Job 22; Mark 7; Mark 8
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Selfish Vs Christ Like
Scripture
Mark 8
34 Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. 35 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. 36 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? 37 Is anything worth more than your soul?
Observation
Is today all about you? Or are you ready to serve Jesus with all of you heart. Is your heart in tune with God’s today?
Is anything worth more than your soul? Is anything worth more than someone else’s soul?
Take up your cross today and serve the Lord with all of your heart. At the end of the day you may be tired but you will be able to say that it was all worth it.
Application
I will not grumble about having lots to do today. I will ask My Heavenly Father to keep my focus on others and not on myself.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me serve You today by serving others. Help me not to grumble when things don’t go exactly right. I pray for the Fall Festival that it would bring You glory and honor. I pray that we could reach some families that need a church home. I pray that You would draw people to be a part of our church. I pray that some of these people that come to the Festival would find salvation. Give everyone the strength they need today to serve You with all of their hearts.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!”
Job 21; Mark 5; Mark 6
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!”
Scripture
Mark 6
47 Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. 48 He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 50 They were all terrified when they saw him.
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, 52 for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.
53 After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. They brought the boat to shore 54 and climbed out. The people recognized Jesus at once, 55 and they ran throughout the whole area, carrying sick people on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
Observation
“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” How many storms did the disciples experience so the Savior could teach them not to be afraid. How many storms has He been using to teach us? It might take a lot of repetition, but the message is clear: “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!”
What are you facing today? Jesus says to you and to me, “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!”
Application
I will trust in the One who says, “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it takes repetition for me to learn something, and I know that with each storm of life I get to be reminded not to be afraid. I can take courage because You are here. You will walk with me through this day. I am not alone. Thank You for the reminder this morning. Give me wisdom for this day. Bring to my mind the important things. I know that everything that happens to me has been filtered by You. You are amazing. You are worthy of Praise.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!”
Scripture
Mark 6
47 Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. 48 He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 50 They were all terrified when they saw him.
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, 52 for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.
53 After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. They brought the boat to shore 54 and climbed out. The people recognized Jesus at once, 55 and they ran throughout the whole area, carrying sick people on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
Observation
“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” How many storms did the disciples experience so the Savior could teach them not to be afraid. How many storms has He been using to teach us? It might take a lot of repetition, but the message is clear: “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!”
What are you facing today? Jesus says to you and to me, “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!”
Application
I will trust in the One who says, “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it takes repetition for me to learn something, and I know that with each storm of life I get to be reminded not to be afraid. I can take courage because You are here. You will walk with me through this day. I am not alone. Thank You for the reminder this morning. Give me wisdom for this day. Bring to my mind the important things. I know that everything that happens to me has been filtered by You. You are amazing. You are worthy of Praise.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, October 29, 2010
“Who is this man?”
Job 20; Mark 3; Mark 4
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
“Who is this man?”
Scripture
Mark 4
Jesus Calms the Storm
35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?
41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”
Observation
Jesus was deep in sleep. The boat was filling with water because the waves were so big that they were breaking over the side of the boat and yet Jesus was asleep with His head on a cushion somewhere on that small boat. After a sleepless night last night I would love to be able to say that I sleep that soundly, but I don’t.
The point of the story is not that Jesus was asleep or awake; the point of the story is that God was in the boat with His disciples and they were not going to drown. When they came to Him and in a way rebuked Him for being asleep when the boat was in trouble that could have sat there and watched for how Jesus was going to take care of this bad situation. At this point in their journey with Jesus they did not have much faith in Him.
This was a learning experience for them. It is a learning experience for us. If you have Jesus as your Lord and as your Savior then when storms come into your life (and they will come) you need to look to Your Savior. Trust me He is not sleeping. He may wait until the water is coming into your boat, but He will save! He is the Savior.
What are you going through? Are you desperately screaming at Jesus because you are sinking or are you calmly trusting in Him to deliver you? Talk to Him today and focus your thoughts on Him.
