How Important is Our Prayers to God?
Ezekiel 12; Ezekiel 13; Ezekiel 14; Revelation 5
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Scripture
Revelation 5
6 Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God that is sent out into every part of the earth. 7 He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. 8 And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.
9 And they sang a new song with these words:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and break its seals and open it.
For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 And you have caused them to become
a Kingdom of priests for our God.
And they will reign on the earth.”
11 Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. 12 And they sang in a mighty chorus:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—
to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and blessing.”
13 And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea.
They sang:
“Blessing and honor and glory and power
belong to the one sitting on the throne
and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
14 And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb.
Observation
It is not uncommon for people to save letters from people that they love to be able to read them over and over again. And I guess there are people that have saved actual conversations of a loved one just to be able to hear his or her voice, but God does even better than all of that. He saves our prayers that we pray to Him. I don’t know if He picks and chooses which prayers He saves, but it seems to me that seeing how selfish we are that He should. I know that a lot of my prayers have been way too much about me and not very much about Him or anyone else.
Application
It is my desire to pray a prayer today that God would want to put in one of His golden bowls in Heaven, a prayer that would be all about Him and His kingdom here on earth.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” In Jesus Name Amen.
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Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
A Glimpse Into Heaven!
Ezekiel 8; Ezekiel 9; Ezekiel 10; Ezekiel 11; Revelation 4 Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Revelation 4
1 Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” 2 And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. 3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow.
4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God. 6 In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.
Observation
If you read the Ezekiel & Revelation passages for today then you read about the cherubim:
“I looked, and each of the four cherubim had a wheel beside him, and the wheels sparkled like beryl. 10 All four wheels looked alike and were made the same; each wheel had a second wheel turning crosswise within it. 11 The cherubim could move in any of the four directions they faced, without turning as they moved. They went straight in the direction they faced, never turning aside. 12 Both the cherubim and the wheels were covered with eyes. The cherubim had eyes all over their bodies, including their hands, their backs, and their wings. 13 I heard someone refer to the wheels as “the whirling wheels.” 14 Each of the four cherubim had four faces: the first was the face of an ox, the second was a human face, the third was the face of a lion, and the fourth was the face of an eagle. Ezekiel 10:9-14
Revelation 4:6-11 “In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. 7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” 9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, 11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
Application
I am in awe and wonder as I read these passages this morning!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” In Jesus Name Amen.
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Ezekiel 8; Ezekiel 9; Ezekiel 10; Ezekiel 11; Revelation 4 Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Revelation 4
1 Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” 2 And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. 3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow.
4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God. 6 In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.
Observation
If you read the Ezekiel & Revelation passages for today then you read about the cherubim:
“I looked, and each of the four cherubim had a wheel beside him, and the wheels sparkled like beryl. 10 All four wheels looked alike and were made the same; each wheel had a second wheel turning crosswise within it. 11 The cherubim could move in any of the four directions they faced, without turning as they moved. They went straight in the direction they faced, never turning aside. 12 Both the cherubim and the wheels were covered with eyes. The cherubim had eyes all over their bodies, including their hands, their backs, and their wings. 13 I heard someone refer to the wheels as “the whirling wheels.” 14 Each of the four cherubim had four faces: the first was the face of an ox, the second was a human face, the third was the face of a lion, and the fourth was the face of an eagle. Ezekiel 10:9-14
Revelation 4:6-11 “In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. 7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” 9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, 11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
Application
I am in awe and wonder as I read these passages this morning!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” In Jesus Name Amen.
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Friday, August 29, 2008
It’s Time to Check Your Temperature!
Ezekiel 4; Ezekiel 5; Ezekiel 6; Ezekiel 7; Revelation 3
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Scripture
Revelation 3
15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
Observation
Lukewarm Christians make the Lord sick to His stomach and He says that He will vomit them out of His mouth. Now that is not a pretty picture. I do not want to be lukewarm. I want to be on fire for the Lord. How about you?
A lukewarm Christian would probably be a self centered Christian that does not have Christ on the throne of his or her life. They may be attending church and even showing up for small group or Sunday School but he or she is doing it out of habit or routine just going through the motions. They are not any fun to be around because they are probably stirring up trouble with a mean critical negative spirit.
Application
I will not be lukewarm.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, don’t ever let me be lukewarm. Keep me from sin. Help me not to do things out of merely habit or routine. Keep me on fire for you. Revelations 3:20 says “I know that you are always standing at the door of my heart and you are constantly knocking. And if I will open up the door of my heart you will come in and fellowship with me.” I know that as long as I don’t let anything take Your place in my heart that I will be on fire for You. I love you. You are so Worthy to be Praised! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Ezekiel 4; Ezekiel 5; Ezekiel 6; Ezekiel 7; Revelation 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Revelation 3
15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
Observation
Lukewarm Christians make the Lord sick to His stomach and He says that He will vomit them out of His mouth. Now that is not a pretty picture. I do not want to be lukewarm. I want to be on fire for the Lord. How about you?
A lukewarm Christian would probably be a self centered Christian that does not have Christ on the throne of his or her life. They may be attending church and even showing up for small group or Sunday School but he or she is doing it out of habit or routine just going through the motions. They are not any fun to be around because they are probably stirring up trouble with a mean critical negative spirit.
Application
I will not be lukewarm.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, don’t ever let me be lukewarm. Keep me from sin. Help me not to do things out of merely habit or routine. Keep me on fire for you. Revelations 3:20 says “I know that you are always standing at the door of my heart and you are constantly knocking. And if I will open up the door of my heart you will come in and fellowship with me.” I know that as long as I don’t let anything take Your place in my heart that I will be on fire for You. I love you. You are so Worthy to be Praised! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Thursday, August 28, 2008
Have You Left Your First Love?
Ezekiel 1; Ezekiel 2; Ezekiel 3; Revelation 2
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Scripture
Revelation 2
4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
Observation
It is important to get back to the basics. Can you remember when you first accepted Christ? I can! I can remember asking my Sunday School teacher all kinds of questions. I can remember how exciting my Sunday School class was and I can remember how exciting it was to serve the Lord together with Kathy with the R. A. boys at church.
I can look back over my 30 plus years of being a Christian and I can remember times when I have allowed things to take God’s place in my heart. My memory verse for this week is 1 John 5:21 and it says, “Dear children, keep away from anything that would take God’s place in your heart.”
God wants to be #1 in your life. Nothing should take His place in your hearts. Have you allowed anything to crowd out the Lord in your life? Has your love for Him grown cold? If so, then get back to the basics:
1. Daily quiet time
2. Daily Bible reading
3. Scripture memory
4. Corporate Worship (not watching a preacher on television!)
5. Meeting each week with a small group
Application
I will visit some folks today and encourage them to do these five things.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to keep away from things that would take Your place in my heart. Help me to keep you in the number one place in my life. I love you Lord. It is my desire to love You with everything that is within me. Help me to totally please You today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Ezekiel 1; Ezekiel 2; Ezekiel 3; Revelation 2
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Revelation 2
4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
Observation
It is important to get back to the basics. Can you remember when you first accepted Christ? I can! I can remember asking my Sunday School teacher all kinds of questions. I can remember how exciting my Sunday School class was and I can remember how exciting it was to serve the Lord together with Kathy with the R. A. boys at church.
I can look back over my 30 plus years of being a Christian and I can remember times when I have allowed things to take God’s place in my heart. My memory verse for this week is 1 John 5:21 and it says, “Dear children, keep away from anything that would take God’s place in your heart.”
God wants to be #1 in your life. Nothing should take His place in your hearts. Have you allowed anything to crowd out the Lord in your life? Has your love for Him grown cold? If so, then get back to the basics:
1. Daily quiet time
2. Daily Bible reading
3. Scripture memory
4. Corporate Worship (not watching a preacher on television!)
5. Meeting each week with a small group
Application
I will visit some folks today and encourage them to do these five things.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to keep away from things that would take Your place in my heart. Help me to keep you in the number one place in my life. I love you Lord. It is my desire to love You with everything that is within me. Help me to totally please You today. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Life is So Short!
Jeremiah 52; Revelation 1; Psalm 143; Psalm 144
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Scripture
Psalm 144
3 O LORD, what are human beings that you should notice them,
mere mortals that you should think about them?
4 For they are like a breath of air;
their days are like a passing shadow.
Observation
When you read in scripture about the length of our lives it is always described in terms like what we find in these two verses above. Check these verses out:
"Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Selah (Psalm 39:4-5)
“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14
For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 1 Peter 1:24
“As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field;” Psalm 103:15
A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:6-8
There we have it; our lives can be summed up as a single breath, or compared to grass, or a morning mist. So we need to live every day like it is our last.
Application
I will focus today on investing my time on what will last forever.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to make my life a life that counts. I want to accomplish what I was put on earth to do. Show me what is important. Guide me today. I pray that you direct my thought life. Give me Your thoughts. Give me Your mind. Give me Your heart. I pray for Your direction. Help me to make the few days that I have left here on earth count for you. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Jeremiah 52; Revelation 1; Psalm 143; Psalm 144
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 144
3 O LORD, what are human beings that you should notice them,
mere mortals that you should think about them?
