Ezekiel 12; Ezekiel 13; Ezekiel 14; Revelation 5
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Worthy is the Lamb!
Scripture
Revelation 5
11 Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. 12 And they sang in a mighty chorus:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—
to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and blessing.”
13 And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:
“Blessing and honor and glory and power
belong to the one sitting on the throne
and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
14 And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb.
Observation
One day we will all join these millions and millions of angels to sing with them praises to our King! Are you ready? I am.
You may have heard some good choruses before but you have never heard anything that will compare with this!
Lets practice today by praising our Lord and Savior all day long!
Application
I will praise my God all day long today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I agree with the Angels when they sing,
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—
to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and blessing.”
“Blessing and honor and glory and power
belong to the one sitting on the throne
and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
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Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Glimpse of Heaven
Ezekiel 8; Ezekiel 9; Ezekiel 10; Ezekiel 11; Revelation 4
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Glimpse of Heaven
Scripture
Revelation 4
In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. 7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,
11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God,
to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
Ezekiel 10
9 I looked, and each of the four cherubim had a wheel beside him, and the wheels sparkled like beryl. 10 All four wheels looked alike and were made the same; each wheel had a second wheel turning crosswise within it. 11 The cherubim could move in any of the four directions they faced, without turning as they moved. They went straight in the direction they faced, never turning aside. 12 Both the cherubim and the wheels were covered with eyes. The cherubim had eyes all over their bodies, including their hands, their backs, and their wings. 13 I heard someone refer to the wheels as “the whirling wheels.” 14 Each of the four cherubim had four faces: the first was the face of an ox, the second was a human face, the third was the face of a lion, and the fourth was the face of an eagle.
Observation
The cherubim that Ezekiel saw in his vision were the same cherubim that John saw in his vision! What would these cherubim look like if someone were to be able to draw them from the description given to us from these two writers? I am going to do a google search and see what I find. If I find something I will show you right here on this page!
They worship God continuously saying, ““Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
My mind probably works too hard on things like this, but don’t you think cherubim existed before the world was created? If so then the ox, the lion, the eagle, and man were already important to God before He ever created anything here on earth.
Application
I will praise God for who He is and I will thank Him for all that He has done for me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For You created all things, and they exist because You created what You pleased.” I exist because You created what You pleased. I don’t understand everything that I read today in Ezekiel and Revelation, I just can’t comprehend it all, but I am thankful that You included me in on all of this and I am just glad to be one of Yours. Thank You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
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Sunday, August 29, 2010
Christ Fellowship
Ezekiel 4; Ezekiel 5; Ezekiel 6; Ezekiel 7; Revelation 3
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Christ Fellowship
Scripture
Revelation 3
20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
Observation
Jesus is knocking at your hearts door and He wants to come in. Will you open the door of your heart and let Him in? He wants a relationship with you and me. He wants to be our Lord and our Savior. What is keeping you from asking Him to come into your life? Why not ask Him to come in and save you today?
Application
I will share this verse at Mission Tampa tomorrow as I challenge the people to trust in Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that people would understand the Gospel when it is shared this morning at church. I pray that people would be sensitive to Your Holy Spirit today as we vote on a new senior pastor. I pray that You make Your will crystal clear today. I pray that our church would step out in faith today and say, “yes” to some big changes. Have Your way in every heart. I pray that You will be glorified and lifted up today. Please be in control of everything that goes on today at our church.
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Christ Fellowship
Scripture
Revelation 3
20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
Observation
Jesus is knocking at your hearts door and He wants to come in. Will you open the door of your heart and let Him in? He wants a relationship with you and me. He wants to be our Lord and our Savior. What is keeping you from asking Him to come into your life? Why not ask Him to come in and save you today?
Application
I will share this verse at Mission Tampa tomorrow as I challenge the people to trust in Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that people would understand the Gospel when it is shared this morning at church. I pray that people would be sensitive to Your Holy Spirit today as we vote on a new senior pastor. I pray that You make Your will crystal clear today. I pray that our church would step out in faith today and say, “yes” to some big changes. Have Your way in every heart. I pray that You will be glorified and lifted up today. Please be in control of everything that goes on today at our church.
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Saturday, August 28, 2010
God's Glory
Ezekiel 1; Ezekiel 2; Ezekiel 3; Revelation 2
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God’s Glory
Scripture
Ezekiel 1
28 All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day. This is what the glory of the LORD looked like to me. When I saw it, I fell face down on the ground, and I heard someone’s voice speaking to me.
Observation
I so look forward to seeing the Lord in all of His Glory. Ezekiel had the privilege of doing just that. I have asked God to let me get a glimpse of Heaven, but so far He hasn’t except the glimpses I see from His word. And I am ok with that but it is going to be so neat when we finally see Him face to face.
Application
I will enjoy seeing God in all of His glory through His word until the day He lets me see Him face to face.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Ezekiel got to experience something that I probably will not get to experience until I get to Heaven, but I have had the chance to experience even way more than him. I have the entire word of God to enjoy everyday he never got to enjoy God’s word like I get to. I can enjoy Your entire redemption story, but Ezekiel got to see and experience very little of God’s big plan. I am blessed. Thank You for letting me live here and now and not back then. Thank You for letting me enjoy all of Your word today that Ezekiel never had the opportunity to do. I pray that You would lead and guide our people to follow You and help them not to be rebellious like the children of Israel.
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God’s Glory
Scripture
Ezekiel 1
28 All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day. This is what the glory of the LORD looked like to me. When I saw it, I fell face down on the ground, and I heard someone’s voice speaking to me.
Observation
I so look forward to seeing the Lord in all of His Glory. Ezekiel had the privilege of doing just that. I have asked God to let me get a glimpse of Heaven, but so far He hasn’t except the glimpses I see from His word. And I am ok with that but it is going to be so neat when we finally see Him face to face.
Application
I will enjoy seeing God in all of His glory through His word until the day He lets me see Him face to face.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Ezekiel got to experience something that I probably will not get to experience until I get to Heaven, but I have had the chance to experience even way more than him. I have the entire word of God to enjoy everyday he never got to enjoy God’s word like I get to. I can enjoy Your entire redemption story, but Ezekiel got to see and experience very little of God’s big plan. I am blessed. Thank You for letting me live here and now and not back then. Thank You for letting me enjoy all of Your word today that Ezekiel never had the opportunity to do. I pray that You would lead and guide our people to follow You and help them not to be rebellious like the children of Israel.
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Friday, August 27, 2010
Alone Time With God First Thing In The Morning!
Jeremiah 52; Revelation 1; Psalm 143; Psalm 144
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Scripture
Psalm 143
8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, LORD;
I run to you to hide me.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing.
11 For the glory of your name, O LORD, preserve my life.
Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.
12 In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies
and destroy all my foes,
for I am your servant.
Observation
There is a real good reason to have your alone time with God as the very first thing you do in the morning. Why you ask? Here is a good reason from Psalm 143:8 “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.” When I got up this morning and read this Psalm I was reminded of God’s love for me and how He delights in helping me. Why does He delight in helping me … because I am His servant. He is my God.