Application
I will trust Christ today with every detail; no I will trust Him with all the details that concern me today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, the details of life can make me very anxious. I pray that You would help me and help Kathy with all the details that need to be worked out before Sunday. I pray that Your mercy would flood the people that attend the Fall Festival. I pray that they would be drawn to our church. May Your Hand be on our church this weekend.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
“Who is this man?”
Scripture
Mark 4
Jesus Calms the Storm
35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?
41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”
Observation
Jesus was deep in sleep. The boat was filling with water because the waves were so big that they were breaking over the side of the boat and yet Jesus was asleep with His head on a cushion somewhere on that small boat. After a sleepless night last night I would love to be able to say that I sleep that soundly, but I don’t.
The point of the story is not that Jesus was asleep or awake; the point of the story is that God was in the boat with His disciples and they were not going to drown. When they came to Him and in a way rebuked Him for being asleep when the boat was in trouble that could have sat there and watched for how Jesus was going to take care of this bad situation. At this point in their journey with Jesus they did not have much faith in Him.
This was a learning experience for them. It is a learning experience for us. If you have Jesus as your Lord and as your Savior then when storms come into your life (and they will come) you need to look to Your Savior. Trust me He is not sleeping. He may wait until the water is coming into your boat, but He will save! He is the Savior.
What are you going through? Are you desperately screaming at Jesus because you are sinking or are you calmly trusting in Him to deliver you? Talk to Him today and focus your thoughts on Him.
Application
I will trust Christ today with every detail; no I will trust Him with all the details that concern me today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, the details of life can make me very anxious. I pray that You would help me and help Kathy with all the details that need to be worked out before Sunday. I pray that Your mercy would flood the people that attend the Fall Festival. I pray that they would be drawn to our church. May Your Hand be on our church this weekend.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
I Know That My Redeemer Lives!
Job 19; Mark 1; Mark 2
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
I Know That My Redeemer Lives!
Scripture
Job 19
25 “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
and he will stand upon the earth at last.
26 And after my body has decayed,
yet in my body I will see God!
27 I will see him for myself.
Yes, I will see him with my own eyes.
I am overwhelmed at the thought!
Observation
Do you know that your Redeemer lives? Do you have a Redeemer? Have you been redeemed?
This is an amazing declaration of faith that Job makes. Can you make the same declaration?
I can. And I will.
Application
I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.
And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that my Redeemer lives, and You will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see You! I will see You for myself. Yes, I will see You with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
I Know That My Redeemer Lives!
Scripture
Job 19
25 “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
and he will stand upon the earth at last.
26 And after my body has decayed,
yet in my body I will see God!
27 I will see him for myself.
Yes, I will see him with my own eyes.
I am overwhelmed at the thought!
Observation
Do you know that your Redeemer lives? Do you have a Redeemer? Have you been redeemed?
This is an amazing declaration of faith that Job makes. Can you make the same declaration?
I can. And I will.
Application
I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.
And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that my Redeemer lives, and You will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see You! I will see You for myself. Yes, I will see You with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought! Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
So Take Courage!
Job 18; Psalm 114; Acts 27; Acts 28
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
So Take Courage!
Scripture
Acts 27
25 So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.
Observation
Are you overwhelmed today?
Then here is a word for you today, “Take courage!” For I believe God. It will be just as He said.”
If your mind has been drifting or maybe even racing over all the circumstances that are coming up and they are so BIG and OVERWHELMING then you need to “Take Courage!” and believe God because it will be just as He said! I love it!
There were 276 men on the ship and they were all in a state of panic except for Paul. He reminded them that God was in control. I wonder how many of those 276 men became believers in the Lord Jesus Christ after traveling with a guy like Paul. It is an amazing story. I hope you have taken time to read it this morning.
Application
I will take courage today and believe that God is going to do exactly what He has said.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to focus on what is good, on what is lovely, and on what is profitable. Help me to focus on Your Promises and not on the whispers of the Evil One who only brings anxiety, doubts, and fears. Help me to see You at work all around me today. You are the Mighty One. I will take courage. For I believe You. It will be just as You said.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
So Take Courage!
Scripture
Acts 27
25 So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.
Observation
Are you overwhelmed today?