4 For they are like a breath of air;
their days are like a passing shadow.
Observation
When you read in scripture about the length of our lives it is always described in terms like what we find in these two verses above. Check these verses out:
"Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Selah (Psalm 39:4-5)
“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14
For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 1 Peter 1:24
“As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field;” Psalm 103:15
A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:6-8
There we have it; our lives can be summed up as a single breath, or compared to grass, or a morning mist. So we need to live every day like it is our last.
Application
I will focus today on investing my time on what will last forever.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to make my life a life that counts. I want to accomplish what I was put on earth to do. Show me what is important. Guide me today. I pray that you direct my thought life. Give me Your thoughts. Give me Your mind. Give me Your heart. I pray for Your direction. Help me to make the few days that I have left here on earth count for you. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Ministry and Who Should Pay For It!
Jeremiah 50; Jeremiah 51; 3 John 1
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Scripture
3 John 1
5 Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God. 7 For they are traveling for the Lord, and they accept nothing from people who are not believers. 8 So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.
Observation
“…And they accept nothing from people who are not believers.”
I believe that this is a very important principle that we need to remember when we are tempted to ask the community to help us with a project. I am talking about fundraisers for a mission trip or for some other ministry that we are trying to get money for. If God puts something on the heart of his people to do then God will provide the resources to do it from within His church. Right?
Going out and asking people who are not believers to help fund God’s work is a bad testimony for the church and makes no sense. What message is that sending to the world around us about our Powerful God? Isn’t it saying to them that we have a God that is weak and can’t meet the needs of His church? I personally think that all fund raising of a church should be done from within the church and if we do have to go to companies in our community asking them to support our project then we should make sure that those companies are run or owned by Christ followers.
Application
I will do a better job of teaching this principle to our church in the future.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show us that we can depend totally on You. Help our churches look to You to supply their needs. Father I believe that You are more than capable of providing for our church and I thank you for how you have blessed us. You are a Mighty God. You have blessed us with every spiritual blessing. We are rich and we have so much. Thank you for being such a Generous God. You are Extravagant in Your love for us and You are Worthy to be Praised! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Jeremiah 50; Jeremiah 51; 3 John 1
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Scripture
3 John 1
5 Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God. 7 For they are traveling for the Lord, and they accept nothing from people who are not believers. 8 So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.
Observation
“…And they accept nothing from people who are not believers.”
I believe that this is a very important principle that we need to remember when we are tempted to ask the community to help us with a project. I am talking about fundraisers for a mission trip or for some other ministry that we are trying to get money for. If God puts something on the heart of his people to do then God will provide the resources to do it from within His church. Right?
Going out and asking people who are not believers to help fund God’s work is a bad testimony for the church and makes no sense. What message is that sending to the world around us about our Powerful God? Isn’t it saying to them that we have a God that is weak and can’t meet the needs of His church? I personally think that all fund raising of a church should be done from within the church and if we do have to go to companies in our community asking them to support our project then we should make sure that those companies are run or owned by Christ followers.
Application
I will do a better job of teaching this principle to our church in the future.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show us that we can depend totally on You. Help our churches look to You to supply their needs. Father I believe that You are more than capable of providing for our church and I thank you for how you have blessed us. You are a Mighty God. You have blessed us with every spiritual blessing. We are rich and we have so much. Thank you for being such a Generous God. You are Extravagant in Your love for us and You are Worthy to be Praised! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Monday, August 25, 2008
Being in the Center of God’s Will is Not Trouble Free!
Jeremiah 37; Jeremiah 38; Jeremiah 39; Psalm 79; 2 John 1
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Scripture
Jeremiah 37
15 They were furious with Jeremiah and had him flogged and imprisoned in the house of Jonathan the secretary. Jonathan’s house had been converted into a prison. 16 Jeremiah was put into a dungeon cell, where he remained for many days.
21 So King Zedekiah commanded that Jeremiah not be returned to the dungeon. Instead, he was imprisoned in the courtyard of the guard in the royal palace. The king also commanded that Jeremiah be given a loaf of fresh bread every day as long as there was any left in the city. So Jeremiah was put in the palace prison.
Jeremiah 38
6 So the officials took Jeremiah from his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard. It belonged to Malkijah, a member of the royal family. There was no water in the cistern, but there was a thick layer of mud at the bottom, and Jeremiah sank down into it.
Jeremiah 39
17 but I will rescue you from those you fear so much. 18 Because you trusted me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the LORD, have spoken!’”
Observation
Jeremiah in three short chapters went from being flogged and thrown into a dungeon, to a palace prison, then dropped into a dark empty cistern stuck deep in mud and through this entire ordeal he remained faithful to his God. All of that bad stuff happened to him when he was right in the middle of God’s will.
A lack of trouble does not mean that we are living in the center of God’s will sometimes we can be having the time of our life, but we are living outside of the will of God and outside of His blessings. We need to remember that sin is enjoyable for a season. As Christ–followers we can’t allow anything to come between our relationship to Christ. My memory verse for this week is “Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts.” 1 John 5:21
Application
I will thank the Lord for everything that happens today, the good and the bad!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the determination of your prophet Jeremiah. Nothing could shake him! I couldn’t imagine being dropped down into a deep well and being left to die stuck in a bunch of mud. Yet You protected Him down in that well. Give me his courage and his strength.
He was probably calling on you like you told him to do in Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” And You heard him and you spared his life. But You did not spare the king’s life because the king refused to listen to your servant Jeremiah. Help me to be faithful to You.
Give me Your ideas and vision today for our church. Give me energy to lead our church. Thank you for the excitement I see building in the hearts of our people. Bless them Lord…bless our people as they seek to walk with You.
In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Jeremiah 37; Jeremiah 38; Jeremiah 39; Psalm 79; 2 John 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Jeremiah 37
15 They were furious with Jeremiah and had him flogged and imprisoned in the house of Jonathan the secretary. Jonathan’s house had been converted into a prison. 16 Jeremiah was put into a dungeon cell, where he remained for many days.
21 So King Zedekiah commanded that Jeremiah not be returned to the dungeon. Instead, he was imprisoned in the courtyard of the guard in the royal palace. The king also commanded that Jeremiah be given a loaf of fresh bread every day as long as there was any left in the city. So Jeremiah was put in the palace prison.
Jeremiah 38
6 So the officials took Jeremiah from his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard. It belonged to Malkijah, a member of the royal family. There was no water in the cistern, but there was a thick layer of mud at the bottom, and Jeremiah sank down into it.
Jeremiah 39
17 but I will rescue you from those you fear so much. 18 Because you trusted me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the LORD, have spoken!’”
Observation
Jeremiah in three short chapters went from being flogged and thrown into a dungeon, to a palace prison, then dropped into a dark empty cistern stuck deep in mud and through this entire ordeal he remained faithful to his God. All of that bad stuff happened to him when he was right in the middle of God’s will.
A lack of trouble does not mean that we are living in the center of God’s will sometimes we can be having the time of our life, but we are living outside of the will of God and outside of His blessings. We need to remember that sin is enjoyable for a season. As Christ–followers we can’t allow anything to come between our relationship to Christ. My memory verse for this week is “Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts.” 1 John 5:21
Application
I will thank the Lord for everything that happens today, the good and the bad!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the determination of your prophet Jeremiah. Nothing could shake him! I couldn’t imagine being dropped down into a deep well and being left to die stuck in a bunch of mud. Yet You protected Him down in that well. Give me his courage and his strength.
He was probably calling on you like you told him to do in Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” And You heard him and you spared his life. But You did not spare the king’s life because the king refused to listen to your servant Jeremiah. Help me to be faithful to You.
Give me Your ideas and vision today for our church. Give me energy to lead our church. Thank you for the excitement I see building in the hearts of our people. Bless them Lord…bless our people as they seek to walk with You.
In Jesus Name Amen.
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Sunday, August 24, 2008
God’s Place in Your Heart
Jeremiah 33; Jeremiah 34; Psalm 74; 1 John 5
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Scripture
1 John 5
21 Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.
Observation
Has something taken God’s place in your heart? There are so many things that can crowd God out isn’t there. Does He have first place?
“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.” Galatians 2:20
The Apostle Paul understood what it meant to have Christ #1 in his life.
Application
It is my desire not to let anything take God’s place in my heart today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to live out Galatians 2:20 today. Yesterday You helped me to better understand this verse as You applied it to my life. Help me to keep You number one in my life and help me to keep my heart clean. Don’t let me harbor anything in my heart that would take your place. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Jeremiah 33; Jeremiah 34; Psalm 74; 1 John 5
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Scripture
1 John 5
21 Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.
Observation
Has something taken God’s place in your heart? There are so many things that can crowd God out isn’t there. Does He have first place?
“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.” Galatians 2:20
The Apostle Paul understood what it meant to have Christ #1 in his life.
Application
It is my desire not to let anything take God’s place in my heart today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to live out Galatians 2:20 today. Yesterday You helped me to better understand this verse as You applied it to my life. Help me to keep You number one in my life and help me to keep my heart clean. Don’t let me harbor anything in my heart that would take your place. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Saturday, August 23, 2008
What a Mighty God We Serve!
