The Gift of Forgiveness!
Romans 1; Romans 2; Romans 3; Romans 4
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Scripture
Romans 4
4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.
Observation
The Gift of Forgiveness, it cannot be earned but it seems like everyone tries to work their way to Heaven anyway. The Good News is that God has a Gift of Forgiveness that by faith we only need to accept. Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and He did it as a gift for us. A gift must be received before it becomes yours. Have you received God’s gift of forgiveness?
Application
I will share this verse with the folks at Mission Tampa today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me explain Your plan of salvation today in a clear way so people will understand. Help our missionaries as they share at our academy and use them in the lives of our people as they speak to different small groups tonight.
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Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Always…Never…All
1 Thessalonians 4; 1 Thessalonians 5; 2 Thessalonians 1; 2 Thessalonians 2; 2 Thessalonians 3
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Scripture
1 Thessalonians 5
16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Observation
Always…Never…All…these are words that should describe your life in Christ, but do they?
Is it hard for you to always be joyful and thankful in all circumstances? But this is God’s will for you and me if we belong to Jesus.
So lets never stop praying.
Application
I will meditate on these verses during the day.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to “always” be joyful, help me to be thankful in all circumstances, and don’t let me ever stop praying because I know that this is God’s will for me in Christ Jesus.
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1 Thessalonians 4; 1 Thessalonians 5; 2 Thessalonians 1; 2 Thessalonians 2; 2 Thessalonians 3
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Scripture
1 Thessalonians 5
16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Observation
Always…Never…All…these are words that should describe your life in Christ, but do they?
Is it hard for you to always be joyful and thankful in all circumstances? But this is God’s will for you and me if we belong to Jesus.
So lets never stop praying.
Application
I will meditate on these verses during the day.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to “always” be joyful, help me to be thankful in all circumstances, and don’t let me ever stop praying because I know that this is God’s will for me in Christ Jesus.
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Saturday, November 28, 2009
Do You Bring Great Joy To Someone?
Matthew 28; 1 Thessalonians 1; 1 Thessalonians 2; 1 Thessalonians 3
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Scripture
1 Thessalonians 3
9 How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. 10 Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.
11 May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon. 12 And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. 13 May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen.
Observation
The church in Thessalonica brought great joy to Paul. They were living out their faith and had a strong testimony evidently with people everywhere. Paul was hearing about their faith from others.
His prayer for them is that God makes their love for others grow and overflow, just as his love overflows for them. When something overflows it splashes all over the place. It is a good prayer for us to pray for those Christ-followers in our lives. Pray that their lives overflow with God’s love.
Application
I want to have God’s love overflowing in my life splashing on those around me so I can bring great joy to them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that the love of those in our church grows and overflows and begins splashing everyone in our area. I pray that when people talk about our church it will be to talk about what a great love they have for those in our fellowship and such a great love for those in our community. Help us be that kind of church. Help me be that kind of person. Amen.
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Matthew 28; 1 Thessalonians 1; 1 Thessalonians 2; 1 Thessalonians 3
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Scripture
1 Thessalonians 3
9 How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. 10 Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.
11 May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon. 12 And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. 13 May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen.
Observation
The church in Thessalonica brought great joy to Paul. They were living out their faith and had a strong testimony evidently with people everywhere. Paul was hearing about their faith from others.
His prayer for them is that God makes their love for others grow and overflow, just as his love overflows for them. When something overflows it splashes all over the place. It is a good prayer for us to pray for those Christ-followers in our lives. Pray that their lives overflow with God’s love.
Application
I want to have God’s love overflowing in my life splashing on those around me so I can bring great joy to them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that the love of those in our church grows and overflows and begins splashing everyone in our area. I pray that when people talk about our church it will be to talk about what a great love they have for those in our fellowship and such a great love for those in our community. Help us be that kind of church. Help me be that kind of person. Amen.
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Friday, November 27, 2009
Hearts in Tune With You Lord
Psalm 125; Matthew 26; Matthew 27
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Scripture
Psalm 125
1 Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion;
they will not be defeated but will endure forever.
2 Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever.
3 The wicked will not rule the land of the godly,
for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong.
4 O LORD, do good to those who are good,
whose hearts are in tune with you.
5 But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O LORD.
Take them away with those who do evil.
Observation
What kind of heart do you want or do you have? I want a heart in tune with the Lord. Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, both now, and forever. Have you ever been in a valley with mountains surrounding you?
Trust in the Lord, if you do, God says that you will be as secure as Mt. Zion. Mt. Zion was the mountain or hill in the city of Jerusalem.
Application
I will ask God for a heart that is in tune with His.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that you surround me like the mountains that surround Jerusalem. I am secure in You. You are my protection. Give me a heart that is in tune with Your heart.
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Psalm 125; Matthew 26; Matthew 27
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Scripture
Psalm 125
1 Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion;
they will not be defeated but will endure forever.
2 Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever.
3 The wicked will not rule the land of the godly,
for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong.
4 O LORD, do good to those who are good,
whose hearts are in tune with you.
5 But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O LORD.
Take them away with those who do evil.
Observation
What kind of heart do you want or do you have? I want a heart in tune with the Lord. Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, both now, and forever. Have you ever been in a valley with mountains surrounding you?
Trust in the Lord, if you do, God says that you will be as secure as Mt. Zion. Mt. Zion was the mountain or hill in the city of Jerusalem.
Application
I will ask God for a heart that is in tune with His.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that you surround me like the mountains that surround Jerusalem. I am secure in You. You are my protection. Give me a heart that is in tune with Your heart.
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Thursday, November 26, 2009
I Was Hungry and You Fed Me…
Matthew 23; Matthew 24; Matthew 25
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Scripture
Matthew 25
31 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne.
