What Love Is And What Love Is Not!
Numbers 24; Numbers 25; Numbers 26; Numbers 27; 1 Corinthians 13
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 13
1 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless.
11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
Observation
Talk about a convicting chapter this is one that speaks right to the heart! Let’s look at verses four through seven and see what love is and what love is not.
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
What really clobbers you as you read those verses? I think these are the ones that nail me, “love is not rude, love is not irritable, and love is patient”. You may say that you hardly ever see me being rude, irritable, or impatient and I would simply remind you that you are not married to me. The person I hurt the most is Kathy. When I am a grouch she usually catches the brunt of my ugliness. How about you? Who do you clobber when love is not what is overflowing from your life? I am sure it is the one or ones that you actually do love the most. They get to experience the real “us” more than anyone else.
Application
I will begin to memorize 1 Corinthians 13 today so the Holy Spirit can bring those verses to my mind when I am acting out.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, this is an amazing chapter and I pray that I demonstrate more of what love is and less of what love is not. Thank you for what You are doing in my life and in the lives of those around me. You are an amazing God.
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Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Need For Quiet Place!
Numbers 21; Numbers 22; Numbers 23; Mark 6; Mark 7
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Scripture
Mark 6
30 The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. 31 Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.
32 So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. 33 But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. 34 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
46 After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.
47 Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. 48 He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 50 They were all terrified when they saw him.
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, 52 for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.
Observation
Jesus told his disciples that they needed to find a “quiet place.” The busyness of life will suck the life out of you unless you have a “quiet place” to get alone with God. I am sitting in my “quiet place” right now. I am in my little office/front bedroom of our home. No one else is up. It is dark outside. It is my “quiet place”.
Every morning I sit down with a cup of coffee in my “quiet place” and I read God’s word and I let God speak to my heart. When I am lying down at night my bed is also my “quiet place” and when God wakes me up I talk to him. It is quiet, no one else is up, and it is my second “quiet place.”
Your quiet place can be anywhere. I remember when my quiet place used to be in my car when I worked construction work years ago. It has been in many different places, in even several different countries, but I have to have a “quiet place”. Where is your “quiet place”?
Why not take time to decide on one today? Take your Bible, an ink pen, and some paper and place it right there ready for you to meet God. I have all of that right on my computer so I just crank up my computer, get my cup of coffee, sit down, make about 2 mouse clicks and I am feeding on the Word of God. Nobody around, no noises, except for maybe a bird or two singing outside … it is quiet … just my God and me. It is awesome!
One last thing … having a “quiet place” prepares you and me for the storms of life. Storms, problems, and struggles are all part of life. They should drive us to take refuge in that “quiet place”. But sometimes instead of seeking God we stay out there in the storm struggling on our own letting life take us under. God will meet us today if we will just find a “quiet place” to talk to Him.
Application
I am enjoying my time in my “quiet place” this morning. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for meeting me this morning in my favorite “quiet place”. Thank you for answering my prayers. You are an awesome God. There is nothing too hard for you. Bless our church. Bless our staff. Give my staff the desires of their hearts, answer their prayers, and make their plans successful. Amen.
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Numbers 21; Numbers 22; Numbers 23; Mark 6; Mark 7
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Scripture
Mark 6
30 The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. 31 Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.
32 So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. 33 But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. 34 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
46 After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.
47 Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. 48 He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 50 They were all terrified when they saw him.
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, 52 for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.
Observation
Jesus told his disciples that they needed to find a “quiet place.” The busyness of life will suck the life out of you unless you have a “quiet place” to get alone with God. I am sitting in my “quiet place” right now. I am in my little office/front bedroom of our home. No one else is up. It is dark outside. It is my “quiet place”.
Every morning I sit down with a cup of coffee in my “quiet place” and I read God’s word and I let God speak to my heart. When I am lying down at night my bed is also my “quiet place” and when God wakes me up I talk to him. It is quiet, no one else is up, and it is my second “quiet place.”
Your quiet place can be anywhere. I remember when my quiet place used to be in my car when I worked construction work years ago. It has been in many different places, in even several different countries, but I have to have a “quiet place”. Where is your “quiet place”?
Why not take time to decide on one today? Take your Bible, an ink pen, and some paper and place it right there ready for you to meet God. I have all of that right on my computer so I just crank up my computer, get my cup of coffee, sit down, make about 2 mouse clicks and I am feeding on the Word of God. Nobody around, no noises, except for maybe a bird or two singing outside … it is quiet … just my God and me. It is awesome!
One last thing … having a “quiet place” prepares you and me for the storms of life. Storms, problems, and struggles are all part of life. They should drive us to take refuge in that “quiet place”. But sometimes instead of seeking God we stay out there in the storm struggling on our own letting life take us under. God will meet us today if we will just find a “quiet place” to talk to Him.
Application
I am enjoying my time in my “quiet place” this morning. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for meeting me this morning in my favorite “quiet place”. Thank you for answering my prayers. You are an awesome God. There is nothing too hard for you. Bless our church. Bless our staff. Give my staff the desires of their hearts, answer their prayers, and make their plans successful. Amen.
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Thursday, February 26, 2009
Celebrate Recovery!
Numbers 19; Numbers 20; Psalm 28; Mark 5
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Scripture
1 So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from a cemetery to meet him. 3 This man lived among the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. 4 Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.
6 When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. 7 With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.”
9 Then Jesus demanded, “What is your name?”
And he replied, “My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man.” 10 Then the evil spirits begged him again and again not to send them to some distant place.
11 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby. 12 “Send us into those pigs,” the spirits begged. “Let us enter them.”
13 So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.
14 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. People rushed out to see what had happened. 15 A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. 16 Then those who had seen what happened told the others about the demon-possessed man and the pigs. 17 And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.
18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. 19 But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” 20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.
Observation
I love this story. I can just picture this wild, mean, crazy man in my mind can’t you! Everybody must have known him and everyone must have been scared to death of him. Those pig herders must have known him and I wonder if they were listening when Jesus told the legion of evil spirits that they could go and reside in those pigs. The evil spirits begged Jesus to send them to some distant place but they settled for 2,000 pigs that were nearby. They asked permission from Jesus to relocate from the crazy man to the herd of pigs. Even that is interesting that they had to ask permission and didn’t they know that the pigs would run into the water and drown and where did the evil spirits go after their short ride with the pigs?
Just look at the description of this dude he was one tough crazy guy: “ This man lived among the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.” Then he met Jesus and he left a completely changed guy. He left, as a man in is right mind, fully clothed, full of joy, and a commissioned evangelist!
I am watching this happen in “CR” at our church! Celebrate Recovery helps men and women that are like this man was to be set free from the bondage of their hurts, hang-ups, and habits. I wonder if this man ever met up with Jesus again to talk about what happened that day … I bet he did!
Application
I will never give up on people no matter crazy, how shackled, how mean, no matter how messed up they are. I will never give up on them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that the demons that were in that man, then that went into those pigs I know that they are still roaming this earth today. I know that our battle is not with flesh and blood but it is with principalities and powers in high places. I pray that You would set our people free that are held in bondage to addictions and destructive habits that are destroying them and hurting everyone around them. Set them free Lord. Set them free.
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Numbers 19; Numbers 20; Psalm 28; Mark 5
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Scripture
1 So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from a cemetery to meet him. 3 This man lived among the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. 4 Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.
6 When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. 7 With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.”
9 Then Jesus demanded, “What is your name?”
And he replied, “My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man.” 10 Then the evil spirits begged him again and again not to send them to some distant place.
11 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby. 12 “Send us into those pigs,” the spirits begged. “Let us enter them.”
13 So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.
14 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. People rushed out to see what had happened. 15 A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. 16 Then those who had seen what happened told the others about the demon-possessed man and the pigs. 17 And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.
18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. 19 But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” 20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.
Observation
I love this story. I can just picture this wild, mean, crazy man in my mind can’t you! Everybody must have known him and everyone must have been scared to death of him. Those pig herders must have known him and I wonder if they were listening when Jesus told the legion of evil spirits that they could go and reside in those pigs. The evil spirits begged Jesus to send them to some distant place but they settled for 2,000 pigs that were nearby. They asked permission from Jesus to relocate from the crazy man to the herd of pigs. Even that is interesting that they had to ask permission and didn’t they know that the pigs would run into the water and drown and where did the evil spirits go after their short ride with the pigs?
Just look at the description of this dude he was one tough crazy guy: “ This man lived among the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.” Then he met Jesus and he left a completely changed guy. He left, as a man in is right mind, fully clothed, full of joy, and a commissioned evangelist!