Then here is a word for you today, “Take courage!” For I believe God. It will be just as He said.”
If your mind has been drifting or maybe even racing over all the circumstances that are coming up and they are so BIG and OVERWHELMING then you need to “Take Courage!” and believe God because it will be just as He said! I love it!
There were 276 men on the ship and they were all in a state of panic except for Paul. He reminded them that God was in control. I wonder how many of those 276 men became believers in the Lord Jesus Christ after traveling with a guy like Paul. It is an amazing story. I hope you have taken time to read it this morning.
Application
I will take courage today and believe that God is going to do exactly what He has said.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to focus on what is good, on what is lovely, and on what is profitable. Help me to focus on Your Promises and not on the whispers of the Evil One who only brings anxiety, doubts, and fears. Help me to see You at work all around me today. You are the Mighty One. I will take courage. For I believe You. It will be just as You said.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Sharing The Good News
Job 17; Acts 24; Acts 25; Acts 26
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Sharing The Good News
Scripture
Acts 26
28 Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”
29 Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.”
Observation
Yesterday Denise heard the Good News and invited Jesus to be Lord of her life. King Agrippa heard the Good News and probably chose to say “no” to God’s wonderful offer, but we won’t know for sure until we get to Heaven. I think there will be lots of surprises in Heaven don’t you? I think people will be there that we wrote off as lost causes and there will be some of the church faithful missing.
This is an amazing story! When Paul was saved God said that this was his destiny. Paul would be his messenger to the Gentiles and he would suffer much for the kingdom. Paul’s life is totally amazing. I love to read about Paul …don’t you?
Even though the government leaders all thought Paul was totally innocent the Jewish leaders continued to press for Paul’s death until they probably were successful in having him executed. While he was under arrest I wonder how many people, how many prisoners and how many soldiers came to faith in Christ?
Application
The Good News is our responsibility to share. I will look for opportunities today to share my faith. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, guide my thoughts. Guide my actions. Help me be Your spokesman today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Sharing The Good News
Scripture
Acts 26
28 Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”
29 Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.”
Observation
Yesterday Denise heard the Good News and invited Jesus to be Lord of her life. King Agrippa heard the Good News and probably chose to say “no” to God’s wonderful offer, but we won’t know for sure until we get to Heaven. I think there will be lots of surprises in Heaven don’t you? I think people will be there that we wrote off as lost causes and there will be some of the church faithful missing.
This is an amazing story! When Paul was saved God said that this was his destiny. Paul would be his messenger to the Gentiles and he would suffer much for the kingdom. Paul’s life is totally amazing. I love to read about Paul …don’t you?
Even though the government leaders all thought Paul was totally innocent the Jewish leaders continued to press for Paul’s death until they probably were successful in having him executed. While he was under arrest I wonder how many people, how many prisoners and how many soldiers came to faith in Christ?
Application
The Good News is our responsibility to share. I will look for opportunities today to share my faith. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, guide my thoughts. Guide my actions. Help me be Your spokesman today. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, October 25, 2010
A Go Between
Job 16; Acts 21; Acts 22; Acts 23
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
A Go Between
Scripture
Job 16
21 I need someone to mediate between God and me,
as a person mediates between friends.
Observation
If you are a Christ Follower then your main job and my main job is to be a go between for people. Not a mediator, but someone who is a representative or an ambassador. We are ambassadors for Christ. He is the mediator between God and men.
Job was at a disadvantage he did not have a mediator between he and God. We have the advantage of having Jesus as our mediator and we also have the advantage of having Christ Followers as ambassadors to bring us to Christ. Wow! I am so glad that I was born on this side of the cross! How about you?
Application
I will be an ambassador this week and point people to the One and Only mediator …Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we are Your ambassadors and we have been given the awesome responsibility of letting people know that they have a go between, a mediator and His name is Jesus. Give me the opportunity this week to point someone in Your direction. I pray that people would turn to You and that they would have the desire to become totally dedicated Christ Followers.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
A Go Between
Scripture
Job 16
21 I need someone to mediate between God and me,
as a person mediates between friends.
