Against All Hope
Romans 1; Romans 2; Romans 3; Romans 4
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Romans 4
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." 23 The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Observation
The majority of people in this world still think that you can somehow get to Heaven by being good. They must have never read Romans 1-4! One word keeps coming up through this entire passage and that is the word “believe”. When we put our faith in what Jesus Christ did on the cross for us, when we believe in our hearts that He came, lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins, and when we turn to God and turn away from sin and self then and only then do we have eternal life.
At that moment we are “declared righteous” meaning that it is a righteousness that has been given to us and it is not a righteousness that we have because of our goodness or our good works. Once we have been “declared righteous” we are born into the family of God. Salvation is completely a God thing. I really like and I really believe verse 21 “being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” God is a Promise Maker and He is a Promise Keeper. I also like verse 18 because when things are “against all hope” that is when and where God likes to work. Do you find yourself or someone else “against all hope” then you need to turn or help someone turn to the One that loves to do the impossible.
Application
The Gospel is Powerful. It is all people need. Lord, direct me to someone that needs to hear today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are a Promise Maker and a Promise Keeper. I pray that you work powerfully in my life today. Show me how powerful you are. I pray that you turn many people to repentance today. I pray for the missionaries that will be coming to our church this weekend. Father, use their lives to challenge us to be more involved in reaching this world for you. Thank you for declaring me righteous. Thank you for saving me and appointing me to your service. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Are You Weak Today?
1 Thessalonians 4; 1 Thessalonians 5; 2 Thessalonians 1; 2 Thessalonians 2; 2 Thessalonians 3
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Thessalonians 3
3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
1 Tim. 1:12
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.
Observation
If you are feeling weak, I have the answer for you. His name is Jesus.
I think that it is interesting that in both of these verses the word strength and the word faithful are used. In 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Paul says that the Lord is faithful and he will strengthen and protect you, but in 1 Timothy 1:12 Paul says that he thanks Christ Jesus our Lord because Jesus has found Paul faithful. In both passages, his promise to believers is that he will strengthen us. His other promise is to protect us from the evil one. I also like this verse from today’s reading found in 1 Thessalonians 5:24 “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” Aren’t we glad that we belong to a God that is Faithful.
Application
I need to rely on Jesus today for my strength and thank Him that he has found me faithful to appoint me to his service.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are my strength. You are my very present help in trouble. Thank you for considering me faithful and appointing me to serve you. Help me be found faithful every day. I pray for the men that I meet with every week that you give them wisdom and help them to make right decisions. Strengthen them and empower them to live victorious lives today. Amen.
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
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Thessalonians 3
3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
1 Tim. 1:12
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.
Observation
If you are feeling weak, I have the answer for you. His name is Jesus.
I think that it is interesting that in both of these verses the word strength and the word faithful are used. In 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Paul says that the Lord is faithful and he will strengthen and protect you, but in 1 Timothy 1:12 Paul says that he thanks Christ Jesus our Lord because Jesus has found Paul faithful. In both passages, his promise to believers is that he will strengthen us. His other promise is to protect us from the evil one. I also like this verse from today’s reading found in 1 Thessalonians 5:24 “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” Aren’t we glad that we belong to a God that is Faithful.
Application
I need to rely on Jesus today for my strength and thank Him that he has found me faithful to appoint me to his service.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are my strength. You are my very present help in trouble. Thank you for considering me faithful and appointing me to serve you. Help me be found faithful every day. I pray for the men that I meet with every week that you give them wisdom and help them to make right decisions. Strengthen them and empower them to live victorious lives today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Therefore Go!
Matthew 28; 1 Thessalonians 1; 1 Thessalonians 2; 1 Thessalonians 3
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 28
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 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
I am reading a book called “Back to Jerusalem” and it is fascinating. The Gospel started in Jerusalem and spread out to the known world, but today there are countries in need of the Gospel and those countries are situated between China and Israel. The Chinese Christians are determined to take the Gospel through those unreached countries all the way back to Jerusalem. God is mightily at work in our world today. Jesus said, “that all power and authority had been given to him, therefore go…” I think that it is interesting that he didn’t say “stay and build big buildings for me”; he said, “go” and make disciples. Is it time for you and me to go?
Application
I will prepare my life to be able to go.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be ready to go when you tell me. Give me wisdom in using all the resources that you have provided us so that I don’t miss the opportunity to be obedient to your call. Thank you for my Chinese Christian brothers that are suffering so much for you today. Bless them with success. Give them thousands of souls and give them strength to continue to withstand the persecution. Open wide the doors for them to preach the Gospel. Amen.
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
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 28
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 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
I am reading a book called “Back to Jerusalem” and it is fascinating. The Gospel started in Jerusalem and spread out to the known world, but today there are countries in need of the Gospel and those countries are situated between China and Israel. The Chinese Christians are determined to take the Gospel through those unreached countries all the way back to Jerusalem. God is mightily at work in our world today. Jesus said, “that all power and authority had been given to him, therefore go…” I think that it is interesting that he didn’t say “stay and build big buildings for me”; he said, “go” and make disciples. Is it time for you and me to go?
Application
I will prepare my life to be able to go.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be ready to go when you tell me. Give me wisdom in using all the resources that you have provided us so that I don’t miss the opportunity to be obedient to your call. Thank you for my Chinese Christian brothers that are suffering so much for you today. Bless them with success. Give them thousands of souls and give them strength to continue to withstand the persecution. Open wide the doors for them to preach the Gospel. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, November 26, 2007
The Gospel of the Kingdom
Matthew 23; Matthew 24; Matthew 25
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 24
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Observation
I have become very interested in the country of China. It is hard to imagine a country so huge. The challenge of taking the Gospel to every people group of that enormous country is an exciting challenge. I have purchased several books in the last couple of weeks about the evangelical work in China. One day the last people group will have the opportunity to hear about Jesus and that will be it. It will be all over. Jesus will return in the clouds surrounded by his angels and we that know Him will be caught up to be with him. On this Monday morning that sounds very exciting to me. Come Lord Jesus!