I am watching this happen in “CR” at our church! Celebrate Recovery helps men and women that are like this man was to be set free from the bondage of their hurts, hang-ups, and habits. I wonder if this man ever met up with Jesus again to talk about what happened that day … I bet he did!
Application
I will never give up on people no matter crazy, how shackled, how mean, no matter how messed up they are. I will never give up on them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that the demons that were in that man, then that went into those pigs I know that they are still roaming this earth today. I know that our battle is not with flesh and blood but it is with principalities and powers in high places. I pray that You would set our people free that are held in bondage to addictions and destructive habits that are destroying them and hurting everyone around them. Set them free Lord. Set them free.
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Wednesday, February 25, 2009
“Why are you afraid?”
Numbers 17; Numbers 18; Psalm 29; Mark 4
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Scripture
Mark 4
35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Observation
Fear versus Faith
I was awake early this morning just like almost every morning and just like every morning I began to think about all the things that are happening in my life and that are happening in the lives of those that I love. I wish that I could tell you that every morning as I lie in bed thinking about all this stuff that I did it without moments of fear and worry. Sorry…I am a work in progress…I am not there yet.
A lot of our men went this past weekend to a Men’s conference and we had the opportunity to sit under the teaching of Steve Farrar. He said something that I think is huge at least it is huge for me. He said that we need to talk to ourselves but we need to quit listening to ourselves. He explained that when we listen to ourselves that is when we go over and over in our minds scenarios that might happen, we take those worries or thoughts and we keep making them bigger and bigger until they completely dominate our thoughts and we are caught living in fear and caught living lives void of faith. Steve said that we should talk to ourselves and speak to ourselves the word of God so we would be men of faith.
I know for me that the Devil loves to whisper lies during the early morning when I wake up. The thoughts, the worries, the fears sure are not coming from my Heavenly Father.
The disciples were so afraid and do you know that none of the fear that they experienced was necessary … because they had Jesus in their boat. Water was coming over the sides of the boat; the boat was filling up with water yet Jesus was sleeping through it all. When they woke him up He rebuked the waves and the wind and then He rebuked his disciples.
Jesus is Lord of my life. He is more than in my boat He is on the throne of my life. No storm should shake me up. No worry, no crisis, no problem, that the Devil throws at me is too big for my Savior. That’s why they call Him Savior!
Application
I will please the Lord today by trusting Him with all the storms that surround me. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your word says that it is impossible to please You without faith. It is my desire today to please You. Help me have the necessary faith to trust You right now. By faith I trust You to work miracles in my life just like you did in the lives of your disciples in that boat. You are the calmer of storms. You are the Prince of Peace. Today I want to experience Your Peace in the midst of the rough water! Help me not to worry. Help me not to fear. Help me to be completely dependent on You. You are my Savior, my Rock, and my Protector. Amen.
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Numbers 17; Numbers 18; Psalm 29; Mark 4
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Scripture
Mark 4
35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Observation
Fear versus Faith
I was awake early this morning just like almost every morning and just like every morning I began to think about all the things that are happening in my life and that are happening in the lives of those that I love. I wish that I could tell you that every morning as I lie in bed thinking about all this stuff that I did it without moments of fear and worry. Sorry…I am a work in progress…I am not there yet.
A lot of our men went this past weekend to a Men’s conference and we had the opportunity to sit under the teaching of Steve Farrar. He said something that I think is huge at least it is huge for me. He said that we need to talk to ourselves but we need to quit listening to ourselves. He explained that when we listen to ourselves that is when we go over and over in our minds scenarios that might happen, we take those worries or thoughts and we keep making them bigger and bigger until they completely dominate our thoughts and we are caught living in fear and caught living lives void of faith. Steve said that we should talk to ourselves and speak to ourselves the word of God so we would be men of faith.
I know for me that the Devil loves to whisper lies during the early morning when I wake up. The thoughts, the worries, the fears sure are not coming from my Heavenly Father.
The disciples were so afraid and do you know that none of the fear that they experienced was necessary … because they had Jesus in their boat. Water was coming over the sides of the boat; the boat was filling up with water yet Jesus was sleeping through it all. When they woke him up He rebuked the waves and the wind and then He rebuked his disciples.
Jesus is Lord of my life. He is more than in my boat He is on the throne of my life. No storm should shake me up. No worry, no crisis, no problem, that the Devil throws at me is too big for my Savior. That’s why they call Him Savior!
Application
I will please the Lord today by trusting Him with all the storms that surround me. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your word says that it is impossible to please You without faith. It is my desire today to please You. Help me have the necessary faith to trust You right now. By faith I trust You to work miracles in my life just like you did in the lives of your disciples in that boat. You are the calmer of storms. You are the Prince of Peace. Today I want to experience Your Peace in the midst of the rough water! Help me not to worry. Help me not to fear. Help me to be completely dependent on You. You are my Savior, my Rock, and my Protector. Amen.
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Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sin Always Has Consequences
Numbers 14; Numbers 15; Numbers 16; Mark 3
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Scripture
Numbers 14
17 “Please, Lord, prove that your power is as great as you have claimed. For you said, 18 ‘The LORD is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. But he does not excuse the guilty. He lays the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations.’ 19 In keeping with your magnificent, unfailing love, please pardon the sins of this people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.”
20 Then the LORD said, “I will pardon them as you have requested. 21 But as surely as I live, and as surely as the earth is filled with the LORD’s glory, 22 not one of these people will ever enter that land. They have all seen my glorious presence and the miraculous signs I performed both in Egypt and in the wilderness, but again and again, they have tested me by refusing to listen to my voice. 23 They will never even see the land I swore to give their ancestors. None of those who have treated me with contempt will ever see it. 24 But my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have. He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored. His descendants will possess their full share of that land. 25 Now turn around, and don’t go on toward the land where the Amalekites and Canaanites live. Tomorrow you must set out for the wilderness in the direction of the Red Sea.
Observation
Consequences of our sin don’t only affect us but it affects those around us. Hammer a nail into the back of a wooden door and then pull it out the nail is gone but the wood is scarred. The nail can be removed but the scar is still there. Sin does the same thing. It always leaves a scar. God can and will forgive us of a sin when we ask Him but He does not take away the consequences.
One of the biggest sins I see in our country and all around Tampa is the sin of pleasure. Pleasure has become the number one god in the USA. For an example look at how people turn to illegal substance abuse just for the sake of the moment of pleasure. The god of pleasure drives us to addiction. The consequences of the god of pleasure are destruction. The person thinks that it will only affect them. It is a lie straight from the pit of hell. The sin of pleasure has consequences for everyone that is surrounded by someone worshipping this god. Every person close to them pays an enormous price for their moment of pleasure.
The Israelites paid a huge price for the sin of unbelief. It cost them the Promise Land. God did forgive them in response to Moses prayer for them, but the consequence for what they did was severe.
God says to put Him first. He is the only true God. Any other god that you follow will lead you down a road that has severe consequences. Trust me; I know first hand what I am talking about.
Application
I will help those stuck in the destructive cycle of addiction because one day they will hit rock bottom and turn to the Lord. At least I know that some will repent and look up!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me love those that cause so much pain and so much damage because of their addictions. Give me the ability to love them like You love them. Thank you for giving me people like Linda and Orville Renner and those in Celebrate Recovery that are showing folks how they can overcome hurts, hang ups, and habits by their example.
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Numbers 14; Numbers 15; Numbers 16; Mark 3
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Scripture
Numbers 14
17 “Please, Lord, prove that your power is as great as you have claimed. For you said, 18 ‘The LORD is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. But he does not excuse the guilty. He lays the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations.’ 19 In keeping with your magnificent, unfailing love, please pardon the sins of this people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.”
20 Then the LORD said, “I will pardon them as you have requested. 21 But as surely as I live, and as surely as the earth is filled with the LORD’s glory, 22 not one of these people will ever enter that land. They have all seen my glorious presence and the miraculous signs I performed both in Egypt and in the wilderness, but again and again, they have tested me by refusing to listen to my voice. 23 They will never even see the land I swore to give their ancestors. None of those who have treated me with contempt will ever see it. 24 But my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have. He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored. His descendants will possess their full share of that land. 25 Now turn around, and don’t go on toward the land where the Amalekites and Canaanites live. Tomorrow you must set out for the wilderness in the direction of the Red Sea.