32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.
36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
41 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.
42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink.
43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’
44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’
45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’
46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
Observation
When it is all over and we stand before His Throne this is what He is going to say to us and what will be our answer? I hope and pray that He will be able to say to me,” I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” I hope and pray that He will be able to say to me, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
I am not there yet.
Application
I will look for people that are in need that I can help in Jesus name.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t want to stand before You empty-handed. I want You to be able to say to me, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Don’t let me waste my life. Don’t let me not be what You want me to be here on this earth. I don’t have much time to get this right. Help me live in a way that pleases You.
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Matthew 23; Matthew 24; Matthew 25
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Scripture
Matthew 25
31 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne.
32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.
36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
41 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.
42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink.
43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’
44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’
45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’
46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
Observation
When it is all over and we stand before His Throne this is what He is going to say to us and what will be our answer? I hope and pray that He will be able to say to me,” I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” I hope and pray that He will be able to say to me, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
I am not there yet.
Application
I will look for people that are in need that I can help in Jesus name.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t want to stand before You empty-handed. I want You to be able to say to me, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Don’t let me waste my life. Don’t let me not be what You want me to be here on this earth. I don’t have much time to get this right. Help me live in a way that pleases You.
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Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Mountain Moving Faith
Matthew 20; Matthew 21; Matthew 22
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Scripture
Matthew 21
18 In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, 19 and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up.
20 The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”
21 Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. 22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
Observation
I can identify with Jesus when it says that He was hungry! I seem to wake up hungry and go to bed hungry, but I doubt if I have ever been hungry like those in Biblical times. Jesus was 100% man and 100% God. He experienced every kind of emotion that you and I experience.
I think that it was interesting that Jesus didn’t use His power to produce figs on the fig tree so that He could take care of His own hunger. He could have done that but He didn’t. It says that He cursed the fig tree and it immediately (supernaturally) withered. Then He used that moment to teach His disciples about prayer.
If He would have prayed and asked His Father to provide figs it would have been like the situation where the Devil tempted Jesus to turn the stones into bread. He could have done that too, but it would have been wrong.
I think of the millions of people that go hungry in this world, that do not have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. They don’t have access to the One that is the Bread of Life; they don’t have a relationship with the One Who is the Living Water.
But we do and it is our job to go and tell. He does provide for them, but not like He would if they were His children. That is why we need to go and share the Gospel with them so they can pray to God and have their prayers answered too.
Application
I will trust God and think of this verse as I pray today: “You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the faith to be able to pray like Jesus is telling me to pray. The word “anything” is huge. Help me have to the faith to believe this verse. Give me mountain-moving faith because I do have some mountains that need to be moved.
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Matthew 20; Matthew 21; Matthew 22
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Scripture
Matthew 21
18 In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, 19 and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up.
20 The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”
21 Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. 22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
Observation
I can identify with Jesus when it says that He was hungry! I seem to wake up hungry and go to bed hungry, but I doubt if I have ever been hungry like those in Biblical times. Jesus was 100% man and 100% God. He experienced every kind of emotion that you and I experience.
I think that it was interesting that Jesus didn’t use His power to produce figs on the fig tree so that He could take care of His own hunger. He could have done that but He didn’t. It says that He cursed the fig tree and it immediately (supernaturally) withered. Then He used that moment to teach His disciples about prayer.
If He would have prayed and asked His Father to provide figs it would have been like the situation where the Devil tempted Jesus to turn the stones into bread. He could have done that too, but it would have been wrong.
I think of the millions of people that go hungry in this world, that do not have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. They don’t have access to the One that is the Bread of Life; they don’t have a relationship with the One Who is the Living Water.
But we do and it is our job to go and tell. He does provide for them, but not like He would if they were His children. That is why we need to go and share the Gospel with them so they can pray to God and have their prayers answered too.
Application
I will trust God and think of this verse as I pray today: “You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the faith to be able to pray like Jesus is telling me to pray. The word “anything” is huge. Help me have to the faith to believe this verse. Give me mountain-moving faith because I do have some mountains that need to be moved.
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009
What Will We Get? Great Question…
Matthew 17; Matthew 18; Matthew 19
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Scripture
Matthew 19
27 Then Peter said to him, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?”
28 Jesus replied, “I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.
30 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.
Observation
Sometimes honestly I have asked the same question that Peter asked in Matthew 19 and it is good to be reminded that I have made the right decisions concerning my career choice, my possessions, and my priorities in life. I look around sometimes at what others have and what others are driving or at homes that others are living in and for just a fleeting moment think …gee…I wonder if I have made the right decisions concerning “stuff”, but then this passage lets me know that I am right where God wants me to be.
Stuff has a way of becoming a “god” and stuff crowds out what God really wants us to focus on. It is always a temptation to think that the “stuff” in life is the most important thing and we need to be reminded that no the material possessions that we value so much are not important at all!
A dead person doesn’t need “stuff”. What good are houses, cars, toys etc. if someone is dead? Yesterday Jesus told us to take up our cross (if you are carrying a cross you are not going to be able to enjoy worldly stuff at the same time). I have this visual picture in my mind right now of someone trying to carry his cross and carry all of his toys too and it just doesn’t work. You can’t do both.
Application
I will concentrate on carrying my cross today and let God be concerned with the needs of my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your Word is so powerful. It is amazing how You speak to me through Your Word everyday. I have learned so much this week about forgiveness and about dying to self. Help me put what I have learned into practice in my life and help me teach these principles to others.
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Matthew 17; Matthew 18; Matthew 19
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Scripture
Matthew 19
27 Then Peter said to him, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?”
28 Jesus replied, “I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.
30 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.