Application
I want to be doing everything that He has asked me to do so that I don’t disappoint Him when He returns.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me with the details of this week. Help me not to get bogged down in them and miss what you want me to see. I want to do what you want me to do. Speak to me; guide me so I don’t miss your will. I pray for the missionaries that will be speaking in our church next week. I pray that you use them in a mighty way to transform us to strengthen us and make us even more mission minded. Call out more people from within our fellowship to go to the mission field. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Matthew 23; Matthew 24; Matthew 25
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 24
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Observation
I have become very interested in the country of China. It is hard to imagine a country so huge. The challenge of taking the Gospel to every people group of that enormous country is an exciting challenge. I have purchased several books in the last couple of weeks about the evangelical work in China. One day the last people group will have the opportunity to hear about Jesus and that will be it. It will be all over. Jesus will return in the clouds surrounded by his angels and we that know Him will be caught up to be with him. On this Monday morning that sounds very exciting to me. Come Lord Jesus!
Application
I want to be doing everything that He has asked me to do so that I don’t disappoint Him when He returns.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me with the details of this week. Help me not to get bogged down in them and miss what you want me to see. I want to do what you want me to do. Speak to me; guide me so I don’t miss your will. I pray for the missionaries that will be speaking in our church next week. I pray that you use them in a mighty way to transform us to strengthen us and make us even more mission minded. Call out more people from within our fellowship to go to the mission field. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Take The First Fish You Catch
Matthew 17; Matthew 18; Matthew 19
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
The Temple Tax
Matthew 17
24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?"
25 "Yes, he does," he replied.
When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?"
26 "From others," Peter answered.
"Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him. 27 "But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."
Observation
I love this story mainly I guess because it is about fishing. Peter went hook and line fishing for this fish. He didn’t use the nets that the fisherman used in the other passages that dealt with fishing.
I think it is interesting that Jesus tells Peter to look in the mouth of the very first fish that he catches. Jesus made it very easy for Peter. I wonder if Peter kept fishing after he caught the first fish. If he did I wonder if he looked in the mouth of the next fish to see if there was any money in its mouth. Like we did when we used to go by a phone booth or sometimes when you pass by a soda machine or snack machine and check to see if there is any change in it that someone has left.
Jesus can and will take care of our needs and he can do it in a million different ways. He can and usually will do it in a way that we didn’t plan. God is so good. We are sons of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
Application
I will look to Jesus to meet every one of my needs because He is 100% faithful, 100% reliable and loves to provide for us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your word. You are the Great Provider. Nothing is too hard for you. There is not one thing in my life that is too big for you. You take such good care of my family and me. I pray that you will help me depend on you, give me the faith I need to trust you with every detail of my life. As I visited Earl Conner in the hospital this morning I marvel at how you care for your children. You would have never thought that 91-year-old Earl just had by-pass surgery this week. You are Amazing. You are Wonderful. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Matthew 17; Matthew 18; Matthew 19
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
The Temple Tax
Matthew 17
24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?"
25 "Yes, he does," he replied.
When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?"
26 "From others," Peter answered.
"Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him. 27 "But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."
Observation
I love this story mainly I guess because it is about fishing. Peter went hook and line fishing for this fish. He didn’t use the nets that the fisherman used in the other passages that dealt with fishing.
I think it is interesting that Jesus tells Peter to look in the mouth of the very first fish that he catches. Jesus made it very easy for Peter. I wonder if Peter kept fishing after he caught the first fish. If he did I wonder if he looked in the mouth of the next fish to see if there was any money in its mouth. Like we did when we used to go by a phone booth or sometimes when you pass by a soda machine or snack machine and check to see if there is any change in it that someone has left.
Jesus can and will take care of our needs and he can do it in a million different ways. He can and usually will do it in a way that we didn’t plan. God is so good. We are sons of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
Application
I will look to Jesus to meet every one of my needs because He is 100% faithful, 100% reliable and loves to provide for us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your word. You are the Great Provider. Nothing is too hard for you. There is not one thing in my life that is too big for you. You take such good care of my family and me. I pray that you will help me depend on you, give me the faith I need to trust you with every detail of my life. As I visited Earl Conner in the hospital this morning I marvel at how you care for your children. You would have never thought that 91-year-old Earl just had by-pass surgery this week. You are Amazing. You are Wonderful. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, November 23, 2007
And On This Rock I Will Build My Church
Matthew 14; Matthew 15; Matthew 16
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 16
15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
Observation
God loves variety. Just look at this world and everything in it. God’s church is the same way. Churches are so different. Even within our denomination that has over 45,000 churches they are so different. You have the inner city church, the church out in the suburbs, and even the country church. And then there are the language churches, where the services are in the heart language of the people and are not in English.
I love going to church. I love visiting other churches. I have been to church in quite a few different countries. I have gone to church in a country where going to church is against the law. Jesus said, “I upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it”. He loves His church and so do I. How about you?
Application
This Sunday I am going to enjoy getting together with “His Church” that meets at 300 E. Sligh Ave.! I would encourage you to do the same.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for “church”. No matter where you go in this world “Your church” is on the march to get there. Nothing can stop it, nothing can destroy it, I love your church. Help your church that meets on Sligh Ave. to please you. Help us extend your kingdom. Help us reach new people. Bring people into our paths that need a relationship with you. Thank you for church! Thank you for your church that we call our church. You are so good to us. You are worthy to be praised. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Matthew 14; Matthew 15; Matthew 16
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 16
15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
Observation
God loves variety. Just look at this world and everything in it. God’s church is the same way. Churches are so different. Even within our denomination that has over 45,000 churches they are so different. You have the inner city church, the church out in the suburbs, and even the country church. And then there are the language churches, where the services are in the heart language of the people and are not in English.