Observation
If you are a Christ Follower then your main job and my main job is to be a go between for people. Not a mediator, but someone who is a representative or an ambassador. We are ambassadors for Christ. He is the mediator between God and men.
Job was at a disadvantage he did not have a mediator between he and God. We have the advantage of having Jesus as our mediator and we also have the advantage of having Christ Followers as ambassadors to bring us to Christ. Wow! I am so glad that I was born on this side of the cross! How about you?
Application
I will be an ambassador this week and point people to the One and Only mediator …Jesus.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we are Your ambassadors and we have been given the awesome responsibility of letting people know that they have a go between, a mediator and His name is Jesus. Give me the opportunity this week to point someone in Your direction. I pray that people would turn to You and that they would have the desire to become totally dedicated Christ Followers.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Spiritual Warfare
Job 15; Acts 19; Acts 20
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Spiritual Warfare
Scripture
Acts 19
13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.
17 The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. 18 Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. 19 A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars. 20 So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.
21 Afterward Paul felt compelled by the Spirit to go over to Macedonia and Achaia before going to Jerusalem. “And after that,” he said, “I must go on to Rome!” 22 He sent his two assistants, Timothy and Erastus, ahead to Macedonia while he stayed awhile longer in the province of Asia.
The Riot in Ephesus
23 About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way. 24 It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. He kept many craftsmen busy. 25 He called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows:
“Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. 26 But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! 27 Of course, I’m not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!”
28 At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 Soon the whole city was filled with confusion. Everyone rushed to the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, who were Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. 30 Paul wanted to go in, too, but the believers wouldn’t let him. 31 Some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, also sent a message to him, begging him not to risk his life by entering the amphitheater.
32 Inside, the people were all shouting, some one thing and some another. Everything was in confusion. In fact, most of them didn’t even know why they were there. 33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward and told him to explain the situation. He motioned for silence and tried to speak. 34 But when the crowd realized he was a Jew, they started shouting again and kept it up for two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
35 At last the mayor was able to quiet them down enough to speak. “Citizens of Ephesus,” he said. “Everyone knows that Ephesus is the official guardian of the temple of the great Artemis, whose image fell down to us from heaven. 36 Since this is an undeniable fact, you should stay calm and not do anything rash. 37 You have brought these men here, but they have stolen nothing from the temple and have not spoken against our goddess.
38 “If Demetrius and the craftsmen have a case against them, the courts are in session and the officials can hear the case at once. Let them make formal charges. 39 And if there are complaints about other matters, they can be settled in a legal assembly. 40 I am afraid we are in danger of being charged with rioting by the Roman government, since there is no cause for all this commotion. And if Rome demands an explanation, we won’t know what to say.” 41Then he dismissed them, and they dispersed.
Observation
This is an amazing story of the powerful ministry of Paul, but it also reminds me that we live in a world filled with spiritual warfare. All of those people that were healed and all of those people that were saved and the revival that broke out among those converts is contrasted with the spiritual uproar it caused among the ungodly.
There was a riot and most of the people didn’t even know what the riot was about and yet they were right in the middle of it.
Paul ministry was powerful. The whole city was turned upside down and yet he had to flee for his life one more time.
We will never have a time when there is not opposition or spiritual warfare. The demonic and the spiritual world are all around us. Expect it.
Application
I will expect spiritual warfare this Lord’s Day and I will draw close to my God. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that today will be a day of victory and yet a day of spiritual warfare too. I pray that people would be saved today. I pray that Your Holy Spirit would move and work in the lives of everyone on our campus. I pray that they evil one would be powerless to stop Your kingdom’s work. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Spiritual Warfare
Scripture
Acts 19
13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.
17 The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. 18 Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. 19 A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars. 20 So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.
21 Afterward Paul felt compelled by the Spirit to go over to Macedonia and Achaia before going to Jerusalem. “And after that,” he said, “I must go on to Rome!” 22 He sent his two assistants, Timothy and Erastus, ahead to Macedonia while he stayed awhile longer in the province of Asia.
The Riot in Ephesus
23 About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way. 24 It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. He kept many craftsmen busy. 25 He called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows:
“Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. 26 But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! 27 Of course, I’m not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!”