Application
I will listen to His voice throughout the morning. I am already encouraged by what He said to me through these two Psalms and chapter one of Revelation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for letting me hear of your unfailing love this morning, I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Rescue me from my enemies, LORD; I run to you to hide me. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. For the glory of your name, O LORD, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress. In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.
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Scripture
Psalm 143
8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, LORD;
I run to you to hide me.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing.
11 For the glory of your name, O LORD, preserve my life.
Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.
12 In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies
and destroy all my foes,
for I am your servant.
Observation
There is a real good reason to have your alone time with God as the very first thing you do in the morning. Why you ask? Here is a good reason from Psalm 143:8 “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.” When I got up this morning and read this Psalm I was reminded of God’s love for me and how He delights in helping me. Why does He delight in helping me … because I am His servant. He is my God.
Application
I will listen to His voice throughout the morning. I am already encouraged by what He said to me through these two Psalms and chapter one of Revelation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for letting me hear of your unfailing love this morning, I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Rescue me from my enemies, LORD; I run to you to hide me. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. For the glory of your name, O LORD, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress. In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.
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Thursday, August 26, 2010
Spiritual Parenting!
Jeremiah 50; Jeremiah 51; 3 John 1
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Spiritual Parenting
Scripture
3 John 1
4 I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.
Observation
How do you know if you are a mature believer or not? Easy…do you have spiritual children, if you do then you are a mature believer. Maturity in Christ has nothing to do with how long you have been a Christian or how long you have been going to church.
Spiritual maturity at least evidence of spiritual maturity is when you reproduce yourself spiritually. If you have never given birth to a new babe in Christ or have never help another Christian grow in Christ then you are not a mature Christ Follower.
Application
I am going to look for someone to mentor/disciple. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, guide me to someone that wants to grow. Help me find that person that has a desire to become mature. Thank You for bringing people into my life that helped me grow. You continue to bring people into my life that help me become more like You. You are Worthy to be praised. You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. There is no one like You.
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Spiritual Parenting
Scripture
3 John 1
4 I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.
Observation
How do you know if you are a mature believer or not? Easy…do you have spiritual children, if you do then you are a mature believer. Maturity in Christ has nothing to do with how long you have been a Christian or how long you have been going to church.
Spiritual maturity at least evidence of spiritual maturity is when you reproduce yourself spiritually. If you have never given birth to a new babe in Christ or have never help another Christian grow in Christ then you are not a mature Christ Follower.
Application
I am going to look for someone to mentor/disciple. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, guide me to someone that wants to grow. Help me find that person that has a desire to become mature. Thank You for bringing people into my life that helped me grow. You continue to bring people into my life that help me become more like You. You are Worthy to be praised. You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. There is no one like You.
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Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Lessons From The Pit!
Jeremiah 37; Jeremiah 38; Jeremiah 39; Psalm 79; 2 John 1
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Lessons From The Pit!
Scripture
Jeremiah 38
6 So the officials took Jeremiah from his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard. It belonged to Malkijah, a member of the royal family. There was no water in the cistern, but there was a thick layer of mud at the bottom, and Jeremiah sank down into it.
7 But Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, an important court official, heard that Jeremiah was in the cistern. At that time the king was holding court at the Benjamin Gate, 8 so Ebed-melech rushed from the palace to speak with him. 9 “My lord the king,” he said, “these men have done a very evil thing in putting Jeremiah the prophet into the cistern. He will soon die of hunger, for almost all the bread in the city is gone.”
10 So the king told Ebed-melech, “Take thirty of my men with you, and pull Jeremiah out of the cistern before he dies.”
11 So Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to a room in the palace beneath the treasury, where he found some old rags and discarded clothing. He carried these to the cistern and lowered them to Jeremiah on a rope. 12 Ebed-melech called down to Jeremiah, “Put these rags under your armpits to protect you from the ropes.” Then when Jeremiah was ready, 13 they pulled him out. So Jeremiah was returned to the courtyard of the guard—the palace prison—where he remained.
Jeremiah 39
11 King Nebuchadnezzar had told Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, to find Jeremiah. 12 “See that he isn’t hurt,” he said. “Look after him well, and give him anything he wants.” 13 So Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard; Nebushazban, a chief officer; Nergal-sharezer, the king’s adviser; and the other officers of Babylon’s king 14 sent messengers to bring Jeremiah out of the prison. They put him under the care of Gedaliah son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, who took him back to his home. So Jeremiah stayed in Judah among his own people.
Jeremiah 39
5 But the Babylonian troops chased the king and caught him on the plains of Jericho. They took him to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who was at Riblah in the land of Hamath. There the king of Babylon pronounced judgment upon Zedekiah. 6 He made Zedekiah watch as they slaughtered his sons and all the nobles of Judah. 7 Then they gouged out Zedekiah’s eyes, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon.
Observation
God’s servant Jeremiah endured a lot of suffering as he served the Lord but God protected him and delivered him from his enemies. Zedekiah, Jeremiah’s king could have lived out his life and could have saved his family if he would have just acted on what Jeremiah told him. He refused to listen to God’s servant and you see what happened to him.
As we serve Christ we may think that sometimes we are having it too difficult or too hard, but may I remind you that if you and I are serving Christ then we will be delivered and rescued. Life may be difficult and tough and we may go through persecution and we may go through extreme adversity, but…we will come out victorious! We will not be destroyed.
I wonder what was going through Jeremiah’s mind when they lowered him down into the pit. He was down in a dark pit and possibly up to his armpits in mud so what could be worse than that? I will tell you something a lot worse than that, how about what happened to Jeremiah’s king Zedekiah who had to watch his sons and his friends be slaughtered in front of his eyes and then had his own eyes gouged out. I would say that was worse punishment than being dropped in a pit and soaked in mud.
Zedekiah possibly remembered Jeremiah’s words as he watched the destruction of his family, the destruction of the city, and may have thought to himself, “If only I had listened to God’s warning that He tried to give to me through His prophet Jeremiah.”
God will allow us to go through trials and suffering here on earth, but He walks with us through those difficult times. He wants us to trust Him during the times of trials. He wants us to depend on Him.
Are you going through a trial today? Look up! Trust Your Heavenly Father to take care of You. Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for You! 1 Peter 5:7
Application
I am the Lord’s servant. I will trust Him today. I will depend on Him to get me through. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that You care about me. You cared about Your Prophet Jeremiah and he was a lot better off than the king that he served. You provided and cared for him and You will provide and care for my family and me. You always have since the very first day that I began to trust You. You have never let me down. You have always been with me through every trial and through every victory You have been at my side. The best days are ahead of us. Even if my health fails, even if my body wears out … I will still trust in You.
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Lessons From The Pit!
Scripture
Jeremiah 38
6 So the officials took Jeremiah from his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard. It belonged to Malkijah, a member of the royal family. There was no water in the cistern, but there was a thick layer of mud at the bottom, and Jeremiah sank down into it.