I love going to church. I love visiting other churches. I have been to church in quite a few different countries. I have gone to church in a country where going to church is against the law. Jesus said, “I upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it”. He loves His church and so do I. How about you?
Application
This Sunday I am going to enjoy getting together with “His Church” that meets at 300 E. Sligh Ave.! I would encourage you to do the same.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for “church”. No matter where you go in this world “Your church” is on the march to get there. Nothing can stop it, nothing can destroy it, I love your church. Help your church that meets on Sligh Ave. to please you. Help us extend your kingdom. Help us reach new people. Bring people into our paths that need a relationship with you. Thank you for church! Thank you for your church that we call our church. You are so good to us. You are worthy to be praised. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Hungry on a Day of Thanksgiving
Matthew 11; Matthew 12; Matthew 13
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 12
Lord of the Sabbath
1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath."
3 He answered, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. 5 Or haven't you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent? 6 I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. 7 If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
Observation
Today is Thanksgiving! We will celebrate this special day with a huge feast. Turkey, ham and all the trimmings…I can’t wait.
It can make you hungry just smelling the 24-pound turkey that I have cooking in our oven.
The disciples were hungry and began to eat. The Pharisees criticized them for harvesting the heads of grain because it was the Sabbath.
The disciples were also spiritually hungry, but the Pharisees were not. Are you hungry today for the things of God? I am.
Application
Today I will give thanks all day to the Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for this day, a day when we will gather as families to give you thanks. Help today be special Lord. I pray for those that will come over to our house today. May they be drawn to a relationship with you. May they have a hunger to know you. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Matthew 11; Matthew 12; Matthew 13
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 12
Lord of the Sabbath
1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath."
3 He answered, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. 5 Or haven't you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent? 6 I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. 7 If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
Observation
Today is Thanksgiving! We will celebrate this special day with a huge feast. Turkey, ham and all the trimmings…I can’t wait.
It can make you hungry just smelling the 24-pound turkey that I have cooking in our oven.
The disciples were hungry and began to eat. The Pharisees criticized them for harvesting the heads of grain because it was the Sabbath.
The disciples were also spiritually hungry, but the Pharisees were not. Are you hungry today for the things of God? I am.
Application
Today I will give thanks all day to the Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for this day, a day when we will gather as families to give you thanks. Help today be special Lord. I pray for those that will come over to our house today. May they be drawn to a relationship with you. May they have a hunger to know you. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Don’t Be Afraid
Matthew 8; Matthew 9; Matthew 10
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 10
31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Observation
Have you ever gone through the scriptures and looked for passages where God is telling us “not to be afraid”. The Bible is full of verses like this. Can you think of some? How about these for example:
Isaiah 35:4 say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."
Isaiah 43:1 But now, this is what the Lord says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
Mark 5:36 ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe."
Luke 5:10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."
There is a reason that God repeated this over and over again in scripture and it is because we have a tendency to be afraid. What causes you to be afraid today?
Application
Fear is a lack of faith. I will believe God’s word today when He says that because I am worth much more than sparrows and He watches over them that I should not be afraid.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you know what brings fear to my heart. You know that my concern for your church many times becomes more than concern and becomes fear. Help me to trust you about the things that bring fear to my heart. You have redeemed me and you have called me by my name. I know that I am the delight of your heart. Thank you for watching over me. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Matthew 8; Matthew 9; Matthew 10
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 10
31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Observation
Have you ever gone through the scriptures and looked for passages where God is telling us “not to be afraid”. The Bible is full of verses like this. Can you think of some? How about these for example:
Isaiah 35:4 say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."
Isaiah 43:1 But now, this is what the Lord says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
Mark 5:36 ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe."
Luke 5:10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."
There is a reason that God repeated this over and over again in scripture and it is because we have a tendency to be afraid. What causes you to be afraid today?
Application
Fear is a lack of faith. I will believe God’s word today when He says that because I am worth much more than sparrows and He watches over them that I should not be afraid.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you know what brings fear to my heart. You know that my concern for your church many times becomes more than concern and becomes fear. Help me to trust you about the things that bring fear to my heart. You have redeemed me and you have called me by my name. I know that I am the delight of your heart. Thank you for watching over me. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, November 19, 2007
His Name Will be Jesus
Matthew 1; Matthew 2; Matthew 3; Matthew 4
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 1
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Observation
When you think of the name Jesus what comes to your mind? There is not a more beautiful name in the entire world as “Jesus”. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus there is just something about that Name.
The world needs to hear the name “Jesus”. I heard a testimony yesterday in our church of a young mother that was set free from drug addiction and it was by the power of Jesus that she was set free. I listened to her story and I gave praise to God for the power in His Name.
He came to set you and me free. Is there something that you are struggling with today? Call on Jesus.
Application
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus …He is more than able to change the lives of those around me. And He is constantly working in every life of those that I love. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there is something wonderful about that Name! I am trusting Him to do a Mighty work in their lives.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Jesus is your gift to us. Immanuel, God with us. Thank you for sending Jesus. Thank you for this Christmas story that I had the chance to read today a month before Christmas. I pray that this Thanksgiving will be all about you. I pray that you will draw those in our family closer to you during this holiday season. May all of our extended family find Jesus. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Matthew 1; Matthew 2; Matthew 3; Matthew 4
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 1
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Observation
When you think of the name Jesus what comes to your mind? There is not a more beautiful name in the entire world as “Jesus”. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus there is just something about that Name.
The world needs to hear the name “Jesus”. I heard a testimony yesterday in our church of a young mother that was set free from drug addiction and it was by the power of Jesus that she was set free. I listened to her story and I gave praise to God for the power in His Name.
He came to set you and me free. Is there something that you are struggling with today? Call on Jesus.