28 At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 Soon the whole city was filled with confusion. Everyone rushed to the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, who were Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. 30 Paul wanted to go in, too, but the believers wouldn’t let him. 31 Some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, also sent a message to him, begging him not to risk his life by entering the amphitheater.
32 Inside, the people were all shouting, some one thing and some another. Everything was in confusion. In fact, most of them didn’t even know why they were there. 33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward and told him to explain the situation. He motioned for silence and tried to speak. 34 But when the crowd realized he was a Jew, they started shouting again and kept it up for two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
35 At last the mayor was able to quiet them down enough to speak. “Citizens of Ephesus,” he said. “Everyone knows that Ephesus is the official guardian of the temple of the great Artemis, whose image fell down to us from heaven. 36 Since this is an undeniable fact, you should stay calm and not do anything rash. 37 You have brought these men here, but they have stolen nothing from the temple and have not spoken against our goddess.
38 “If Demetrius and the craftsmen have a case against them, the courts are in session and the officials can hear the case at once. Let them make formal charges. 39 And if there are complaints about other matters, they can be settled in a legal assembly. 40 I am afraid we are in danger of being charged with rioting by the Roman government, since there is no cause for all this commotion. And if Rome demands an explanation, we won’t know what to say.” 41Then he dismissed them, and they dispersed.
Observation
This is an amazing story of the powerful ministry of Paul, but it also reminds me that we live in a world filled with spiritual warfare. All of those people that were healed and all of those people that were saved and the revival that broke out among those converts is contrasted with the spiritual uproar it caused among the ungodly.
There was a riot and most of the people didn’t even know what the riot was about and yet they were right in the middle of it.
Paul ministry was powerful. The whole city was turned upside down and yet he had to flee for his life one more time.
We will never have a time when there is not opposition or spiritual warfare. The demonic and the spiritual world are all around us. Expect it.
Application
I will expect spiritual warfare this Lord’s Day and I will draw close to my God. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that today will be a day of victory and yet a day of spiritual warfare too. I pray that people would be saved today. I pray that Your Holy Spirit would move and work in the lives of everyone on our campus. I pray that they evil one would be powerless to stop Your kingdom’s work. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Ready Set Go!
Job 13; Job 14; Acts 17; Acts 18
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Ready Set Go!
Scripture
Acts 17
27 “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us.
Observation
God’s purpose for the nations is to seek after Him. He wants the nations to worship Him. He wants us to take His message of reconciliation to the nations. Are you ready to go?
Application
I want to be ready to take the Good News to where ever God wants us to go. How about you? Are you ready …let’s go!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me look for every opportunity to go to be your ambassador to the nations.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Ready Set Go!
Scripture
Acts 17
27 “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us.
Observation
God’s purpose for the nations is to seek after Him. He wants the nations to worship Him. He wants us to take His message of reconciliation to the nations. Are you ready to go?
Application
I want to be ready to take the Good News to where ever God wants us to go. How about you? Are you ready …let’s go!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me look for every opportunity to go to be your ambassador to the nations.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Our Part …God’s Part
Job 11; Job 12; Acts 15; Acts 16
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Our Part …God’s Part
Scripture
Acts 16
As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying.
13 On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. 14 One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. 15 She was baptized along with other members of her household, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.
Observation
It is our job to go and share the Good News, but it is God’s part to open the hearts of those that are to be saved. We can’t save anybody, but we can share with everybody. God will do His part but we must do our part.
The next person to get saved in this same chapter is the Philippian jailer. Paul and Silas’ part was to get thrown in jail. Then at midnight when they were singing praises to God and praying God showed up and the jailer got saved.
25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”
29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.
Application
I will do my part and share the Good News and God will do His part.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, sharing the Gospel with someone like Lydia who was obviously wealthy and obviously willing and ready to receive Christ must have been a lot easier for Paul and Silas than the experience in the jail. I know that You are preparing the hearts of people around us to hear and accept the Gospel. Help me be sensitive and ready to share Your Good News every time I have the opportunity.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Our Part …God’s Part
Scripture
Acts 16
As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying.