7 But Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, an important court official, heard that Jeremiah was in the cistern. At that time the king was holding court at the Benjamin Gate, 8 so Ebed-melech rushed from the palace to speak with him. 9 “My lord the king,” he said, “these men have done a very evil thing in putting Jeremiah the prophet into the cistern. He will soon die of hunger, for almost all the bread in the city is gone.”
10 So the king told Ebed-melech, “Take thirty of my men with you, and pull Jeremiah out of the cistern before he dies.”
11 So Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to a room in the palace beneath the treasury, where he found some old rags and discarded clothing. He carried these to the cistern and lowered them to Jeremiah on a rope. 12 Ebed-melech called down to Jeremiah, “Put these rags under your armpits to protect you from the ropes.” Then when Jeremiah was ready, 13 they pulled him out. So Jeremiah was returned to the courtyard of the guard—the palace prison—where he remained.
Jeremiah 39
11 King Nebuchadnezzar had told Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, to find Jeremiah. 12 “See that he isn’t hurt,” he said. “Look after him well, and give him anything he wants.” 13 So Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard; Nebushazban, a chief officer; Nergal-sharezer, the king’s adviser; and the other officers of Babylon’s king 14 sent messengers to bring Jeremiah out of the prison. They put him under the care of Gedaliah son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, who took him back to his home. So Jeremiah stayed in Judah among his own people.
Jeremiah 39
5 But the Babylonian troops chased the king and caught him on the plains of Jericho. They took him to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who was at Riblah in the land of Hamath. There the king of Babylon pronounced judgment upon Zedekiah. 6 He made Zedekiah watch as they slaughtered his sons and all the nobles of Judah. 7 Then they gouged out Zedekiah’s eyes, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon.
Observation
God’s servant Jeremiah endured a lot of suffering as he served the Lord but God protected him and delivered him from his enemies. Zedekiah, Jeremiah’s king could have lived out his life and could have saved his family if he would have just acted on what Jeremiah told him. He refused to listen to God’s servant and you see what happened to him.
As we serve Christ we may think that sometimes we are having it too difficult or too hard, but may I remind you that if you and I are serving Christ then we will be delivered and rescued. Life may be difficult and tough and we may go through persecution and we may go through extreme adversity, but…we will come out victorious! We will not be destroyed.
I wonder what was going through Jeremiah’s mind when they lowered him down into the pit. He was down in a dark pit and possibly up to his armpits in mud so what could be worse than that? I will tell you something a lot worse than that, how about what happened to Jeremiah’s king Zedekiah who had to watch his sons and his friends be slaughtered in front of his eyes and then had his own eyes gouged out. I would say that was worse punishment than being dropped in a pit and soaked in mud.
Zedekiah possibly remembered Jeremiah’s words as he watched the destruction of his family, the destruction of the city, and may have thought to himself, “If only I had listened to God’s warning that He tried to give to me through His prophet Jeremiah.”
God will allow us to go through trials and suffering here on earth, but He walks with us through those difficult times. He wants us to trust Him during the times of trials. He wants us to depend on Him.
Are you going through a trial today? Look up! Trust Your Heavenly Father to take care of You. Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for You! 1 Peter 5:7
Application
I am the Lord’s servant. I will trust Him today. I will depend on Him to get me through. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that You care about me. You cared about Your Prophet Jeremiah and he was a lot better off than the king that he served. You provided and cared for him and You will provide and care for my family and me. You always have since the very first day that I began to trust You. You have never let me down. You have always been with me through every trial and through every victory You have been at my side. The best days are ahead of us. Even if my health fails, even if my body wears out … I will still trust in You.
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Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Danger of Allowing “Things” to Take God’s Place in Our Hearts!
Jeremiah 33; Jeremiah 34; Psalm 74; 1 John 5
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The Danger of Allowing “Things” to Take God’s Place in Our Hearts!
Scripture
1 John 5
21 Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.
Observation
Anything! Yes, anything! Stay away from ANYTHING that might take God’s place in your hearts.
If there is a possibility of something taking God’s place in your heart then God says to stay away from it. I think this is a great verse for every Christian to memorize.
If you are trying to decide whether to do something or not, whether you should take that drink, or take those drugs, or look at questionable stuff on your computer or on your television or in some magazine, if it could take God’s place in your heart then don’t do it.
We are tempted everyday. We are tempted everyday with options of putting other stuff in God’s place in our hearts. It is amazing isn’t that God would allow you and me the option of crowding Him out of our hearts with other stuff, but it is the only way to show Him how much we love Him.
Larry Chadwell shared this illustration with me the other day and it goes right along with this verse. He said that when we become Christians the Holy Spirit is like a mighty River flowing through us. Then you and I allow sin to begin to fill and block up that mighty River until finally there is no way that the Holy Spirit can flow through us at all. Each one of the unconfessed sins is like a small stone blocking the Holy Spirit’s flow until finally there are so many stones in our hearts that there is no room for God’s Holy Spirit. All of those things have taken God’s place in our hearts. Have you met Christians that have allowed “things” to completely take God’s place in their hearts? They are way more miserable than any unbeliever could ever be!
Got “anything” in your heart that is taking God’s place today! Why not get it out right now and let God’s Holy Spirit flow through you this morning and touch other people’s lives!
Application
I will examine my heart this morning and check for any stones that might be blocking the Holy Spirit’s flow. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is so easy to allow “things” to take Your place in my heart. Today show me anything that I have allowed in my heart that needs to go. I want You to have my heart. I want You to have 100% control of my life today. I don’t want any sin or anything to move You out of being Number One in my life. Please keep me strong today. Don’t let me yield to anything that would cause me to sin. You are Mighty. Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
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The Danger of Allowing “Things” to Take God’s Place in Our Hearts!
Scripture
1 John 5
21 Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.
Observation
Anything! Yes, anything! Stay away from ANYTHING that might take God’s place in your hearts.
If there is a possibility of something taking God’s place in your heart then God says to stay away from it. I think this is a great verse for every Christian to memorize.
If you are trying to decide whether to do something or not, whether you should take that drink, or take those drugs, or look at questionable stuff on your computer or on your television or in some magazine, if it could take God’s place in your heart then don’t do it.
We are tempted everyday. We are tempted everyday with options of putting other stuff in God’s place in our hearts. It is amazing isn’t that God would allow you and me the option of crowding Him out of our hearts with other stuff, but it is the only way to show Him how much we love Him.
Larry Chadwell shared this illustration with me the other day and it goes right along with this verse. He said that when we become Christians the Holy Spirit is like a mighty River flowing through us. Then you and I allow sin to begin to fill and block up that mighty River until finally there is no way that the Holy Spirit can flow through us at all. Each one of the unconfessed sins is like a small stone blocking the Holy Spirit’s flow until finally there are so many stones in our hearts that there is no room for God’s Holy Spirit. All of those things have taken God’s place in our hearts. Have you met Christians that have allowed “things” to completely take God’s place in their hearts? They are way more miserable than any unbeliever could ever be!