Observation
Sometimes honestly I have asked the same question that Peter asked in Matthew 19 and it is good to be reminded that I have made the right decisions concerning my career choice, my possessions, and my priorities in life. I look around sometimes at what others have and what others are driving or at homes that others are living in and for just a fleeting moment think …gee…I wonder if I have made the right decisions concerning “stuff”, but then this passage lets me know that I am right where God wants me to be.
Stuff has a way of becoming a “god” and stuff crowds out what God really wants us to focus on. It is always a temptation to think that the “stuff” in life is the most important thing and we need to be reminded that no the material possessions that we value so much are not important at all!
A dead person doesn’t need “stuff”. What good are houses, cars, toys etc. if someone is dead? Yesterday Jesus told us to take up our cross (if you are carrying a cross you are not going to be able to enjoy worldly stuff at the same time). I have this visual picture in my mind right now of someone trying to carry his cross and carry all of his toys too and it just doesn’t work. You can’t do both.
Application
I will concentrate on carrying my cross today and let God be concerned with the needs of my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your Word is so powerful. It is amazing how You speak to me through Your Word everyday. I have learned so much this week about forgiveness and about dying to self. Help me put what I have learned into practice in my life and help me teach these principles to others.
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Monday, November 23, 2009
Take Up Your Cross, and Follow Me
Matthew 14; Matthew 15; Matthew 16
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Scripture
Matthew 16
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.
25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
27 For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. 28 And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”
Observation
Dying to self is what Jesus is talking about when He says, take up your cross, and follow me. Unless we die to self, we are not following Jesus. So do you want to be a Christ-follower? Then you must learn how to die to self. Did I mention that you and I have to die to self every day? You do – everyday!
Application
I will meditate on and try to fully understand what it means for me to take up my cross and follow Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me grasp what you were telling your disciples. They understood what it meant to take up one’s cross but we don’t have crosses today that men die on so show me what this means for us today.
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Matthew 14; Matthew 15; Matthew 16
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Scripture
Matthew 16
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.
25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
27 For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. 28 And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”
Observation
Dying to self is what Jesus is talking about when He says, take up your cross, and follow me. Unless we die to self, we are not following Jesus. So do you want to be a Christ-follower? Then you must learn how to die to self. Did I mention that you and I have to die to self every day? You do – everyday!
Application
I will meditate on and try to fully understand what it means for me to take up my cross and follow Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me grasp what you were telling your disciples. They understood what it meant to take up one’s cross but we don’t have crosses today that men die on so show me what this means for us today.
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Sunday, November 22, 2009
Rejection! Get Over It!
Matthew 11; Matthew 12; Matthew 13
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Scripture
Matthew 13
53 When Jesus had finished telling these stories and illustrations, he left that part of the country.
54 He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?”
55 Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. 56 All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?” 57 And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.
Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” 58 And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.
Observation
If Jesus faced rejection then why should we think that it would be any different for us? We will be rejected if we are his disciples.
It is harder sharing your faith with those of your own family and it seems like it was difficult for Jesus too.
Did you pick up on their dislike of Jesus when they said, “He’s just the carpenter’s son…”
We will be put down sometimes if we are sharing our faith. We will experience persecution if we are living for Him.
Get over it. It is part of who we are as Christ-followers!
Application
I will not let persecution and ridicule stop me from sharing my faith.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me share my faith with boldness. Bring people into my life that need a personal relationship with you. I pray for those that need to make you Lord of their lives that they begin to do that today.
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Matthew 11; Matthew 12; Matthew 13
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Scripture
Matthew 13
53 When Jesus had finished telling these stories and illustrations, he left that part of the country.
54 He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?”
55 Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. 56 All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?” 57 And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.
Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” 58 And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.
Observation
If Jesus faced rejection then why should we think that it would be any different for us? We will be rejected if we are his disciples.
It is harder sharing your faith with those of your own family and it seems like it was difficult for Jesus too.
Did you pick up on their dislike of Jesus when they said, “He’s just the carpenter’s son…”
We will be put down sometimes if we are sharing our faith. We will experience persecution if we are living for Him.
Get over it. It is part of who we are as Christ-followers!
Application
I will not let persecution and ridicule stop me from sharing my faith.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me share my faith with boldness. Bring people into my life that need a personal relationship with you. I pray for those that need to make you Lord of their lives that they begin to do that today.
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Saturday, November 21, 2009
Amazing Faith
Matthew 8; Matthew 9; Matthew 10
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Scripture
Matthew 8
5 When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, 6 “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”
7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”
8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. 9 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! 11 And I tell you this that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. 12 But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
13 Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.
Observation
This Roman soldier had amazing faith. I have searched the scriptures and there are very few things that amazed our Savior, but this man’s faith was one of them.
What kind of faith do you and I have? Is it amazing? What are we believing God for right now that would be considered amazing by Him?
Anything?
What do you think happened to this soldier’s level of faith for Jesus after he returned home and found his servant healed just like Jesus had promised? I would have liked to have been there when he returned home to see his servant alive and well. I believe both he and his servant would never be the same after that day.
Application
I will try to amaze Jesus with my faith and trust in Him today too!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to have amazing faith in You. You have always amazed me with how You have taken care of us. You have provided for our every need. There has never been a time in our life that we lacked one good thing. Help us show people that they can trust You with every detail of their lives. Give me direction today. I pray for our family, our children and our grandchildren that they would think about You today and Your plan for them. I pray for our church family today that in the business of a Saturday that they would think of You today and You would guide and protect them.
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Matthew 8; Matthew 9; Matthew 10
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 8
5 When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, 6 “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”
7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”
8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. 9 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! 11 And I tell you this that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. 12 But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
13 Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.
