Revelation 19; Revelation 20; Revelation 21; Revelation 22
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Come Lord Jesus. Come.
Scripture
Revelation 21
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. 2 And I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Revelation 22
7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.”
20 He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!”
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
Observation
The New Jerusalem will be 1,400 miles high, 1400 miles long, and 1,400 miles wide! There will be 12 gates and it will have a river running down the center of it and it will have the tree of life growing along the river’s bank. I don’t know what else will be in this city, but it sounds good to me. There will be no more crying, no more death, no more suffering, no more sin in the New Jerusalem. It sounds like a great place to me. Gold will be so common that God paves the streets with it. All that we hold as precious here on earth will be nothing compared to what we will have in Heaven.
These are great chapters to end the year reading. I am ready to start 2011 and watch God in all of His glory do the miraculous. He is going to do some wonderful things in this year that is coming. He is Mighty.
Application
I will anticipate a great year in 2011. God will answer many of my prayers in 2011 that have not yet happened.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we walk by faith and not by sight. I know that You are going to do mighty things in the year to come. All of Your promises are “yes”. They will happen. You are on Your throne. Nothing is too hard for You. I look forward to the year 2011 knowing that You are in control and that many people will be saved and many lives will be changed in the year to come. Come Lord Jesus. Come.
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Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Count Me In
Revelation 15; Revelation 16; Revelation 17; Revelation 18
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Count Me In
Scripture
Revelation 15:4
“…All nations will come and worship before you, …”
Observation
All nations will come and worship before God this is a promise that will come to pass. In every nation God will have His people. The word “all” is important because it lets us know that God will have representatives present from every nation when He wraps this whole thing up. When it is finished and His children are in Heaven there will be people from every tribe and nation there to worship Him. He will make sure of it.
He has invited us to help Him give out the invitations to join Him. We get to share the Good News that Jesus saves and that Jesus can change the lives of those we witness to.
Application
Count me in … I want to help take His message to the nations.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, one day I will be standing in this place that John has described in Revelation. One day I will stand on that sea of glass. I day I will get to see and experience all that You have in store for me in Heaven. But today I need to focus on reaching more people for Your kingdom. Help us as a church be successful this year in reaching more and more people for You.
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Count Me In
Scripture
Revelation 15:4
“…All nations will come and worship before you, …”
Observation
All nations will come and worship before God this is a promise that will come to pass. In every nation God will have His people. The word “all” is important because it lets us know that God will have representatives present from every nation when He wraps this whole thing up. When it is finished and His children are in Heaven there will be people from every tribe and nation there to worship Him. He will make sure of it.
He has invited us to help Him give out the invitations to join Him. We get to share the Good News that Jesus saves and that Jesus can change the lives of those we witness to.
Application
Count me in … I want to help take His message to the nations.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, one day I will be standing in this place that John has described in Revelation. One day I will stand on that sea of glass. I day I will get to see and experience all that You have in store for me in Heaven. But today I need to focus on reaching more people for Your kingdom. Help us as a church be successful this year in reaching more and more people for You.
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Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Come Up Here!
Revelation 10; Revelation 11; Revelation 12; Revelation 13; Revelation 14
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Come Up Here!
Scripture
Revelation 11
12-13 I heard a strong voice out of Heaven calling, "Come up here!" and up they went to Heaven, wrapped in a cloud, their enemies watching it all.
Observation
One of my most favorite people to visit was a church member named Mrs. Penn. This was when I was a seminary student and I was pastor of a small in Ft. Worth, Texas. Every time that I would knock on her door she would always say the same thing, “Get in this house.” We would sit around her kitchen table and talk and I would always leave her house feeling great. She made everyone feel some welcome and so important. I have picked up that same phrase to use when people come to my door for a visit. One day we are going to hear our Savior say, “Come up here!” I am ready how about you?
Application
God’s word, the Bible, is all about His invitation to come to Him. It is our job that people understand clearly what God wants them to do. It is the Good News that we get to share with people. I am ready to share the Good News with someone how about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I can’t wait until You tell me, “Get into this house.” I am ready. Help me in this New Year to bring many people with me when I come. Give me the boldness and give me the platform to reach many people for You. Help our church become the church that You want us to be.
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Come Up Here!
Scripture
Revelation 11
12-13 I heard a strong voice out of Heaven calling, "Come up here!" and up they went to Heaven, wrapped in a cloud, their enemies watching it all.
Observation
One of my most favorite people to visit was a church member named Mrs. Penn. This was when I was a seminary student and I was pastor of a small in Ft. Worth, Texas. Every time that I would knock on her door she would always say the same thing, “Get in this house.” We would sit around her kitchen table and talk and I would always leave her house feeling great. She made everyone feel some welcome and so important. I have picked up that same phrase to use when people come to my door for a visit. One day we are going to hear our Savior say, “Come up here!” I am ready how about you?
Application
God’s word, the Bible, is all about His invitation to come to Him. It is our job that people understand clearly what God wants them to do. It is the Good News that we get to share with people. I am ready to share the Good News with someone how about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I can’t wait until You tell me, “Get into this house.” I am ready. Help me in this New Year to bring many people with me when I come. Give me the boldness and give me the platform to reach many people for You. Help our church become the church that You want us to be.
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Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Are You Ready to Sing?
Revelation 5; Revelation 6; Revelation 7; Revelation 8; Revelation 9
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Are You Ready to Sing?
Scripture
Revelation 5
11-14 I looked again. I heard a company of Angels around the Throne, the Animals, and the Elders—ten thousand times ten thousand their number, thousand after thousand after thousand in full song:
The slain Lamb is worthy!
Take the power, the wealth, the wisdom, the strength!
Take the honor, the glory, the blessing!
Then I heard every creature in Heaven and earth, in underworld and sea, join in, all voices in all places, singing:
To the One on the Throne! To the Lamb!
The blessing, the honor, the glory, the strength,
For age after age after age.
The Four Animals called out, "Oh, Yes!" The Elders fell to their knees and worshiped.
Revelation 7
9-12 I looked again. I saw a huge crowd, too huge to count. Everyone was there—all nations and tribes, all races and languages. And they were standing, dressed in white robes and waving palm branches, standing before the Throne and the Lamb and heartily singing:
Salvation to our God on his Throne!
Salvation to the Lamb!
All who were standing around the Throne—Angels, Elders, Animals— fell on their faces before the Throne and worshiped God, singing:
Oh, Yes!
The blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving,
The honor and power and strength,
To our God forever and ever and ever!
Oh, Yes!
Observation
One day we will live out what is written in the book of Revelation. One day we will surround the throne of our God and sing praises to Him. We will sing out these very words:
“The slain Lamb is worthy!
Take the power, the wealth, the wisdom, the strength!
Take the honor, the glory, the blessing!
Then I heard every creature in Heaven and earth, in underworld and sea, join in, all voices in all places, singing:
To the One on the Throne! To the Lamb!
The blessing, the honor, the glory, the strength,
For age after age after age.”
Are you ready to sing?
Application
I want to stand at God’s throne knowing that I have done everything I could to help others have the privilege to stand around His throne. I will continue to serve Him with all my heart and with all my soul and I will continue to share God’s Good News with others.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I can’t imagine what it is going to be like in Heaven with people from all over the world all worshiping You together with one voice. “The slain Lamb is worthy! Take the power, the wealth, the wisdom, the strength! Take the honor, the glory, the blessing! To the One on the Throne! To the Lamb! The blessing, the honor, the glory, the strength, For age after age after age.”
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Are You Ready to Sing?