Observation
Consequences of our sin don’t only affect us but it affects those around us. Hammer a nail into the back of a wooden door and then pull it out the nail is gone but the wood is scarred. The nail can be removed but the scar is still there. Sin does the same thing. It always leaves a scar. God can and will forgive us of a sin when we ask Him but He does not take away the consequences.
One of the biggest sins I see in our country and all around Tampa is the sin of pleasure. Pleasure has become the number one god in the USA. For an example look at how people turn to illegal substance abuse just for the sake of the moment of pleasure. The god of pleasure drives us to addiction. The consequences of the god of pleasure are destruction. The person thinks that it will only affect them. It is a lie straight from the pit of hell. The sin of pleasure has consequences for everyone that is surrounded by someone worshipping this god. Every person close to them pays an enormous price for their moment of pleasure.
The Israelites paid a huge price for the sin of unbelief. It cost them the Promise Land. God did forgive them in response to Moses prayer for them, but the consequence for what they did was severe.
God says to put Him first. He is the only true God. Any other god that you follow will lead you down a road that has severe consequences. Trust me; I know first hand what I am talking about.
Application
I will help those stuck in the destructive cycle of addiction because one day they will hit rock bottom and turn to the Lord. At least I know that some will repent and look up!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me love those that cause so much pain and so much damage because of their addictions. Give me the ability to love them like You love them. Thank you for giving me people like Linda and Orville Renner and those in Celebrate Recovery that are showing folks how they can overcome hurts, hang ups, and habits by their example.
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Monday, February 23, 2009
“But” … Is a Word Used by Spiritual Wimps!
Numbers 12; Numbers 13; Psalm 90; Mark 2
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Scripture
Numbers 13
25 After exploring the land for forty days, the men returned 26 to Moses, Aaron, and the whole community of Israel at Kadesh in the wilderness of Paran. They reported to the whole community what they had seen and showed them the fruit they had taken from the land. 27 This was their report to Moses: “We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. 28 But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak! 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev, and the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country. The Canaanites live along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and along the Jordan Valley.”
30 But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!”
31 But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. “We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!” 32 So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: “The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. 33 We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!”
Observation
In today’s Bible reading there was great stuff to write about in every chapter; it was all so very good. I am amazed as I read this story, but I shouldn’t be because the giants in my life seem just as big and just as real as what those twelve scouts faced! We have giants to face in our lives just like the children of Israel had. It is no different today than it was back then. Your giant may be an addiction, it may be a messed up relationship with your spouse, it may be a rebellious or prodigal son or daughter, it may be the loss of a job, it may be a broken relationship with someone at church or at work, none of have a life void of these kinds of giants.
The God that had walked them through the Red sea on dry ground and had destroyed all of their enemies was the same God that would walk with them into the Promised Land, but… The scouts were ok until verse 28, until they used the “B” word then it was all down hill from there. Once they took their eyes off of their God and put their focus on the giants and would you notice that the shift came with the use of one little word, “But”. We do the same thing every day. We read God’s word and all of His promises and we know that our God can take care of us, but our circumstances, our giants become bigger than our God and we begin making excuses and letting the “B” word fly…
Can I say this without you getting offended, “Why don’t you ask God to kick your “Butt” if He catches you using the “B” word. In God everything is “Yes” - there are no “buts”.
In Christ everything is “I can” - there is no giant too big for our God.
“For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” Philip. 4:13
Application
I will remember this passage as I face today’s Giants!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be a man of faith. It is my desire to be a man like Joshua and a man like Caleb. I don’t want to be a spiritual wimp. Help me be a man of Faith. Give me the wisdom that I need for this day. God I pray that you help me to see You at work in everything I do today. You are an awesome God. You are worthy to be praised. Thank you for the men of our church. Help them to be Joshua’s and Caleb’s! Help them to be men of Faith!
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Numbers 12; Numbers 13; Psalm 90; Mark 2
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Scripture
Numbers 13
25 After exploring the land for forty days, the men returned 26 to Moses, Aaron, and the whole community of Israel at Kadesh in the wilderness of Paran. They reported to the whole community what they had seen and showed them the fruit they had taken from the land. 27 This was their report to Moses: “We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. 28 But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak! 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev, and the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country. The Canaanites live along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and along the Jordan Valley.”
30 But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!”
31 But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. “We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!” 32 So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: “The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. 33 We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!”
Observation
In today’s Bible reading there was great stuff to write about in every chapter; it was all so very good. I am amazed as I read this story, but I shouldn’t be because the giants in my life seem just as big and just as real as what those twelve scouts faced! We have giants to face in our lives just like the children of Israel had. It is no different today than it was back then. Your giant may be an addiction, it may be a messed up relationship with your spouse, it may be a rebellious or prodigal son or daughter, it may be the loss of a job, it may be a broken relationship with someone at church or at work, none of have a life void of these kinds of giants.
The God that had walked them through the Red sea on dry ground and had destroyed all of their enemies was the same God that would walk with them into the Promised Land, but… The scouts were ok until verse 28, until they used the “B” word then it was all down hill from there. Once they took their eyes off of their God and put their focus on the giants and would you notice that the shift came with the use of one little word, “But”. We do the same thing every day. We read God’s word and all of His promises and we know that our God can take care of us, but our circumstances, our giants become bigger than our God and we begin making excuses and letting the “B” word fly…
Can I say this without you getting offended, “Why don’t you ask God to kick your “Butt” if He catches you using the “B” word. In God everything is “Yes” - there are no “buts”.
In Christ everything is “I can” - there is no giant too big for our God.
“For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” Philip. 4:13
Application
I will remember this passage as I face today’s Giants!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be a man of faith. It is my desire to be a man like Joshua and a man like Caleb. I don’t want to be a spiritual wimp. Help me be a man of Faith. Give me the wisdom that I need for this day. God I pray that you help me to see You at work in everything I do today. You are an awesome God. You are worthy to be praised. Thank you for the men of our church. Help them to be Joshua’s and Caleb’s! Help them to be men of Faith!
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Sunday, February 22, 2009
And No One Tried To Stop Him!
Feb 21, 2009 Journal reading (Day 22 follows this entry)
Numbers 8; Numbers 9; Acts 28
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Scripture
Acts 28
30 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, 31 boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.
Observation
I think that this is amazing! Paul had always wanted to go to Rome and preach. He tried many times but was never able to go, but now at the end of his life he is preaching and no one is even trying to stop him. You have to wonder how many people came to Christ during Paul’s two house arrest in Rome. God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. God had a plan for Paul’s life and we are touched by that plan just about every day as we read God’s word.
God is going to use us. Nobody can keep us from being used by God unless maybe it is ourselves. When we are in the center of God’s will nobody can touch us unless it is part of God’s plan. God is working constantly in the lives of those around us. He never slows down. He never grows tired. He is a God of Mercy. It is His desire that those around us be saved. And so we pray for their salvation and we watch God work.
Application
I will boldly proclaim Jesus!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the boldness of Paul. Help me to keep You first in my life. Thank You for what You are doing in the lives of those around me. Thank You for being a God of Mercy, a God of love, and thank You for not giving any of us what we deserve. Amen.
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Feb 21, 2009 Journal reading (Day 22 follows this entry)
Numbers 8; Numbers 9; Acts 28
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Scripture
Acts 28
30 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, 31 boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.
Observation
I think that this is amazing! Paul had always wanted to go to Rome and preach. He tried many times but was never able to go, but now at the end of his life he is preaching and no one is even trying to stop him. You have to wonder how many people came to Christ during Paul’s two house arrest in Rome. God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. God had a plan for Paul’s life and we are touched by that plan just about every day as we read God’s word.
God is going to use us. Nobody can keep us from being used by God unless maybe it is ourselves. When we are in the center of God’s will nobody can touch us unless it is part of God’s plan. God is working constantly in the lives of those around us. He never slows down. He never grows tired. He is a God of Mercy. It is His desire that those around us be saved. And so we pray for their salvation and we watch God work.
Application
I will boldly proclaim Jesus!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the boldness of Paul. Help me to keep You first in my life. Thank You for what You are doing in the lives of those around me. Thank You for being a God of Mercy, a God of love, and thank You for not giving any of us what we deserve. Amen.
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Lord, I Am Coming!
Numbers 10; Numbers 11; Psalm 27; Mark 1
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Scripture
Psalm 27
7 Hear me as I pray, O LORD.
Be merciful and answer me!