Application
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus …He is more than able to change the lives of those around me. And He is constantly working in every life of those that I love. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there is something wonderful about that Name! I am trusting Him to do a Mighty work in their lives.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Jesus is your gift to us. Immanuel, God with us. Thank you for sending Jesus. Thank you for this Christmas story that I had the chance to read today a month before Christmas. I pray that this Thanksgiving will be all about you. I pray that you will draw those in our family closer to you during this holiday season. May all of our extended family find Jesus. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Summary of Paul’s Trials
Psalm 124; 2 Corinthians 11; 2 Corinthians 12; 2 Corinthians 13
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 11
What anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham's descendants? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
Observation
Have you had a rough week? Check out Paul’s journey and how easy he had it. When we think of the Apostle Paul we usually think of how successful he was in taking the Gospel to the Gentiles but we normally don’t think about the personal cost. Have you been hungry or thirsty, have you been beaten, or stoned because of your faith in Jesus. I didn’t think so … me either.
If you mention coming back to church on Sunday night some people think of it as a sacrifice. Hmmm.
Application
Nothing I deal with compares to the trials endured by Paul. So today I will rejoice and be glad and I will give thanks for all that He has done in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, compared to what Jesus went through on the cross and compared to what Paul experienced in his ministry I should have no complaints about anything in my life. Today I give you thanks. Bring to my mind someone that needs to be drawn closer to you today so I can talk to them. Use me today Lord to draw them a step closer to you. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Psalm 124; 2 Corinthians 11; 2 Corinthians 12; 2 Corinthians 13
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 11
What anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham's descendants? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
Observation
Have you had a rough week? Check out Paul’s journey and how easy he had it. When we think of the Apostle Paul we usually think of how successful he was in taking the Gospel to the Gentiles but we normally don’t think about the personal cost. Have you been hungry or thirsty, have you been beaten, or stoned because of your faith in Jesus. I didn’t think so … me either.
If you mention coming back to church on Sunday night some people think of it as a sacrifice. Hmmm.
Application
Nothing I deal with compares to the trials endured by Paul. So today I will rejoice and be glad and I will give thanks for all that He has done in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, compared to what Jesus went through on the cross and compared to what Paul experienced in his ministry I should have no complaints about anything in my life. Today I give you thanks. Bring to my mind someone that needs to be drawn closer to you today so I can talk to them. Use me today Lord to draw them a step closer to you. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
His Indescribable Gift!
2 Corinthians 7; 2 Corinthians 8; 2 Corinthians 9; 2 Corinthians 10
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 9
15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Observation
Paul is writing the church at Corinth encouraging them to give a gift to help relieve the needs of Christians suffering in Macedonia. He talks about the law of reaping and sowing, and he uses the Macedonian churches as examples of how we should give. He talks of Jesus being rich but becoming poor for each one of us. Then he ends the chapter talking about God’s greatest gift, His Indescribable gift.
Have you decided how much you will give back to Jesus this Christmas? Southern Baptist have the “Lottie Moon Christmas Offering” which provides more than half of all the money for our International mission effort. Our goal this year is $165 million dollars. Our church’s goal is $35, 207. Last year our church gave over $39,000 surpassing last year’s $34,206 goal. It is a small way of saying “Thanks” for His indescribable gift!
Let me encourage you and your family to set a high goal to give to Missions this year?
Application
In 2008 how can I give more away and keep less. "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." Jim Elliot
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be generous with all that you have given me. Help me to set my heart on things in Heaven and not stuff on this earth. Thank you for your Indescribable Gift. Thank you for Jesus and thank you for the life I have because of this Indescribable Gift. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
2 Corinthians 7; 2 Corinthians 8; 2 Corinthians 9; 2 Corinthians 10
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 9
15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Observation
Paul is writing the church at Corinth encouraging them to give a gift to help relieve the needs of Christians suffering in Macedonia. He talks about the law of reaping and sowing, and he uses the Macedonian churches as examples of how we should give. He talks of Jesus being rich but becoming poor for each one of us. Then he ends the chapter talking about God’s greatest gift, His Indescribable gift.
Have you decided how much you will give back to Jesus this Christmas? Southern Baptist have the “Lottie Moon Christmas Offering” which provides more than half of all the money for our International mission effort. Our goal this year is $165 million dollars. Our church’s goal is $35, 207. Last year our church gave over $39,000 surpassing last year’s $34,206 goal. It is a small way of saying “Thanks” for His indescribable gift!
Let me encourage you and your family to set a high goal to give to Missions this year?
Application
In 2008 how can I give more away and keep less. "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." Jim Elliot
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be generous with all that you have given me. Help me to set my heart on things in Heaven and not stuff on this earth. Thank you for your Indescribable Gift. Thank you for Jesus and thank you for the life I have because of this Indescribable Gift. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Poor, Yet Making Many Rich, Having Nothing, and Yet Possessing Everything
2 Corinthians 3; 2 Corinthians 4; 2 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 6
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 6
Paul's Hardships
3 We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 n truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
Observation
How much are we like the World around us? It seemed that Paul and his Lord Jesus lived differently than most of us do. Poor, yet making many rich, having nothing, and yet possessing everything doesn’t sound like the Williams. While on vacation Kathy and I talked about cleaning out a storage unit that we have because it is filled with stuff that we don’t need. How much stuff do we really need in our lives? Paul at one time was probably very wealthy but he made a choice to have nothing so that he could have everything. I want to be poor but making many rich. How about you?
Application
The stuff of life that surrounds me is not life. I want to live life with the attitude that Paul had about possessions.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me what is important in life. Free me up to be completely able to go where you want me to go and to live life as simple as I possibly can. Help Kathy and I down size to where you want us to be. Show us how we should live our lives. Impress upon us what we should give up and what we should focus on. We want to make others rich spiritually Lord. Help us to do that. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
2 Corinthians 3; 2 Corinthians 4; 2 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 6
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 6
Paul's Hardships
3 We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 n truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
Observation
How much are we like the World around us? It seemed that Paul and his Lord Jesus lived differently than most of us do. Poor, yet making many rich, having nothing, and yet possessing everything doesn’t sound like the Williams. While on vacation Kathy and I talked about cleaning out a storage unit that we have because it is filled with stuff that we don’t need. How much stuff do we really need in our lives? Paul at one time was probably very wealthy but he made a choice to have nothing so that he could have everything. I want to be poor but making many rich. How about you?