Scripture
Revelation 5
11-14 I looked again. I heard a company of Angels around the Throne, the Animals, and the Elders—ten thousand times ten thousand their number, thousand after thousand after thousand in full song:
The slain Lamb is worthy!
Take the power, the wealth, the wisdom, the strength!
Take the honor, the glory, the blessing!
Then I heard every creature in Heaven and earth, in underworld and sea, join in, all voices in all places, singing:
To the One on the Throne! To the Lamb!
The blessing, the honor, the glory, the strength,
For age after age after age.
The Four Animals called out, "Oh, Yes!" The Elders fell to their knees and worshiped.
Revelation 7
9-12 I looked again. I saw a huge crowd, too huge to count. Everyone was there—all nations and tribes, all races and languages. And they were standing, dressed in white robes and waving palm branches, standing before the Throne and the Lamb and heartily singing:
Salvation to our God on his Throne!
Salvation to the Lamb!
All who were standing around the Throne—Angels, Elders, Animals— fell on their faces before the Throne and worshiped God, singing:
Oh, Yes!
The blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving,
The honor and power and strength,
To our God forever and ever and ever!
Oh, Yes!
Observation
One day we will live out what is written in the book of Revelation. One day we will surround the throne of our God and sing praises to Him. We will sing out these very words:
“The slain Lamb is worthy!
Take the power, the wealth, the wisdom, the strength!
Take the honor, the glory, the blessing!
Then I heard every creature in Heaven and earth, in underworld and sea, join in, all voices in all places, singing:
To the One on the Throne! To the Lamb!
The blessing, the honor, the glory, the strength,
For age after age after age.”
Are you ready to sing?
Application
I want to stand at God’s throne knowing that I have done everything I could to help others have the privilege to stand around His throne. I will continue to serve Him with all my heart and with all my soul and I will continue to share God’s Good News with others.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I can’t imagine what it is going to be like in Heaven with people from all over the world all worshiping You together with one voice. “The slain Lamb is worthy! Take the power, the wealth, the wisdom, the strength! Take the honor, the glory, the blessing! To the One on the Throne! To the Lamb! The blessing, the honor, the glory, the strength, For age after age after age.”
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Monday, December 27, 2010
Take the Glory! The Honor! Then Power!
Revelation 1; Revelation 2; Revelation 3; Revelation 4
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Take the Glory! The Honor! The Power!
Scripture
Revelation 4:11
Worthy, O Master! Yes, our God!
Take the glory! the honor! the power!
You created it all;
It was created because you wanted it.
Observation
Think about it everything that we see and our God created even everything that we can’t see. He created it because He wanted it. It is all for Him. And the wonder of this is that God loves us, out of all of His creation He loves us the most. It is mind boggling to think about this because we know how sinful we are and how we don’t deserve His love or His attention. One day we will see with our own eyes what John talked about in the book of Revelation. One day we will be around God’s throne to experience what John tries to describe in Revelation. I am ready how about you?
The massive snowstorms that are hitting our country today is just a little reminder of God’s power and might, but it is nothing compared to what He will do when He returns. Are you ready?
Application
I will praise God today for all that He has created all that He has given to us for us to enjoy.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love to see Your power in storms and how You shake this earth with Your breath. One day this earth will be no more and we will be around Your throne and we will get to see You face to face. You are worthy! “Worthy, O Master! Yes, our God! Take the glory! the honor! the power! You created it all; It was created because you wanted it.” I was created because You wanted me to know You and experience Your love and kindness. Thank You for saving me. As I read Revelation I know that one day I will see for myself everything that is in the book.
Come Lord Jesus. Come.
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Take the Glory! The Honor! The Power!
Scripture
Revelation 4:11
Worthy, O Master! Yes, our God!
Take the glory! the honor! the power!
You created it all;
It was created because you wanted it.
Observation
Think about it everything that we see and our God created even everything that we can’t see. He created it because He wanted it. It is all for Him. And the wonder of this is that God loves us, out of all of His creation He loves us the most. It is mind boggling to think about this because we know how sinful we are and how we don’t deserve His love or His attention. One day we will see with our own eyes what John talked about in the book of Revelation. One day we will be around God’s throne to experience what John tries to describe in Revelation. I am ready how about you?
The massive snowstorms that are hitting our country today is just a little reminder of God’s power and might, but it is nothing compared to what He will do when He returns. Are you ready?
Application
I will praise God today for all that He has created all that He has given to us for us to enjoy.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love to see Your power in storms and how You shake this earth with Your breath. One day this earth will be no more and we will be around Your throne and we will get to see You face to face. You are worthy! “Worthy, O Master! Yes, our God! Take the glory! the honor! the power! You created it all; It was created because you wanted it.” I was created because You wanted me to know You and experience Your love and kindness. Thank You for saving me. As I read Revelation I know that one day I will see for myself everything that is in the book.
Come Lord Jesus. Come.
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Sunday, December 26, 2010
God Show Yourself Today!
Psalm 117; Psalm 119:81-176; 2 John 1; 3 John 1
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God Show Yourself Today!
Scripture
Psalm 119:174
I love it when you show yourself!
Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well,
use your decrees to put iron in my soul. Message
Observation
I am not sure what verse or verses this is because I was reading from the Message paraphrase this morning. I know that it is close to verse 176. Don’t you love it when God shows up and does a “God thing”? I want God to do that today don’t you? I love the way the writer of the Message puts things and I agree with the writer of this Psalm I want God to invigorate my soul. I want to praise Him well!
Application
I will look for God to show Himself today. I will ask Him to invigorate my soul.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that You are going to show Yourself today. I just need to look for where You are working. Thank You for working so mightily in our Christmas Eve service. I pray for the many that made decisions for You that You would invigorate their souls. I pray for that too I pray that You invigorate my soul today. Put iron in my soul as I read and study Your Word. You are worthy of Praise and Honor and Glory.
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God Show Yourself Today!
Scripture
Psalm 119:174
I love it when you show yourself!
Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well,
use your decrees to put iron in my soul. Message
Observation
I am not sure what verse or verses this is because I was reading from the Message paraphrase this morning. I know that it is close to verse 176. Don’t you love it when God shows up and does a “God thing”? I want God to do that today don’t you? I love the way the writer of the Message puts things and I agree with the writer of this Psalm I want God to invigorate my soul. I want to praise Him well!
Application
I will look for God to show Himself today. I will ask Him to invigorate my soul.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that You are going to show Yourself today. I just need to look for where You are working. Thank You for working so mightily in our Christmas Eve service. I pray for the many that made decisions for You that You would invigorate their souls. I pray for that too I pray that You invigorate my soul today. Put iron in my soul as I read and study Your Word. You are worthy of Praise and Honor and Glory.
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Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas!
1 John 1; 1 John 2; 1 John 3; 1 John 4; 1 John 5
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Christmas!
Scripture
1 John 1
1-2 From the very first day, we were there, taking it all in—we heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands. The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes; we saw it happen! And now we're telling you in most sober prose that what we witnessed was, incredibly, this: The infinite Life of God himself took shape before us.
Observation
This is the Christmas story from John’s point of view! This is from the Message translation of the Bible and I like how it describes the entry into this world the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
How has your Christmas been this year? How close are you to the Christ child of Christmas? Is there unconfessed sin in your life that keeps Christmas from being what it could be? Why don’t you just talk to the Lord about the things that are not right in your life and turn everything over to Him?
Application
I am going to enjoy this day by enjoying the people God brings into my life today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Jesus!
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Christmas!
Scripture
1 John 1
1-2 From the very first day, we were there, taking it all in—we heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands. The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes; we saw it happen! And now we're telling you in most sober prose that what we witnessed was, incredibly, this: The infinite Life of God himself took shape before us.