8 My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.”
Observation
Have you heard the Lord saying to you, “Come and talk with me?” This morning very early in the morning I heard Him saying, “Come and talk with me?” and my heart responded, “Lord, I am coming.” There is nothing better than waking up during the night and knowing that God wants to have a talk with you. If you did the same thing this morning then you know what I mean and you can understand what David is saying in this Psalm.
This is a huge day because of everything that will happen this Lord’s day, but really it is just a normal day of trusting God with my life. He is my life. He is my strength. He is my Guide.
Application
I will trust God to guide me through this day depending on Him every second.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, hear me as I pray, O LORD. Be merciful and answer me!
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.”
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Numbers 10; Numbers 11; Psalm 27; Mark 1
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Scripture
Psalm 27
7 Hear me as I pray, O LORD.
Be merciful and answer me!
8 My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.”
Observation
Have you heard the Lord saying to you, “Come and talk with me?” This morning very early in the morning I heard Him saying, “Come and talk with me?” and my heart responded, “Lord, I am coming.” There is nothing better than waking up during the night and knowing that God wants to have a talk with you. If you did the same thing this morning then you know what I mean and you can understand what David is saying in this Psalm.
This is a huge day because of everything that will happen this Lord’s day, but really it is just a normal day of trusting God with my life. He is my life. He is my strength. He is my Guide.
Application
I will trust God to guide me through this day depending on Him every second.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, hear me as I pray, O LORD. Be merciful and answer me!
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.”
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Friday, February 20, 2009
In The Center of God’s Will – There is No Safer Place to Be!
Numbers 7; Psalm 23; Acts 27
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Scripture
Acts 27
18 The next day, as gale-force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard. 19 The following day they even took some of the ship’s gear and threw it overboard. 20 The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.
21 No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. 22 But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. 23 For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, 24 and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ 25 So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. 26 But we will be shipwrecked on an island.”
Observation
Paul was on his way to stand trial before Caesar and nothing was going to stop God’s plan for Paul’s life…nothing!
When we are in the center of God’s will there is no safer place that we can be. It doesn’t matter if we are fighting in Iraq or in an airplane experiencing engine trouble, or finding ourselves without a job, or facing terminal cancer we are safe if we are in the center of God’s will.
Those soldiers couldn’t kill Paul, the storm couldn’t kill Paul, and the snake that bites him in the next chapter couldn’t kill Paul, because Paul was safe in the center of God’s will. You and I can find ourselves in some dangerous, seemingly hopeless situations, but if God has first place in our hearts then we do not have to worry at all…we are safe. He wraps His mighty wings of protection around us like a mother hen takes care of her chicks.
Just look at how many times people tried to kill Paul during his 3 missionary journeys, but they couldn’t…why…because Paul was safe in the center of God’s will.
Dangerous … is living one day outside of the will of God!
Application
I will seek to live everyday in obedience to my Heavenly Father.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be obedient. Help me to walk with You today listening to You as You speak to my heart. Don’t let me sin. Don’t let me get outside of your will. I want to be under the protection of Your mighty wings. You are my strength. You are my protection.
The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Amen Psalm 23
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Numbers 7; Psalm 23; Acts 27
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Scripture
Acts 27
18 The next day, as gale-force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard. 19 The following day they even took some of the ship’s gear and threw it overboard. 20 The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.
21 No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. 22 But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. 23 For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, 24 and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ 25 So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. 26 But we will be shipwrecked on an island.”
Observation
Paul was on his way to stand trial before Caesar and nothing was going to stop God’s plan for Paul’s life…nothing!
When we are in the center of God’s will there is no safer place that we can be. It doesn’t matter if we are fighting in Iraq or in an airplane experiencing engine trouble, or finding ourselves without a job, or facing terminal cancer we are safe if we are in the center of God’s will.
Those soldiers couldn’t kill Paul, the storm couldn’t kill Paul, and the snake that bites him in the next chapter couldn’t kill Paul, because Paul was safe in the center of God’s will. You and I can find ourselves in some dangerous, seemingly hopeless situations, but if God has first place in our hearts then we do not have to worry at all…we are safe. He wraps His mighty wings of protection around us like a mother hen takes care of her chicks.
Just look at how many times people tried to kill Paul during his 3 missionary journeys, but they couldn’t…why…because Paul was safe in the center of God’s will.
Dangerous … is living one day outside of the will of God!
Application
I will seek to live everyday in obedience to my Heavenly Father.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be obedient. Help me to walk with You today listening to You as You speak to my heart. Don’t let me sin. Don’t let me get outside of your will. I want to be under the protection of Your mighty wings. You are my strength. You are my protection.
The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Amen Psalm 23
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Thursday, February 19, 2009
Blessings Are So Important!
Numbers 5; Numbers 6; Psalm 22; Acts 26
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Scripture
24 ‘May the LORD bless you
and protect you.
25 May the LORD smile on you
and be gracious to you.
26 May the LORD show you his favor
and give you his peace.’
Observation
A friend of mine kneels at the side of the bed each morning before he leaves for work and prays a blessing on his wife! I try to pray a blessing on Kathy each day before I leave the house, but I do it as I give her a kiss and I am heading out the door. I am impressed with my friend but I think I will keep giving my blessing at the door!
Praying a blessing on people is so important. God honors those prayers. He responds and blesses those that we bless. Why not start this habit at your house!
Application
I will pray a blessing on everyone I think about today.
Prayer
“May the LORD bless you
and protect you.
May the LORD smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the LORD show you his favor
and give you his peace.”
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Numbers 5; Numbers 6; Psalm 22; Acts 26
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Scripture
24 ‘May the LORD bless you
and protect you.
25 May the LORD smile on you
and be gracious to you.
26 May the LORD show you his favor
and give you his peace.’
Observation
A friend of mine kneels at the side of the bed each morning before he leaves for work and prays a blessing on his wife! I try to pray a blessing on Kathy each day before I leave the house, but I do it as I give her a kiss and I am heading out the door. I am impressed with my friend but I think I will keep giving my blessing at the door!
Praying a blessing on people is so important. God honors those prayers. He responds and blesses those that we bless. Why not start this habit at your house!
Application
I will pray a blessing on everyone I think about today.
Prayer
“May the LORD bless you
and protect you.
May the LORD smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the LORD show you his favor
and give you his peace.”
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Wednesday, February 18, 2009
He is Alive!
Numbers 3; Numbers 4; Acts 25
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Scripture
Acts 25
19 Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive.
Observation
What makes Christianity different than all other religions is the fact that Jesus died and came back to life and is alive today! No other religious leaders have been able to do that …only God has power over death. When you and I die we cannot make ourselves come back to life. It is over.
Once we die our life here on earth is done.
Jesus died and came back to life after being dead for three days. He allowed Himself to be put to death in order to die for us – in our place – for our sins. He voluntarily gave His sinless life in exchange for our sinful lives then He came back to life. He is alive today. He has victory over death!
Application
My faith is not in a dead man, no my faith is in the One that came back from the dead to save me!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that I am able to serve a living God the One who has power over sickness and death. In fact, You have power over everything in both Heaven and earth … nothing escapes You. I pray for Jene Williams and I ask that you completely heal him. May they find nothing wrong, as they run test today I ask that You touch his body and fix anything that might need Your healing touch. I pray for my children and my grandchildren that You would draw them close to You. Soften their hearts and help them to walk with You.
I pray for the leaders of our church and our staff that today they would seek Your face and I pray that You would put the desire in their hearts to spend time with You. I pray for revival in our country. I pray for godly leaders to lead us through these days of turmoil. I pray for leaders that would have the mind of Christ and would lead our country in accordance to Your word. I pray for our President that he would seek Your face and make decisions based on knowledge of Your word. I ask that You would stop our country from making the murder of the unborn legal. You are the Mighty God and You are the giver and taker of life. You are Worthy of Praise!
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Numbers 3; Numbers 4; Acts 25
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Scripture
Acts 25
19 Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive.
Observation
What makes Christianity different than all other religions is the fact that Jesus died and came back to life and is alive today! No other religious leaders have been able to do that …only God has power over death. When you and I die we cannot make ourselves come back to life. It is over.
Once we die our life here on earth is done.
Jesus died and came back to life after being dead for three days. He allowed Himself to be put to death in order to die for us – in our place – for our sins. He voluntarily gave His sinless life in exchange for our sinful lives then He came back to life. He is alive today. He has victory over death!