Jeremiah 31; Jeremiah 32; 1 John 4
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Scripture
Jeremiah 32
17 "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.
Observation
It is helpful to be reminded that we serve a God that is totally Awesome and so Powerful that there is “nothing” to hard for Him.
You and I are not God and we face things that are too hard and we run into the impossible on a weekly basis: a marriage that is coming apart; a sick child; no job; or a terrible boss or work situation; an addiction that is completely destroying your life.
So it is good to run across a verse that reminds us that we serve a God who is totally in control and who is All Powerful.
“For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37 So when we pray we can pray with confidence knowing that we come to Someone that never ever faces something that is impossible or difficult.
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” John 15:7
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:13-14
Application
I will talk to my Heavenly Father and turn all the impossible things over to Him because “nothing” is too hard for Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you know that I am praying for some people that I love that are not walking close to You. I want them to live lives that are filled with purpose and meaning, lives that are close to you. I want them to experience the joy that I know because of my relationship with You, but it seems impossible that they will ever have a change of heart and turn to You.
So I am glad that you delight in doing the impossible and the difficult because You have Your work cut out for You. I am reminded that You saved me. You changed my heart and You turned my heart towards You. I ask You to do that very same thing for them.
I pray for those that are struggling in their marriages, and I pray for those that can’t seem to get along with other people, for those that are dealing with sickness, and for so many that need work to take care of their family. You are All Powerful and nothing; absolutely nothing is too hard for You. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Jeremiah 31; Jeremiah 32; 1 John 4
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Scripture
Jeremiah 32
17 "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.
Observation
It is helpful to be reminded that we serve a God that is totally Awesome and so Powerful that there is “nothing” to hard for Him.
You and I are not God and we face things that are too hard and we run into the impossible on a weekly basis: a marriage that is coming apart; a sick child; no job; or a terrible boss or work situation; an addiction that is completely destroying your life.
So it is good to run across a verse that reminds us that we serve a God who is totally in control and who is All Powerful.
“For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37 So when we pray we can pray with confidence knowing that we come to Someone that never ever faces something that is impossible or difficult.
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” John 15:7
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:13-14
Application
I will talk to my Heavenly Father and turn all the impossible things over to Him because “nothing” is too hard for Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you know that I am praying for some people that I love that are not walking close to You. I want them to live lives that are filled with purpose and meaning, lives that are close to you. I want them to experience the joy that I know because of my relationship with You, but it seems impossible that they will ever have a change of heart and turn to You.
So I am glad that you delight in doing the impossible and the difficult because You have Your work cut out for You. I am reminded that You saved me. You changed my heart and You turned my heart towards You. I ask You to do that very same thing for them.
I pray for those that are struggling in their marriages, and I pray for those that can’t seem to get along with other people, for those that are dealing with sickness, and for so many that need work to take care of their family. You are All Powerful and nothing; absolutely nothing is too hard for You. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Friday, August 22, 2008
Snap Shots of Our Heavenly Father
Jeremiah 28; Jeremiah 29; Jeremiah 30; 1 John 3
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Scripture
Jeremiah 29
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
1 John 3
1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
Observation
Kathy just made a photo book for our daughter in law’s birthday and in it she put all kinds of snap shots of our granddaughters. It was neat to look at those snap shots and you could see the personality of each grandchild in each and every snap shot!
These two passages give us two great snap shots of our Heavenly Father! In Jeremiah 29:11-13 we see God’s plan and purpose for us and we can see our much He cares for us. In 1 John 3:1 we see the snap shot of a Prodigal Father, One who is extravagant, who lavishes His love on His children even though we don’t deserve His Wonderful love or deserve being called children of God. I love the word “lavishes” don’t you and that is how He loves us!
Application
I will seek the Lord today and I will seek Him with all my heart!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me these two snap shots this morning of what You are like and for showing me how much You love me. Thank you for your extravagant love that You lavish on me everyday! Thank You for letting me know that you plan on prospering me and not harming me. Thank you for giving me a hope and a future. You are so Wonderful. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Jeremiah 28; Jeremiah 29; Jeremiah 30; 1 John 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Jeremiah 29
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
1 John 3
1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
Observation
Kathy just made a photo book for our daughter in law’s birthday and in it she put all kinds of snap shots of our granddaughters. It was neat to look at those snap shots and you could see the personality of each grandchild in each and every snap shot!
These two passages give us two great snap shots of our Heavenly Father! In Jeremiah 29:11-13 we see God’s plan and purpose for us and we can see our much He cares for us. In 1 John 3:1 we see the snap shot of a Prodigal Father, One who is extravagant, who lavishes His love on His children even though we don’t deserve His Wonderful love or deserve being called children of God. I love the word “lavishes” don’t you and that is how He loves us!
Application
I will seek the Lord today and I will seek Him with all my heart!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me these two snap shots this morning of what You are like and for showing me how much You love me. Thank you for your extravagant love that You lavish on me everyday! Thank You for letting me know that you plan on prospering me and not harming me. Thank you for giving me a hope and a future. You are so Wonderful. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Thursday, August 21, 2008
I Choose “JOY”!
Jeremiah 21; Jeremiah 24; Jeremiah 27; Psalm 118; 1 John 2
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Scripture
Psalm 118:24
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Observation
I am making a choice this morning. I am going to choose to rejoice! I am going to choose to be glad! I realize that a lot may come my way today to try to make me grumpy and mean and rain on my parade but I am making the choice to rejoice ... no matter what!
Yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come, but I do have today and it is my choice right now how I start it out. I choose to rejoice!
Application
I am sure that this choice will be tested but it is what I choose to do today. Again I say Rejoice!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, the Apostle Paul said, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” This morning I also pray with joy! Thank you for those that you bring to my mind and as I pray for them I will pray for them with joy. Today I make a choice to rejoice and be glad.
Help me to see Your hand in what happens throughout my day today. I pray that You give me wisdom so I can make wise decisions. Thank you for the men that I will be meeting with in just a few minutes. I pray that you bless them. I pray that You meet their needs. I pray for them this morning with joy! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Jeremiah 21; Jeremiah 24; Jeremiah 27; Psalm 118; 1 John 2
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Psalm 118:24
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Observation
I am making a choice this morning. I am going to choose to rejoice! I am going to choose to be glad! I realize that a lot may come my way today to try to make me grumpy and mean and rain on my parade but I am making the choice to rejoice ... no matter what!
Yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come, but I do have today and it is my choice right now how I start it out. I choose to rejoice!
Application
I am sure that this choice will be tested but it is what I choose to do today. Again I say Rejoice!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, the Apostle Paul said, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” This morning I also pray with joy! Thank you for those that you bring to my mind and as I pray for them I will pray for them with joy. Today I make a choice to rejoice and be glad.
Help me to see Your hand in what happens throughout my day today. I pray that You give me wisdom so I can make wise decisions. Thank you for the men that I will be meeting with in just a few minutes. I pray that you bless them. I pray that You meet their needs. I pray for them this morning with joy! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The Power of a Blessing!
Jeremiah 48; Jeremiah 49; Psalm 67; 1 John 1
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Scripture
Psalm 67
1 May God be merciful and bless us.
May his face smile with favor on us.
Observation
When you left the house this morning, did you remember to pray a blessing over your spouse? Do you pray a blessing over your children as they go to school? Do they hear that blessing from your lips each day as they leave the house?
No one challenged me to pray a blessing on my family or on my spouse at least not that I can remember until a few years ago and this guy at a Family Life Seminar challenged all of us men to pray a blessing on our wife before we leave the house everyday. And I have tried my best to do that everyday. Sometimes it has meant that I have had to drive back home to pray with Kathy, usually I remember by the time I get out to the car. But I have to admit there have been a few mornings that I have actually forgotten to pray for her as I have gone out the door!
We get a good laugh together each morning because it is hard to change my blessing around so that I am saying something new. Usually I say something like, “Lord, may your face shine on Kathy today”. But I can’t say that everyday so today I came across this new blessing and of course this morning before I left the house I prayed, “Kathy, may God be merciful and bless you. May His face smile with favor on you.”
And I am sure that she was very happy that I had come up with something new.
I just got a phone call from a very good friend who was concerned because I had not posted my blog yet and when he called, it was around 8 am! I was super impressed by the phone call. My mother in law spent the night with us and she stayed in our guest bedroom which is also my office! She was afraid to be at home by herself because of the storm. I read my daily Bible reading every early this morning but my laptop doesn’t have my template that I use to write my blog so I just came in to my office at church to work on it. There aren’t that many people that read what I write, but I am deeply touched by the phone call. Wow! Very Cool!
Application
I will continue to praying a blessing over Kathy everyday before I leave the house to go to work and I will work harder at coming up with new blessings!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for such good friends. You encouraged me this morning by impressing my friend to give me a call. I pray for him. I pray that you bless him. I pray that you bless his family. I pray that you bless his ministry. I pray that you bless his home. I pray that you bless his career. Be glorified through his life today! I pray that Your Face will shine in favor on him! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Jeremiah 48; Jeremiah 49; Psalm 67; 1 John 1
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Scripture
Psalm 67
1 May God be merciful and bless us.
May his face smile with favor on us.