Application
The stuff of life that surrounds me is not life. I want to live life with the attitude that Paul had about possessions.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me what is important in life. Free me up to be completely able to go where you want me to go and to live life as simple as I possibly can. Help Kathy and I down size to where you want us to be. Show us how we should live our lives. Impress upon us what we should give up and what we should focus on. We want to make others rich spiritually Lord. Help us to do that. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Yes…In Christ
Job 41; Job 42; 2 Corinthians 1; 2 Corinthians 2
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 1
20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Observation
God’s promises are “Yes” in Christ. He can be counted on. What He promises He will deliver. We don’t have to wonder if God will change His mind or go back on His promise. His “Yes” is “Yes” always. Jesus Christ dying on the cross and coming back to life is God’s guarantee that He can and He will keep His promises. Have you ever found one thing that God promised that He didn’t do? Me either. He is completely trustworthy.
Application
Today I will think of God’s many promises and thank Him for being completely 100% trustworthy.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are so good. I thank you that today I can trust in you completely. Thank you for always being the same and not changing. Thank you for not changing your mind about me. Thank you for your goodness. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for all of your promises in scripture. I love you Lord. Help me to be dependable like you and help me to think of ways I can help other people today and not think of just myself. Let my “Yes” be “Yes” today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 41; Job 42; 2 Corinthians 1; 2 Corinthians 2
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 1
20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Observation
God’s promises are “Yes” in Christ. He can be counted on. What He promises He will deliver. We don’t have to wonder if God will change His mind or go back on His promise. His “Yes” is “Yes” always. Jesus Christ dying on the cross and coming back to life is God’s guarantee that He can and He will keep His promises. Have you ever found one thing that God promised that He didn’t do? Me either. He is completely trustworthy.
Application
Today I will think of God’s many promises and thank Him for being completely 100% trustworthy.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are so good. I thank you that today I can trust in you completely. Thank you for always being the same and not changing. Thank you for not changing your mind about me. Thank you for your goodness. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for all of your promises in scripture. I love you Lord. Help me to be dependable like you and help me to think of ways I can help other people today and not think of just myself. Let my “Yes” be “Yes” today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Be Men of Courage, Be Strong. Do everything in love.
Psalm 149; 1 Corinthians 15; 1 Corinthians 16
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
1 Corinthians 16
13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.
Observation
Standing firm, being men of courage, being strong may be the easiest part of these two verses. I find that it is so easy to be mean. Meanness seems to be so easy for me. Paul says that we should be on our guard; we should stand firm in the faith; we should be men of courage; we should be strong then he adds the seemingly impossible part when he says that we should do everything in love.
It is so easy for me to be mean. How about you? Yesterday, I wrote about some of the stuff going on within the Board of Trustees of the International Mission Board and as I read different peoples comments about the controversy on different peoples blogs I picked up on the meanness in some of the comments. It is one of the reasons that I don’t write comments on those blogs if I did you might catch me being mean just like the folks I am talking about.
I admire the men and women that write and speak out strongly about what they believe and are able to do it in a tone of love. Wow! They are my heroes. David Rogers and Wade Burleson are two of those people. In this disagreement and any other it is important to focus on the issue and not attack the person. Taking pot shots at people and attacking them personally is so wrong.
Over the last few days as I read some of the comments made on Wade Burleson’s blog I read some that came from a man that I know personally. It saddened me as I read them because it was attacks on Wade as a person and it made this person I know look so foolish. The lesson to me is that it is best not to write anything on a blog if your heart is not right. Those comments will stay up there for a long time for everyone to read. It is a reflection of our hearts.
Meanness comes so easy. It takes courage to stand firm in the faith and at the same time do everything in love.
Application
As I drive home with Kathy today back to Tampa after having a wonderful vacation may I put verse 14 into practice as we drive and may I do everything in love.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you know how easy it is for me to be mean. Help me to be on my guard, help me to stand firmly in the faith, help me to be a man of courage, but above all else Lord help me do everything today in love. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Psalm 149; 1 Corinthians 15; 1 Corinthians 16
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
1 Corinthians 16
13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.
Observation
Standing firm, being men of courage, being strong may be the easiest part of these two verses. I find that it is so easy to be mean. Meanness seems to be so easy for me. Paul says that we should be on our guard; we should stand firm in the faith; we should be men of courage; we should be strong then he adds the seemingly impossible part when he says that we should do everything in love.
It is so easy for me to be mean. How about you? Yesterday, I wrote about some of the stuff going on within the Board of Trustees of the International Mission Board and as I read different peoples comments about the controversy on different peoples blogs I picked up on the meanness in some of the comments. It is one of the reasons that I don’t write comments on those blogs if I did you might catch me being mean just like the folks I am talking about.
I admire the men and women that write and speak out strongly about what they believe and are able to do it in a tone of love. Wow! They are my heroes. David Rogers and Wade Burleson are two of those people. In this disagreement and any other it is important to focus on the issue and not attack the person. Taking pot shots at people and attacking them personally is so wrong.
Over the last few days as I read some of the comments made on Wade Burleson’s blog I read some that came from a man that I know personally. It saddened me as I read them because it was attacks on Wade as a person and it made this person I know look so foolish. The lesson to me is that it is best not to write anything on a blog if your heart is not right. Those comments will stay up there for a long time for everyone to read. It is a reflection of our hearts.
Meanness comes so easy. It takes courage to stand firm in the faith and at the same time do everything in love.