Application
My faith is not in a dead man, no my faith is in the One that came back from the dead to save me!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that I am able to serve a living God the One who has power over sickness and death. In fact, You have power over everything in both Heaven and earth … nothing escapes You. I pray for Jene Williams and I ask that you completely heal him. May they find nothing wrong, as they run test today I ask that You touch his body and fix anything that might need Your healing touch. I pray for my children and my grandchildren that You would draw them close to You. Soften their hearts and help them to walk with You.
I pray for the leaders of our church and our staff that today they would seek Your face and I pray that You would put the desire in their hearts to spend time with You. I pray for revival in our country. I pray for godly leaders to lead us through these days of turmoil. I pray for leaders that would have the mind of Christ and would lead our country in accordance to Your word. I pray for our President that he would seek Your face and make decisions based on knowledge of Your word. I ask that You would stop our country from making the murder of the unborn legal. You are the Mighty God and You are the giver and taker of life. You are Worthy of Praise!
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Tuesday, February 17, 2009
I know That You Have Heard of the Wii But Do You Know The Way
Numbers 1; Numbers 2; Acts 24
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Scripture
Acts 24
14 “But I admit that I follow the Way…”
Observation
I was sharing my faith with some guys yesterday and I kept getting the same response when I asked the question, “If you were to die today where would you spend eternity?” They all responded in just about the same way, “I think that I am ok, I am not that bad of a person, I think that God is going to let me into heaven…” One guy told me that he didn’t shoot up heroin anymore so now God was going to let him into heaven. None of those guys knew “The Way”.
Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life no man comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
Jesus is THE WAY! Unless you personally know the WAY you are not going to Heaven, you are going to spend an eternity in the place that God calls Hell. It has nothing to do with your behavior. It has everything to do with a relationship with Jesus.
Application
I will pray for those guys that I shared with yesterday that they will trust in the WAY – JESUS.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for Jose, Shannon, and David, I pray that you open up their spiritual eyes so that they can experience salvation. I pray that they would understand that the Good News is for them. I pray that You would plant in their hearts a desire to attend a church where they will have the opportunity to be saved. I pray for their salvation. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell them about Jesus. I pray for Mission Tampa. I pray that you bless every person that volunteers to serve You through this ministry and I pray for Mike Copple who directs it.
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Numbers 1; Numbers 2; Acts 24
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Scripture
Acts 24
14 “But I admit that I follow the Way…”
Observation
I was sharing my faith with some guys yesterday and I kept getting the same response when I asked the question, “If you were to die today where would you spend eternity?” They all responded in just about the same way, “I think that I am ok, I am not that bad of a person, I think that God is going to let me into heaven…” One guy told me that he didn’t shoot up heroin anymore so now God was going to let him into heaven. None of those guys knew “The Way”.
Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life no man comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
Jesus is THE WAY! Unless you personally know the WAY you are not going to Heaven, you are going to spend an eternity in the place that God calls Hell. It has nothing to do with your behavior. It has everything to do with a relationship with Jesus.
Application
I will pray for those guys that I shared with yesterday that they will trust in the WAY – JESUS.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for Jose, Shannon, and David, I pray that you open up their spiritual eyes so that they can experience salvation. I pray that they would understand that the Good News is for them. I pray that You would plant in their hearts a desire to attend a church where they will have the opportunity to be saved. I pray for their salvation. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell them about Jesus. I pray for Mission Tampa. I pray that you bless every person that volunteers to serve You through this ministry and I pray for Mike Copple who directs it.
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Monday, February 16, 2009
Don’t Mess With God’s Anointed
Leviticus 26; Leviticus 27; Acts 23
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Scripture
Acts 23
1 Gazing intently at the high council, Paul began: “Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!”
2 Instantly Ananias the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth. 3 But Paul said to him, “God will slap you, you corrupt hypocrite! What kind of judge are you to break the law yourself by ordering me struck like that?”
4 Those standing near Paul said to him, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?”
5 “I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’”
"Do not blaspheme God or curse anyone who rules over you. Exodus 22:28
Observation
Paul really knew the scriptures! It is amazing that he knew Exodus 22:28 and it came to his mind just as soon as he found out that the one that he had called a corrupt hypocrite was the high priest. He apologized and he went straight to God’s word to show that he knew he was wrong. What humility - especially after being struck in the face for doing nothing wrong.
It reminds me of King David when he was in the cave and he had the chance to kill King Saul, but he wouldn’t do it because Saul was God’s anointed. Saul was evil. He was trying to find David to kill him and yet when David had the chance (twice) he refused to kill his enemy because God had established Saul as king.
In both of these instances Paul and David were going by God’s principles that God had established in His word. Don’t mess with God’s anointed – period. God will discipline those He has placed in spiritual authority. Trust me God has dealt with Ananias and King Saul and I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes. They had the opportunity to bring God glory and receive His blessings, but they instead will receive His fury and His punishment.
Application
I will not speak evil of other pastors or leaders that God has placed in authority.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be concerned about the beam in my eye and not worry about the speck in my brother’s eye. I realize that when I hear of a pastor falling into sin that the same thing could happen to me if I don’t guard my heart. Keep me focused on the ministry that you have called me to and don’t let me become a critic of others. Thank you for surrounding me with such great people. Thank you for what You are doing in the lives of the people in our church. You are worthy of Praise!
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Leviticus 26; Leviticus 27; Acts 23
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Scripture
Acts 23
1 Gazing intently at the high council, Paul began: “Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!”
2 Instantly Ananias the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth. 3 But Paul said to him, “God will slap you, you corrupt hypocrite! What kind of judge are you to break the law yourself by ordering me struck like that?”
4 Those standing near Paul said to him, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?”
5 “I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’”
"Do not blaspheme God or curse anyone who rules over you. Exodus 22:28
Observation
Paul really knew the scriptures! It is amazing that he knew Exodus 22:28 and it came to his mind just as soon as he found out that the one that he had called a corrupt hypocrite was the high priest. He apologized and he went straight to God’s word to show that he knew he was wrong. What humility - especially after being struck in the face for doing nothing wrong.
It reminds me of King David when he was in the cave and he had the chance to kill King Saul, but he wouldn’t do it because Saul was God’s anointed. Saul was evil. He was trying to find David to kill him and yet when David had the chance (twice) he refused to kill his enemy because God had established Saul as king.
In both of these instances Paul and David were going by God’s principles that God had established in His word. Don’t mess with God’s anointed – period. God will discipline those He has placed in spiritual authority. Trust me God has dealt with Ananias and King Saul and I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes. They had the opportunity to bring God glory and receive His blessings, but they instead will receive His fury and His punishment.
Application
I will not speak evil of other pastors or leaders that God has placed in authority.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be concerned about the beam in my eye and not worry about the speck in my brother’s eye. I realize that when I hear of a pastor falling into sin that the same thing could happen to me if I don’t guard my heart. Keep me focused on the ministry that you have called me to and don’t let me become a critic of others. Thank you for surrounding me with such great people. Thank you for what You are doing in the lives of the people in our church. You are worthy of Praise!
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Sunday, February 15, 2009
Surrender
Leviticus 25; Psalm 25; Psalm 26; Acts 22
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Scripture
Psalm 25
1 O LORD, I give my life to you.
2 I trust in you, my God!
Observation
Even though God created us and we belong to Him like everything else on this earth you and I still need to give our lives to Him. There has to be a surrender of our lives over to Him. He only becomes Your Lord and Your Savior when you have given Him your life. If you have never asked Him to come into your life to save you from your sins then you are not one of His children. You are His creation but you only become a child of God when you give your life to Him.
Application
I will trust in the Lord today.
Prayer
O LORD, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God!
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Leviticus 25; Psalm 25; Psalm 26; Acts 22
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Scripture
Psalm 25
1 O LORD, I give my life to you.
2 I trust in you, my God!
Observation
Even though God created us and we belong to Him like everything else on this earth you and I still need to give our lives to Him. There has to be a surrender of our lives over to Him. He only becomes Your Lord and Your Savior when you have given Him your life. If you have never asked Him to come into your life to save you from your sins then you are not one of His children. You are His creation but you only become a child of God when you give your life to Him.
Application
I will trust in the Lord today.
Prayer
O LORD, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God!
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Saturday, February 14, 2009
Who is The King of Glory?
Leviticus 23; Leviticus 24; Psalm 24; Acts 21
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Scripture
Psalm 24
1 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him.
2 For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas
and built it on the ocean depths.
3 Who may climb the mountain of the LORD?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
who do not worship idols
and never tell lies.
5 They will receive the LORD’s blessing
and have a right relationship with God their savior.