Observation
When you left the house this morning, did you remember to pray a blessing over your spouse? Do you pray a blessing over your children as they go to school? Do they hear that blessing from your lips each day as they leave the house?
No one challenged me to pray a blessing on my family or on my spouse at least not that I can remember until a few years ago and this guy at a Family Life Seminar challenged all of us men to pray a blessing on our wife before we leave the house everyday. And I have tried my best to do that everyday. Sometimes it has meant that I have had to drive back home to pray with Kathy, usually I remember by the time I get out to the car. But I have to admit there have been a few mornings that I have actually forgotten to pray for her as I have gone out the door!
We get a good laugh together each morning because it is hard to change my blessing around so that I am saying something new. Usually I say something like, “Lord, may your face shine on Kathy today”. But I can’t say that everyday so today I came across this new blessing and of course this morning before I left the house I prayed, “Kathy, may God be merciful and bless you. May His face smile with favor on you.”
And I am sure that she was very happy that I had come up with something new.
I just got a phone call from a very good friend who was concerned because I had not posted my blog yet and when he called, it was around 8 am! I was super impressed by the phone call. My mother in law spent the night with us and she stayed in our guest bedroom which is also my office! She was afraid to be at home by herself because of the storm. I read my daily Bible reading every early this morning but my laptop doesn’t have my template that I use to write my blog so I just came in to my office at church to work on it. There aren’t that many people that read what I write, but I am deeply touched by the phone call. Wow! Very Cool!
Application
I will continue to praying a blessing over Kathy everyday before I leave the house to go to work and I will work harder at coming up with new blessings!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for such good friends. You encouraged me this morning by impressing my friend to give me a call. I pray for him. I pray that you bless him. I pray that you bless his family. I pray that you bless his ministry. I pray that you bless his home. I pray that you bless his career. Be glorified through his life today! I pray that Your Face will shine in favor on him! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Danger of Comparing Ourselves with Somebody Else!
Jeremiah 45; Jeremiah 46; Jeremiah 47; Psalm 105; John 21
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Scripture
John 21
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."
19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"
22 Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"
Observation
It is always a temptation to look around and think to myself, “well I am doing better spiritually than that person.” Never judge your walk by looking at other people, but you should measure how you are doing by looking in the mirror of God’s Word. James says that the Word of God is like a mirror, “For if a person just listens and doesn't obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can't see himself anymore or remember what he looks like. But if anyone keeps looking steadily into God's law for free men, he will not only remember it but he will do what it says, and God will greatly bless him in everything he does.” James 1:23-25
That is why it is so important to be in God’s Word everyday so that we can see what we look like and make changes everyday to be in line with how God wants us to be!
Anytime we measure our spiritual maturity by someone else’s we will always be wrong in our assessment!
Application
I will work on the log in my eye and not worry so much about the speck in everybody else’s!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is so easy to compare myself with someone else when I need to just keep my focus totally on You. I pray for those that are on my heart that seem to be struggling so much these days. I pray that you will make me spiritually humble enough and so right with you that when I speak to them they will see You and hear You rather than me. I know that I need to speak to them and exhort them, but I need to be so close to You so that they only see You and not see me when I talk with them. I pray that you would prepare their hearts and my heart so that repentance could happen and their walk with You and their relationship with other Christ followers could be restored. I pray for You to do a Mighty Work! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Jeremiah 45; Jeremiah 46; Jeremiah 47; Psalm 105; John 21
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Scripture
John 21
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."
19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"
22 Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"
Observation
It is always a temptation to look around and think to myself, “well I am doing better spiritually than that person.” Never judge your walk by looking at other people, but you should measure how you are doing by looking in the mirror of God’s Word. James says that the Word of God is like a mirror, “For if a person just listens and doesn't obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can't see himself anymore or remember what he looks like. But if anyone keeps looking steadily into God's law for free men, he will not only remember it but he will do what it says, and God will greatly bless him in everything he does.” James 1:23-25
That is why it is so important to be in God’s Word everyday so that we can see what we look like and make changes everyday to be in line with how God wants us to be!
Anytime we measure our spiritual maturity by someone else’s we will always be wrong in our assessment!
Application
I will work on the log in my eye and not worry so much about the speck in everybody else’s!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is so easy to compare myself with someone else when I need to just keep my focus totally on You. I pray for those that are on my heart that seem to be struggling so much these days. I pray that you will make me spiritually humble enough and so right with you that when I speak to them they will see You and hear You rather than me. I know that I need to speak to them and exhort them, but I need to be so close to You so that they only see You and not see me when I talk with them. I pray that you would prepare their hearts and my heart so that repentance could happen and their walk with You and their relationship with other Christ followers could be restored. I pray for You to do a Mighty Work! In Jesus Name Amen.
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Monday, August 18, 2008
Are You a Doubting Thomas?
Jeremiah 26; Jeremiah 35; Jeremiah 36; John 20
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Scripture
John 20
24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"
27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Observation
What do you doubt that God can do? Maybe you have never trusted in Him for salvation … so maybe you doubt that He can save you. Believe me I know that He can save you if you will just surrender your life to Him. He saved me so I know that He can save you. Maybe you doubt that He can help you with the trouble that you are going through? “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those that trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7
Application
I will trust the Lord today to take care of me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not be a doubting Thomas. Give me the faith that I need to trust You in the storms that will come my way today. Help me be a man of faith. Help me to trust in Your Word. Help our people today be people of faith. I pray for those that will be in the path of tropical storm Fay that you keep them safe. Protect our church buildings from damage from this storm. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Jeremiah 26; Jeremiah 35; Jeremiah 36; John 20
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Scripture
John 20
24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"
27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Observation
What do you doubt that God can do? Maybe you have never trusted in Him for salvation … so maybe you doubt that He can save you. Believe me I know that He can save you if you will just surrender your life to Him. He saved me so I know that He can save you. Maybe you doubt that He can help you with the trouble that you are going through? “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those that trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7
Application
I will trust the Lord today to take care of me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not be a doubting Thomas. Give me the faith that I need to trust You in the storms that will come my way today. Help me be a man of faith. Help me to trust in Your Word. Help our people today be people of faith. I pray for those that will be in the path of tropical storm Fay that you keep them safe. Protect our church buildings from damage from this storm. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Sunday, August 17, 2008
Power From Above!
Jeremiah 23; Jeremiah 24; Jeremiah 25; John 19
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Scripture
John 19
8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9 and he went back inside the palace. "Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"
11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.
Observation
Government leaders have no power unless God wants them to have it. God can remove a leader and change a government any time He wants to do so. I don’t understand why such evil governments are allowed to exist, but then I can’t see this world from God’s perspective. Reading Jeremiah this morning I saw that God used ungodly nations to discipline God’s chosen people because they had quit following Him.
No country has divine protection forever. God raises up one nation while other nations are destroyed. Our country is not guaranteed to remain the most powerful nation in the world and it is only the most powerful nation at the moment because it fits in with God’s plans. China and India are becoming important nations and believers in those countries may have opportunities to share the Gospel like never before.
The only hope for our country’s continued strength is to have more Christians in leadership where God could bless us because of their influence.
Application
I will pray for our government leaders and I will pray that more Christians rise to power within our country.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that you are in control and You can use even the most evil nation for Your purposes. I know that our country is not perfect and there are those in power that may not walk with You. I pray that the Christians that are in our government would be able to influence our country enough for us to stay a country under Your blessing and not become a nation under Your wrath. Thank you for allowing me to live here in the United States rather than some other countries that I could have been born in. You are a Wonderful God. Thank you for blessing my family so much. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Jeremiah 23; Jeremiah 24; Jeremiah 25; John 19
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Scripture
John 19
8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9 and he went back inside the palace. "Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"
11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.
Observation
Government leaders have no power unless God wants them to have it. God can remove a leader and change a government any time He wants to do so. I don’t understand why such evil governments are allowed to exist, but then I can’t see this world from God’s perspective. Reading Jeremiah this morning I saw that God used ungodly nations to discipline God’s chosen people because they had quit following Him.
No country has divine protection forever. God raises up one nation while other nations are destroyed. Our country is not guaranteed to remain the most powerful nation in the world and it is only the most powerful nation at the moment because it fits in with God’s plans. China and India are becoming important nations and believers in those countries may have opportunities to share the Gospel like never before.
The only hope for our country’s continued strength is to have more Christians in leadership where God could bless us because of their influence.
Application
I will pray for our government leaders and I will pray that more Christians rise to power within our country.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that you are in control and You can use even the most evil nation for Your purposes. I know that our country is not perfect and there are those in power that may not walk with You. I pray that the Christians that are in our government would be able to influence our country enough for us to stay a country under Your blessing and not become a nation under Your wrath. Thank you for allowing me to live here in the United States rather than some other countries that I could have been born in. You are a Wonderful God. Thank you for blessing my family so much. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Saturday, August 16, 2008
“I AM” is Totally In Control!
2 Kings 24; Jeremiah 22; Psalm 112; John 18
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
John 18
1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"
5 "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied.
"I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?"
And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
8 "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."