Got “anything” in your heart that is taking God’s place today! Why not get it out right now and let God’s Holy Spirit flow through you this morning and touch other people’s lives!
Application
I will examine my heart this morning and check for any stones that might be blocking the Holy Spirit’s flow. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is so easy to allow “things” to take Your place in my heart. Today show me anything that I have allowed in my heart that needs to go. I want You to have my heart. I want You to have 100% control of my life today. I don’t want any sin or anything to move You out of being Number One in my life. Please keep me strong today. Don’t let me yield to anything that would cause me to sin. You are Mighty. Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
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Monday, August 23, 2010
Nothing is Impossible!
Jeremiah 31; Jeremiah 32; 1 John 4
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Taking the “IM” Out of Our Impossibles!
Scripture
Jeremiah 32
17 “O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! 18 You show unfailing love to thousands, but you also bring the consequences of one generation’s sin upon the next. You are the great and powerful God, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
26 Then this message came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 27 “I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?
Observation
Nothing is too hard for God. Do you have some things that are happening in your life that seem impossible? I am reminded of when God told Mary that she was going to have a baby and she believed that God would do it even though she was a virgin. Luke 1:37 immediately comes to my mind, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
We serve a God that doesn’t know the word “impossible”! Nothing is impossible for Him. You and I have things that come into our lives that physically speaking are impossible, but not for our God. What seems to be impossible in your life today: a relationship with your spouse or with a child, your boss, your job or lack of a job, an illness, school, or maybe your finances? You can trust God with all your “impossibles”.
1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
Philip. 4:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Application
I will trust my God today with all the things that seem “impossible” in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, if we didn’t have things in our lives that we couldn’t handle then what would cause us to look up and trust in You. It is because we are Your children that we can come to You. You love us. You want us to depend on You. So I am depending on You today. I pray that today You work powerfully in my life. I pray that You show me why I can trust You by taking care of some of the “impossibles” in my life. You are my Strength. You are my Deliverer. It is in You that I put my trust.
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Taking the “IM” Out of Our Impossibles!
Scripture
Jeremiah 32
17 “O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! 18 You show unfailing love to thousands, but you also bring the consequences of one generation’s sin upon the next. You are the great and powerful God, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
26 Then this message came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 27 “I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?
Observation
Nothing is too hard for God. Do you have some things that are happening in your life that seem impossible? I am reminded of when God told Mary that she was going to have a baby and she believed that God would do it even though she was a virgin. Luke 1:37 immediately comes to my mind, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
We serve a God that doesn’t know the word “impossible”! Nothing is impossible for Him. You and I have things that come into our lives that physically speaking are impossible, but not for our God. What seems to be impossible in your life today: a relationship with your spouse or with a child, your boss, your job or lack of a job, an illness, school, or maybe your finances? You can trust God with all your “impossibles”.
1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
Philip. 4:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Application
I will trust my God today with all the things that seem “impossible” in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, if we didn’t have things in our lives that we couldn’t handle then what would cause us to look up and trust in You. It is because we are Your children that we can come to You. You love us. You want us to depend on You. So I am depending on You today. I pray that today You work powerfully in my life. I pray that You show me why I can trust You by taking care of some of the “impossibles” in my life. You are my Strength. You are my Deliverer. It is in You that I put my trust.
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Sunday, August 22, 2010
Boldly Come To God!
Jeremiah 28; Jeremiah 29; Jeremiah 30; 1 John 3
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Bold Confidence!
Scripture
1 John 3
21 Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence.
22 And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him.
Observation
Pleasing and obeying God is the key to being able to approach Him with bold confidence. How have you been approaching God…with boldness and with confidence?
We are His children and as His children we can come to Him with boldness and in confidence as long as we are living in a way that pleases Him.
Application
I am approaching my God today with bold confidence. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am Your child. I have been adopted into Your family at a very high cost. It cost Your Son His life on a cross to pay for my adoption. Thank You that I can come boldly to Your throne. I can approach You with confidence because I am living my life in a way that pleases You. Don’t let me get off track. Don’t let me fall into sin. Keep me close to You today. I pray that You would be in the details of this Lord’s day and direct the hearts of Your people so that they will hear Your voice and follow Your direction. Don’t let them get high jacked by someone that does not walk with You. Give them wisdom and discernment.
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Bold Confidence!
Scripture
1 John 3
21 Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence.
22 And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him.
Observation
Pleasing and obeying God is the key to being able to approach Him with bold confidence. How have you been approaching God…with boldness and with confidence?
We are His children and as His children we can come to Him with boldness and in confidence as long as we are living in a way that pleases Him.
Application
I am approaching my God today with bold confidence. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am Your child. I have been adopted into Your family at a very high cost. It cost Your Son His life on a cross to pay for my adoption. Thank You that I can come boldly to Your throne. I can approach You with confidence because I am living my life in a way that pleases You. Don’t let me get off track. Don’t let me fall into sin. Keep me close to You today. I pray that You would be in the details of this Lord’s day and direct the hearts of Your people so that they will hear Your voice and follow Your direction. Don’t let them get high jacked by someone that does not walk with You. Give them wisdom and discernment.
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Saturday, August 21, 2010
Grant Us Success!
Jeremiah 21; Jeremiah 24; Jeremiah 27; Psalm 118; 1 John 2
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Scripture
Psalm 118
25 O LORD, save us;
O LORD, grant us success.
Observation
Lets ask the Lord to give us success. Lets ask the Lord to save us. This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it. If God is on our side who can be against us.
To be a defeated Christian is contrary to the Word of God just look at the promises in Psalm 118.
27 The LORD is God,
and he has made his light shine upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.
29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I will look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
10 All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
11 They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
12 They swarmed around me like bees,
but they died out as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
15 Shouts of joy and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
"The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!
Application
I will trust the Lord and depend on all of His promises.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me Lord be successful. Help me trust in You alone today. You are my strength and my song. You are my salvation. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
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Scripture
Psalm 118
25 O LORD, save us;
O LORD, grant us success.
Observation
Lets ask the Lord to give us success. Lets ask the Lord to save us. This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it. If God is on our side who can be against us.
To be a defeated Christian is contrary to the Word of God just look at the promises in Psalm 118.
27 The LORD is God,
and he has made his light shine upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.
29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I will look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
10 All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
11 They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
12 They swarmed around me like bees,
but they died out as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
15 Shouts of joy and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
"The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!
Application
I will trust the Lord and depend on all of His promises.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me Lord be successful. Help me trust in You alone today. You are my strength and my song. You are my salvation. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
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Friday, August 20, 2010
We Have An Advantage!
Jeremiah 48; Jeremiah 49; Psalm 67; 1 John 1
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He is the Word of Life!
Scripture
1 John 1
1 We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life.
Observation
I would have liked to have walked with Jesus like the disciples did, but I get to experience even more than they got to experience because I have the entire Word of God to read everyday. I don’t think that they ever got to see the big picture like I get to see it and experience it. As I read some of the Old Testament and some of the New Testament everyday I really get to see how God planned the whole thing.