6 Such people may seek you
and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.
Interlude
7 Open up, ancient gates!
Open up, ancient doors,
and let the King of glory enter.
8 Who is the King of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty;
the LORD, invincible in battle.
9 Open up, ancient gates!
Open up, ancient doors,
and let the King of glory enter.
10 Who is the King of glory?
The LORD of Heaven’s Armies—
he is the King of glory.
Observation
I think that we need a reality check especially now with our country seemingly spinning out of control. If you are looking for a Savior in anyone else other than the “King of glory”, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies then you are going to be greatly disappointed. I don’t care how good a President you think that we might have he is not our savior and he is not the Messiah. He is not going to fix your deepest problems or your deepest needs. In fact, it is possible that he may only make things a million times worse for you.
So I recommend that we look to heaven for our support and for our strength. I suggest that you and I look to the King of glory. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Heaven’s Armies – He is the King of glory! He is our only Savior!
Application
I will not look to our government to bail me out. I will look to the King of Glory! How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, the earth is the Yours, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to You. For You laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. I will seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.
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Leviticus 23; Leviticus 24; Psalm 24; Acts 21
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Scripture
Psalm 24
1 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him.
2 For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas
and built it on the ocean depths.
3 Who may climb the mountain of the LORD?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
who do not worship idols
and never tell lies.
5 They will receive the LORD’s blessing
and have a right relationship with God their savior.
6 Such people may seek you
and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.
Interlude
7 Open up, ancient gates!
Open up, ancient doors,
and let the King of glory enter.
8 Who is the King of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty;
the LORD, invincible in battle.
9 Open up, ancient gates!
Open up, ancient doors,
and let the King of glory enter.
10 Who is the King of glory?
The LORD of Heaven’s Armies—
he is the King of glory.
Observation
I think that we need a reality check especially now with our country seemingly spinning out of control. If you are looking for a Savior in anyone else other than the “King of glory”, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies then you are going to be greatly disappointed. I don’t care how good a President you think that we might have he is not our savior and he is not the Messiah. He is not going to fix your deepest problems or your deepest needs. In fact, it is possible that he may only make things a million times worse for you.
So I recommend that we look to heaven for our support and for our strength. I suggest that you and I look to the King of glory. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Heaven’s Armies – He is the King of glory! He is our only Savior!
Application
I will not look to our government to bail me out. I will look to the King of Glory! How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, the earth is the Yours, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to You. For You laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. I will seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.
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Friday, February 13, 2009
Want To Be Blessed More Then You Need To…
Leviticus 20; Leviticus 21; Leviticus 22; Acts 20
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Scripture
Acts 20
33 “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. 34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. 35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Observation
Do you have the gift of giving? If you said, “no” then you and I are in the same boat. Paul and Jesus both say it, “if you want to be blessed then you have got to be a giver.” Do you believe what God says in His Word? Do you and I really believe it? There are so many scriptures about giving. What is your favorite? Here are a few of mine:
If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you." Luke 6:38
"Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! "But you ask, 'What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?' "You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do," says the Lord Almighty, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you! Malachi 3:8-10
Application
I will look where I can be a blessing to someone today by giving something away.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me put into practice, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”.
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Leviticus 20; Leviticus 21; Leviticus 22; Acts 20
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Scripture
Acts 20
33 “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. 34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. 35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Observation
Do you have the gift of giving? If you said, “no” then you and I are in the same boat. Paul and Jesus both say it, “if you want to be blessed then you have got to be a giver.” Do you believe what God says in His Word? Do you and I really believe it? There are so many scriptures about giving. What is your favorite? Here are a few of mine:
If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you." Luke 6:38
"Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! "But you ask, 'What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?' "You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do," says the Lord Almighty, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you! Malachi 3:8-10
Application
I will look where I can be a blessing to someone today by giving something away.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me put into practice, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”.
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Thursday, February 12, 2009
Posers!
Leviticus 18; Leviticus 19; Psalm 13; Acts 19
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Scripture
Acts 19
13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.
Observation
You might look like a skater, you might wear the right clothes, the right shoes, and you might even have a skateboard, but if you can’t skate then you are a poser. A poser might look like a Christian, might act like a Christian, but if Jesus is not Lord of his life then he is just a poser.
Has their been a time in your life when you realized that you needed a Savior and have you asked Jesus to come into your life to save you? If not you may be guilty of being a poser. Are you the real deal or just a poser?
Application
I am not a poser. Jesus Christ is my Lord and He is my Savior.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that You have allowed me to become one of Your children. I am the real deal, but it is not because of anything that I have done it is because You saved me and changed me. I am redeemed. I am saved. I give You Praise! I am not a poser!
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Leviticus 18; Leviticus 19; Psalm 13; Acts 19
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Scripture
Acts 19
13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.
Observation
You might look like a skater, you might wear the right clothes, the right shoes, and you might even have a skateboard, but if you can’t skate then you are a poser. A poser might look like a Christian, might act like a Christian, but if Jesus is not Lord of his life then he is just a poser.
Has their been a time in your life when you realized that you needed a Savior and have you asked Jesus to come into your life to save you? If not you may be guilty of being a poser. Are you the real deal or just a poser?
Application
I am not a poser. Jesus Christ is my Lord and He is my Savior.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that You have allowed me to become one of Your children. I am the real deal, but it is not because of anything that I have done it is because You saved me and changed me. I am redeemed. I am saved. I give You Praise! I am not a poser!
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Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Don’t Be Afraid!
Leviticus 15; Leviticus 16; Leviticus 17; Acts 18
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Scripture
Acts 18
9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” 11 So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.
Observation
Fear is a lack of faith. How many times in the Bible does God tell us not to be afraid? I don’t know but I am going to go to www.bible.crosswalk.com and find out right now and then I will let you know! Hold on I will be right back!
The word “afraid” is found 206 times in the NIV translation of the Bible and 189 times in the King James. Of course not all of those times are God telling us not to be afraid but it is a common theme throughout His word. Here are some examples:
After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." Genesis 15:1
Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you." Deuteronomy 3:22
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 2 Kings 6:16
Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. 1 Chronicles 22:13
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. Psalm 56:3
So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32
Application
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. Psalm 56:3
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to be afraid. I know that when fears come into my life it is the result of my not trusting You and it is evident that I am being influenced by the whisper of the evil one. I pray that Your word would fill my heart with courage and boldness. Help me to lead our church to be people of faith. I pray that in the weeks ahead that we would see You work miracles in our midst. Help me be a man of faith a man of courage and boldness with the humility that comes from being with You.
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Leviticus 15; Leviticus 16; Leviticus 17; Acts 18
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Scripture
Acts 18
9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” 11 So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.
Observation
Fear is a lack of faith. How many times in the Bible does God tell us not to be afraid? I don’t know but I am going to go to www.bible.crosswalk.com and find out right now and then I will let you know! Hold on I will be right back!
The word “afraid” is found 206 times in the NIV translation of the Bible and 189 times in the King James. Of course not all of those times are God telling us not to be afraid but it is a common theme throughout His word. Here are some examples:
After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." Genesis 15:1
Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you." Deuteronomy 3:22
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 2 Kings 6:16
Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. 1 Chronicles 22:13
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. Psalm 56:3
So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32
Application
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. Psalm 56:3
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to be afraid. I know that when fears come into my life it is the result of my not trusting You and it is evident that I am being influenced by the whisper of the evil one. I pray that Your word would fill my heart with courage and boldness. Help me to lead our church to be people of faith. I pray that in the weeks ahead that we would see You work miracles in our midst. Help me be a man of faith a man of courage and boldness with the humility that comes from being with You.
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Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Was God Ever Lonely?
Leviticus 13; Leviticus 14; Acts 17
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Scripture
Acts 17
22 So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, 23 for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about."
24 “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, 25 and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. 26 From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.
27 “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. 28 For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 29 And since this is true, we shouldn’t think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone.
30 “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. 31 For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.”
Observation
I had someone call me up the other day and in the conversation this friend mentioned that he thought that God had created us because God was lonely. I said that I didn’t think God has ever been lonely. Yet I do know that God created us to have fellowship with Him. “…And human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need.” Companionship is a definite need that we experience and God is the satisfier of our need for companionship, but He has never been lonely.
Application
I need to spend time with the Lord not because it helps meet any of His needs, no I need to meet with Him because I was created for fellowship with Him and He can take care of everything need in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I read this passage I understand that You didn’t have to create human beings to feel some need that You had, but You only did it for us. It was for our benefit, not Yours. We are the needy people. It is great to be able to go to Someone that is not needy, but just the opposite we can go to you knowing that You are all Powerful. You can satisfy every need in my life. I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made!