Observation
This Roman soldier had amazing faith. I have searched the scriptures and there are very few things that amazed our Savior, but this man’s faith was one of them.
What kind of faith do you and I have? Is it amazing? What are we believing God for right now that would be considered amazing by Him?
Anything?
What do you think happened to this soldier’s level of faith for Jesus after he returned home and found his servant healed just like Jesus had promised? I would have liked to have been there when he returned home to see his servant alive and well. I believe both he and his servant would never be the same after that day.
Application
I will try to amaze Jesus with my faith and trust in Him today too!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to have amazing faith in You. You have always amazed me with how You have taken care of us. You have provided for our every need. There has never been a time in our life that we lacked one good thing. Help us show people that they can trust You with every detail of their lives. Give me direction today. I pray for our family, our children and our grandchildren that they would think about You today and Your plan for them. I pray for our church family today that in the business of a Saturday that they would think of You today and You would guide and protect them.
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Friday, November 20, 2009
What Does God Expect of Us?
Matthew 5; Matthew 6; Matthew 7
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Scripture
Matthew 6
19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Observation
Here is one of the many things that God expects of us. He encourages and even expects us to send our treasure on ahead to Heaven ... so it will be there when we get there. There is no sense storing up stuff here because when we die we are not taking any of it with us that we haven’t already sent up ahead.
If we use our resources for kingdom causes then they will be in Heaven waiting for us when we get there. If we store up everything here and don’t send anything on up ahead then we are foolish because we are going to live in Heaven forever and the last time I checked “forever” is a very long time.
It is a constant battle for me not to buy the latest and the best or to use my money for stuff that really doesn’t matter. Jesus says not to worry about our clothes or having enough food, but if He was walking around Tampa I wonder what He would say to us? …Oh my goodness! It must break God’s heart.
Application
I will examine my spending habits and my giving habits and make adjustments so I can send more up ahead to Heaven. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me how to use our money and our resources better. Show me how to use my time and my talents so they count for Your Kingdom. Don’t let me waste them on things that don’t matter.
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Matthew 5; Matthew 6; Matthew 7
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 6
19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Observation
Here is one of the many things that God expects of us. He encourages and even expects us to send our treasure on ahead to Heaven ... so it will be there when we get there. There is no sense storing up stuff here because when we die we are not taking any of it with us that we haven’t already sent up ahead.
If we use our resources for kingdom causes then they will be in Heaven waiting for us when we get there. If we store up everything here and don’t send anything on up ahead then we are foolish because we are going to live in Heaven forever and the last time I checked “forever” is a very long time.
It is a constant battle for me not to buy the latest and the best or to use my money for stuff that really doesn’t matter. Jesus says not to worry about our clothes or having enough food, but if He was walking around Tampa I wonder what He would say to us? …Oh my goodness! It must break God’s heart.
Application
I will examine my spending habits and my giving habits and make adjustments so I can send more up ahead to Heaven. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me how to use our money and our resources better. Show me how to use my time and my talents so they count for Your Kingdom. Don’t let me waste them on things that don’t matter.
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
Fishing For People
Matthew 1; Matthew 2; Matthew 3; Matthew 4
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Scripture
Matthew 4
18 One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.
Observation
I love fishing. I love fishing for fish and I love fishing for people. In fact, I really want to catch some people this holiday season. People are more open to talk about spiritual things during this time of year than at any other.
Actually we don’t catch people we just fish for them and God does the catching and the cleaning. But we are commanded and encouraged to fish!
Application
I will look for opportunities to fish for people first thing in the morning!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to be a fisher of men. Bring men and women into my life that need to hear the Good News and open their hearts so they can be saved.
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Matthew 1; Matthew 2; Matthew 3; Matthew 4
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
Matthew 4
18 One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.
Observation
I love fishing. I love fishing for fish and I love fishing for people. In fact, I really want to catch some people this holiday season. People are more open to talk about spiritual things during this time of year than at any other.
Actually we don’t catch people we just fish for them and God does the catching and the cleaning. But we are commanded and encouraged to fish!
Application
I will look for opportunities to fish for people first thing in the morning!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to be a fisher of men. Bring men and women into my life that need to hear the Good News and open their hearts so they can be saved.
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Encourage each other…
Psalm 124; 2 Corinthians 11; 2 Corinthians 12; 2 Corinthians 13
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 13
11 Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
Observation
How do you close your letters … or emails? I like the way Paul closed his letter. He did it with a reminder to be joyful, to grow up, to encourage each other and to live and peace and harmony. Then the God of love and peace with be with you.
When there is no peace and when there is not harmony in relationships you can count on this that God is not number one in their lives.
Encourage each other…who can we encourage today. Can we write a note, make a phone call, or maybe several notes and several phone calls. Who needs to hear your voice today?
Application
I will look for someone to encourage today with a call and a note.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be a peacemaker today. Use me to encourage someone. You are the Mighty God. You are the lifter up of my head. I pray that You direct my path today. Help me be a light for someone today that brings someone closer to You.
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Psalm 124; 2 Corinthians 11; 2 Corinthians 12; 2 Corinthians 13
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 13
11 Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
Observation
How do you close your letters … or emails? I like the way Paul closed his letter. He did it with a reminder to be joyful, to grow up, to encourage each other and to live and peace and harmony. Then the God of love and peace with be with you.
When there is no peace and when there is not harmony in relationships you can count on this that God is not number one in their lives.
Encourage each other…who can we encourage today. Can we write a note, make a phone call, or maybe several notes and several phone calls. Who needs to hear your voice today?
Application
I will look for someone to encourage today with a call and a note.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be a peacemaker today. Use me to encourage someone. You are the Mighty God. You are the lifter up of my head. I pray that You direct my path today. Help me be a light for someone today that brings someone closer to You.