Observation
This is the Christmas story from John’s point of view! This is from the Message translation of the Bible and I like how it describes the entry into this world the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
How has your Christmas been this year? How close are you to the Christ child of Christmas? Is there unconfessed sin in your life that keeps Christmas from being what it could be? Why don’t you just talk to the Lord about the things that are not right in your life and turn everything over to Him?
Application
I am going to enjoy this day by enjoying the people God brings into my life today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Jesus!
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Friday, December 24, 2010
Fishing and Catching Nothing
John 19; John 20; John 21
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Fishing and Catching Nothing
Scripture
John 21
3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Observation
Peter didn’t say to his buddies, “Let’s go fishing”; instead he said to them, “I’m going out to fish.” Why in the world did he decide to go fishing then and why did the disciples decide to go with him? We will never know, but we do know that even though they did something that doesn’t make good sense to us Jesus met them where they were.
There are times when I do things out of habit or because of a habit or a routine just to feel safe. Fishing is what those guys grew up doing and it was probably what they did every day before meeting Jesus.
Jesus doesn’t scold them for going fishing. He even helps them catch fish and then He feeds them fish and bread and even cooks some of the fish that they have caught. It is a lesson for them and a lesson for us. The lesson is this: When we do things on our own we will not be successful, but when we do things with Christ we will be very successful. They seemed to have learned the lesson because the only fishing mentioned after this in scripture was fishing for men!
Application
I can do all things through Christ and without Him I can do nothing. I recognize today that He is the Vine and I am a branch and I need to stay connected to Him to be successful.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me put into practice what I just wrote as an application and help me to do all things through Christ and not on my own. Guide me today. Help me to please You with the choices that I make. Don’t let the Devil get a foothold in my life today. Thank You for coming to this earth to do something for us that we could not do for ourselves, which is taking away our sins. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins.
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Fishing and Catching Nothing
Scripture
John 21
3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Observation
Peter didn’t say to his buddies, “Let’s go fishing”; instead he said to them, “I’m going out to fish.” Why in the world did he decide to go fishing then and why did the disciples decide to go with him? We will never know, but we do know that even though they did something that doesn’t make good sense to us Jesus met them where they were.
There are times when I do things out of habit or because of a habit or a routine just to feel safe. Fishing is what those guys grew up doing and it was probably what they did every day before meeting Jesus.
Jesus doesn’t scold them for going fishing. He even helps them catch fish and then He feeds them fish and bread and even cooks some of the fish that they have caught. It is a lesson for them and a lesson for us. The lesson is this: When we do things on our own we will not be successful, but when we do things with Christ we will be very successful. They seemed to have learned the lesson because the only fishing mentioned after this in scripture was fishing for men!
Application
I can do all things through Christ and without Him I can do nothing. I recognize today that He is the Vine and I am a branch and I need to stay connected to Him to be successful.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me put into practice what I just wrote as an application and help me to do all things through Christ and not on my own. Guide me today. Help me to please You with the choices that I make. Don’t let the Devil get a foothold in my life today. Thank You for coming to this earth to do something for us that we could not do for ourselves, which is taking away our sins. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins.
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Thursday, December 23, 2010
The “I AM” of Christmas
John 15; John 16; John 17; John 18
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The “I AM” of Christmas
Scripture
John 18
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
Observation
Christmas is way more than a baby being born in a manger. It is all about God’s plan to redeem us from the clutches of sin and death. He allowed his self to be arrested in that garden that night for you and for me. At just the hearing of His words, “I am he” the soldiers that came to arrest him fell backwards to the ground. Can you visualize this scene? Then Peter drew his sword and cut off the right ear of the servant of the high priest … Jesus restores the ear and then allows the soldiers to arrest Him. Can you visualize all of this? I can.
Application
I will have a thankful heart today for all that Christ has done for me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You alone are worthy. I praise You during this Christmas season. It is a wonderful time to think and reflect on all that You have done for us.
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The “I AM” of Christmas
Scripture
John 18
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
Observation
Christmas is way more than a baby being born in a manger. It is all about God’s plan to redeem us from the clutches of sin and death. He allowed his self to be arrested in that garden that night for you and for me. At just the hearing of His words, “I am he” the soldiers that came to arrest him fell backwards to the ground. Can you visualize this scene? Then Peter drew his sword and cut off the right ear of the servant of the high priest … Jesus restores the ear and then allows the soldiers to arrest Him. Can you visualize all of this? I can.
Application
I will have a thankful heart today for all that Christ has done for me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You alone are worthy. I praise You during this Christmas season. It is a wonderful time to think and reflect on all that You have done for us.
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010
All Powerful Yet a Servant
John 12; John 13; John 14
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All Powerful Yet a Servant
Scripture
John 13
3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Observation
All-powerful…what if you were all powerful…would you wash people’s feet if you were all powerful? Jesus, there is nothing more powerful than Him and yet He humbled Himself to wash His disciples feet.
Where has God called you to be a servant to someone else? In what way will you serve someone else today? Do you have a servant’s heart? Do I? It is a daily choice whether to serve or not.
Application
I will be a servant to someone today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me who I can serve. Show me how I can serve. I don’t want to miss the opportunity to serve You. Thank You for my family. Thank You for my kids and my grandkids. They are gifts from You. Thank You for giving me each one of them. May Your face shine on them and bless them.
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All Powerful Yet a Servant
Scripture
John 13
3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Observation
All-powerful…what if you were all powerful…would you wash people’s feet if you were all powerful? Jesus, there is nothing more powerful than Him and yet He humbled Himself to wash His disciples feet.
Where has God called you to be a servant to someone else? In what way will you serve someone else today? Do you have a servant’s heart? Do I? It is a daily choice whether to serve or not.
Application
I will be a servant to someone today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me who I can serve. Show me how I can serve. I don’t want to miss the opportunity to serve You. Thank You for my family. Thank You for my kids and my grandkids. They are gifts from You. Thank You for giving me each one of them. May Your face shine on them and bless them.
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Monday, December 20, 2010
Who Do You Think You Are?
John 7; John 8
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Who Do You Think You Are?
Scripture
John 8
53 Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”
54 Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”
57 “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen
Abraham!”
58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” 59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
Observation
The Jewish leaders were blinded to who Jesus was and still is. His reply, “before Abraham was born, I AM”! Jesus didn’t say, “I was” no He said, “I AM” and the Jews knew just exactly what He was saying when He used that phrase and they picked up stones to kill him because Jesus was claiming to be God
What is Jesus to you? Is He just a story character that you hear about at Christmas time? Do you recognize Him as a famous person in history? Or is He your Lord and your Savior? Do you recognize Him as God in the flesh?
I think it is very sad that the Pharisees for the most part remained blinded to the identity of Jesus and they died in their sins. There were some believers in their midst but very few of them could see Jesus as the Messiah.
Application
I will share that Jesus is Savior and Lord with people today at Mission Tampa and I pray that they believe and put their trust in Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, what the people at Mission Tampa need today more than anything else is to understand that they need a Savior. Help them understand the Christmas story. I pray that today some would put their trust and their faith in Jesus. Give them understanding and enable them to say, “Yes” to the Gospel message. You are Mighty. You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You are worthy of all Praise!
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Who Do You Think You Are?
Scripture
John 8
53 Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”
54 Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”
57 “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen
Abraham!”
58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” 59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
Observation
The Jewish leaders were blinded to who Jesus was and still is. His reply, “before Abraham was born, I AM”! Jesus didn’t say, “I was” no He said, “I AM” and the Jews knew just exactly what He was saying when He used that phrase and they picked up stones to kill him because Jesus was claiming to be God
What is Jesus to you? Is He just a story character that you hear about at Christmas time? Do you recognize Him as a famous person in history? Or is He your Lord and your Savior? Do you recognize Him as God in the flesh?