Observation
I have a lot of favorite chapters in the Bible but this chapter has to be right up there at the top of the list. I can feel the action. Jesus is in total control even though it seems that everyone else is controlling the situation. Here are all the characters that thought that they were in control:
1. Detachment of soldiers 300-600
2. Chief priest, other officials and some Pharisees
3. Judas
4. Satan
5. Simon Peter
6. Pilate
Jesus was in total control. It looked like Peter was going to really mess things up when he cut off the high priest servant’s ear, but Jesus quickly put it back on and I think that totally freaked out everyone that thought they had any power over Jesus. I can imagine how the guys felt when they went to actually arrest Jesus and tie him up. I believe that they were probably scared to death and knew that Jesus had the power to destroy them if He wanted to.
My favorite part of this chapter is when Jesus asked the 300-600 soldiers whom they came to arrest and they replied Jesus of Nazareth. “Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?" "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
They fell backwards to the ground just at the mention of His Name, “I AM”. In the Gospel of John Jesus has used that phrase often to describe Himself. Just as God did in Exodus with Moses when He told Moses to go and deliver the Hebrews out of Egypt.
"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. "I am the light of the world. "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" I am the gate for the sheep. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. "I am the resurrection and the life. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Application
I will not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me boldness like Peter had after the resurrection of Christ. Thank you for dying on the cross for me. You didn’t have to let them arrest You. You could have called down thousands of Angels who were probably right there watching everything that happened that night.
You are the Good Shepherd and I just don’t understand why some Christians that used to be in leadership for You now continue to choose to disobey you rather than to walk with You through life. I just don’t get it. I ask that You to raise up laborers for the harvest and I ask that You bless our church. Thank You for every person that is in a leadership position. Help them to be successful and help them to continue to grow. In Jesus Name Amen.
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2 Kings 24; Jeremiah 22; Psalm 112; John 18
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
John 18
1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"
5 "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied.
"I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?"
And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
8 "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."
Observation
I have a lot of favorite chapters in the Bible but this chapter has to be right up there at the top of the list. I can feel the action. Jesus is in total control even though it seems that everyone else is controlling the situation. Here are all the characters that thought that they were in control:
1. Detachment of soldiers 300-600
2. Chief priest, other officials and some Pharisees
3. Judas
4. Satan
5. Simon Peter
6. Pilate
Jesus was in total control. It looked like Peter was going to really mess things up when he cut off the high priest servant’s ear, but Jesus quickly put it back on and I think that totally freaked out everyone that thought they had any power over Jesus. I can imagine how the guys felt when they went to actually arrest Jesus and tie him up. I believe that they were probably scared to death and knew that Jesus had the power to destroy them if He wanted to.
My favorite part of this chapter is when Jesus asked the 300-600 soldiers whom they came to arrest and they replied Jesus of Nazareth. “Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?" "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
They fell backwards to the ground just at the mention of His Name, “I AM”. In the Gospel of John Jesus has used that phrase often to describe Himself. Just as God did in Exodus with Moses when He told Moses to go and deliver the Hebrews out of Egypt.
"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. "I am the light of the world. "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" I am the gate for the sheep. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. "I am the resurrection and the life. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Application
I will not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me boldness like Peter had after the resurrection of Christ. Thank you for dying on the cross for me. You didn’t have to let them arrest You. You could have called down thousands of Angels who were probably right there watching everything that happened that night.
You are the Good Shepherd and I just don’t understand why some Christians that used to be in leadership for You now continue to choose to disobey you rather than to walk with You through life. I just don’t get it. I ask that You to raise up laborers for the harvest and I ask that You bless our church. Thank You for every person that is in a leadership position. Help them to be successful and help them to continue to grow. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Friday, August 15, 2008
The Lord’s Prayer is Definitely for Me … and Maybe for You!
Jeremiah 18; Jeremiah 19; Jeremiah 20; Psalm 93; John 17
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Scripture
John 17
20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
Observation
I say that maybe Jesus is praying for you in John 17 and the reason I say that is because if and only if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior are you included in this prayer. This prayer is for Christ Followers only! It is definitely for me! How about you? Would you like to know more a personal relationship with Christ? If you do then you can just click here to read more…
Application
I will take Jesus’ example and pray for other Christ followers that I know.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray today for my family, my church family and I pray that you protect them from the evil one. I pray that you bless our church. Help our church to be a healthy place were people are attracted by the love each member has for the other. Help us to love each other with your love. I also pray for the believers in China and I pray for your children in the old Soviet Union. I pray that you protect them and help them to flourish in spite of the opposition and problems. Bless them a thousand times over for their faithfulness. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Jeremiah 18; Jeremiah 19; Jeremiah 20; Psalm 93; John 17
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
John 17
20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
Observation
I say that maybe Jesus is praying for you in John 17 and the reason I say that is because if and only if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior are you included in this prayer. This prayer is for Christ Followers only! It is definitely for me! How about you? Would you like to know more a personal relationship with Christ? If you do then you can just click here to read more…
Application
I will take Jesus’ example and pray for other Christ followers that I know.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray today for my family, my church family and I pray that you protect them from the evil one. I pray that you bless our church. Help our church to be a healthy place were people are attracted by the love each member has for the other. Help us to love each other with your love. I also pray for the believers in China and I pray for your children in the old Soviet Union. I pray that you protect them and help them to flourish in spite of the opposition and problems. Bless them a thousand times over for their faithfulness. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Thursday, August 14, 2008
Count on Trouble!
Jeremiah 16; Jeremiah 17; Psalm 96; John 16
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Scripture
John 16
33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Observation
Why do I have to deal with so much trouble? Answer…because you are still alive! There is a lot about trials and difficulties I don’t understand, but one thing I know and that is this, “Just because you love the Lord and are striving to walk as close as you can with Him does not mean that you are going to be problem free.”
In fact, you can count on this, “Just as soon as one problem passes you are going to have another one heading your way!” But we can have Christ’s peace right in the middle of all of our problems. He promises us His Peace, but He does not promise heaven on earth. Somehow having to deal with all these problems here on earth is preparation for a life that is going to last forever.
But we Christians living in the USA can’t even begin to imagine the lives that most Christians in other parts of the world have to endure. Can you imagine being a Christian and having to endure living in North Korea, China, Cuba, or the Sudan? I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like.
Anything that we have to go through here on earth is nothing compared to the joy that we will experience once we are in the presence of our Heavenly Father!
Application
I will thank the Lord for His Peace in my life and for His Presence that never leaves me. He is my help and refuge in times of trouble.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me Your Peace. Thank you for being with me every moment. Thank you for giving me the desire to read Your Word this morning and thank you for giving me victory over the desire to stay in the bed a few minutes longer and not get up and read first thing. I pray for the men that I am going to meet with in just a few minutes. Bless them and bless their families. I thank you for their faithfulness. I pray that these men can challenge other men to grow in their commitment to You. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit that lives within me who gives me the strength I need to live out this day. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Jeremiah 16; Jeremiah 17; Psalm 96; John 16
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
John 16
33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Observation
Why do I have to deal with so much trouble? Answer…because you are still alive! There is a lot about trials and difficulties I don’t understand, but one thing I know and that is this, “Just because you love the Lord and are striving to walk as close as you can with Him does not mean that you are going to be problem free.”
In fact, you can count on this, “Just as soon as one problem passes you are going to have another one heading your way!” But we can have Christ’s peace right in the middle of all of our problems. He promises us His Peace, but He does not promise heaven on earth. Somehow having to deal with all these problems here on earth is preparation for a life that is going to last forever.
But we Christians living in the USA can’t even begin to imagine the lives that most Christians in other parts of the world have to endure. Can you imagine being a Christian and having to endure living in North Korea, China, Cuba, or the Sudan? I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like.
Anything that we have to go through here on earth is nothing compared to the joy that we will experience once we are in the presence of our Heavenly Father!
Application
I will thank the Lord for His Peace in my life and for His Presence that never leaves me. He is my help and refuge in times of trouble.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me Your Peace. Thank you for being with me every moment. Thank you for giving me the desire to read Your Word this morning and thank you for giving me victory over the desire to stay in the bed a few minutes longer and not get up and read first thing. I pray for the men that I am going to meet with in just a few minutes. Bless them and bless their families. I thank you for their faithfulness. I pray that these men can challenge other men to grow in their commitment to You. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit that lives within me who gives me the strength I need to live out this day. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Wednesday, August 13, 2008
What Did You Eat This Morning?
Jeremiah 13; Jeremiah 14; Jeremiah 15; John 15
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Scripture
Jeremiah 15
16 When your words came, I ate them;
they were my joy and my heart's delight,
for I bear your name,
O LORD God Almighty.
17 I never sat in the company of revelers,
never made merry with them;
I sat alone because your hand was on me
and you had filled me with indignation.
18 Why is my pain unending
and my wound grievous and incurable?
Will you be to me like a deceptive brook,
like a spring that fails?
19 Therefore this is what the LORD says:
"If you repent, I will restore you
that you may serve me;
if you utter worthy, not worthless, words,
you will be my spokesman.
Let this people turn to you,
but you must not turn to them.