13 On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. 14 One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. 15 She was baptized along with other members of her household, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.
Observation
It is our job to go and share the Good News, but it is God’s part to open the hearts of those that are to be saved. We can’t save anybody, but we can share with everybody. God will do His part but we must do our part.
The next person to get saved in this same chapter is the Philippian jailer. Paul and Silas’ part was to get thrown in jail. Then at midnight when they were singing praises to God and praying God showed up and the jailer got saved.
25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”
29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.
Application
I will do my part and share the Good News and God will do His part.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, sharing the Gospel with someone like Lydia who was obviously wealthy and obviously willing and ready to receive Christ must have been a lot easier for Paul and Silas than the experience in the jail. I know that You are preparing the hearts of people around us to hear and accept the Gospel. Help me be sensitive and ready to share Your Good News every time I have the opportunity.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
There is a Mediator
Job 9; Job 10; Acts 13; Acts 14
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
There is a Mediator
Scripture
Job 9
33 If only there were a mediator between us,
someone who could bring us together.
Observation
Job didn’t know that God was going to provide a mediator for mankind, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. We have a definite advantage that Job didn’t have we can look back in history to the birth of Christ. Who is the mediator between God and man?
1Timothy 2:
5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.
This is the message that He gave to the world at just the right time. Job got to see it, but he saw it from Heaven!
Application
I will thank God for His word and for being born at just the right time.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to live during this time of history. Job was blessed and had incredible spiritual understanding, but You have provided us with so much more with Your written Word. We have it so much more easier than Job. We have Your Word. We have a mediator that Job did not have. We have Jesus!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
There is a Mediator
Scripture
Job 9
33 If only there were a mediator between us,
someone who could bring us together.
Observation
Job didn’t know that God was going to provide a mediator for mankind, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. We have a definite advantage that Job didn’t have we can look back in history to the birth of Christ. Who is the mediator between God and man?
1Timothy 2:
5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.
This is the message that He gave to the world at just the right time. Job got to see it, but he saw it from Heaven!
Application
I will thank God for His word and for being born at just the right time.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to live during this time of history. Job was blessed and had incredible spiritual understanding, but You have provided us with so much more with Your written Word. We have it so much more easier than Job. We have Your Word. We have a mediator that Job did not have. We have Jesus!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Why Do You Love Us So Much?
Job 6; Job 7; Job 8; Acts 12
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Why Do You Love Us So Much?
Scripture
Job 7
17 “What are people, that you should make so much of us,
that you should think of us so often?
18 For you examine us every morning
and test us every moment.
Observation
Job is being severely tested and he is crying out to God. He is covered with maggots and scabs. He is being tormented by three friends that have come to tell him what he has done wrong in their opinions. It was bad enough to have his family killed and everything he owned taken away, but now he has to listen to three guys chastise him and rake him over the coals for stuff he hasn’t done.
But Job’s question is huge, “Why does God make over us so much?” Why are we so important to Him? Why does He love us so much? Of course Job was not feeling like God loved him at the moment. He was under a severe season of testing that hopefully we will never have to go through.
But his statement is very true, “God does think of us constantly” and I am very glad that He does. We don’t deserve His attention. We are created beings. We are on this earth only for a very short time, but God is Eternal. And think He thinks of you and me all the time. It is amazing!
Application
I will thank the Lord today all day long for His loving kindness that I do not deserve.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, to think that at this moment You are thinking of me or of the people around me is amazing. None of us deserve this kind of attention. Help me to at least please You today with the way I go through this day. I pray for Your direction. Help me to live in a way today that will glorify You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Why Do You Love Us So Much?
Scripture
Job 7
17 “What are people, that you should make so much of us,
that you should think of us so often?
18 For you examine us every morning
and test us every moment.
Observation
Job is being severely tested and he is crying out to God. He is covered with maggots and scabs. He is being tormented by three friends that have come to tell him what he has done wrong in their opinions. It was bad enough to have his family killed and everything he owned taken away, but now he has to listen to three guys chastise him and rake him over the coals for stuff he hasn’t done.