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Leviticus 13; Leviticus 14; Acts 17
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Scripture
Acts 17
22 So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, 23 for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about."
24 “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, 25 and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. 26 From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.
27 “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. 28 For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 29 And since this is true, we shouldn’t think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone.
30 “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. 31 For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.”
Observation
I had someone call me up the other day and in the conversation this friend mentioned that he thought that God had created us because God was lonely. I said that I didn’t think God has ever been lonely. Yet I do know that God created us to have fellowship with Him. “…And human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need.” Companionship is a definite need that we experience and God is the satisfier of our need for companionship, but He has never been lonely.
Application
I need to spend time with the Lord not because it helps meet any of His needs, no I need to meet with Him because I was created for fellowship with Him and He can take care of everything need in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I read this passage I understand that You didn’t have to create human beings to feel some need that You had, but You only did it for us. It was for our benefit, not Yours. We are the needy people. It is great to be able to go to Someone that is not needy, but just the opposite we can go to you knowing that You are all Powerful. You can satisfy every need in my life. I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made!
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Monday, February 09, 2009
What must I do to be saved?
Leviticus 10; Leviticus 11; Leviticus 12; Acts 16
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Scripture
Acts 16
22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.
25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!
27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”
29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.
Observation
I love this story don’t you! Paul and Silas were singing and praising God at midnight in the most inner part of the prison. They had just been beaten and I am sure that they were in pain and yet they could not help but praise the Lord.
It is an incredible story of God’s power over evil. Paul and Silas were in that prison so that jailer could come to faith in Jesus. He and his entire family were saved. I wonder how that jail was run after his conversion. I am sure that any Christians that were placed in that prison got special treatment!
I think it is important to note that the jailer fell down trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas. He was at their mercy. Why didn’t the other prisoners escape when the doors were thrown wide open? I think that they were too scared to move because they knew that God had opened those doors for Paul and Silas. God didn’t open those doors for Paul and Silas to escape, no; He unlocked that prison to show His power.
What must you do to be saved? Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!
Application
Praise can bring down the walls of a city and praise can open the doors of a prison and praise can also set us free. I will praise the Lord today. Will you join me?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to praise you today. You are so Worthy of Praise. Thank you for putting that desire in my heart. You are the lifter up of my head. You are my shield. You are my fortress. You are my refuge. You are my strength.
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Leviticus 10; Leviticus 11; Leviticus 12; Acts 16
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Scripture
Acts 16
22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.
25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!
27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”
29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.
Observation
I love this story don’t you! Paul and Silas were singing and praising God at midnight in the most inner part of the prison. They had just been beaten and I am sure that they were in pain and yet they could not help but praise the Lord.
It is an incredible story of God’s power over evil. Paul and Silas were in that prison so that jailer could come to faith in Jesus. He and his entire family were saved. I wonder how that jail was run after his conversion. I am sure that any Christians that were placed in that prison got special treatment!
I think it is important to note that the jailer fell down trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas. He was at their mercy. Why didn’t the other prisoners escape when the doors were thrown wide open? I think that they were too scared to move because they knew that God had opened those doors for Paul and Silas. God didn’t open those doors for Paul and Silas to escape, no; He unlocked that prison to show His power.
What must you do to be saved? Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!
Application
Praise can bring down the walls of a city and praise can open the doors of a prison and praise can also set us free. I will praise the Lord today. Will you join me?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to praise you today. You are so Worthy of Praise. Thank you for putting that desire in my heart. You are the lifter up of my head. You are my shield. You are my fortress. You are my refuge. You are my strength.
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Sunday, February 08, 2009
Salvation is Through Faith In Jesus Christ Alone
Leviticus 7; Leviticus 8; Leviticus 9; Acts 15
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Scripture
Acts 15
1 While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Paul and Barnabas disagreed with them, arguing vehemently. Finally, the church decided to send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local believers, to talk to the apostles and elders about this question. 3 The church sent the delegates to Jerusalem, and they stopped along the way in Phoenicia and Samaria to visit the believers. They told them—much to everyone’s joy—that the Gentiles, too, were being converted.
11 We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.”
Observation
The Good News of Jesus Christ is this, “that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” Period…end of discussion! It is amazing that down through the years people have always wanted to add works to salvation. Much of the Apostle Paul’s writing was to refute those you wanted to say that you needed to do something more in order to be saved. It is still going on today.
Salvation is a free gift that you must receive not something that you must earn.
“He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did.” Titus 3:5-6
God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9
Application
I will help people understand that the Gospel message is all about God’s undeserved grace.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, everything that You have made gets twisted and perverted by the evil one and Your plan to save us is no different. So many people want to make salvation something that is impossible because they say we must earn it. Nothing can take away my sin only the blood of Jesus. Help me to make the Gospel clear every time I share it. Give me an opportunity to share the message of salvation with someone this week.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Leviticus 7; Leviticus 8; Leviticus 9; Acts 15
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Acts 15
1 While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Paul and Barnabas disagreed with them, arguing vehemently. Finally, the church decided to send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local believers, to talk to the apostles and elders about this question. 3 The church sent the delegates to Jerusalem, and they stopped along the way in Phoenicia and Samaria to visit the believers. They told them—much to everyone’s joy—that the Gentiles, too, were being converted.
11 We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.”
Observation
The Good News of Jesus Christ is this, “that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” Period…end of discussion! It is amazing that down through the years people have always wanted to add works to salvation. Much of the Apostle Paul’s writing was to refute those you wanted to say that you needed to do something more in order to be saved. It is still going on today.
Salvation is a free gift that you must receive not something that you must earn.
“He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did.” Titus 3:5-6
God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9
Application
I will help people understand that the Gospel message is all about God’s undeserved grace.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, everything that You have made gets twisted and perverted by the evil one and Your plan to save us is no different. So many people want to make salvation something that is impossible because they say we must earn it. Nothing can take away my sin only the blood of Jesus. Help me to make the Gospel clear every time I share it. Give me an opportunity to share the message of salvation with someone this week.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, February 07, 2009
A Lesson in How To Face Opposition!
Leviticus 4; Leviticus 5; Leviticus 6; Acts 14
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Scripture
Acts 14
2 Some of the Jews, however, spurned God’s message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas.
19 Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead. 20 But as the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
Observation
Sometimes when we think about the Apostle Paul all we think about is how successful he was in taking the Gospel to folks that had not heard, but we never look or think about how much opposition he faced. In this chapter after the people watched Paul perform a miracle of healing they were about to worship Paul and Barnabas as the Greek gods of Zeus and Hermes. Then as we read along just a few verses down those same people after listening to some Jews that arrived from Antioch and Iconium stoned Paul and left him for dead outside of the city!
Poisoning the minds of the people continues today especially in our country. And crowds are so fickle just look at the results of opinion polls. They can be swayed from one way to the other so quickly. You and I need to be firmly grounded in the word of God. The push to legalize abortion and to legalize homosexual marriages is not going to let up.
Paul got up (after being stoned) and went back into the city! I wonder what the crowd thought when he walked back into town. You notice they didn’t mess with him when he arrived back in town. Maybe they remembered the miracle he performed or maybe they saw his condition after they had stoned him and knew that God has restored him back to health. The scripture say that the next day Paul left with Barnabas for Derbe. He went back into the town that had just stoned him, spent the night and the next day left for Derbe.
A lesson in how to face opposition!
Application
Opposition is part of spiritual warfare and we must look beyond the people that seem to be opposing us to the fact that it is not flesh and blood, but principalities and powers in the heavenly realms that are our real enemies. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to grasp this huge truth. Our battle is so much bigger than a person or even persons that may want to do us harm. Help me to love people, even the people that are like spiritual sand paper in my life. Thank you for the many Barnabas that surround me. They are a joy. They encourage me to keep serving You. It must have been Barnabas that picked Paul up that day from under the pile of stones. Help me be a Barnabas to the guys in my life.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Leviticus 4; Leviticus 5; Leviticus 6; Acts 14
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Acts 14
2 Some of the Jews, however, spurned God’s message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas.
19 Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead. 20 But as the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
Observation
Sometimes when we think about the Apostle Paul all we think about is how successful he was in taking the Gospel to folks that had not heard, but we never look or think about how much opposition he faced. In this chapter after the people watched Paul perform a miracle of healing they were about to worship Paul and Barnabas as the Greek gods of Zeus and Hermes. Then as we read along just a few verses down those same people after listening to some Jews that arrived from Antioch and Iconium stoned Paul and left him for dead outside of the city!