Application
As I drive home with Kathy today back to Tampa after having a wonderful vacation may I put verse 14 into practice as we drive and may I do everything in love.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you know how easy it is for me to be mean. Help me to be on my guard, help me to stand firmly in the faith, help me to be a man of courage, but above all else Lord help me do everything today in love. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Example of How We Pick and Choose Scripture Today
Job 39; Job 40; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 Corinthians 14
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
1 Corinthians 14
5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
33b…As in all the congregations of the saints, 34 women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
Observation
Did you know that the International Mission Board made a policy against anyone having a habit of a private prayer language? In fact, if you have one then you cannot become an IMB missionary. Wade Burleson, a trustee of the IMB has been in big trouble with fellow trustees because of his stance against this policy and a policy about baptism, which in my opinion is just as bad.
We Baptist are supposed to be men of women of the Bible. The Bible is supposed to be our guide, but oh how we can pick and choose what we decide to say is valid and what we decide to say should not be applied to us today. Just read I Corinthians 14 and see what I mean.
I am not advocating speaking in tongues, and I don’t have a private prayer language, but if I had one I don’t believe that it should disqualify me from being an IMB missionary. God is God. And if he wants someone to speak to him in a private prayer language who am I to tell that person that they are wrong. The Apostle Paul gives good counsel about the gifts, but he adds that we should not forbid the speaking of tongues.
My question in all of this controversy is what was the motivation behind establishing the two policies? I believe that behind it all there is a heart problem. Our board already had guidelines about these two items.
When you allow a policy to be written that would exclude the President of the organization Jerry Rankin from ever serving as an IMB missionary again because he has admitted to having a private prayer language I think that you have to question the underlying motivation for the policy. Jerry Rankin was picked to lead the IMB over all of the other 5,000+ missionaries for a reason and it was known when he was placed in that position that he had a private prayer language.
What changed?
There was no abuse on the mission field that caused the board to establish this policy. Was it because a new group of trustees came in with a different view of scripture?
Something is wrong.
Why didn’t leadership support our President? I guess that is what bothers me about all of this more than anything. It was a slap in his face. And now the Board of Trustees have censored one of their own for speaking out against those policies and saying that he spoke negatively about them.
Oh how we pick and choose!
Application
I will continue to pray for the leadership of the IMB and I will continue to pray for the leadership of the Board of Trustees that they have wisdom and discernment to do the right thing.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word. Thank you that it is powerful and it changes lives. I pray for our leaders today. Give them wisdom. Give them insight. Help them to do the right thing. It seems that they are caught up in things that are not worthy of their time and energy. Help them to focus on the lost. Help them understand that making rules and punishing people that break their rules is not what they were called to do. Give them your wisdom Lord. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 39; Job 40; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 Corinthians 14
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
1 Corinthians 14
5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
33b…As in all the congregations of the saints, 34 women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
Observation
Did you know that the International Mission Board made a policy against anyone having a habit of a private prayer language? In fact, if you have one then you cannot become an IMB missionary. Wade Burleson, a trustee of the IMB has been in big trouble with fellow trustees because of his stance against this policy and a policy about baptism, which in my opinion is just as bad.
We Baptist are supposed to be men of women of the Bible. The Bible is supposed to be our guide, but oh how we can pick and choose what we decide to say is valid and what we decide to say should not be applied to us today. Just read I Corinthians 14 and see what I mean.
I am not advocating speaking in tongues, and I don’t have a private prayer language, but if I had one I don’t believe that it should disqualify me from being an IMB missionary. God is God. And if he wants someone to speak to him in a private prayer language who am I to tell that person that they are wrong. The Apostle Paul gives good counsel about the gifts, but he adds that we should not forbid the speaking of tongues.
My question in all of this controversy is what was the motivation behind establishing the two policies? I believe that behind it all there is a heart problem. Our board already had guidelines about these two items.
When you allow a policy to be written that would exclude the President of the organization Jerry Rankin from ever serving as an IMB missionary again because he has admitted to having a private prayer language I think that you have to question the underlying motivation for the policy. Jerry Rankin was picked to lead the IMB over all of the other 5,000+ missionaries for a reason and it was known when he was placed in that position that he had a private prayer language.
What changed?
There was no abuse on the mission field that caused the board to establish this policy. Was it because a new group of trustees came in with a different view of scripture?
Something is wrong.
Why didn’t leadership support our President? I guess that is what bothers me about all of this more than anything. It was a slap in his face. And now the Board of Trustees have censored one of their own for speaking out against those policies and saying that he spoke negatively about them.
Oh how we pick and choose!
Application
I will continue to pray for the leadership of the IMB and I will continue to pray for the leadership of the Board of Trustees that they have wisdom and discernment to do the right thing.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word. Thank you that it is powerful and it changes lives. I pray for our leaders today. Give them wisdom. Give them insight. Help them to do the right thing. It seems that they are caught up in things that are not worthy of their time and energy. Help them to focus on the lost. Help them understand that making rules and punishing people that break their rules is not what they were called to do. Give them your wisdom Lord. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Have You Made This Covenant?
Job 31; Job 32; Galatians 5; Galatians 6
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
Job 31
31:1 "I made a covenant with my eyes
not to look lustfully at a girl.
Observation
Do you remember ever reading this verse before?
Interesting isn’t it how the Bible speaks new and fresh everyday. I don’t ever remember reading this verse before, but I know that I have. A covenant with your eyes not to look lustfully at a girl…have you made that covenant? I am making that covenant today. How about you?
Application
I need to make a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl (except Kathy).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me keep the covenant that I am making with eyes today. Help me to not to look lustfully at any girl. Thank you for a wonderful day yesterday. I pray that the Billy Graham ministry will continue to go strong to reach this world for Christ. I pray for John Seale today that you give him strength and continue to heal his body. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 31; Job 32; Galatians 5; Galatians 6
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
Job 31
31:1 "I made a covenant with my eyes
not to look lustfully at a girl.