But Job’s question is huge, “Why does God make over us so much?” Why are we so important to Him? Why does He love us so much? Of course Job was not feeling like God loved him at the moment. He was under a severe season of testing that hopefully we will never have to go through.
But his statement is very true, “God does think of us constantly” and I am very glad that He does. We don’t deserve His attention. We are created beings. We are on this earth only for a very short time, but God is Eternal. And think He thinks of you and me all the time. It is amazing!
Application
I will thank the Lord today all day long for His loving kindness that I do not deserve.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, to think that at this moment You are thinking of me or of the people around me is amazing. None of us deserve this kind of attention. Help me to at least please You today with the way I go through this day. I pray for Your direction. Help me to live in a way today that will glorify You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
My Heart is Confident in You, O God!
Job 5; Psalm 108; Acts 10; Acts 11
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
My Heart is Confident in You, O God!
Scripture
Psalm 108
1 My heart is confident in you, O God;
no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!
2 Wake up, lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song.
3 I will thank you, LORD, among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
4 For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth.
Observation
Where is your confidence this morning? I hope it is not placed in anything other than your relationship with God. Did you get up this morning excited about reading God’s word and spending time with Him?
When I read this Psalm of David I get the feeling that David was bursting and couldn’t wait to spend time with His God! I feel the excitement and the confidence - don’t you?
If you read Acts 10 this morning you are going to find someone else that put his confidence in God. He was a soldier. He was a gentile and not a Jew. God heard his prayers and took notice of his giving to help the poor and brought Peter to his house so he could put his trust in the Savior. It is an amazing story. Take time to read it this morning.
Application
My confidence as I go through this day will be in the Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my confidence is in You this morning. 1 My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart! 2 Wake up, lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. 3 I will thank you, LORD, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. 4 For your unfailing love is higher than the Heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth. Psalm 108:1-5
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
My Heart is Confident in You, O God!
Scripture
Psalm 108
1 My heart is confident in you, O God;
no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!
2 Wake up, lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song.
3 I will thank you, LORD, among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
4 For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth.
Observation
Where is your confidence this morning? I hope it is not placed in anything other than your relationship with God. Did you get up this morning excited about reading God’s word and spending time with Him?
When I read this Psalm of David I get the feeling that David was bursting and couldn’t wait to spend time with His God! I feel the excitement and the confidence - don’t you?
If you read Acts 10 this morning you are going to find someone else that put his confidence in God. He was a soldier. He was a gentile and not a Jew. God heard his prayers and took notice of his giving to help the poor and brought Peter to his house so he could put his trust in the Savior. It is an amazing story. Take time to read it this morning.
Application
My confidence as I go through this day will be in the Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my confidence is in You this morning. 1 My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart! 2 Wake up, lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. 3 I will thank you, LORD, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. 4 For your unfailing love is higher than the Heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth. Psalm 108:1-5
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Chosen Instruments
Job 3; Job 4; Acts 8; Acts 9
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Chosen Instruments
Scripture
Acts 9
15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
Observation
Chosen by God to take the message of Christ to the World, does that describe you? If you have trusted in Christ as your personal Lord and Savior then you fit exactly into that description.
Do you like that idea that you have been chosen? I do. When I think about my relationship with God I like to think that God has made a choice and that choice included me. But He has chosen you and me for a reason and that reason is to reach this world for Christ. We have been chosen to take the message of Christ around the world.
Who needs to hear about Jesus?
Application
I will be obedient as the Lord leads me to share Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me. I know that there is nothing special about me that made You choose me. I don’t deserve it. All I can do is give You thanks because I am not worthy to be called your son. Help me to be obedient today. Help me to think more about Your kingdom than anything else today. Guide me and direct me. I pray for my brother today. I pray that You bless Him.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Chosen Instruments
Scripture
Acts 9
15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
Observation
Chosen by God to take the message of Christ to the World, does that describe you? If you have trusted in Christ as your personal Lord and Savior then you fit exactly into that description.
Do you like that idea that you have been chosen? I do. When I think about my relationship with God I like to think that God has made a choice and that choice included me. But He has chosen you and me for a reason and that reason is to reach this world for Christ. We have been chosen to take the message of Christ around the world.