I think it is very sad that the Pharisees for the most part remained blinded to the identity of Jesus and they died in their sins. There were some believers in their midst but very few of them could see Jesus as the Messiah.
Application
I will share that Jesus is Savior and Lord with people today at Mission Tampa and I pray that they believe and put their trust in Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, what the people at Mission Tampa need today more than anything else is to understand that they need a Savior. Help them understand the Christmas story. I pray that today some would put their trust and their faith in Jesus. Give them understanding and enable them to say, “Yes” to the Gospel message. You are Mighty. You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You are worthy of all Praise!
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Sunday, December 19, 2010
Only God Can Save
John 5; John 6
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Only God Can Save
Scripture
John 6
65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”
Observation
Pray for your lost family and friends. Pray that their spiritual eyes would be opened to the Good News of Jesus Christ and that they would be saved. The Heavenly Father has to enable someone to be saved. God saves. We can pray and share, but only God saves. Who is lost that needs to come to Jesus? Pray that God would cure them of the spiritual blindness that keeps them from becoming children of God.
Application
I will pray for the lost and ask God to heal them of their spiritual blindness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for people to be saved today in our worship service. I pray that You would give them spiritual understanding so that they might be saved. You are the only One Who saves. I pray for the movement of Your Holy Spirit within our worship service. I pray that You would fill our worship service with Your Presence. You are Worthy to be praised. You are my Savior and my Lord.
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Only God Can Save
Scripture
John 6
65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”
Observation
Pray for your lost family and friends. Pray that their spiritual eyes would be opened to the Good News of Jesus Christ and that they would be saved. The Heavenly Father has to enable someone to be saved. God saves. We can pray and share, but only God saves. Who is lost that needs to come to Jesus? Pray that God would cure them of the spiritual blindness that keeps them from becoming children of God.
Application
I will pray for the lost and ask God to heal them of their spiritual blindness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for people to be saved today in our worship service. I pray that You would give them spiritual understanding so that they might be saved. You are the only One Who saves. I pray for the movement of Your Holy Spirit within our worship service. I pray that You would fill our worship service with Your Presence. You are Worthy to be praised. You are my Savior and my Lord.
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Saturday, December 18, 2010
Savior of the World
John 2; John 3; John 4
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Savior of the World
Scripture
John 4
39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers.
42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
Observation
It was the witness of the Samaritan woman that brought the city to Jesus. She was convincing and they could tell that she was a changed woman. They could tell that she had met the Messiah. Are people convinced about the Savior after they meet us and talk to us? Do we lead them to a relationship with the Savior of the world? It is what Christmas is all about … sharing the Good News!
Application
I want to be as convincing with my testimony as the Samaritan woman as I talk to people about Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me share and witness with the power of Your Holy Spirit. I pray that You would be in control of the migrant Christmas party and that You would take care of the details. I pray that those attending would hear a witness, a message about the Savior of the world.
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Savior of the World
Scripture
John 4
39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers.
42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
Observation
It was the witness of the Samaritan woman that brought the city to Jesus. She was convincing and they could tell that she was a changed woman. They could tell that she had met the Messiah. Are people convinced about the Savior after they meet us and talk to us? Do we lead them to a relationship with the Savior of the world? It is what Christmas is all about … sharing the Good News!
Application
I want to be as convincing with my testimony as the Samaritan woman as I talk to people about Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me share and witness with the power of Your Holy Spirit. I pray that You would be in control of the migrant Christmas party and that You would take care of the details. I pray that those attending would hear a witness, a message about the Savior of the world.
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Friday, December 17, 2010
Bringing People To Jesus
2 Peter 1; 2 Peter 2; 2 Peter 3; John 1
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Bringing People To Jesus
Scripture
John 1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.
Observation
Christmas is the best time of the year to move people closer to Jesus! Who comes to mind when you think of people that need Jesus? Andrew immediately went to look for his brother just as soon as he had met Jesus. Who do you need to bring to Jesus? Who do I need to invite to the Christmas Eve service?
Application
I will look for every opportunity to bring people to Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that You will bring people into my life that need to hear about Jesus. Help me to be sensitive enough and bold enough to make sure that they have an opportunity to become Your children. Thank You for what You are doing at our church. Help us to be faithful and help us not miss any opportunities that You put in front of us to reach people for Your kingdom. You are Worthy of Praise and Honor. You are Mighty. There is not anything too hard for You. I pray for people to be saved this Sunday.
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Bringing People To Jesus
Scripture
John 1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.
Observation
Christmas is the best time of the year to move people closer to Jesus! Who comes to mind when you think of people that need Jesus? Andrew immediately went to look for his brother just as soon as he had met Jesus. Who do you need to bring to Jesus? Who do I need to invite to the Christmas Eve service?
Application
I will look for every opportunity to bring people to Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that You will bring people into my life that need to hear about Jesus. Help me to be sensitive enough and bold enough to make sure that they have an opportunity to become Your children. Thank You for what You are doing at our church. Help us to be faithful and help us not miss any opportunities that You put in front of us to reach people for Your kingdom. You are Worthy of Praise and Honor. You are Mighty. There is not anything too hard for You. I pray for people to be saved this Sunday.
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Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Power of Prayer
James 1; James 2; James 3; James 4; James 5
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Power of Prayer
Scripture
James 5
The Prayer of Faith
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Observation
How important is it for you to pray for other people? How important is it for you to pray for yourself? Pray when you are in trouble and pray (praise) when you are happy! Pray when someone is sick and get others to pray for someone that needs to be healed. Your prayer if you are righteous is powerful and effective.
Application
I will pray for others today so they can be healed.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, put on my heart the people that need for me to pray for them. Since Your word says that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective help me to be righteous today so my prayers would be effective. Help me to pray for the right things and help me to pray for the people that need Your help today. I believe Your word and I know that my prayers are important for those around me. Guide my thoughts and my actions today. Help me focus on the important things today.
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Power of Prayer
Scripture
James 5
The Prayer of Faith
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Observation
How important is it for you to pray for other people? How important is it for you to pray for yourself? Pray when you are in trouble and pray (praise) when you are happy! Pray when someone is sick and get others to pray for someone that needs to be healed. Your prayer if you are righteous is powerful and effective.
Application
I will pray for others today so they can be healed.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, put on my heart the people that need for me to pray for them. Since Your word says that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective help me to be righteous today so my prayers would be effective. Help me to pray for the right things and help me to pray for the people that need Your help today. I believe Your word and I know that my prayers are important for those around me. Guide my thoughts and my actions today. Help me focus on the important things today.
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Tuesday, December 14, 2010
All Glory, Majesty, Power, and Authority!
Hebrews 12; Hebrews 13; Jude 1
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All Glory, Majesty, Power, and Authority!
Scripture
Jude 1
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Observation
One day I will stand in front of God my Father and be presented to Him by the Lord Jesus Christ. And Jesus will do this with great joy. And oh yes, I will be presented without fault.
Jesus is able to keep me from stumbling. He is not only able, but He will keep me from stumbling.
And I agree with the writer of Jude when he says, “to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”
Application
I am not alone. Jesus is guiding me. He will keep me from stumbling. I will go through this day with the confident assurance that Jesus is taking care of me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray today for James and for Sam both need Your healing power today. I pray that You would direct my thoughts and my attitude and my actions. I want to bring You glory today. It is my desire to please You. Help me to do just that. And so I pray “to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”
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All Glory, Majesty, Power, and Authority!