Observation
Do you remember ever reading this verse before?
Interesting isn’t it how the Bible speaks new and fresh everyday. I don’t ever remember reading this verse before, but I know that I have. A covenant with your eyes not to look lustfully at a girl…have you made that covenant? I am making that covenant today. How about you?
Application
I need to make a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl (except Kathy).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me keep the covenant that I am making with eyes today. Help me to not to look lustfully at any girl. Thank you for a wonderful day yesterday. I pray that the Billy Graham ministry will continue to go strong to reach this world for Christ. I pray for John Seale today that you give him strength and continue to heal his body. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
We Are In Charlotte, North Carolina!
Job 30; Psalm 120; Galatians 3; Galatians 4
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
Observation
In just a minute we will be going to see the Billy Graham Library. If I have a chance later today I will let you know all about it. Check it out at this link.
Application
Prayer
Thank you for getting us to North Carolina safely. Help us today to bring you glory. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 30; Psalm 120; Galatians 3; Galatians 4
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Scripture
Observation
In just a minute we will be going to see the Billy Graham Library. If I have a chance later today I will let you know all about it. Check it out at this link.
Application
Prayer
Thank you for getting us to North Carolina safely. Help us today to bring you glory. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, November 05, 2007
This may be my last post until we return from North Carolina on Nov. 15th.
Crucified With Christ
Job 28; Job 29; Galatians 1; Galatians 2
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Galatians 2:20-21
20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
Observation
Do I act like I have been crucified? Or do I still want things my way thinking only of me and mine.
We are to be a living sacrifice so that means it is a daily death to self.
Application
Today I want to live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
May Kathy see more of Christ today in my life as we travel to North Carolina. We will be on a get away until November 15th. So I will not be writing on my blog much until we get back.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me today to die to self. Help me enjoy your fellowship and I pray that this will be a time of resting and drawing closer to you as we enjoy the mountains and time with old friends. I love you Lord. You are Wonderful. Protect today as we travel. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Crucified With Christ
Job 28; Job 29; Galatians 1; Galatians 2
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Galatians 2:20-21
20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
Observation
Do I act like I have been crucified? Or do I still want things my way thinking only of me and mine.
We are to be a living sacrifice so that means it is a daily death to self.
Application
Today I want to live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
May Kathy see more of Christ today in my life as we travel to North Carolina. We will be on a get away until November 15th. So I will not be writing on my blog much until we get back.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me today to die to self. Help me enjoy your fellowship and I pray that this will be a time of resting and drawing closer to you as we enjoy the mountains and time with old friends. I love you Lord. You are Wonderful. Protect today as we travel. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Pleasing The Crowd
Job 26; Job 27; Mark 15; Mark 16
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Mark 15
15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Observation
The temptation for a leader to do things that will please the crowd is huge. Those who speak every Sunday run the danger of telling people what they want to hear and not what they need to hear. Pilate knew that Jesus was not guilty of the crimes for which he was being accused, but he wasn’t strong enough to do the right thing. This morning I will be preaching on a very tough subject, “What we eat and what is eating you”. I will be talking about taking care of our bodies because our bodies matter to God.
Application
May I remember today that it is my responsibility to please an audience of One!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not do things to impress people. Help me to be real, to be genuine. Help me not dodge difficult subjects, but help me deal with them in a way that brings you Glory and Honor. Help me today as I preach your word that the message would be clear. I pray for someone to trust you for salvation today. Do a mighty work in our church today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 26; Job 27; Mark 15; Mark 16
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Mark 15
15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Observation
The temptation for a leader to do things that will please the crowd is huge. Those who speak every Sunday run the danger of telling people what they want to hear and not what they need to hear. Pilate knew that Jesus was not guilty of the crimes for which he was being accused, but he wasn’t strong enough to do the right thing. This morning I will be preaching on a very tough subject, “What we eat and what is eating you”. I will be talking about taking care of our bodies because our bodies matter to God.
Application
May I remember today that it is my responsibility to please an audience of One!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not do things to impress people. Help me to be real, to be genuine. Help me not dodge difficult subjects, but help me deal with them in a way that brings you Glory and Honor. Help me today as I preach your word that the message would be clear. I pray for someone to trust you for salvation today. Do a mighty work in our church today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Following Jesus at a distance
Job 25; Mark 13; Mark 14
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Mark 14
54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest.
Peter Disowns Jesus
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.
"You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said.
68 But he denied it. "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway.
69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." 70 Again he denied it.
After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean."
71 He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about."
72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.
Observation
Too easily it seems that we move from the excitement of Jesus’ call, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men”, to a life of following Christ but following him at a distance. I watch men who were once on fire for the Lord now seemingly following Jesus at a distance.
Disowning Christ, following him at a distance is no way to live your life. How did Peter change? The same way you and I have to change when we find ourselves at a distance from Christ we need to do as Peter did in brokenness, in tears, and in repentance. Are you following Jesus today…but at a distance?
Application
It is my desire to follow the Lord closely and do his will.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, today I give you 100% of my life. Search me oh God and show me anything in my life that does not please you so I can confess it. I don’t want anything coming between us. I don’t want to follow you at a distance. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 25; Mark 13; Mark 14
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Mark 14
54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest.
Peter Disowns Jesus
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.
"You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said.
68 But he denied it. "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway.
69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." 70 Again he denied it.
After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean."
71 He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about."
72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.
Observation
Too easily it seems that we move from the excitement of Jesus’ call, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men”, to a life of following Christ but following him at a distance. I watch men who were once on fire for the Lord now seemingly following Jesus at a distance.
Disowning Christ, following him at a distance is no way to live your life. How did Peter change? The same way you and I have to change when we find ourselves at a distance from Christ we need to do as Peter did in brokenness, in tears, and in repentance. Are you following Jesus today…but at a distance?
