Paul!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 16; Acts 21; Acts 22; Acts 23
Scripture
Acts 23:31-35 “So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. 32The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. 33When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. 34The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, 35he said, "I will hear your case when your accusers get here." Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod's palace.
Phil. 1:13 “As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.”
Observation
Paul’s arrest placed him in a strategic place for the spread of the Gospel. He realizes that and writes about it in Philippians 1:13. God had told Paul not to fear that he was going to be his witness not only in Jerusalem but also in Rome. Paul had always wanted to make a mission trip to Rome, but he didn’t realize that he would make the trip as a prisoner!
Application
God wants us to witness to everyone everywhere and sometimes it may be in the least expected places. God perfectly positioned Paul in a place where he could be the most effective witness. The whole palace guard heard the Gospel!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be your witness in every situation today. Bring people into my life today so I can share the Good News with them! Give me the boldness of Paul!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, October 23, 2006
Keep on Speaking…Because I Have Many People in This City!
Job 13; Job 14; Acts 17; Acts 18
Scripture
Acts 18:7-11 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. 8Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.
9One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." 11So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.
Observation
Have you ever wondered how many people God has for us to reach in our city? Paul was in Corinth and must have been a little discouraged. God spoke to him in a vision and said, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” It is easy to get discouraged isn’t it? We have a lot of people to reach in Tampa. There is not enough time to be sidelined with discouragement!
Application
I will not be silent this week. I will not be discouraged. God is with me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your love. Thank you for this word of encouragement. Show me the people that you have in this city. Help us reach them for you.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 13; Job 14; Acts 17; Acts 18
Scripture
Acts 18:7-11 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. 8Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.
9One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." 11So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.
Observation
Have you ever wondered how many people God has for us to reach in our city? Paul was in Corinth and must have been a little discouraged. God spoke to him in a vision and said, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” It is easy to get discouraged isn’t it? We have a lot of people to reach in Tampa. There is not enough time to be sidelined with discouragement!
Application
I will not be silent this week. I will not be discouraged. God is with me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your love. Thank you for this word of encouragement. Show me the people that you have in this city. Help us reach them for you.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Fickle People!
Job 9; Job 10; Acts 13; Acts 14
Scripture
Acts 14: 8-20 “In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. 9He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.
11When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" 12Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. 13The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.
14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15"Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. 16 In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." 18Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.
19 “Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.”
Observation
“Never take a pat on the back unless it is way down low”, that is what Dr. Waylon Moore used to tell me when I first started out in ministry! Don’t let flattery go to your head. Paul and Barnabas knew that it wasn’t by their power that the man was healed.
These people one minute were going to bow down and worship Paul and Barnabas as the gods, Zeus and Hermes and then the next minute they stoned Paul and they dragged him out of the city and left him for dead! To my amazement the apostle Paul got up and went back into the city! I bet no one messed with Paul when he walked back into that city. He must have looked pretty dead when they left him outside of town! They may have thought that he sure enough was a god when he walked right back into the city!
It is always a good to remember that there is a big difference between an honest compliment and flattery.
Application
Paul and Barnabas didn’t share the Good News because it made them popular. We don’t serve Christ just to have people like us. Not everybody is going to like us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be faithful serving you no matter what. Help me to share the Good News with folks this week. Keep my heart pure and my motives pure. Thank you for the conference that I was able to attend today. Thank you for the encouragement that I received by participating. Thank you for those that went with me and for what you are going to do in their lives.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 9; Job 10; Acts 13; Acts 14
Scripture
Acts 14: 8-20 “In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. 9He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.
11When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" 12Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. 13The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.
14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15"Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. 16 In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." 18Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.
19 “Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.”
Observation
“Never take a pat on the back unless it is way down low”, that is what Dr. Waylon Moore used to tell me when I first started out in ministry! Don’t let flattery go to your head. Paul and Barnabas knew that it wasn’t by their power that the man was healed.
These people one minute were going to bow down and worship Paul and Barnabas as the gods, Zeus and Hermes and then the next minute they stoned Paul and they dragged him out of the city and left him for dead! To my amazement the apostle Paul got up and went back into the city! I bet no one messed with Paul when he walked back into that city. He must have looked pretty dead when they left him outside of town! They may have thought that he sure enough was a god when he walked right back into the city!
It is always a good to remember that there is a big difference between an honest compliment and flattery.
Application
Paul and Barnabas didn’t share the Good News because it made them popular. We don’t serve Christ just to have people like us. Not everybody is going to like us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be faithful serving you no matter what. Help me to share the Good News with folks this week. Keep my heart pure and my motives pure. Thank you for the conference that I was able to attend today. Thank you for the encouragement that I received by participating. Thank you for those that went with me and for what you are going to do in their lives.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, October 20, 2006
You are Out of Your Mind!
Job 6; Job 7; Job 8; Acts 12
Scripture
Acts 12:5-17 "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.
8 Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.
11 Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating."
12 When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13 Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14 When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!"
15 "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel."
16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 17 Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. "Tell James and the brothers about this," he said, and then he left for another place."
Observation
God does have a sense of humor! Just look at us! Seriously, This story of the deliverance of Peter out of prison is one of those humorous stories that should be a reminder to us that when we pray we should actually believe that God is going to answer our prayers!
Herod has just killed James the brother of the disciple John. Herod saw how this pleased the Jews so he arrested Peter and was going to execute him. Note that in verse five we find the church earnestly praying for Peter and in verse ten Peter has been set free from prison by an angel. In verse thirteen Peter arrives at Mary’s house where the disciples are earnestly praying for him and greets Rhoda, the house servant, and she runs in to tell all the earnest prayers! They do not believe her, and they tell her that she “must be out of her mind”! Don’t laugh; we do the same thing on a regular basis!
Application
Faith is thanking God in advance for something that you are asking Him to do! I am going to thank God in advance for a healthy vibrant church where God works miracles in the lives of many people!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the lives that are being changed in our fellowship. Help me to keep my eyes focused on the wonderful things that you are doing and not miss them. I want to see with my spiritual eyes the work that you are doing so I can give you praise! Open my eyes wide so I don’t miss a thing!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 6; Job 7; Job 8; Acts 12
Scripture
Acts 12:5-17 "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.
8 Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.
11 Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating."
12 When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13 Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14 When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!"
15 "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel."
16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 17 Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. "Tell James and the brothers about this," he said, and then he left for another place."
Observation
God does have a sense of humor! Just look at us! Seriously, This story of the deliverance of Peter out of prison is one of those humorous stories that should be a reminder to us that when we pray we should actually believe that God is going to answer our prayers!
Herod has just killed James the brother of the disciple John. Herod saw how this pleased the Jews so he arrested Peter and was going to execute him. Note that in verse five we find the church earnestly praying for Peter and in verse ten Peter has been set free from prison by an angel. In verse thirteen Peter arrives at Mary’s house where the disciples are earnestly praying for him and greets Rhoda, the house servant, and she runs in to tell all the earnest prayers! They do not believe her, and they tell her that she “must be out of her mind”! Don’t laugh; we do the same thing on a regular basis!
Application
Faith is thanking God in advance for something that you are asking Him to do! I am going to thank God in advance for a healthy vibrant church where God works miracles in the lives of many people!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the lives that are being changed in our fellowship. Help me to keep my eyes focused on the wonderful things that you are doing and not miss them. I want to see with my spiritual eyes the work that you are doing so I can give you praise! Open my eyes wide so I don’t miss a thing!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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