20 I will make you a wall to this people,
a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you
but will not overcome you,
for I am with you
to rescue and save you,"
declares the LORD.
21 "I will save you from the hands of the wicked
and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel."
Observation
What did you eat this morning? I ate Jeremiah 13-15 and John 15 and it was delicious! God tells Jeremiah how He is going to destroy the rebellious Hebrew people and so Jeremiah asked God the question, “But what about me…when your word came I ate it up and I was obedient…I never joined them in their partying or joined them in their sin…no I sat alone by myself.” So why am I being hurt so much? What about me?
Then God responds to Jeremiah and says, “Therefore this is what the LORD says: If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; … I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you," declares the LORD. I will save you from the hands of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel."
If you are a child of God and if you are walking close to Him this morning, if you are eating His Word and finding it delicious then take heart and claim this promise from Jeremiah, “I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you”.
Application
John 15:7 “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
I will continue to feast on God’s Word today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, your Word is Wonderful. Thank you for giving me a desire to be in your Word this morning. I want Your Word to change my life. Jeremiah was able to stand alone and live for You. He was faithful even though the people around Him were not. Help me to be faithful no matter what the people around me do or don’t do. Help me to be a positive influence in their lives. I pray for strength today. I pray for wisdom. Make Your Word come alive in my heart. It is my desire to please You today. You are my Mighty Wall. Your are my Rock. I trust in You! In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Jeremiah 13; Jeremiah 14; Jeremiah 15; John 15
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Jeremiah 15
16 When your words came, I ate them;
they were my joy and my heart's delight,
for I bear your name,
O LORD God Almighty.
17 I never sat in the company of revelers,
never made merry with them;
I sat alone because your hand was on me
and you had filled me with indignation.
18 Why is my pain unending
and my wound grievous and incurable?
Will you be to me like a deceptive brook,
like a spring that fails?
19 Therefore this is what the LORD says:
"If you repent, I will restore you
that you may serve me;
if you utter worthy, not worthless, words,
you will be my spokesman.
Let this people turn to you,
but you must not turn to them.
20 I will make you a wall to this people,
a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you
but will not overcome you,
for I am with you
to rescue and save you,"
declares the LORD.
21 "I will save you from the hands of the wicked
and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel."
Observation
What did you eat this morning? I ate Jeremiah 13-15 and John 15 and it was delicious! God tells Jeremiah how He is going to destroy the rebellious Hebrew people and so Jeremiah asked God the question, “But what about me…when your word came I ate it up and I was obedient…I never joined them in their partying or joined them in their sin…no I sat alone by myself.” So why am I being hurt so much? What about me?
Then God responds to Jeremiah and says, “Therefore this is what the LORD says: If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; … I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you," declares the LORD. I will save you from the hands of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel."
If you are a child of God and if you are walking close to Him this morning, if you are eating His Word and finding it delicious then take heart and claim this promise from Jeremiah, “I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you”.
Application
John 15:7 “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
I will continue to feast on God’s Word today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, your Word is Wonderful. Thank you for giving me a desire to be in your Word this morning. I want Your Word to change my life. Jeremiah was able to stand alone and live for You. He was faithful even though the people around Him were not. Help me to be faithful no matter what the people around me do or don’t do. Help me to be a positive influence in their lives. I pray for strength today. I pray for wisdom. Make Your Word come alive in my heart. It is my desire to please You today. You are my Mighty Wall. Your are my Rock. I trust in You! In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
If You Love Me…
Jeremiah 10; Jeremiah 11; Jeremiah 12; John 14
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
John 14
13 “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command.”
Observation
In the Bible reading for today in the book of Jeremiah and in the book of John the emphasis was on obeying God. In the days of Jeremiah the people had gotten very far away from God and were worshipping all kinds of other gods and their disobedience was bringing down the wrath of God on them. In the Gospel of John in chapter 14 Jesus is encouraging his disciples continue to follow him and if they would obey Him then He would be right there in their lives to answer their prayers no matter what they asked.
Verses 13 and 14 are tremendous promises for us, but I believe that they are directly connected to verse 15 where Jesus talks about obedience. A few Sundays ago someone was at church who hadn’t been to church in at least 6 months, maybe it has been a year since he had darken the doors and he was in tears and he was saying that he hadn’t worked in months and how could he believe in a God when all of this bad stuff was happening to him. As gently as I could I let him know that God’s blessings are linked to our obedience. If you are disobedient don’t expect God to bless, no, you should expect God to discipline! Matthew 6:33 comes to my mind, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. “Because the Lord disciplines those he loves”…Hebrews 12:6 “Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.” Hebrews 12:10
We as parents don’t bless disobedience and our Heavenly Father sure doesn’t either!
Application
I will memorize these three verses this week. (John 14:13-15)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to be able to ask you for anything and have you answer my prayers. I realize that my obedience to You and to Your Word is evidence of my love for You. Help me to obey You today. Show me anything in my life that I need to change. Convict me strongly the moment I choose to disobey You. Make me miserable until I confess my sin and get back on track.
Pour out Your blessings on our church. Pour out Your blessings on Your people today. You are worthy to be praised. I love you Lord. Help that man that came to church and questioned whether You existed or not. He wanted to lash out at You because of his own disobedience, I pray for him today that he would repent and that he would put You first in his life so that You can bless him and so that You can bless his family. Open his eyes today and open his heart so that he can experience Your wonderful blessings. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Jeremiah 10; Jeremiah 11; Jeremiah 12; John 14
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
John 14
13 “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command.”
Observation
In the Bible reading for today in the book of Jeremiah and in the book of John the emphasis was on obeying God. In the days of Jeremiah the people had gotten very far away from God and were worshipping all kinds of other gods and their disobedience was bringing down the wrath of God on them. In the Gospel of John in chapter 14 Jesus is encouraging his disciples continue to follow him and if they would obey Him then He would be right there in their lives to answer their prayers no matter what they asked.
Verses 13 and 14 are tremendous promises for us, but I believe that they are directly connected to verse 15 where Jesus talks about obedience. A few Sundays ago someone was at church who hadn’t been to church in at least 6 months, maybe it has been a year since he had darken the doors and he was in tears and he was saying that he hadn’t worked in months and how could he believe in a God when all of this bad stuff was happening to him. As gently as I could I let him know that God’s blessings are linked to our obedience. If you are disobedient don’t expect God to bless, no, you should expect God to discipline! Matthew 6:33 comes to my mind, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. “Because the Lord disciplines those he loves”…Hebrews 12:6 “Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.” Hebrews 12:10
We as parents don’t bless disobedience and our Heavenly Father sure doesn’t either!
Application
I will memorize these three verses this week. (John 14:13-15)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to be able to ask you for anything and have you answer my prayers. I realize that my obedience to You and to Your Word is evidence of my love for You. Help me to obey You today. Show me anything in my life that I need to change. Convict me strongly the moment I choose to disobey You. Make me miserable until I confess my sin and get back on track.
Pour out Your blessings on our church. Pour out Your blessings on Your people today. You are worthy to be praised. I love you Lord. Help that man that came to church and questioned whether You existed or not. He wanted to lash out at You because of his own disobedience, I pray for him today that he would repent and that he would put You first in his life so that You can bless him and so that You can bless his family. Open his eyes today and open his heart so that he can experience Your wonderful blessings. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Monday, August 11, 2008
Just As I Have Loved You…It’s A High Standard!
Jeremiah 7; Jeremiah 8; Jeremiah 9; John 13
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Scripture
John 13
34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Observation
You don’t understand, you don’t know what bad things that person has done to me I can’t love them. Our measuring stick for how we should love someone is not how he or she has treated us, but how Christ has treated us. I understand what the person is saying when they say that but they are not loving people with God’s kind of love.
When we only love people in proportion to how they love us we are always going to feel shorted. When Jesus washed the disciples feet it was demonstrating a sacrificial Agape kind of love. It is loving people even when they don’t deserve it.
Oscar Thompson, one of my old seminary professors, gave me this definition of love: it is meeting a person's needs, both physical and spiritual. Sometimes that requires tough love, but it is always to help meet that person's deepest needs.
You may say, “Eddy you don’t know how bad this person has treated me,” and while that is certainly true I don’t my response to you is love him or her like Christ loves you and not like how they are mistreating you. And this kind of love for someone is impossible if you are not walking closely with the Lord. Impossible!
Application
I will look for someone that needs an act of kindness today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to love people like you do. Help me to love them deeply with a selfless kind of love. Give me your eyes and your heart today for the people around me. I don’t want to miss an opportunity to love someone with your Agape love. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Jeremiah 7; Jeremiah 8; Jeremiah 9; John 13
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Scripture
John 13
34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Observation
You don’t understand, you don’t know what bad things that person has done to me I can’t love them. Our measuring stick for how we should love someone is not how he or she has treated us, but how Christ has treated us. I understand what the person is saying when they say that but they are not loving people with God’s kind of love.
When we only love people in proportion to how they love us we are always going to feel shorted. When Jesus washed the disciples feet it was demonstrating a sacrificial Agape kind of love. It is loving people even when they don’t deserve it.