I get to live out the stories in the Bible. I can experience what David experienced or Jeremiah experienced and in the same morning I get to read about Peter or John and what they experienced and God can and does show me something new everyday from His Word.
I think we have an advantage over even the disciples that walked with Jesus. Of course, if we have an advantage it just means that we will be held more responsible for living out all that we know about the Christian life that God has called us to live out.
Application
I will thank God for allowing me to live right now in this moment! It is exciting! It is scary but in a good kind of way!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to live during this time in history. Thank You for allowing me the privilege of knowing You in a personal way. Thank You for taking me as one of Your children. It is awesome. I don’t deserve it. You have given me an advantage. You have given all the believers that are living today a huge advantage. Help us take advantage of it.
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He is the Word of Life!
Scripture
1 John 1
1 We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life.
Observation
I would have liked to have walked with Jesus like the disciples did, but I get to experience even more than they got to experience because I have the entire Word of God to read everyday. I don’t think that they ever got to see the big picture like I get to see it and experience it. As I read some of the Old Testament and some of the New Testament everyday I really get to see how God planned the whole thing.
I get to live out the stories in the Bible. I can experience what David experienced or Jeremiah experienced and in the same morning I get to read about Peter or John and what they experienced and God can and does show me something new everyday from His Word.
I think we have an advantage over even the disciples that walked with Jesus. Of course, if we have an advantage it just means that we will be held more responsible for living out all that we know about the Christian life that God has called us to live out.
Application
I will thank God for allowing me to live right now in this moment! It is exciting! It is scary but in a good kind of way!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to live during this time in history. Thank You for allowing me the privilege of knowing You in a personal way. Thank You for taking me as one of Your children. It is awesome. I don’t deserve it. You have given me an advantage. You have given all the believers that are living today a huge advantage. Help us take advantage of it.
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Thursday, August 19, 2010
Follow Me!
Jeremiah 45; Jeremiah 46; Jeremiah 47; Psalm 105; John 21
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As For You…Follow Me!
Scripture
John 21
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God.
Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
20 Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” 21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”
22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”
Observation
God has called you and God has called me and He has called us to follow Him. Don’t worry about how everybody else is doing just worry about how well you are doing at following Him.
This is the lesson that I get out of John 21 this morning. It is all about the Lord’s call on my life. It is not to be compared with what God wants to do with someone else’s life. What He wants to do or how He wants to use someone else is not my business.
That morning in John 21 was all about the restoration of Peter and Jesus wanted to make sure that Peter got the message right. Peter tried to turn the attention away from himself and so he asked Jesus “well what about him?” and Jesus told him not to worry about the call of other people but instead He told Peter again to “follow Him.”
I can’t help but relate this passage to another fishing experience where Peter was told to follow Jesus and if he did then Jesus would make him “fishers of men.” You see we find Peter out fishing for fish when he should have been fishing for men.
It is a reminder to me this morning that my calling is to be a “fisher of men.”
Application
I will be a fisher of men!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to focus on being a fisher of men and not worry what everybody else is doing or not doing. Help me not focus on how You are using other people and help me to stay focused on how You want to use me.
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As For You…Follow Me!
Scripture
John 21
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God.
Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
20 Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” 21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”
22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”
Observation
God has called you and God has called me and He has called us to follow Him. Don’t worry about how everybody else is doing just worry about how well you are doing at following Him.
This is the lesson that I get out of John 21 this morning. It is all about the Lord’s call on my life. It is not to be compared with what God wants to do with someone else’s life. What He wants to do or how He wants to use someone else is not my business.
That morning in John 21 was all about the restoration of Peter and Jesus wanted to make sure that Peter got the message right. Peter tried to turn the attention away from himself and so he asked Jesus “well what about him?” and Jesus told him not to worry about the call of other people but instead He told Peter again to “follow Him.”
I can’t help but relate this passage to another fishing experience where Peter was told to follow Jesus and if he did then Jesus would make him “fishers of men.” You see we find Peter out fishing for fish when he should have been fishing for men.
It is a reminder to me this morning that my calling is to be a “fisher of men.”
Application
I will be a fisher of men!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to focus on being a fisher of men and not worry what everybody else is doing or not doing. Help me not focus on how You are using other people and help me to stay focused on how You want to use me.
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010
He is My Lord and My God!
Jeremiah 26; Jeremiah 35; Jeremiah 36; John 20
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My Lord and My God!
Scripture
John 20
28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.
Observation
Who is Jesus to you? Is He just someone that lived a good life? Is He just a teacher to you? Maybe He is only a name that you use when you get angry with someone and want to curse him or her. Who is Jesus to you?
For me Jesus is my Lord and my God! He is my Savior. He is everything to me. I don’t need to put my hand in his side or my fingers in the nail holes in His hands before I believe. I believe.
I don’t know why I have the joy of knowing Jesus in a personal way and others don’t. I am blessed. But since I have this relationship I know it comes with the responsibility of sharing this Good News with those around me.
Application
Because He is my Lord and my Savior I will look for opportunities to share this Good News with others today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Jesus is my Lord and my God. Thank You for revealing this truth to me. I pray that You open the eyes of others that are close to me so that they can believe that Jesus is God too. I pray for people to be saved. I pray that our church will be totally focused on evangelism and discipleship and nothing else. Help us be the church that You want us to be.
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My Lord and My God!
Scripture
John 20
28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.
Observation
Who is Jesus to you? Is He just someone that lived a good life? Is He just a teacher to you? Maybe He is only a name that you use when you get angry with someone and want to curse him or her. Who is Jesus to you?
For me Jesus is my Lord and my God! He is my Savior. He is everything to me. I don’t need to put my hand in his side or my fingers in the nail holes in His hands before I believe. I believe.
I don’t know why I have the joy of knowing Jesus in a personal way and others don’t. I am blessed. But since I have this relationship I know it comes with the responsibility of sharing this Good News with those around me.
Application
Because He is my Lord and my Savior I will look for opportunities to share this Good News with others today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Jesus is my Lord and my God. Thank You for revealing this truth to me. I pray that You open the eyes of others that are close to me so that they can believe that Jesus is God too. I pray for people to be saved. I pray that our church will be totally focused on evangelism and discipleship and nothing else. Help us be the church that You want us to be.
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Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Thank God We Don't Get What We Deserve!
Jeremiah 23; Jeremiah 24; Jeremiah 25; John 19
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You and I Deserve Death On A Cross!
Scripture
Jesus Sentenced to Death
1 Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. 2 The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. 3 “Hail! King of the Jews!” they mocked, as they slapped him across the face.
4 Pilate went outside again and said to the people, “I am going to bring him out to you now, but understand clearly that I find him not guilty.” 5 Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, “Look, here is the man!”