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Equality … Helping Other Churches That are Struggling
2 Corinthians 7; 2 Corinthians 8; 2 Corinthians 9; 2 Corinthians 10
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 8
12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. 13 Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. 14 Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.
Observation
Paul is encouraging the strong healthy churches to lend a hand and take up offerings to send back to the weak struggling churches so that there will be equality. Do you know how rich we are as the church in America? Do you know how much of our monies goes overseas to help other people …about 6 cents a person per year to those that are starving, those that are sick, those that are dying.
We (the church in the US) give less than 2% of 2% of all of our offerings to help other people in our world. Hmmm…I wonder what Paul would be saying to us right now. I think that he might use a few harsher words on us than he did for the church at Corinth.
How much do you give? How much do I give? How much more should you give? How much more should I give?
Application
I will look for ways to give more and to help more.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, open my eyes to the reality of how the rest of the world is living. Open my heart so that I may respond in the way You would respond. Break my heart with the things that break Your heart. Don’t allow me to become numb to the suffering around me.
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2 Corinthians 7; 2 Corinthians 8; 2 Corinthians 9; 2 Corinthians 10
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 8
12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. 13 Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. 14 Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.
Observation
Paul is encouraging the strong healthy churches to lend a hand and take up offerings to send back to the weak struggling churches so that there will be equality. Do you know how rich we are as the church in America? Do you know how much of our monies goes overseas to help other people …about 6 cents a person per year to those that are starving, those that are sick, those that are dying.
We (the church in the US) give less than 2% of 2% of all of our offerings to help other people in our world. Hmmm…I wonder what Paul would be saying to us right now. I think that he might use a few harsher words on us than he did for the church at Corinth.
How much do you give? How much do I give? How much more should you give? How much more should I give?
Application
I will look for ways to give more and to help more.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, open my eyes to the reality of how the rest of the world is living. Open my heart so that I may respond in the way You would respond. Break my heart with the things that break Your heart. Don’t allow me to become numb to the suffering around me.
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Monday, November 16, 2009
All For His Glory
2 Corinthians 3; 2 Corinthians 4; 2 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 6
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 4
15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.
Observation
Those that are Christ-followers have the task of taking the Good News “The Gospel” to the world, to everyone. As more and more people come to Christ there will be more and more thanksgiving and God will receive more and more glory.
We exist to make Jesus famous one life at a time so that God can receive more and more glory.
Application
I will boldly share my faith today because Jesus is Lord of my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, for I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes – help me live out this verse today as I serve at Mission Tampa.
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2 Corinthians 3; 2 Corinthians 4; 2 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 6
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 4
15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.
Observation
Those that are Christ-followers have the task of taking the Good News “The Gospel” to the world, to everyone. As more and more people come to Christ there will be more and more thanksgiving and God will receive more and more glory.
We exist to make Jesus famous one life at a time so that God can receive more and more glory.
Application
I will boldly share my faith today because Jesus is Lord of my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, for I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes – help me live out this verse today as I serve at Mission Tampa.
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Sunday, November 15, 2009
Trouble, Trouble, Trouble
Job 41; Job 42; 2 Corinthians 1; 2 Corinthians 2
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 1
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
Observation
Trouble …you are either in trouble right now, or have just come through a time of trouble or you are getting ready for a time of trouble in the near future because none of us are exempt from trouble!
We wouldn’t know God’s comfort if we didn’t experience trials and troubles and we wouldn’t be able to comfort others if we hadn’t gone through trouble ourselves.
Application
I will call on the Lord because He is my strength. He will walk with me through everything that I am going through.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God of all comfort and all compassion. I know that you understand everything that is happening in my life and I know that You will take care of my family and me. You are a Mighty God.
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Job 41; Job 42; 2 Corinthians 1; 2 Corinthians 2
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 1
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
Observation
Trouble …you are either in trouble right now, or have just come through a time of trouble or you are getting ready for a time of trouble in the near future because none of us are exempt from trouble!
We wouldn’t know God’s comfort if we didn’t experience trials and troubles and we wouldn’t be able to comfort others if we hadn’t gone through trouble ourselves.
Application
I will call on the Lord because He is my strength. He will walk with me through everything that I am going through.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God of all comfort and all compassion. I know that you understand everything that is happening in my life and I know that You will take care of my family and me. You are a Mighty God.
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Saturday, November 14, 2009
Always Work Enthusiastically for the Lord…
Psalm 149; 1 Corinthians 15; 1 Corinthians 16
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 15
58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Observation
The “So” in this verse is very important because it is talking about what Paul has said in the fifty-seven preceding verses about our life in Christ. Let me share a few of the verses so that you will understand why he says what he says in verse 58:
“51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed!
52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.
53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.
57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
So… since we have been given victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ let us be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Application
I will work enthusiastically for the Lord, because I know that what I am doing for the Lord is going to count for eternity.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am Your servant. Direct me today and help me be enthusiastic in every thing I do. I want what I do to count for You. I want to serve with You today with all my heart. I pray for those that will attend the “Focus on Parenting” seminar that it would be a life changing experience for them. Be glorified today through our church.
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Psalm 149; 1 Corinthians 15; 1 Corinthians 16
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 15
58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Observation
The “So” in this verse is very important because it is talking about what Paul has said in the fifty-seven preceding verses about our life in Christ. Let me share a few of the verses so that you will understand why he says what he says in verse 58:
“51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed!
52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.
53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.
57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
So… since we have been given victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ let us be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Application
I will work enthusiastically for the Lord, because I know that what I am doing for the Lord is going to count for eternity.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am Your servant. Direct me today and help me be enthusiastic in every thing I do. I want what I do to count for You. I want to serve with You today with all my heart. I pray for those that will attend the “Focus on Parenting” seminar that it would be a life changing experience for them. Be glorified today through our church.