Oscar Thompson, one of my old seminary professors, gave me this definition of love: it is meeting a person's needs, both physical and spiritual. Sometimes that requires tough love, but it is always to help meet that person's deepest needs.
You may say, “Eddy you don’t know how bad this person has treated me,” and while that is certainly true I don’t my response to you is love him or her like Christ loves you and not like how they are mistreating you. And this kind of love for someone is impossible if you are not walking closely with the Lord. Impossible!
Application
I will look for someone that needs an act of kindness today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to love people like you do. Help me to love them deeply with a selfless kind of love. Give me your eyes and your heart today for the people around me. I don’t want to miss an opportunity to love someone with your Agape love. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Sunday, August 10, 2008
“Me”… My Number One Problem!
Jeremiah 5; Jeremiah 6; John 12
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Scripture
John 12
23 Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory.
24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.
25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.
26 Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.
Observation
The biggest problem that you have in your marriage is not your spouse, no it is not him or if you are a guy it is not her, no it is “you”. We are so full of ourselves that the only thing that many of us can see as a solution to our problems is a divorce… like that is going to get that person out of our lives.
Dying to self is the only way to make a marriage work and it is the only way to have healthy relationships. He hurt my feelings or she doesn’t give me any respect…well a dead person doesn’t have feelings that can be hurt and doesn’t need respect. If you are dead…you are dead…period. Our problem is that we are way too alive and concerned way too much for “Numero 1”.
But all we care about is ourselves! Thank goodness Jesus didn’t decide to think about only Himself and thank goodness that He didn’t opt out of dying for you and for me.
Marriage is a forever kind of commitment and that is what you promised God and that is what you promised your spouse when you said, “I do”. You didn’t say, “I might”. I recently have heard of marriages breaking up after 25, 30, even 38 years of being together and I say that is ridiculous. It is a spiritual problem, a heart problem. It is a love problem, but not just a problem with each other but I guarantee you that their first love is not Jesus either! They will rationalize and they will blame each other, but they need to examine their hearts and get right with God. I don’t care if your wife spits in your face and curses at you every time you walk into the door …love her…she is your wife. I don’t care if she has completely lost her mind or if she is sleeping with other men and bragging about it…love her.
Love is dying to self. Love is dying to “me”. Look hard at your life today. How much of your life is driven by “self”?
Application
I plan to think more about Kathy today than I think about myself and do something special for her today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me Kathy and not a wife like some guys I know are married to. She is the best gift that you could have ever given me. She is well worth dying for and I would die for her in a heartbeat. Help me never to think more about myself than I do about her. I pray for my friends that want to give up on their marriages. I pray that you do something to keep them from bailing out on their commitment to you and to each other. Help me model for my kids, for my grandchildren, and for our church the kind of love that a man should have for his wife. I pray that you bless Kathy today. I pray that you give her the energy that she needs to serve you and a desire to follow you with all of her heart. I pray for my friends Jeanie and John Seale that you heal John and may he have a full recovery from this recent stroke. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Jeremiah 5; Jeremiah 6; John 12
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
John 12
23 Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory.
24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.
25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.
26 Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.
Observation
The biggest problem that you have in your marriage is not your spouse, no it is not him or if you are a guy it is not her, no it is “you”. We are so full of ourselves that the only thing that many of us can see as a solution to our problems is a divorce… like that is going to get that person out of our lives.
Dying to self is the only way to make a marriage work and it is the only way to have healthy relationships. He hurt my feelings or she doesn’t give me any respect…well a dead person doesn’t have feelings that can be hurt and doesn’t need respect. If you are dead…you are dead…period. Our problem is that we are way too alive and concerned way too much for “Numero 1”.
But all we care about is ourselves! Thank goodness Jesus didn’t decide to think about only Himself and thank goodness that He didn’t opt out of dying for you and for me.
Marriage is a forever kind of commitment and that is what you promised God and that is what you promised your spouse when you said, “I do”. You didn’t say, “I might”. I recently have heard of marriages breaking up after 25, 30, even 38 years of being together and I say that is ridiculous. It is a spiritual problem, a heart problem. It is a love problem, but not just a problem with each other but I guarantee you that their first love is not Jesus either! They will rationalize and they will blame each other, but they need to examine their hearts and get right with God. I don’t care if your wife spits in your face and curses at you every time you walk into the door …love her…she is your wife. I don’t care if she has completely lost her mind or if she is sleeping with other men and bragging about it…love her.
Love is dying to self. Love is dying to “me”. Look hard at your life today. How much of your life is driven by “self”?
Application
I plan to think more about Kathy today than I think about myself and do something special for her today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me Kathy and not a wife like some guys I know are married to. She is the best gift that you could have ever given me. She is well worth dying for and I would die for her in a heartbeat. Help me never to think more about myself than I do about her. I pray for my friends that want to give up on their marriages. I pray that you do something to keep them from bailing out on their commitment to you and to each other. Help me model for my kids, for my grandchildren, and for our church the kind of love that a man should have for his wife. I pray that you bless Kathy today. I pray that you give her the energy that she needs to serve you and a desire to follow you with all of her heart. I pray for my friends Jeanie and John Seale that you heal John and may he have a full recovery from this recent stroke. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Saturday, August 09, 2008
“Unwrap him and let him go!”
Jeremiah 3; Jeremiah 4; John 11
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Scripture
John 11
17 When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”
38 Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. 39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them.
But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”
40 Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.”
43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth.
Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”
Observation
This is one of my most favorite stories in the entire Bible! It is full of action and excitement! Jesus says, “Roll the stone away” and immediately Martha protest because she knows that a body that has been dead for four days is not going to smell good at all. Jesus ignores what she says and they roll back the stone away from the entrance and Jesus shouts, “Lazarus, come out!” Now, think about this, Lazarus is all wrapped up in cloth like a mummy, but Jesus tells him to come out!
He must have hopped out of that cave, but I bet he came out fast! Can you imagine what was going through Lazarus’ mind or the minds of those that were watching! It is an amazing story.
Before a person receives Christ and becomes a Christ follower they are like Lazarus, dead in the grave. They are dead men walking. Before we come to Christ sin wraps us up and has us all bound up. But when we come to Christ we are unwrapped and set free and we are no longer slaves to sin. I love verses 25-26, “…I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die…”
God says that those that are Christians smell good!
2 Corinthians 2:15 “For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”
Application
I will be ready to share the Good News of Jesus with someone today so they can be “unwrapped and set free”!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that miracles happen in our lives to help us believe and to help us trust in you. I pray that today I will be able to see your miraculous hand in what happens today. Give me your thoughts. Give me your eyes and your heart so I can see people today just like you see them. Thank you for answering my prayers for the sick that I have been praying for. You are an awesome God. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Jeremiah 3; Jeremiah 4; John 11
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
John 11
17 When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”
38 Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. 39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them.
But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”
40 Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.”
43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth.
Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”
Observation
This is one of my most favorite stories in the entire Bible! It is full of action and excitement! Jesus says, “Roll the stone away” and immediately Martha protest because she knows that a body that has been dead for four days is not going to smell good at all. Jesus ignores what she says and they roll back the stone away from the entrance and Jesus shouts, “Lazarus, come out!” Now, think about this, Lazarus is all wrapped up in cloth like a mummy, but Jesus tells him to come out!
He must have hopped out of that cave, but I bet he came out fast! Can you imagine what was going through Lazarus’ mind or the minds of those that were watching! It is an amazing story.
Before a person receives Christ and becomes a Christ follower they are like Lazarus, dead in the grave. They are dead men walking. Before we come to Christ sin wraps us up and has us all bound up. But when we come to Christ we are unwrapped and set free and we are no longer slaves to sin. I love verses 25-26, “…I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die…”
God says that those that are Christians smell good!
2 Corinthians 2:15 “For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”
Application
I will be ready to share the Good News of Jesus with someone today so they can be “unwrapped and set free”!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that miracles happen in our lives to help us believe and to help us trust in you. I pray that today I will be able to see your miraculous hand in what happens today. Give me your thoughts. Give me your eyes and your heart so I can see people today just like you see them. Thank you for answering my prayers for the sick that I have been praying for. You are an awesome God. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, August 08, 2008
Evil Doesn’t Come From God
Jeremiah 1; Jeremiah 2; John 10
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Scripture
John 10
10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (NLT)
10 A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. (Msg)
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV)
Observation
Last night Kathy and I listened to the interview that Larry King had with Steven Curtis Chapman and his family. It was an incredible testimony of their faith in our Heavenly Father. They talked about the tragic death of their 5-year-old daughter Maria Sue, who died after her 17- year-old brother Will accidentally backed over her in the family's driveway. You can read the entire interview by clicking here.
Here is part of the interview where a listener has asked a question about how a God that is Good could let this happen and I think it is a great answer:
KING: "a lot of people might ask how a good and loving god could allow the kind of pain your family is enduring. How would you respond?" Steven, why would he allow it?
S. CHAPMAN: That's a great, great question and one that we have all wrestled with, and I've absolutely wrestled with. By saying I haven't been angry at god, I've been real angry. My anger has really been aimed at the one who I understand has -- the Bible says has comes to steal, kill and destroy, the enemy of god, Satan. But if you've ever read the book of Job, you know that somehow god allows things. I believe god allows evil. He doesn't crush everything that's evil, or who of us could stand before him, if we've ever had any evil in our life.