6 When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
Observation
He took the punishment that we deserve. He was whipped with a lead-tipped whip. He was slapped and mocked. He was stripped. He was crucified in your place and in my place. What we read this morning about what Jesus endured is what we deserve to receive for the sins that we have committed.
He took my place. He took your place. You deserve the cross. I do too.
He could have called ten thousand angels to rescue Him but He would not because of His love for me and His love for you.
Application
I will thank Him today for dying in my place. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I read this passage this morning the lead-tipped whip seems to jump out at me first. How it must have ripped Your flesh and how it must have hurt with every lash. You did it for me. Thank You for dying in my place and for taking the penalty of my sin and paying for it on the cross. I don’t deserve it. You didn’t deserve to die. I deserve to spend eternity in a place called Hell, but I won’t have to because you took away the penalty of my sins. I am declared righteous. I have a right standing before You because of Jesus. Thank You.
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You and I Deserve Death On A Cross!
Scripture
Jesus Sentenced to Death
1 Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. 2 The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. 3 “Hail! King of the Jews!” they mocked, as they slapped him across the face.
4 Pilate went outside again and said to the people, “I am going to bring him out to you now, but understand clearly that I find him not guilty.” 5 Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, “Look, here is the man!”
6 When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
Observation
He took the punishment that we deserve. He was whipped with a lead-tipped whip. He was slapped and mocked. He was stripped. He was crucified in your place and in my place. What we read this morning about what Jesus endured is what we deserve to receive for the sins that we have committed.
He took my place. He took your place. You deserve the cross. I do too.
He could have called ten thousand angels to rescue Him but He would not because of His love for me and His love for you.
Application
I will thank Him today for dying in my place. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I read this passage this morning the lead-tipped whip seems to jump out at me first. How it must have ripped Your flesh and how it must have hurt with every lash. You did it for me. Thank You for dying in my place and for taking the penalty of my sin and paying for it on the cross. I don’t deserve it. You didn’t deserve to die. I deserve to spend eternity in a place called Hell, but I won’t have to because you took away the penalty of my sins. I am declared righteous. I have a right standing before You because of Jesus. Thank You.
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Monday, August 16, 2010
The Truth! What Everyone Needs To Hear!
2 Kings 24; Jeremiah 22; Psalm 112; John 18
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What Everyone Needs to Hear!
Scripture
John 18
38 “What is truth?” Pilate asked.
Observation
Pilate was not really asking the question to get an answer, but what a shame that he was so close to Jesus Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!
It is the same today. People can be right next to someone that has the Words of Life and yet they hear the Truth but don’t accept it. We don’t know who will accept the Gospel and who will reject it but it is our task to share it with everyone around us.
Who will cross your path this week that needs to hear about the Truth? Who is it that will be close enough to you this week to hear about Jesus? Share the Good News with someone this week.
Application
I will share “The Truth” this week. I will witness to everyone that comes into my path.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me open doors to share about Your plan of salvation with those that come across my path. Give me boldness, sensitivity, and compassion for those around me that might not know You. I pray for Your favor today as I go about Your business. Thank You for walking with me through this day.
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What Everyone Needs to Hear!
Scripture
John 18
38 “What is truth?” Pilate asked.
Observation
Pilate was not really asking the question to get an answer, but what a shame that he was so close to Jesus Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!
It is the same today. People can be right next to someone that has the Words of Life and yet they hear the Truth but don’t accept it. We don’t know who will accept the Gospel and who will reject it but it is our task to share it with everyone around us.
Who will cross your path this week that needs to hear about the Truth? Who is it that will be close enough to you this week to hear about Jesus? Share the Good News with someone this week.
Application
I will share “The Truth” this week. I will witness to everyone that comes into my path.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me open doors to share about Your plan of salvation with those that come across my path. Give me boldness, sensitivity, and compassion for those around me that might not know You. I pray for Your favor today as I go about Your business. Thank You for walking with me through this day.
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Sunday, August 15, 2010
Ever Feel Like You Don't Belong!
Jeremiah 18; Jeremiah 19; Jeremiah 20; Psalm 93; John 17
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Want To Get Away!
Scripture
John 17
16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do.
Observation
Do you ever feel like that you just don’t belong…well if you are a Christ follower then the truth is you don’t! Christians are just passing through and we need to be reminded that this is not our home. We tend to get too comfortable here on earth and we act like this is all there is, but we need to wake up and look up because we are heaven bound.
Riches await all of those that call on His name. Heaven is our home. So don’t get so caught up in the accumulation of toys like the rest of the world with bigger houses, better and better cars, boats, and the latest and the newest electronics etc. Put your riches to work to extend God’s kingdom not to build a kingdom for yourself.
What did you do with the extra money God gave you last year? Did you waste it or did you invest it in kingdom stuff? Did you buy stuff on credit and run up your credit card bills?
We do not belong to this world it is not our home.
Application
I will look at more ways to invest in God’s kingdom.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, this is not my home. Help me to live like this is not my home. I pray that you would help me focus more and more on extending Your kingdom. I pray for the church in Cuba in Quiebra Hacha. I pray that you bless them and help them grow. I pray that new people would be drawn to that church over the next few weeks. I pray that the construction of their building would continue to progress. Give them the energy and the desire to finish it. I pray for Israel and his family and his church that You would help them to grow and I pray that Your hand of blessing would be on them. I pray for Pastor Caleb and his leaders and I pray that you bless them.
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Want To Get Away!
Scripture
John 17
16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do.
Observation
Do you ever feel like that you just don’t belong…well if you are a Christ follower then the truth is you don’t! Christians are just passing through and we need to be reminded that this is not our home. We tend to get too comfortable here on earth and we act like this is all there is, but we need to wake up and look up because we are heaven bound.
Riches await all of those that call on His name. Heaven is our home. So don’t get so caught up in the accumulation of toys like the rest of the world with bigger houses, better and better cars, boats, and the latest and the newest electronics etc. Put your riches to work to extend God’s kingdom not to build a kingdom for yourself.
What did you do with the extra money God gave you last year? Did you waste it or did you invest it in kingdom stuff? Did you buy stuff on credit and run up your credit card bills?
We do not belong to this world it is not our home.
Application
I will look at more ways to invest in God’s kingdom.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, this is not my home. Help me to live like this is not my home. I pray that you would help me focus more and more on extending Your kingdom. I pray for the church in Cuba in Quiebra Hacha. I pray that you bless them and help them grow. I pray that new people would be drawn to that church over the next few weeks. I pray that the construction of their building would continue to progress. Give them the energy and the desire to finish it. I pray for Israel and his family and his church that You would help them to grow and I pray that Your hand of blessing would be on them. I pray for Pastor Caleb and his leaders and I pray that you bless them.
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Saturday, August 14, 2010
Take Heart!
Jeremiah 16; Jeremiah 17; Psalm 96; John 16
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“The LORD reigns!”
Scripture
Psalm 96
1 Sing a new song to the LORD!
Let the whole earth sing to the LORD!
2 Sing to the LORD; praise his name.
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
3 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
4 Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise!