Scripture
Jude 1
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Observation
One day I will stand in front of God my Father and be presented to Him by the Lord Jesus Christ. And Jesus will do this with great joy. And oh yes, I will be presented without fault.
Jesus is able to keep me from stumbling. He is not only able, but He will keep me from stumbling.
And I agree with the writer of Jude when he says, “to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”
Application
I am not alone. Jesus is guiding me. He will keep me from stumbling. I will go through this day with the confident assurance that Jesus is taking care of me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray today for James and for Sam both need Your healing power today. I pray that You would direct my thoughts and my attitude and my actions. I want to bring You glory today. It is my desire to please You. Help me to do just that. And so I pray “to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”
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Monday, December 13, 2010
It is All About Faith!
Hebrews 9; Hebrews 10; Hebrews 11
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It is All About Faith!
Scripture
Hebrews 10
22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 11
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Observation
If God was rewriting Hebrews chapter 11 could God use you and me as examples of faith like those that God mentioned in the chapter? Our lives as Christians are all about faith and without it we cannot please God.
It takes faith to believe that God created everything and it takes faith to believe that God sent His Son to this earth to die in our place on a terrible cross. It takes faith and trust in what Christ did on the cross for us to be saved. Have you placed your faith and your trust in what Christ did on the cross and have you asked Christ to come into your life and forgive you of your sins? Are you forgiven?
Application
I challenge people today about their need to place their faith in Christ for their salvation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me. Thank You for giving me the ability to have faith and trust in You. Help me today to share with others about this faith. Help me share the story of Christmas with someone today.
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It is All About Faith!
Scripture
Hebrews 10
22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 11
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Observation
If God was rewriting Hebrews chapter 11 could God use you and me as examples of faith like those that God mentioned in the chapter? Our lives as Christians are all about faith and without it we cannot please God.
It takes faith to believe that God created everything and it takes faith to believe that God sent His Son to this earth to die in our place on a terrible cross. It takes faith and trust in what Christ did on the cross for us to be saved. Have you placed your faith and your trust in what Christ did on the cross and have you asked Christ to come into your life and forgive you of your sins? Are you forgiven?
Application
I challenge people today about their need to place their faith in Christ for their salvation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me. Thank You for giving me the ability to have faith and trust in You. Help me today to share with others about this faith. Help me share the story of Christmas with someone today.
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Sunday, December 12, 2010
Able To Save Completely
Hebrews 5; Hebrews 6; Hebrews 7; Hebrews 8
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Able To Save Completely
Scripture
Hebrews 6
“…we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
Hebrews 7
25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Observation
When you read chapters 5-8 of Hebrews you can realize all that Christ did for us as our High Priest. We can be confident of our salvation because we have a High Priest that is continually interceding for us. This is the hope that anchors our soul and makes it firm and secure. Christ is able to save us completely! I like that … how about you?
Application
I know that the only answer people have in life is Jesus. He is our only hope. He is their only hope. I will share about Him today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for Melissa today. She served us at a restaurant yesterday. I pray that she and her husband will soon be able to have Sundays off so they can go to church together. I pray that people would be saved today. I pray that Your hand would be on our church today. I pray that Your face would shine on us. I pray that Your Holy Spirit would move during our worship service and people would realize their need to repent and I pray that they would turn to You. You are the Mighty God. You are able to save. You are able to save us completely. This hope is an anchor to our souls.
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Able To Save Completely
Scripture
Hebrews 6
“…we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
Hebrews 7
25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Observation
When you read chapters 5-8 of Hebrews you can realize all that Christ did for us as our High Priest. We can be confident of our salvation because we have a High Priest that is continually interceding for us. This is the hope that anchors our soul and makes it firm and secure. Christ is able to save us completely! I like that … how about you?
Application
I know that the only answer people have in life is Jesus. He is our only hope. He is their only hope. I will share about Him today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for Melissa today. She served us at a restaurant yesterday. I pray that she and her husband will soon be able to have Sundays off so they can go to church together. I pray that people would be saved today. I pray that Your hand would be on our church today. I pray that Your face would shine on us. I pray that Your Holy Spirit would move during our worship service and people would realize their need to repent and I pray that they would turn to You. You are the Mighty God. You are able to save. You are able to save us completely. This hope is an anchor to our souls.
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Saturday, December 11, 2010
God’s Throne of Grace
Philemon 1; Hebrews 1; Hebrews 2; Hebrews 3; Hebrews 4
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God’s Throne of Grace
Scripture
Hebrews 4
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Observation
How did you approach God this morning? Did you come to His throne of grace with confidence? These are some great promises for you and me for the situations that we find ourselves in. God knows us. He knows our every weakness. Jesus came to this earth as 100% man and 100% God so that He could empathize with our weaknesses. He knows what you and I are going through.
Application
I will come to God’s throne with confidence and with boldness today because Jesus has provided me that privilege.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me such great and wonderful promises. Thank You for understanding just how I feel and for knowing my weaknesses. I want to come boldly to Your throne of grace this morning. Give me the confidence I need to be able to trust totally in You. I don’t deserve Your help. I don’t deserve the life that You are allowing me to live, but I am grateful for how much You love and care about me. I pray that You direct my thoughts and my actions today so that I may bring You glory.
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God’s Throne of Grace
Scripture
Hebrews 4
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Observation
How did you approach God this morning? Did you come to His throne of grace with confidence? These are some great promises for you and me for the situations that we find ourselves in. God knows us. He knows our every weakness. Jesus came to this earth as 100% man and 100% God so that He could empathize with our weaknesses. He knows what you and I are going through.
Application
I will come to God’s throne with confidence and with boldness today because Jesus has provided me that privilege.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me such great and wonderful promises. Thank You for understanding just how I feel and for knowing my weaknesses. I want to come boldly to Your throne of grace this morning. Give me the confidence I need to be able to trust totally in You. I don’t deserve Your help. I don’t deserve the life that You are allowing me to live, but I am grateful for how much You love and care about me. I pray that You direct my thoughts and my actions today so that I may bring You glory.
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Friday, December 10, 2010
Preach The Word
2 Timothy 1; 2 Timothy 2; 2 Timothy 3; 2 Timothy 4
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Preach The Word
Scripture
2 Timothy 4
2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Observation
God’s Word … preach it. Always be ready to share it. Use it to encourage, to correct, to spank, but do it with great patience and do it very carefully.
Application
I will preach God’s Word.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love Your word. Help me share it everyday. Help me enjoy it. Help me to use it to encourage others and myself. Help me to use it to correct folks when they need correcting. Your word gives life. It gives direction. It gives hope. Thank You for Your word. I want to meditate on it all day today. Thank You for encouraging me through Your word this week. Thank You for using Your word in my life this week to give me direction. I know that You love me. I know that I am in the center of Your will.
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Preach The Word
Scripture
2 Timothy 4
2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Observation
God’s Word … preach it. Always be ready to share it. Use it to encourage, to correct, to spank, but do it with great patience and do it very carefully.
Application
I will preach God’s Word.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love Your word. Help me share it everyday. Help me enjoy it. Help me to use it to encourage others and myself. Help me to use it to correct folks when they need correcting. Your word gives life. It gives direction. It gives hope. Thank You for Your word. I want to meditate on it all day today. Thank You for encouraging me through Your word this week. Thank You for using Your word in my life this week to give me direction. I know that You love me. I know that I am in the center of Your will.
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Thursday, December 09, 2010
Fight The Good Fight!
1 Timothy 5; 1 Timothy 6; Titus 1; Titus 2; Titus 3
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Fight The Good Fight!
Scripture
1 Timothy 6
12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Observation
Do you want to be a part of a good fight? If you do then fight the good fight of the faith.