KING: But this wasn't evil?
S. CHAPMAN: Well, but what happened was -- what happened to my daughter, I believe, was evil, that she died in the driveway of my house. But my anger has been aimed at the one who I believe ultimately destroys and kills, the enemy of god. Why did god allow it? I believe god was there. I believe god had tears in his eyes. I believe god weeps over -- over death. Jesus wept at the grave the Lazarus. In the Bible, Jesus weeps at death.
You might be going through something right now, maybe it is an illness, or a tragic death of a loved one, or maybe you have received some bad news about your health or the health of a loved one and I think these are great words to remember. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He takes care of His Sheep. Yes, sometimes God allows evil to touch our lives, but it does not come from Him. It comes from the evil one, the murderer, and the destroyer and not from God.
Application
I will use this passage to comfort someone that is going through a difficult time.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for Steven Curtis Chapman and his family. I thank you for allowing me to hear the interview last night. What a strong witness for you. I pray that you bless them. Use them to comfort and strengthen others that are going through difficult circumstances. Thank you for allowing me to be one of your sheep and thank you for the abundant life that I am experiencing. I don’t deserve it, but thank you for saving me. I again ask you to heal those that I am praying for that are sick and I pray for those that I know that have just received difficult news about their health. I pray that they will turn to you for strength in this time of need. And I pray for a marriage that needs a miracle. I pray that you bring this couple back together even though it looks impossible. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Jeremiah 1; Jeremiah 2; John 10
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
John 10
10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (NLT)
10 A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. (Msg)
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV)
Observation
Last night Kathy and I listened to the interview that Larry King had with Steven Curtis Chapman and his family. It was an incredible testimony of their faith in our Heavenly Father. They talked about the tragic death of their 5-year-old daughter Maria Sue, who died after her 17- year-old brother Will accidentally backed over her in the family's driveway. You can read the entire interview by clicking here.
Here is part of the interview where a listener has asked a question about how a God that is Good could let this happen and I think it is a great answer:
KING: "a lot of people might ask how a good and loving god could allow the kind of pain your family is enduring. How would you respond?" Steven, why would he allow it?
S. CHAPMAN: That's a great, great question and one that we have all wrestled with, and I've absolutely wrestled with. By saying I haven't been angry at god, I've been real angry. My anger has really been aimed at the one who I understand has -- the Bible says has comes to steal, kill and destroy, the enemy of god, Satan. But if you've ever read the book of Job, you know that somehow god allows things. I believe god allows evil. He doesn't crush everything that's evil, or who of us could stand before him, if we've ever had any evil in our life.
KING: But this wasn't evil?
S. CHAPMAN: Well, but what happened was -- what happened to my daughter, I believe, was evil, that she died in the driveway of my house. But my anger has been aimed at the one who I believe ultimately destroys and kills, the enemy of god. Why did god allow it? I believe god was there. I believe god had tears in his eyes. I believe god weeps over -- over death. Jesus wept at the grave the Lazarus. In the Bible, Jesus weeps at death.
You might be going through something right now, maybe it is an illness, or a tragic death of a loved one, or maybe you have received some bad news about your health or the health of a loved one and I think these are great words to remember. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He takes care of His Sheep. Yes, sometimes God allows evil to touch our lives, but it does not come from Him. It comes from the evil one, the murderer, and the destroyer and not from God.
Application
I will use this passage to comfort someone that is going through a difficult time.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for Steven Curtis Chapman and his family. I thank you for allowing me to hear the interview last night. What a strong witness for you. I pray that you bless them. Use them to comfort and strengthen others that are going through difficult circumstances. Thank you for allowing me to be one of your sheep and thank you for the abundant life that I am experiencing. I don’t deserve it, but thank you for saving me. I again ask you to heal those that I am praying for that are sick and I pray for those that I know that have just received difficult news about their health. I pray that they will turn to you for strength in this time of need. And I pray for a marriage that needs a miracle. I pray that you bring this couple back together even though it looks impossible. In Jesus Name Amen.
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Thursday, August 07, 2008
“Yes, Lord, I believe!”
Zephaniah 1; Zephaniah 2; Zephaniah 3; John 9
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Scripture
John 9
25 “I don’t know whether he is a sinner,” the man replied. “But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!”
26 “But what did he do?” they asked. “How did he heal you?”
27 “Look!” the man exclaimed. “I told you once. Didn’t you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?”
28 Then they cursed him and said, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses! 29 We know God spoke to Moses, but we don’t even know where this man comes from.”
30 “Why, that’s very strange!” the man replied. “He healed my eyes, and yet you don’t know where he comes from? 31 We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will. 32 Ever since the world began, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he couldn’t have done it.”
34 “You were born a total sinner!” they answered. “Are you trying to teach us?” And they threw him out of the synagogue.
35 When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
36 The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.”
37 “You have seen him,” Jesus said, “and he is speaking to you!”
38 “Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus.
Observation
Jesus healed this man that had been blind from birth and He healed Him just because He wanted to heal him. It was not because of the man’s faith because at the time that he was healed the man did not even know who Jesus was. After Jesus healed him then Jesus challenged the man to become a man of faith.
Do you need healing today? Jesus is the Great Healer. Jesus can heal you. It may be that you have a physical illness today and you need to be healed physically, but it may also be that you are spiritually sick and you need to come to Jesus and be healed spiritually too. Jesus wants to make you whole!
It could be today that your illness is not because of your sins or the sins of your parents. The disciples asked Jesus about this man that was born blind, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins? It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.
Maybe you are sick today and maybe this sickness happened so the power of God could be seen in you. If you find yourself sick today let me ask you pray and surrender your life to the Lord. Ask Him to take control of your life. Put your life (including your sickness) in His Mighty Hands. Say to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe! Take some time right now and worship Jesus!
Application
I will encourage those that are sick today to trust in Jesus for their healing and for their salvation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t understand sickness. I don’t know why you allow small children to battle sickness. I pray for little Sage today. I pray for her complete healing. I pray for her Mom Kelsey today and I pray for her complete healing. So many are sick and we are not able to understand why. We cannot see or understand because we don’t have a God’s view of things. But you tell us to pray for those that are sick and you will heal them. So today in obedience I bring those that I know that are sick to you: Kelsey, Sage, Willie, Patty, Marie, Jonathan, Bobby Bear, and all the others in our church that need your healing. You are Mighty. Nothing is too hard for you! Help these that are sick to put their trust in You. Show yourself powerful in their lives today. May they be able to give you praise today because of their faith in you. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Zephaniah 1; Zephaniah 2; Zephaniah 3; John 9
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
John 9
25 “I don’t know whether he is a sinner,” the man replied. “But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!”
26 “But what did he do?” they asked. “How did he heal you?”
27 “Look!” the man exclaimed. “I told you once. Didn’t you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?”
28 Then they cursed him and said, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses! 29 We know God spoke to Moses, but we don’t even know where this man comes from.”
30 “Why, that’s very strange!” the man replied. “He healed my eyes, and yet you don’t know where he comes from? 31 We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will. 32 Ever since the world began, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he couldn’t have done it.”
34 “You were born a total sinner!” they answered. “Are you trying to teach us?” And they threw him out of the synagogue.
35 When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
36 The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.”
37 “You have seen him,” Jesus said, “and he is speaking to you!”
38 “Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus.
Observation
Jesus healed this man that had been blind from birth and He healed Him just because He wanted to heal him. It was not because of the man’s faith because at the time that he was healed the man did not even know who Jesus was. After Jesus healed him then Jesus challenged the man to become a man of faith.
Do you need healing today? Jesus is the Great Healer. Jesus can heal you. It may be that you have a physical illness today and you need to be healed physically, but it may also be that you are spiritually sick and you need to come to Jesus and be healed spiritually too. Jesus wants to make you whole!
It could be today that your illness is not because of your sins or the sins of your parents. The disciples asked Jesus about this man that was born blind, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins? It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.
Maybe you are sick today and maybe this sickness happened so the power of God could be seen in you. If you find yourself sick today let me ask you pray and surrender your life to the Lord. Ask Him to take control of your life. Put your life (including your sickness) in His Mighty Hands. Say to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe! Take some time right now and worship Jesus!
Application
I will encourage those that are sick today to trust in Jesus for their healing and for their salvation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t understand sickness. I don’t know why you allow small children to battle sickness. I pray for little Sage today. I pray for her complete healing. I pray for her Mom Kelsey today and I pray for her complete healing. So many are sick and we are not able to understand why. We cannot see or understand because we don’t have a God’s view of things. But you tell us to pray for those that are sick and you will heal them. So today in obedience I bring those that I know that are sick to you: Kelsey, Sage, Willie, Patty, Marie, Jonathan, Bobby Bear, and all the others in our church that need your healing. You are Mighty. Nothing is too hard for you! Help these that are sick to put their trust in You. Show yourself powerful in their lives today. May they be able to give you praise today because of their faith in you. In Jesus Name Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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