He is to be feared above all gods.
5 The gods of other nations are mere idols,
but the LORD made the heavens!
6 Honor and majesty surround him;
strength and beauty fill his sanctuary.
7 O nations of the world, recognize the LORD;
recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong.
8 Give to the LORD the glory he deserves!
Bring your offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the LORD in all his holy splendor.
Let all the earth tremble before him.
10 Tell all the nations, “The LORD reigns!”
The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.
He will judge all peoples fairly.
11 Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!
Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
12 Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!
Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise
13 before the LORD, for he is coming!
He is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with justice,
and the nations with his truth.
Observation
Just a little reminder just in case you need it this morning that “Our God Reigns!” He is in charge and He is in control.
I read the headlines this morning that our president is supporting the building of a mosque next to ground zero. Only in America would this even be a possibility of occurring. I agree that everyone needs to have the freedom to worship, but…there seems to be way more to this than a worship place. I think if our president was sincere he could have said that he believed that everyone should have the freedom to worship as they pleased, but everyone also needs to be sensitive to what happened on 9/11. It is like he has completely forgotten or he is completely ignoring the fact that we were attacked and thousands of Americans died. Something is very wrong in his way of thinking. This was not a hundred years ago; this was something that just happened less than ten years ago.
Psalm 96 is a good reminder to us that “Our Lord Reigns!”
This does not surprise Him! He is still in control. He is Sovereign this morning just as He always has been and just as He always will be.
Did you read John 16 this morning? Wow! Take time to read it. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Application
I will pray to my Father in Heaven using the precious name of Jesus and I know that He hears me and will answer my prayers.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is amazing what is happening in our country. The leadership of our country is abandoning You and we will pay for it. You are the Mighty One. You are in charge. You are in control. None of this surprises You and I pray that you would turn the leaders of our country in Your direction. I pray for our president today that He would seek Your face. I am concerned with the direction He is leading us, but I understand that he is not sovereign, he is not god, You are. He is putty in Your hands and I know that You will turn him ultimately in the direction that You want Him to go. It may be because our nation has abandoned You that You are allowing godless leadership to lead us so we can receive the discipline that we deserve. I recognize that You are in control and no one else. I will hold on to John 16:33 this morning, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
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“The LORD reigns!”
Scripture
Psalm 96
1 Sing a new song to the LORD!
Let the whole earth sing to the LORD!
2 Sing to the LORD; praise his name.
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
3 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
4 Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise!
He is to be feared above all gods.
5 The gods of other nations are mere idols,
but the LORD made the heavens!
6 Honor and majesty surround him;
strength and beauty fill his sanctuary.
7 O nations of the world, recognize the LORD;
recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong.
8 Give to the LORD the glory he deserves!
Bring your offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the LORD in all his holy splendor.
Let all the earth tremble before him.
10 Tell all the nations, “The LORD reigns!”
The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.
He will judge all peoples fairly.
11 Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!
Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
12 Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!
Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise
13 before the LORD, for he is coming!
He is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with justice,
and the nations with his truth.
Observation
Just a little reminder just in case you need it this morning that “Our God Reigns!” He is in charge and He is in control.
I read the headlines this morning that our president is supporting the building of a mosque next to ground zero. Only in America would this even be a possibility of occurring. I agree that everyone needs to have the freedom to worship, but…there seems to be way more to this than a worship place. I think if our president was sincere he could have said that he believed that everyone should have the freedom to worship as they pleased, but everyone also needs to be sensitive to what happened on 9/11. It is like he has completely forgotten or he is completely ignoring the fact that we were attacked and thousands of Americans died. Something is very wrong in his way of thinking. This was not a hundred years ago; this was something that just happened less than ten years ago.
Psalm 96 is a good reminder to us that “Our Lord Reigns!”
This does not surprise Him! He is still in control. He is Sovereign this morning just as He always has been and just as He always will be.
Did you read John 16 this morning? Wow! Take time to read it. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Application
I will pray to my Father in Heaven using the precious name of Jesus and I know that He hears me and will answer my prayers.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is amazing what is happening in our country. The leadership of our country is abandoning You and we will pay for it. You are the Mighty One. You are in charge. You are in control. None of this surprises You and I pray that you would turn the leaders of our country in Your direction. I pray for our president today that He would seek Your face. I am concerned with the direction He is leading us, but I understand that he is not sovereign, he is not god, You are. He is putty in Your hands and I know that You will turn him ultimately in the direction that You want Him to go. It may be because our nation has abandoned You that You are allowing godless leadership to lead us so we can receive the discipline that we deserve. I recognize that You are in control and no one else. I will hold on to John 16:33 this morning, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
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Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Anyone...That Includes You!
2 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 34; John 6
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Anyone!
Scripture
John 6
47 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life. 48 Yes, I am the bread of life! 49 Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. 50 Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”
Observation
In the Bible and especially in the book of John I would encourage you to write your name in every place where the Bible says, “anyone”… or in the King James Version I think it says, “whosoever”. Personalize your Bible. God is speaking to you.
If you haven’t been reading your Bible lately I would encourage you to start with the Gospel of John and then read Mark. Take time to mark up your Bible and put your name in it every place where God makes the promise of eternal life. He is the only One that can draw you to Himself. God alone is the One who saves.
Have you made God’s promises your own? Have you trusted in Him? Do you believe that God sent Jesus to die for your sins? Have you asked Him to forgive you of your sins and have you asked Him to be your Lord and Savior? If not why not and why not surrender your life to Him today? What do you have to lose? What do you have to gain?
It is a no-brainer …put your trust in Him today.
Application
I will help people understand that the scriptures are for them. I will encourage people to put their names by every promise, especially the promise of eternal life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that many people will come to You because as they read the Bible it becomes real to them. Draw them by Your Holy Spirit. Move in the hearts of the people that will be in church this Sunday both at our church and in the church where we will be in Cuba. I pray that people will be saved this weekend.
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Anyone!
Scripture
John 6
47 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life. 48 Yes, I am the bread of life! 49 Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. 50 Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”
Observation
In the Bible and especially in the book of John I would encourage you to write your name in every place where the Bible says, “anyone”… or in the King James Version I think it says, “whosoever”. Personalize your Bible. God is speaking to you.
If you haven’t been reading your Bible lately I would encourage you to start with the Gospel of John and then read Mark. Take time to mark up your Bible and put your name in it every place where God makes the promise of eternal life. He is the only One that can draw you to Himself. God alone is the One who saves.
Have you made God’s promises your own? Have you trusted in Him? Do you believe that God sent Jesus to die for your sins? Have you asked Him to forgive you of your sins and have you asked Him to be your Lord and Savior? If not why not and why not surrender your life to Him today? What do you have to lose? What do you have to gain?
It is a no-brainer …put your trust in Him today.
Application
I will help people understand that the scriptures are for them. I will encourage people to put their names by every promise, especially the promise of eternal life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that many people will come to You because as they read the Bible it becomes real to them. Draw them by Your Holy Spirit. Move in the hearts of the people that will be in church this Sunday both at our church and in the church where we will be in Cuba. I pray that people will be saved this weekend.