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Friday, November 13, 2009
Love is Usually Everything That I’m Not…
Job 39; Job 40; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 Corinthians 14
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 13
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.
Observation
When you look at the life of Christ you see an example of how “love” is to be lived out don’t you, but we fall so short of His example…at least I do.
Love is patient and kind…Hmmm
Love is not rude…oops
Love is not irritable…rats
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Application
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. I will hold on to this verse today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me never to give up, never to lose faith, help me to always be hopeful, and help me endure through every difficult circumstance. Help someone that needs Your encouragement read these verses today. You are the God of all comfort and all compassion. I pray that my friends who are struggling with life’s difficulties, I pray that they turn to You today for help.
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Job 39; Job 40; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 Corinthians 14
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 13
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.
Observation
When you look at the life of Christ you see an example of how “love” is to be lived out don’t you, but we fall so short of His example…at least I do.
Love is patient and kind…Hmmm
Love is not rude…oops
Love is not irritable…rats
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Application
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. I will hold on to this verse today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me never to give up, never to lose faith, help me to always be hopeful, and help me endure through every difficult circumstance. Help someone that needs Your encouragement read these verses today. You are the God of all comfort and all compassion. I pray that my friends who are struggling with life’s difficulties, I pray that they turn to You today for help.
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Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God!
Psalm 122; 1 Corinthians 9; 1 Corinthians 10; 1 Corinthians 11
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 10
31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Observation
Whatever…you do, do it all for the glory of God. Here is a good a way to know if what we are doing or getting ready to do is the right thing to do. Are we doing it for God to get more glory? Will God be praised because of my actions? Will He be pleased with what I am getting ready to do?
Is it right or wrong? A better question might be, “Will what I am getting ready to do bring God glory?” Some things that we might do may be ok, they may not be sin, but do they glorify the Lord. Paul is speaking about the motives of our hearts – why we do what we do.
Application
Today I want my actions to glorify God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to bring you glory today in what I think and how I act. Keep me away from sin. Show me the way I should walk. Give me wisdom for this day. Show me Your great power today. It is my desire to walk by faith today and not by sight. So I pray that You show me the way I should walk.
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Psalm 122; 1 Corinthians 9; 1 Corinthians 10; 1 Corinthians 11
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
1 Corinthians 10
31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Observation
Whatever…you do, do it all for the glory of God. Here is a good a way to know if what we are doing or getting ready to do is the right thing to do. Are we doing it for God to get more glory? Will God be praised because of my actions? Will He be pleased with what I am getting ready to do?
Is it right or wrong? A better question might be, “Will what I am getting ready to do bring God glory?” Some things that we might do may be ok, they may not be sin, but do they glorify the Lord. Paul is speaking about the motives of our hearts – why we do what we do.
Application
Today I want my actions to glorify God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to bring you glory today in what I think and how I act. Keep me away from sin. Show me the way I should walk. Give me wisdom for this day. Show me Your great power today. It is my desire to walk by faith today and not by sight. So I pray that You show me the way I should walk.
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Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The Gift of Eternal Life Came at a High Price
Job 35; Job 36; 1 Corinthians 7; 1 Corinthians 8
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 7
23 God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
Observation
Many people feel like they have to work for their salvation because in their thinking they question how could just trusting in what Christ did on the cross save them. They feel that eternal life must cost them something. The Bible says that eternal life is completely free for those who receive it; it was very costly for God to provide it – it cost Him the life of His one and only Son. So it is both free and very costly. You can’t work for a gift, if you have to work for it then it is no longer a gift – it becomes something you have earned.
Application
“But life is nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling people the Good News about God’s mighty kindness and love.”
Acts 20:24
I will look for opportunities to share the Good News today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me do the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling people the Good News about Your mighty kindness and love.
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Job 35; Job 36; 1 Corinthians 7; 1 Corinthians 8
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 7
23 God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
Observation
Many people feel like they have to work for their salvation because in their thinking they question how could just trusting in what Christ did on the cross save them. They feel that eternal life must cost them something. The Bible says that eternal life is completely free for those who receive it; it was very costly for God to provide it – it cost Him the life of His one and only Son. So it is both free and very costly. You can’t work for a gift, if you have to work for it then it is no longer a gift – it becomes something you have earned.
Application
“But life is nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling people the Good News about God’s mighty kindness and love.”
Acts 20:24
I will look for opportunities to share the Good News today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me do the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling people the Good News about Your mighty kindness and love.
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Saturday, November 07, 2009
Don’t Quit Doing Good
Job 31; Job 32; Galatians 5; Galatians 6
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Scripture
Galatians 6
9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Observation
Do you ever want to quit? Do you ever think that what you are doing is not working? You do good, but you don’t see results? Paul says to you and me this morning, “don’t become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest.” Keep on doing good. Keep on plugging away and you will received a harvest. The harvest is always later than when you have sown. It is never at the same time.
Application
I will hold on to God’s faithfulness and I will keep on doing good and I will wait for the harvest.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to do good to those that You bring into my life. Help me not to give up. Show me the way I should go and I will be obedient. I pray for Your direction today. You are a Mighty God. Thank You for such wonderful Christian friends. Bless Dave and Ann Tucker today for being so good to us.
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Job 31; Job 32; Galatians 5; Galatians 6
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Scripture
Galatians 6
9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Observation
Do you ever want to quit? Do you ever think that what you are doing is not working? You do good, but you don’t see results? Paul says to you and me this morning, “don’t become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest.” Keep on doing good. Keep on plugging away and you will received a harvest. The harvest is always later than when you have sown. It is never at the same time.