Poisoning the minds of the people continues today especially in our country. And crowds are so fickle just look at the results of opinion polls. They can be swayed from one way to the other so quickly. You and I need to be firmly grounded in the word of God. The push to legalize abortion and to legalize homosexual marriages is not going to let up.
Paul got up (after being stoned) and went back into the city! I wonder what the crowd thought when he walked back into town. You notice they didn’t mess with him when he arrived back in town. Maybe they remembered the miracle he performed or maybe they saw his condition after they had stoned him and knew that God has restored him back to health. The scripture say that the next day Paul left with Barnabas for Derbe. He went back into the town that had just stoned him, spent the night and the next day left for Derbe.
A lesson in how to face opposition!
Application
Opposition is part of spiritual warfare and we must look beyond the people that seem to be opposing us to the fact that it is not flesh and blood, but principalities and powers in the heavenly realms that are our real enemies. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to grasp this huge truth. Our battle is so much bigger than a person or even persons that may want to do us harm. Help me to love people, even the people that are like spiritual sand paper in my life. Thank you for the many Barnabas that surround me. They are a joy. They encourage me to keep serving You. It must have been Barnabas that picked Paul up that day from under the pile of stones. Help me be a Barnabas to the guys in my life.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, February 06, 2009
Jesus Died In Our Place! This Blood is For You!
Leviticus 1; Leviticus 2; Leviticus 3; Acts 13
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Scripture
Leviticus 1
3 “If the animal you present as a burnt offering is from the herd, it must be a male with no defects. Bring it to the entrance of the Tabernacle so you may be accepted by the LORD. 4 Lay your hand on the animal’s head, and the LORD will accept its death in your place to purify you, making you right with him.
Acts 13
32 “And now we are here to bring you this Good News. The promise was made to our ancestors, 33 and God has now fulfilled it for us, their descendants, by raising Jesus. This is what the second psalm says about Jesus:
‘You are my Son.
Today I have become your Father.’
34 For God had promised to raise him from the dead, not leaving him to rot in the grave. He said, ‘I will give you the sacred blessings I promised to David.’ 35 Another psalm explains it more fully: ‘You will not allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.’ 36 This is not a reference to David, for after David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died and was buried with his ancestors, and his body decayed. 37 No, it was a reference to someone else—someone whom God raised and whose body did not decay.
38“Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. 39 Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do. 40 Be careful! Don’t let the prophets’ words apply to you. For they said,
41 ‘Look, you mockers,
be amazed and die!
For I am doing something in your own day,
something you wouldn’t believe
even if someone told you about it.’”
Observation
In the book of Leviticus we see that God was requiring the blood of a perfect male animal and the He accepted the death of the animal in our place. Jesus, the Perfect Lamb of God died one time and everyone that believes in Him is declared right with God. The only way we can be right with God is through the blood sacrifice of Jesus.
Your sins can only be forgiven through Jesus.
Do you believe that Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty of death for your sins?
Unless there has been a time in your life when you surrendered your life to Christ then you do not have forgiveness of your sins and when you die you will not go to Heaven.
“Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God”
Are you right with God?
Application
I will do a word study on the word “blood” in the New Testament.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Ephesians 1:7
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9:12
But if we are living in the light of God's presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from every sin. 1 John 1:7
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 killed, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. Revelation 5:9
Prayer
Heavenly Father, What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
what can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh! Precious is the flow
that makes me white as snow; No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Leviticus 1; Leviticus 2; Leviticus 3; Acts 13
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Leviticus 1
3 “If the animal you present as a burnt offering is from the herd, it must be a male with no defects. Bring it to the entrance of the Tabernacle so you may be accepted by the LORD. 4 Lay your hand on the animal’s head, and the LORD will accept its death in your place to purify you, making you right with him.
Acts 13
32 “And now we are here to bring you this Good News. The promise was made to our ancestors, 33 and God has now fulfilled it for us, their descendants, by raising Jesus. This is what the second psalm says about Jesus:
‘You are my Son.
Today I have become your Father.’
34 For God had promised to raise him from the dead, not leaving him to rot in the grave. He said, ‘I will give you the sacred blessings I promised to David.’ 35 Another psalm explains it more fully: ‘You will not allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.’ 36 This is not a reference to David, for after David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died and was buried with his ancestors, and his body decayed. 37 No, it was a reference to someone else—someone whom God raised and whose body did not decay.
38“Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. 39 Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do. 40 Be careful! Don’t let the prophets’ words apply to you. For they said,
41 ‘Look, you mockers,
be amazed and die!
For I am doing something in your own day,
something you wouldn’t believe
even if someone told you about it.’”
Observation
In the book of Leviticus we see that God was requiring the blood of a perfect male animal and the He accepted the death of the animal in our place. Jesus, the Perfect Lamb of God died one time and everyone that believes in Him is declared right with God. The only way we can be right with God is through the blood sacrifice of Jesus.
Your sins can only be forgiven through Jesus.
Do you believe that Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty of death for your sins?
Unless there has been a time in your life when you surrendered your life to Christ then you do not have forgiveness of your sins and when you die you will not go to Heaven.
“Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God”
Are you right with God?
Application
I will do a word study on the word “blood” in the New Testament.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Ephesians 1:7
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9:12
But if we are living in the light of God's presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from every sin. 1 John 1:7
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 killed, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. Revelation 5:9
Prayer
Heavenly Father, What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
what can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh! Precious is the flow
that makes me white as snow; No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Why Pray For People?
Exodus 39; Exodus 40; Psalm 15; Acts 12
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Scripture
Acts 12
5 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
Peter’s Miraculous Escape from Prison
6 The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. 7 Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered.
9 So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening. 10 They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.
11 Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!”
12 When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer. 13 He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!”
15 “You’re out of your mind!” they said. When she insisted, they decided, “It must be his angel.”
16 Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. 17 He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers what happened,” he said. And then he went to another place.
Observation
The early church is no different than we are today! We pray for people then we act surprised when God answers our prayers. The church was praying for Peter and when Peter knocks on the door of the believers’ home they don’t believe that it could be him at the door.
I know that God had to smile when He heard the response of these Christians when they heard that Peter was at their front door.
God is constantly working in the lives of those that we are praying for and it shouldn’t surprise us when they suddenly turn to God or when God heals them. It shouldn’t surprise us but most of the time it still does!
Application
I will continue to pray for those in my family that are not walking with the Lord. I will continue to pray for those that are visiting our church that need to make decisions for Christ, and I will continue to pray for Christians in our church that need to be set free from hurts, habits, and hang ups.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have to laugh when I read this story yet I know that I do the same thing in my prayer life. I pray but then I am surprised when You answer my prayers. Help me to be stronger in my faith as I continue to pray for those I love. I pray for miracles in the lives of those close to me. I pray for my children, my grandchildren, my brother and my sisters and their families and I ask that you bring all of them to a personal relationship with You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 39; Exodus 40; Psalm 15; Acts 12
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Acts 12
5 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
Peter’s Miraculous Escape from Prison
6 The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. 7 Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered.
9 So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening. 10 They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.
11 Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!”
12 When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer. 13 He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!”
15 “You’re out of your mind!” they said. When she insisted, they decided, “It must be his angel.”
16 Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. 17 He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers what happened,” he said. And then he went to another place.
Observation
The early church is no different than we are today! We pray for people then we act surprised when God answers our prayers. The church was praying for Peter and when Peter knocks on the door of the believers’ home they don’t believe that it could be him at the door.
I know that God had to smile when He heard the response of these Christians when they heard that Peter was at their front door.
God is constantly working in the lives of those that we are praying for and it shouldn’t surprise us when they suddenly turn to God or when God heals them. It shouldn’t surprise us but most of the time it still does!
Application
I will continue to pray for those in my family that are not walking with the Lord. I will continue to pray for those that are visiting our church that need to make decisions for Christ, and I will continue to pray for Christians in our church that need to be set free from hurts, habits, and hang ups.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have to laugh when I read this story yet I know that I do the same thing in my prayer life. I pray but then I am surprised when You answer my prayers. Help me to be stronger in my faith as I continue to pray for those I love. I pray for miracles in the lives of those close to me. I pray for my children, my grandchildren, my brother and my sisters and their families and I ask that you bring all of them to a personal relationship with You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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