This is a reminder that we are in a spiritual battle, but it is a good fight and we know the outcome. So lets jump in and fight!
Application
I will fight the good fight of faith today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love a good fight especially when it is a good fight of faith. Help me to be a good soldier. Help me to serve in Your army well. Don’t let me be a wimp. Help me to be strong and tough. I pray that You would give me victories along the way to encourage me. I pray for people to be saved this week. I pray for Your mighty hand to work through our church. Use me in this battle Lord … use me.
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Fight The Good Fight!
Scripture
1 Timothy 6
12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Observation
Do you want to be a part of a good fight? If you do then fight the good fight of the faith.
This is a reminder that we are in a spiritual battle, but it is a good fight and we know the outcome. So lets jump in and fight!
Application
I will fight the good fight of faith today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I love a good fight especially when it is a good fight of faith. Help me to be a good soldier. Help me to serve in Your army well. Don’t let me be a wimp. Help me to be strong and tough. I pray that You would give me victories along the way to encourage me. I pray for people to be saved this week. I pray for Your mighty hand to work through our church. Use me in this battle Lord … use me.
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Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Christ Jesus Came Into This World to Save Sinners!
1 Timothy 1; 1 Timothy 2; 1 Timothy 3; 1 Timothy 4
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Christ Jesus Came Into This World to Save Sinners!
Scripture
1 Timothy 1
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Observation
Our energy and our focus should be on sharing Christ so people can be saved. Not on other stuff that has no eternal value, but Satan will always move God’s people away from sharing Christ where our time is spent on things that are not important.
Application
I will think about how I can keep my focus on sharing Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is so easy to put my focus on things that don’t have eternal worth. Help me stay focused. Thank You for letting me see how important it is to pray for people all during the day. I pray that You continue to put on my heart what is important and not what is urgent. Guide me to the people that need to hear the Gospel.
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Christ Jesus Came Into This World to Save Sinners!
Scripture
1 Timothy 1
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Observation
Our energy and our focus should be on sharing Christ so people can be saved. Not on other stuff that has no eternal value, but Satan will always move God’s people away from sharing Christ where our time is spent on things that are not important.
Application
I will think about how I can keep my focus on sharing Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is so easy to put my focus on things that don’t have eternal worth. Help me stay focused. Thank You for letting me see how important it is to pray for people all during the day. I pray that You continue to put on my heart what is important and not what is urgent. Guide me to the people that need to hear the Gospel.
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Tuesday, December 07, 2010
You Are Not Serving Your Boss. It is The Lord Christ You Are Serving!
Colossians 1; Colossians 2; Colossians 3; Colossians 4
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You Are Not Serving Your Boss. It is The Lord Christ You Are Serving!
Scripture
Colossians 3
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Observation
What will you do today? Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. “Whatever” covers anything that you plan to do today. Do it with all your heart. Do it as if you are serving the Lord. The big picture is that even if you are a slave and you are working for a master then you should still do it with all your heart, because you are not really working for a master, but you are working for the Master. Amazing! Do you have a bad boss? Do you have a terrible job? No problem … you should work as if you were serving the Lord and do that job with all your heart.
Application
I will serve the Lord with all my heart.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me serve You with all my heart today.
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You Are Not Serving Your Boss. It is The Lord Christ You Are Serving!
Scripture
Colossians 3
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Observation
What will you do today? Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. “Whatever” covers anything that you plan to do today. Do it with all your heart. Do it as if you are serving the Lord. The big picture is that even if you are a slave and you are working for a master then you should still do it with all your heart, because you are not really working for a master, but you are working for the Master. Amazing! Do you have a bad boss? Do you have a terrible job? No problem … you should work as if you were serving the Lord and do that job with all your heart.
Application
I will serve the Lord with all my heart.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me serve You with all my heart today.
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Monday, December 06, 2010
How To Experience The Peace of God
Philippians 1; Philippians 2; Philippians 3; Philippians 4
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How To Experience The Peace of God
Scripture
Philippians 4
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Observation
There is a connection between what Paul writes about in verses 6-7 and what he writes about in verses 8-9, both sets of verses talk about having the peace of God. The first set of verses say that the peace of God comes when you don’t worry about anything and you pray about everything. You also have to be thankful to God for what He is doing and what He has done. In the second set of verses Paul tells us that the focus of our thoughts needs to be on what is true and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable, and excellent and worthy of praise then we will experience the peace of God.
So when I am troubled and disturbed and don’t have the peace of God that Paul describes in chapter 4 I should immediately do a little test. Am I worrying? Am I praying with thanksgiving? Is my focus on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise? If I flunk the above quiz then what should I do? I should get my focus off my circumstances and place it back on Heavenly things, Kingdom stuff, and do it with thanksgiving in my heart.
Application
I will meditate on and put into practice these verses this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to worry about anything and help me to remember to pray to You about everything with a thankful heart. Help me to keep my focus on the right things because I want to experience Your peace that is greater than anything else. The things that I tend to worry about are not the important things in life. The things that grab my attention and my focus are many times not the things that are true and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable, and excellent and worthy of praise, but those are the things that I want to focus on. Help me to do just that.
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Sunday, December 05, 2010
Enthusiasm!
Ephesians 5; Ephesians 6; Psalm 119:1-80
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Enthusiasm!
Scripture
Ephesians 6
7 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Observation
Paul doesn’t tell the slaves to pray and ask God to set them free, no, he tells the slaves to work with enthusiasm and to work like they are working for the Lord. It is a good word for us today. You and I need to work with enthusiasm. We need to do everything like it is work for the Lord rather than people.
Application
I will work with enthusiasm today. I will serve the Lord today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to do everything today with enthusiasm and help me to realize that I am working for You and not for anyone else. I pray that Your hand would be on our fellowship. I pray for Agnatius that You heal him. I pray for Bruce and Heather today that You would use them in a mighty way. I pray for all of our Sunday school teachers and small group leaders that they serve You with enthusiasm and with all of their hearts.
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Enthusiasm!
Scripture
Ephesians 6
7 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Observation
Paul doesn’t tell the slaves to pray and ask God to set them free, no, he tells the slaves to work with enthusiasm and to work like they are working for the Lord. It is a good word for us today. You and I need to work with enthusiasm. We need to do everything like it is work for the Lord rather than people.
Application
I will work with enthusiasm today. I will serve the Lord today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to do everything today with enthusiasm and help me to realize that I am working for You and not for anyone else. I pray that Your hand would be on our fellowship. I pray for Agnatius that You heal him. I pray for Bruce and Heather today that You would use them in a mighty way. I pray for all of our Sunday school teachers and small group leaders that they serve You with enthusiasm and with all of their hearts.
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Saturday, December 04, 2010
Praying for Others
Romans 13; Romans 14; Romans 15; Romans 16
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Praying for Others
Scripture
Romans 15
13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Observation
How important is it that you pray for others? I found out yesterday that a pastor friend in Uganda is in the hospital in critical condition after a car crash. They have done emergency surgery. He has lost a lot of blood and has internal injuries. The hospitals in Uganda are not like hospitals here in the US.
I am praying for him. His name is Asalamuku Agnatius. We call him Agnatius. How important is it to pray for Agnatius? I believe that God is counting on our prayers to him for Agnatius so that He will be glorified by healing him. I will pray for healing because God tells us that we should pray for those that are sick. God tells us that we should pray for one another. Why would God tell us to do this if it didn’t matter? It matters a lot to our Heavenly Father that we intercede for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Application
I will pray for Agnatius that God raises him up and heals him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for my brother in Christ, Agnatius. I pray that You intervene and heal his body. The hospital is not equipped to handle his injuries so I pray that You miraculously work in his life. Touch him and heal him for Your glory and for Your honor. I pray that you be with his family and his church that You would strengthen them and show them Your power and Your might.