Application
I will hold on to God’s faithfulness and I will keep on doing good and I will wait for the harvest.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to do good to those that You bring into my life. Help me not to give up. Show me the way I should go and I will be obedient. I pray for Your direction today. You are a Mighty God. Thank You for such wonderful Christian friends. Bless Dave and Ann Tucker today for being so good to us.
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Friday, November 06, 2009
Take Your Troubles to The Lord
Job 30; Psalm 120; Galatians 3; Galatians 4
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Scripture
Psalm 120
1 I took my troubles to the LORD;
I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.
Observation
Troubles, everybody has them, but not everybody knows where to take them. People commit suicide; people go into severe depression, because they don’t know what to do with their troubles.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Psalm 34:7
So take it to the Lord in prayer!
Application
The Lord is my strength. I will call on Him when something is troubling me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that I can call on You 24/7 and You are always ready to hear me and answer my cry for help. You have always helped me. You have always been there for me in the past and I know that You will be there in the future for me too!
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Job 30; Psalm 120; Galatians 3; Galatians 4
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Scripture
Psalm 120
1 I took my troubles to the LORD;
I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.
Observation
Troubles, everybody has them, but not everybody knows where to take them. People commit suicide; people go into severe depression, because they don’t know what to do with their troubles.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Psalm 34:7
So take it to the Lord in prayer!
Application
The Lord is my strength. I will call on Him when something is troubling me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that I can call on You 24/7 and You are always ready to hear me and answer my cry for help. You have always helped me. You have always been there for me in the past and I know that You will be there in the future for me too!
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Thursday, November 05, 2009
God Chose “Me”
Job 28; Job 29; Galatians 1; Galatians 2
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Scripture
Galatians 1
15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.
Observation
God chose “me” before I was even born. Now that is a truth that can keep me singing all day today. It is great to know that God doesn’t just save us, but He also chooses us. It is wonderful to know that the Creator of this Universe decided before I was born to choose me. It had nothing to do with me. It is not because I am special, no He chose me because He wanted to choose me and it had nothing to do with “me” and who I am.
It is a privilege and a huge responsibility to be chosen. But if you are a Christ-follower then you have been chosen too!
Application
I will thank God for allowing me to know Him. I know that I have been chosen to take the message of the Gospel to a lost world just like Paul.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me to take Your Gospel to the world that has not yet heard and to those that have not yet said “Yes” to the Gospel message. I pray that You keep me from sin so that I will be effective in sharing my faith. Keep me focused on Your will. Don’t let me settle for less.
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Job 28; Job 29; Galatians 1; Galatians 2
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Scripture
Galatians 1
15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.
Observation
God chose “me” before I was even born. Now that is a truth that can keep me singing all day today. It is great to know that God doesn’t just save us, but He also chooses us. It is wonderful to know that the Creator of this Universe decided before I was born to choose me. It had nothing to do with me. It is not because I am special, no He chose me because He wanted to choose me and it had nothing to do with “me” and who I am.
It is a privilege and a huge responsibility to be chosen. But if you are a Christ-follower then you have been chosen too!
Application
I will thank God for allowing me to know Him. I know that I have been chosen to take the message of the Gospel to a lost world just like Paul.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me to take Your Gospel to the world that has not yet heard and to those that have not yet said “Yes” to the Gospel message. I pray that You keep me from sin so that I will be effective in sharing my faith. Keep me focused on Your will. Don’t let me settle for less.
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Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Access to Heaven!
Job 26; Job 27; Mark 15; Mark 16
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Scripture
Mark 15
37 Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.
Observation
Being separated from someone that you love is not a good thing is it. Even if you can talk to them on the telephone, letter writing, or via email even with Skype it is still not the same. In the Old Testament believers always had to go through a middle person, namely a priest, to get access to God. Today as Christ-followers we have direct access to our Heavenly Father. The curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple has been torn down from the top to the bottom.
I don’t have to go to a priest to pray to my Heavenly Father I can talk directly to Him. He is listening right now and waiting for me to talk to Him. He wants to talk to you too. Only those that have surrendered their lives to Christ have this awesome privilege.
Is Jesus Christ your Lord and your Savior? If you answered yes, then the only thing that can mess up your direct line of communication with God Himself is sin. Stay confessed up and your direct line with your Heavenly Father is good to go!
Application
I will pray without ceasing today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the awesome privilege of talking to You 24/7! You are a Wonderful Creator God Who is Worthy to be praised!
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Job 26; Job 27; Mark 15; Mark 16
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Scripture
Mark 15
37 Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.
Observation
Being separated from someone that you love is not a good thing is it. Even if you can talk to them on the telephone, letter writing, or via email even with Skype it is still not the same. In the Old Testament believers always had to go through a middle person, namely a priest, to get access to God. Today as Christ-followers we have direct access to our Heavenly Father. The curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple has been torn down from the top to the bottom.
I don’t have to go to a priest to pray to my Heavenly Father I can talk directly to Him. He is listening right now and waiting for me to talk to Him. He wants to talk to you too. Only those that have surrendered their lives to Christ have this awesome privilege.
Is Jesus Christ your Lord and your Savior? If you answered yes, then the only thing that can mess up your direct line of communication with God Himself is sin. Stay confessed up and your direct line with your Heavenly Father is good to go!
Application
I will pray without ceasing today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the awesome privilege of talking to You 24/7! You are a Wonderful Creator God Who is Worthy to be praised!
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Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Denying Christ
Job 25; Mark 13; Mark 14
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Scripture
Mark 14
Peter Denies Jesus
66 Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by 67 and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, “You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.”
68 But Peter denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed.
69 When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, “This man is definitely one of them!” 70 But Peter denied it again.