Application
It is my desire to follow the Lord closely and do his will.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, today I give you 100% of my life. Search me oh God and show me anything in my life that does not please you so I can confess it. I don’t want anything coming between us. I don’t want to follow you at a distance. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, November 02, 2007
What is Going On At His House?
Job 23; Job 24; Mark 11; Mark 12
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Jesus Clears the Temple
Mark 11
12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard him say it.
15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written:
" 'My house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations’ But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.
19 When evening came, they went out of the city.
The Withered Fig Tree
20 In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!"
22 "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Observation
I guess I was impressed to write about this passage this morning because I am preaching a sermon this Sunday about “What you eat and what is eating you”. We are doing a sermon series of sermons dealing with Breaking Free of our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. It is interesting that we don’t hear very many sermons address the issue of food abuse these days. I know why; it is because many pastors don’t have victory in this area so they let it alone. It has been a struggle for me all of my married life and I desperately want to have victory and self control and keep my body in good shape. I am tired of diets. I am tired of gaining and losing thousands of pounds only to gain it all over again.
Maybe you are in the same boat. If you want to lose it for life like I do you might want to read some stuff on Steve Arterburn's web site. The articles can be downloaded free. I want to lose it for life, not for a few months or even a year...a life.
You might be wondering how does what I just said relate to this passage? Good question and I will be glad to try to explain. You know that our bodies are now the Temple of God, I Cor. 6:19, 2 Cor. 6:16. Jesus cleaned out the temple because it was being misused. It was being abused. It had a purpose, “'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’ But you have made it 'a den of robbers.” My body is the temple of God”. It has a divine purpose.
Application
I will treasure the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. Job 23:12b
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to never change the way I feel about keeping my eating under control. May I desire the words of your mouth more than my necessary food. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Job 23; Job 24; Mark 11; Mark 12
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Jesus Clears the Temple
Mark 11
12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard him say it.
15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written:
" 'My house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations’ But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.
19 When evening came, they went out of the city.
The Withered Fig Tree
20 In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!"
22 "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Observation
I guess I was impressed to write about this passage this morning because I am preaching a sermon this Sunday about “What you eat and what is eating you”. We are doing a sermon series of sermons dealing with Breaking Free of our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. It is interesting that we don’t hear very many sermons address the issue of food abuse these days. I know why; it is because many pastors don’t have victory in this area so they let it alone. It has been a struggle for me all of my married life and I desperately want to have victory and self control and keep my body in good shape. I am tired of diets. I am tired of gaining and losing thousands of pounds only to gain it all over again.
Maybe you are in the same boat. If you want to lose it for life like I do you might want to read some stuff on Steve Arterburn's web site. The articles can be downloaded free. I want to lose it for life, not for a few months or even a year...a life.
You might be wondering how does what I just said relate to this passage? Good question and I will be glad to try to explain. You know that our bodies are now the Temple of God, I Cor. 6:19, 2 Cor. 6:16. Jesus cleaned out the temple because it was being misused. It was being abused. It had a purpose, “'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’ But you have made it 'a den of robbers.” My body is the temple of God”. It has a divine purpose.
Application
I will treasure the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. Job 23:12b
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to never change the way I feel about keeping my eating under control. May I desire the words of your mouth more than my necessary food. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Possessed from Childhood
Psalm 121; Mark 9; Mark 10
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
The Healing of a Boy with an Evil Spirit
Mark 9
14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.
16 "What are you arguing with them about?" he asked.
17 A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."
19 "O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."
20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
21 Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"
"From childhood," he answered. 22 "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."
23 " 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again."
26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead." 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"
29 He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer.
Observation
Have you ever wondered about passages like this? Demon possession of a child how can that be right? I can understand a demon possessing someone that has given his or her life over to sin and is living a life of spiritual rebellion, but a child how does that work. There is a lot that we don’t know about the principalities and powers that surround us.
I had a concerned parent tell me that their 4th grader had confided to them that he had seen a demon. He was very upset about what he saw. It had scared him. The parent of this child was already getting good counsel from a missionary couple in the school where he attended.
Evil is real. The demonic world is real. We live in a fallen world full of evil and ungodliness. We are in spiritual warfare.
Thank goodness we have a Savior that has already won the victory over Satan and all his co-workers. Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world.
Application
I will pray for this young man that is being harassed by the demonic. I will pray for his safety.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Lord, keep the satanic forces away from him. Give his parents wisdom in how to deal with this. Put a hedge of protection around him. You say that only by prayer can these demonic forces be dealt with and I am praying for this young man right now. You are all powerful nothing is too hard for you. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Psalm 121; Mark 9; Mark 10
Click Here To Read Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
The Healing of a Boy with an Evil Spirit
Mark 9
14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.
16 "What are you arguing with them about?" he asked.
17 A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."
19 "O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."
20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
21 Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"
"From childhood," he answered. 22 "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."
23 " 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again."
26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead." 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"
29 He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer.
Observation
Have you ever wondered about passages like this? Demon possession of a child how can that be right? I can understand a demon possessing someone that has given his or her life over to sin and is living a life of spiritual rebellion, but a child how does that work. There is a lot that we don’t know about the principalities and powers that surround us.
I had a concerned parent tell me that their 4th grader had confided to them that he had seen a demon. He was very upset about what he saw. It had scared him. The parent of this child was already getting good counsel from a missionary couple in the school where he attended.
Evil is real. The demonic world is real. We live in a fallen world full of evil and ungodliness. We are in spiritual warfare.
Thank goodness we have a Savior that has already won the victory over Satan and all his co-workers. Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world.
Application
I will pray for this young man that is being harassed by the demonic. I will pray for his safety.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Lord, keep the satanic forces away from him. Give his parents wisdom in how to deal with this. Put a hedge of protection around him. You say that only by prayer can these demonic forces be dealt with and I am praying for this young man right now. You are all powerful nothing is too hard for you. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)