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Praying for Others
Scripture
Romans 15
13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Observation
How important is it that you pray for others? I found out yesterday that a pastor friend in Uganda is in the hospital in critical condition after a car crash. They have done emergency surgery. He has lost a lot of blood and has internal injuries. The hospitals in Uganda are not like hospitals here in the US.
I am praying for him. His name is Asalamuku Agnatius. We call him Agnatius. How important is it to pray for Agnatius? I believe that God is counting on our prayers to him for Agnatius so that He will be glorified by healing him. I will pray for healing because God tells us that we should pray for those that are sick. God tells us that we should pray for one another. Why would God tell us to do this if it didn’t matter? It matters a lot to our Heavenly Father that we intercede for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Application
I will pray for Agnatius that God raises him up and heals him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for my brother in Christ, Agnatius. I pray that You intervene and heal his body. The hospital is not equipped to handle his injuries so I pray that You miraculously work in his life. Touch him and heal him for Your glory and for Your honor. I pray that you be with his family and his church that You would strengthen them and show them Your power and Your might.
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Friday, December 03, 2010
Let’s Pray For Each Other
Ephesians 1; Ephesians 2; Ephesians 3; Ephesians 4
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Let’s Pray For Each Other
Scripture
Ephesians 3
14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Observation
Paul had no computer, no Facebook, no television, no radio, to distract him, but even if he would have had these modern day distractions I believe that he would have still prayed and interceded for others during most of his free time. Who are you praying for? Who did you pray for this morning? Who will you pray for during the day? This is a great prayer to pray for the person or persons that comes to your mind.
Application
I will pray this for my friends: that God will empower them with inner strength through his Spirit and that Christ will make his home in their hearts as they trust in him. That their roots will grow down into God’s love and keep them strong. 18 And may they have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May they experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then they will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that God will empower my brothers and sisters in Christ with inner strength through his Spirit and that Christ will make his home in their hearts as they trust in him. That their roots will grow down into Your love and keep them strong. 18 And may they have the power to understand, as all Your people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May they experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then they will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from You.
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Let’s Pray For Each Other
Scripture
Ephesians 3
14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Observation
Paul had no computer, no Facebook, no television, no radio, to distract him, but even if he would have had these modern day distractions I believe that he would have still prayed and interceded for others during most of his free time. Who are you praying for? Who did you pray for this morning? Who will you pray for during the day? This is a great prayer to pray for the person or persons that comes to your mind.
Application
I will pray this for my friends: that God will empower them with inner strength through his Spirit and that Christ will make his home in their hearts as they trust in him. That their roots will grow down into God’s love and keep them strong. 18 And may they have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May they experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then they will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that God will empower my brothers and sisters in Christ with inner strength through his Spirit and that Christ will make his home in their hearts as they trust in him. That their roots will grow down into Your love and keep them strong. 18 And may they have the power to understand, as all Your people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May they experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then they will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from You.
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Thursday, December 02, 2010
Beautiful Feet!
Romans 9; Romans 10; Romans 11; Romans 12
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Beautiful Feet!
Scripture
Romans 10
13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “LORD, who has believed our message?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
Observation
The urgency is the need to share the Gospel with as many people as possible each and every day because the more we share the more will hear and more will be saved. The key to the spread of the Gospel is having enough people with “beautiful feet”. How are your feet? How are my feet? Are they beautiful? Are they ugly? Ugly feet are the ones that stay at home and never share the Good News!
Application
I will work towards having better and better looking feet. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is my desire that when You look at my feet that in Your eyes You will find them beautiful. Help me share the Good News all the time, every chance I get.
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Beautiful Feet!
Scripture
Romans 10
13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “LORD, who has believed our message?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
Observation
The urgency is the need to share the Gospel with as many people as possible each and every day because the more we share the more will hear and more will be saved. The key to the spread of the Gospel is having enough people with “beautiful feet”. How are your feet? How are my feet? Are they beautiful? Are they ugly? Ugly feet are the ones that stay at home and never share the Good News!
Application
I will work towards having better and better looking feet. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is my desire that when You look at my feet that in Your eyes You will find them beautiful. Help me share the Good News all the time, every chance I get.
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Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Can Anything Ever Separate Us From Christ’s Love?
Romans 5; Romans 6; Romans 7; Romans 8
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Can Anything Ever Separate Us From Christ’s Love?
Scripture
Romans 8
35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
Observation
Chapter 8 of Romans is a great reminder of just how much God loves us. Maybe we should read this chapter about 10 times today and let it really sink in. God loves us so much. We are His inheritance. We will share in His glory. And yes we will also share in Christ’s suffering too.
Think about what God says in these verses:
26 “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.”
When you don’t know what to pray, no problem, the Holy Spirit prays for us. “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Application
Everything that is happening in my life today God will work it to my good because He loves me. I know that God is on my side. I am His child. I will share in His glory. Amazing.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t know why I ever worry. As I read Romans 5-8 this morning I realize how much You love us and how Your care for us is so complete. From the beginning of my life to its end here on earth it is in your complete control. Nothing escapes Your watchful eye. You don’t ever miss anything. Thank You for taking such good care of me and help me to remember that You are always watching out for me. Keep me away from sin. It is my desire to bring You glory today.
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Can Anything Ever Separate Us From Christ’s Love?
Scripture
Romans 8
35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
Observation
Chapter 8 of Romans is a great reminder of just how much God loves us. Maybe we should read this chapter about 10 times today and let it really sink in. God loves us so much. We are His inheritance. We will share in His glory. And yes we will also share in Christ’s suffering too.
Think about what God says in these verses:
26 “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.”
When you don’t know what to pray, no problem, the Holy Spirit prays for us. “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Application
Everything that is happening in my life today God will work it to my good because He loves me. I know that God is on my side. I am His child. I will share in His glory. Amazing.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t know why I ever worry. As I read Romans 5-8 this morning I realize how much You love us and how Your care for us is so complete. From the beginning of my life to its end here on earth it is in your complete control. Nothing escapes Your watchful eye. You don’t ever miss anything. Thank You for taking such good care of me and help me to remember that You are always watching out for me. Keep me away from sin. It is my desire to bring You glory today.
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Nailed To The Cross By Our Sins
Romans 1; Romans 2; Romans 3; Romans 4
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Nailed To The Cross By Our Sins
Scripture
Romans 4
25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.
Observation
We need to read Romans 3 and 4 several times to catch just what God did for you and me. Here are some key words or phrases in these four chapters to ponder: faith, gift, “undeserved kindness”, “made right”, and wages.
Abraham’s faith was truly amazing. God was impressed by Abraham’s faith. I love these verses in chapter four:
“16 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. 17 That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.
18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” 19 And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.
20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.
Application
As Abraham got older and older his faith got stronger and stronger and that is what I want my faith to do to. So I will continue to believe all of God’s promises and I will continue to walk in obedience.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, the entire story about Abraham and his incredible faith shows me that I too can be a person of faith. I realize that it was 100 years before Abraham got to see the promise of a son be fulfilled so I can wait patiently for some of Your promises for me that I still have not seen come to pass. Help me to be a man of faith. Thank You for making me right with You through the death of Your Son.
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Nailed To The Cross By Our Sins
Scripture
Romans 4
25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.
Observation
We need to read Romans 3 and 4 several times to catch just what God did for you and me. Here are some key words or phrases in these four chapters to ponder: faith, gift, “undeserved kindness”, “made right”, and wages.