A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, “You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.”
71 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed the second time.
Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.
Observation
Peter was so confident that he wouldn’t deny Christ. He even boasted to Jesus that even if everyone else deserted Him that he Peter would remain faithful even to his death. I am sure that Peter remembered his words and I know without a doubt that he remembered what Jesus had said to him earlier in the garden. And sure enough Peter and all of the disciples all fled, and Peter did deny Jesus three times just like Christ said that he would.
I would have done the same thing I am sure. Later Peter made up for this act of cowardice and probably died a martyr’s death later in his life. We are all going to mess up, but the important part is how we finish and Peter finished well.
Application
My goal is to finish well.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to not deny my faith. Help me to finish well. Keep me focused and keep me down the right path. It is my desire to make You smile and not frown when You think of me.
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Job 25; Mark 13; Mark 14
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Scripture
Mark 14
Peter Denies Jesus
66 Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by 67 and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, “You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.”
68 But Peter denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed.
69 When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, “This man is definitely one of them!” 70 But Peter denied it again.
A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, “You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.”
71 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed the second time.
Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.
Observation
Peter was so confident that he wouldn’t deny Christ. He even boasted to Jesus that even if everyone else deserted Him that he Peter would remain faithful even to his death. I am sure that Peter remembered his words and I know without a doubt that he remembered what Jesus had said to him earlier in the garden. And sure enough Peter and all of the disciples all fled, and Peter did deny Jesus three times just like Christ said that he would.
I would have done the same thing I am sure. Later Peter made up for this act of cowardice and probably died a martyr’s death later in his life. We are all going to mess up, but the important part is how we finish and Peter finished well.
Application
My goal is to finish well.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to not deny my faith. Help me to finish well. Keep me focused and keep me down the right path. It is my desire to make You smile and not frown when You think of me.
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Monday, November 02, 2009
Have Faith in God!
Job 23; Job 24; Mark 11; Mark 12
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Scripture
Mark 11
22 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. 25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.
Observation
Mark 11:24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.
Mark 11:24 is quite a promise for you and for me, but do we really believe it? Verse 25 is a huge verse too that talks about forgiveness. Holding grudges is a really bad thing for a believer and I see it all the time. We think that it is somehow going to hurt the other person but it actually hurts us a lot more than them.
I don’t see very many mountains being tossed into the sea do you? Maybe the earthquakes and tidal waves are the result of someone’s mountain moving faith, but I sort of doubt it. Prayer is the most powerful thing in our lives. It connects us directly to our Heavenly Father Who is able to do everything. Nothing is too hard for Him.
Application
I will pray believing that my God can do anything and everything and He wants to answer my prayers.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for letting us talk to You. Thank You for hearing our prayers and thank You for answering us. You are Wonderful. Help me to ask big. Show me what I need to pray for so I can see You work.
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Job 23; Job 24; Mark 11; Mark 12
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Scripture
Mark 11
22 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. 25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.
Observation
Mark 11:24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.
Mark 11:24 is quite a promise for you and for me, but do we really believe it? Verse 25 is a huge verse too that talks about forgiveness. Holding grudges is a really bad thing for a believer and I see it all the time. We think that it is somehow going to hurt the other person but it actually hurts us a lot more than them.
I don’t see very many mountains being tossed into the sea do you? Maybe the earthquakes and tidal waves are the result of someone’s mountain moving faith, but I sort of doubt it. Prayer is the most powerful thing in our lives. It connects us directly to our Heavenly Father Who is able to do everything. Nothing is too hard for Him.
Application
I will pray believing that my God can do anything and everything and He wants to answer my prayers.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for letting us talk to You. Thank You for hearing our prayers and thank You for answering us. You are Wonderful. Help me to ask big. Show me what I need to pray for so I can see You work.
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Sunday, November 01, 2009
What Do You Mean, “If I Can”?
Psalm 121; Mark 9; Mark 10
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Scripture
Mark 9
23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Mark 10
27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”
Observation
Our prayers are sometimes like this man that had the demon-possessed son aren’t they? We pray, but we pray like God isn’t really able to fix the problem or heal the person or really able to take care of us, but we should cry out like this man did when he said, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Humanly speaking what you are up against this morning may be impossible. Maybe the doctors have told you that it is hopeless. And maybe humanly speaking it is hopeless, but let me remind you this morning, “Everything is possible with God.”
Application
I will not give up on some seemingly hopeless situations.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You know that I have been praying for healing for some that the doctors do not give much hope of getting better. You know that I am praying for some that lives are completely out of control. All of these are hopeless without Your help so I am going to continue to count on You to work in their lives. I will not give up because You are capable of completely changing their situations. I put them in Your hands this morning. Thank You for giving me the best wife in the world.
Thank You for giving us 40 wonderful years of being married today!
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Psalm 121; Mark 9; Mark 10
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Scripture
Mark 9
23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Mark 10
27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”
Observation
Our prayers are sometimes like this man that had the demon-possessed son aren’t they? We pray, but we pray like God isn’t really able to fix the problem or heal the person or really able to take care of us, but we should cry out like this man did when he said, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Humanly speaking what you are up against this morning may be impossible. Maybe the doctors have told you that it is hopeless. And maybe humanly speaking it is hopeless, but let me remind you this morning, “Everything is possible with God.”
Application
I will not give up on some seemingly hopeless situations.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You know that I have been praying for healing for some that the doctors do not give much hope of getting better. You know that I am praying for some that lives are completely out of control. All of these are hopeless without Your help so I am going to continue to count on You to work in their lives. I will not give up because You are capable of completely changing their situations. I put them in Your hands this morning. Thank You for giving me the best wife in the world.
Thank You for giving us 40 wonderful years of being married today!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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