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Tuesday, August 03, 2010
"I Can't" It's The First Step In Getting Well
Nahum 1; Nahum 2; Nahum 3; John 5
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Would You Like To Get Well?
Scripture
Jesus Heals a Lame Man
1 Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. 2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches.
3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”
7 “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”
8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”
9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, 10 so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!”
11 But he replied, “The man who healed me told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’”
12 “Who said such a thing as that?” they demanded.
13 The man didn’t know, for Jesus had disappeared into the crowd. 14 But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” 15 Then the man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had healed him.
Observation
This man had been sick for 38 years! I don’t know if someone had to carry him down to this pool every day for 38 years, but it was obvious that he stayed at the pool most of the time.
Jesus asked him, “Do you want to get well?” You would have thought that the man would have responded “yes!” but instead he responded, “I can’t”.
It is true … you and I can’t get well on our own. We need a relationship with Jesus. Jesus told this man to stop sinning or something worse was going to happen to him! I wonder what kind of sin had control over this man’s life.
What sin dominates you?
Do you want to get well? You can’t get well on your own. You need to repent. You need to turn from your life of sin and turn from your life of selfish living and turn to God. You need to ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and you need to ask Jesus to save you. You need to ask Him to heal you. You might have a serious physical problem or illness, but the more serious problem is the problem of living a godless life. You need Jesus.
Application
I want God to break my heart with the things that break His heart.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me talk to people at their level so that they can hear You through me. Give me Your heart for the people around me. I pray for the ability to communicate with people like Jesus did. I pray for the people that are hurting and that are broken that are trying to live life without a relationship with You. Give me the ability to help them see their need for a relationship with You. You are a Mighty God. Nothing is too hard for You.
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Would You Like To Get Well?
Scripture
Jesus Heals a Lame Man
1 Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. 2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches.
3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”
7 “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”
8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”
9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, 10 so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!”
11 But he replied, “The man who healed me told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’”
12 “Who said such a thing as that?” they demanded.
13 The man didn’t know, for Jesus had disappeared into the crowd. 14 But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” 15 Then the man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had healed him.
Observation
This man had been sick for 38 years! I don’t know if someone had to carry him down to this pool every day for 38 years, but it was obvious that he stayed at the pool most of the time.
Jesus asked him, “Do you want to get well?” You would have thought that the man would have responded “yes!” but instead he responded, “I can’t”.
It is true … you and I can’t get well on our own. We need a relationship with Jesus. Jesus told this man to stop sinning or something worse was going to happen to him! I wonder what kind of sin had control over this man’s life.
What sin dominates you?
Do you want to get well? You can’t get well on your own. You need to repent. You need to turn from your life of sin and turn from your life of selfish living and turn to God. You need to ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and you need to ask Jesus to save you. You need to ask Him to heal you. You might have a serious physical problem or illness, but the more serious problem is the problem of living a godless life. You need Jesus.
Application
I want God to break my heart with the things that break His heart.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me talk to people at their level so that they can hear You through me. Give me Your heart for the people around me. I pray for the ability to communicate with people like Jesus did. I pray for the people that are hurting and that are broken that are trying to live life without a relationship with You. Give me the ability to help them see their need for a relationship with You. You are a Mighty God. Nothing is too hard for You.
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Monday, August 02, 2010
"If You Only Knew The Gift God Has For You..."
2 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 33; John 4
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“If You Only Knew…”
Scripture
John 4
10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you…”
Observation
People just don’t know! So many people have never heard! The Good News is what so many people have not heard. What is the Good News you ask? The Good News is this, Jesus has a gift for you and that gift is eternal life.
The Good News is that Jesus has purchased this gift of eternal life with His own blood. He died and poured out His blood on a cross to pay the penalty (a death penalty) for your sin and for my sin and the Good News is that you can receive His free gift of eternal life right now.
If you only knew the gift God has for you?
Have you heard the Good News? Have you received God’s gift …His gift of forgiveness? You can right now. We have been instructed to go out into all the world to share this Good News with everyone.
Application
I will ask this same question today at Mission Tampa and I will pray that they will receive this free gift of salvation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to share this Good News with someone today. Lead me to the person that needs to hear about Your gift of salvation. Guide me today. Help me to live out this day in a way that pleases You.
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“If You Only Knew…”
Scripture
John 4
10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you…”
Observation
People just don’t know! So many people have never heard! The Good News is what so many people have not heard. What is the Good News you ask? The Good News is this, Jesus has a gift for you and that gift is eternal life.
The Good News is that Jesus has purchased this gift of eternal life with His own blood. He died and poured out His blood on a cross to pay the penalty (a death penalty) for your sin and for my sin and the Good News is that you can receive His free gift of eternal life right now.
If you only knew the gift God has for you?
Have you heard the Good News? Have you received God’s gift …His gift of forgiveness? You can right now. We have been instructed to go out into all the world to share this Good News with everyone.
Application
I will ask this same question today at Mission Tampa and I will pray that they will receive this free gift of salvation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to share this Good News with someone today. Lead me to the person that needs to hear about Your gift of salvation. Guide me today. Help me to live out this day in a way that pleases You.
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Sunday, August 01, 2010
True Success!
Isaiah 65; Isaiah 66; Psalm 62; John 3
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True Success!
Scripture
John 3
“…Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”
Observation
John the Baptist understood true success. True success is allowing someone else to become greater than you are and being filled with joy because of his or her success!
Humility and true leadership go hand in hand. Who can you help be more successful? Are you willing to humble yourself for this to happen?
God’s ways are amazing aren’t they! We don’t think like this without God’s Holy Spirit speaking to us. Selflessness in a world that is so selfish is quite a rarity, but it is how we should operate as Christ Followers.
Application
Am I willing to humble myself and let someone else become more important and even more successful and be joyful about it? I plan to do just that.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me what true success is all about. Don’t let me do things based on selfish motivations. Help me to let others become more successful than I am and help me to be joyful about it. Give me a servant’s heart. Allow me to see things from Your perspective. Help me to be more concerned about Your kingdom than anything else!
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Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
True Success!
Scripture
John 3
“…Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”
Observation
John the Baptist understood true success. True success is allowing someone else to become greater than you are and being filled with joy because of his or her success!
Humility and true leadership go hand in hand. Who can you help be more successful? Are you willing to humble yourself for this to happen?
God’s ways are amazing aren’t they! We don’t think like this without God’s Holy Spirit speaking to us. Selflessness in a world that is so selfish is quite a rarity, but it is how we should operate as Christ Followers.
Application
Am I willing to humble myself and let someone else become more important and even more successful and be joyful about it? I plan to do just that.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me what true success is all about. Don’t let me do things based on selfish motivations. Help me to let others become more successful than I am and help me to be joyful about it. Give me a servant’s heart. Allow me to see things from Your perspective. Help me to be more concerned about Your kingdom than anything else!
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