Abraham’s faith was truly amazing. God was impressed by Abraham’s faith. I love these verses in chapter four:
“16 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. 17 That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.
18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” 19 And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.
20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.
Application
As Abraham got older and older his faith got stronger and stronger and that is what I want my faith to do to. So I will continue to believe all of God’s promises and I will continue to walk in obedience.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, the entire story about Abraham and his incredible faith shows me that I too can be a person of faith. I realize that it was 100 years before Abraham got to see the promise of a son be fulfilled so I can wait patiently for some of Your promises for me that I still have not seen come to pass. Help me to be a man of faith. Thank You for making me right with You through the death of Your Son.
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Monday, November 29, 2010
Encouragement and Paul’s Prayer For The Saints
1 Thessalonians 4; 1 Thessalonians 5; 2 Thessalonians 1; 2 Thessalonians 2; 2 Thessalonians 3
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Encouragement and Paul’s Prayer For The Saints
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.
2 Thessalonians 1
11 So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Observation
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Do you think those two things are somehow connected? I do. Joyfulness is not the same thing as “happiness”. Joyfulness is a choice and it doesn’t depend on what circumstances we find ourselves in. Praying is a choice. And it shouldn’t depend on what circumstances we find ourselves in either.
We should do both of these things because we belong to Jesus.
How about Paul’s prayer? “May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.”
What has your faith prompted you to start? Paul’s prayer is that we have God’s power to finish what our faith prompted us to start. Amen to that!
Application
Today I will remember “always” and “never” and I will try to do both things Paul tells us to do with those two words in front of them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to always be joyful and help me never to stop praying. Give me direction for today. Give me Your power to accomplish what my faith has prompted me to start. I pray for our church leadership today. Help us please you with how we live out our lives. Be glorified through us this week as we serve You.
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Encouragement and Paul’s Prayer For The Saints
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.
2 Thessalonians 1
11 So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Observation
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Do you think those two things are somehow connected? I do. Joyfulness is not the same thing as “happiness”. Joyfulness is a choice and it doesn’t depend on what circumstances we find ourselves in. Praying is a choice. And it shouldn’t depend on what circumstances we find ourselves in either.
We should do both of these things because we belong to Jesus.
How about Paul’s prayer? “May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.”
What has your faith prompted you to start? Paul’s prayer is that we have God’s power to finish what our faith prompted us to start. Amen to that!
Application
Today I will remember “always” and “never” and I will try to do both things Paul tells us to do with those two words in front of them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to always be joyful and help me never to stop praying. Give me direction for today. Give me Your power to accomplish what my faith has prompted me to start. I pray for our church leadership today. Help us please you with how we live out our lives. Be glorified through us this week as we serve You.
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Sunday, November 28, 2010
Praying for one another!
Matthew 28; 1 Thessalonians 1; 1 Thessalonians 2; 1 Thessalonians 3
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Praying for one another!
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
How many people did you pray for during the night? When you were awakened during the night did you pray while you were waiting to go back to sleep? Who did you pray for and what did you pray for them? I like Paul’s prayer in verses 11-13 where he prayed for them to have strong hearts and for their love to grow and overflow towards everyone. It is a great prayer for us to prayer for each other. Who needs this prayer today?
Application
I will pray for my people that I pray for to have a love that grows and overflows and I will pray that they would have strong hearts.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, all the people that I prayed for during the night could I add Paul’s prayer for them too. I pray that their love would grow and overflow on to everyone around them. I pray that you give them strong hearts. Use them for Your kingdom today. Thank You for allowing me to be blessed with so many friends.
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Praying for one another!
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
How many people did you pray for during the night? When you were awakened during the night did you pray while you were waiting to go back to sleep? Who did you pray for and what did you pray for them? I like Paul’s prayer in verses 11-13 where he prayed for them to have strong hearts and for their love to grow and overflow towards everyone. It is a great prayer for us to prayer for each other. Who needs this prayer today?
Application
I will pray for my people that I pray for to have a love that grows and overflows and I will pray that they would have strong hearts.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, all the people that I prayed for during the night could I add Paul’s prayer for them too. I pray that their love would grow and overflow on to everyone around them. I pray that you give them strong hearts. Use them for Your kingdom today. Thank You for allowing me to be blessed with so many friends.
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Saturday, November 27, 2010
As Secure As Mount Zion
Psalm 125; Matthew 26; Matthew 27
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As Secure As Mount Zion
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.
4 O LORD, do good to those who are good,
whose hearts are in tune with you.
Observation
Psalm 125 is an encouraging Psalm to anyone that may be going through difficult times. God says that He surrounds his people just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, both now and forever and the last time I checked “forever” was a very long time.
“O LORD, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with You.”
If you have God on your side this morning what else do you need? Nada…
Application
I will meditate on this Psalm today and thank God for His wonderful care.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so blessed, but I know I am blessed so that I can be a blessing to other people. Help me do just that today. Give me strength for this day. Direct my thoughts and my actions, may they be pleasing to You. I pray for our church. Help our people please You. I pray that Your Holy Spirit takes complete control of our worship service and everyone person senses Your presence and Your power. I pray that those in the service would be able to understand Your Gospel and I pray that all would be obedient to the message. You are Mighty. Nothing is too hard for You.
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As Secure As Mount Zion
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.
4 O LORD, do good to those who are good,
whose hearts are in tune with you.
Observation
Psalm 125 is an encouraging Psalm to anyone that may be going through difficult times. God says that He surrounds his people just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, both now and forever and the last time I checked “forever” was a very long time.
“O LORD, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with You.”
If you have God on your side this morning what else do you need? Nada…
Application
I will meditate on this Psalm today and thank God for His wonderful care.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so blessed, but I know I am blessed so that I can be a blessing to other people. Help me do just that today. Give me strength for this day. Direct my thoughts and my actions, may they be pleasing to You. I pray for our church. Help our people please You. I pray that Your Holy Spirit takes complete control of our worship service and everyone person senses Your presence and Your power. I pray that those in the service would be able to understand Your Gospel and I pray that all would be obedient to the message. You are Mighty. Nothing is too hard for You.
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Friday, November 26, 2010
Jesus … Coming in His Glory … Are You Ready?
Matthew 23; Matthew 24; Matthew 25
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Jesus … Coming in His Glory … Are You Ready?
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,…”
Observation
I am looking forward to the day that the Son of Man comes in His glory, and sits on His glorious throne. How about you? I can’t even imagine what that day will be like, can you? All the nations will be gathered and then Christ will separate the sheep from the goats. How many of those sheep will be from your work and from my work here on this earth? What countries will be impacted because of you and because of me?
What can we do different in 2011 to reach more people for Christ?
Application
I plan to help people more from the goat side to the sheep side … how about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I look forward to seeing Jesus in all His glory sitting on His glorious throne. I know that it is our task to help more people be ready for His second coming. Help me to be faithful. Keep me strong. Keep me focused. Thank You for blessing me so much.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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Jesus … Coming in His Glory … Are You Ready?
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,…”
Observation
I am looking forward to the day that the Son of Man comes in His glory, and sits on His glorious throne. How about you? I can’t even imagine what that day will be like, can you? All the nations will be gathered and then Christ will separate the sheep from the goats. How many of those sheep will be from your work and from my work here on this earth? What countries will be impacted because of you and because of me?
What can we do different in 2011 to reach more people for Christ?
Application
I plan to help people more from the goat side to the sheep side … how about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I look forward to seeing Jesus in all His glory sitting on His glorious throne. I know that it is our task to help more people be ready for His second coming. Help me to be faithful. Keep me strong. Keep me focused. Thank You for blessing me so much.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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