Who needs to hear about Jesus?
Application
I will be obedient as the Lord leads me to share Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me. I know that there is nothing special about me that made You choose me. I don’t deserve it. All I can do is give You thanks because I am not worthy to be called your son. Help me to be obedient today. Help me to think more about Your kingdom than anything else today. Guide me and direct me. I pray for my brother today. I pray that You bless Him.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Full of the Holy Spirit
Job 1; Job 2; Acts 6; Acts 7
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Full of the Holy Spirit
Scripture
Acts 6
8 Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.
15 At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s.
Acts 7
54 The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 56 And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”
Observation
I have asked God to let me see into Heaven like Stephen did, but I don’t want to experience what Stephen experienced for that opportunity. This is an amazing story of God’s power and grace. Stephen was full of God’s Holy Spirit, so full that his face became as bright as an angel’s. Amazing!
Do our faces shine this morning? Can people see Jesus in us? Here are a couple of lessons from this story. Stephen was doing exactly what God wanted him to do and was put to death because of it. So following Christ and being obedient to Him doesn’t mean that we will not suffer.
Getting to peek into Heaven comes at a high price and we all need to be ready to suffer for Christ. Am I ready? Are you?
Application
I want to allow God to fill me completely with His Holy Spirit and I want to shine for Jesus. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be totally obedient. I want to draw people to You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I want You to be in control of my life today. I pray that people today will respond to the Gospel. I pray for a movement of Your Holy Spirit in our church today. Come in power Lord Jesus. Come.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Full of the Holy Spirit
Scripture
Acts 6
8 Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.
15 At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s.
Acts 7
54 The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 56 And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”
Observation
I have asked God to let me see into Heaven like Stephen did, but I don’t want to experience what Stephen experienced for that opportunity. This is an amazing story of God’s power and grace. Stephen was full of God’s Holy Spirit, so full that his face became as bright as an angel’s. Amazing!
Do our faces shine this morning? Can people see Jesus in us? Here are a couple of lessons from this story. Stephen was doing exactly what God wanted him to do and was put to death because of it. So following Christ and being obedient to Him doesn’t mean that we will not suffer.
Getting to peek into Heaven comes at a high price and we all need to be ready to suffer for Christ. Am I ready? Are you?
Application
I want to allow God to fill me completely with His Holy Spirit and I want to shine for Jesus. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be totally obedient. I want to draw people to You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I want You to be in control of my life today. I pray that people today will respond to the Gospel. I pray for a movement of Your Holy Spirit in our church today. Come in power Lord Jesus. Come.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Find Out Where God is Working and Join Him
Malachi 3; Malachi 4; Psalm 148; Acts 5
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Find Out Where God is Working and Join Him
Scripture
Acts 5
38 “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”
Observation
Gamaliel was very wise in what he says to the high council about the work of God. He told them that if what Peter and John were doing were from God then they would be foolish to oppose it. If they did oppose it then they would be fighting against God. It was a great observation, but I have to wonder why he didn’t use the same argument when they arrested and then crucified Jesus.
33 When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. 34 But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. 35 Then he said to his colleagues, “Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men! 36 Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. 37 After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered.
38 “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”
But what I get out of this whole conversation is that when we see God doing something we should jump in and join Him. Where is God working? Go join Him!
Application
I see God working in our church and I definitely want to join Him. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I see Your hand at work in our church and I definitely want to join You. Show me to what to do. Guide me to the people that You want me to help. Show me what needs to be done. Give me the wisdom and discernment I need to do what You want me to do.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Find Out Where God is Working and Join Him
Scripture
Acts 5
38 “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”
Observation
Gamaliel was very wise in what he says to the high council about the work of God. He told them that if what Peter and John were doing were from God then they would be foolish to oppose it. If they did oppose it then they would be fighting against God. It was a great observation, but I have to wonder why he didn’t use the same argument when they arrested and then crucified Jesus.
33 When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. 34 But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. 35 Then he said to his colleagues, “Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men! 36 Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. 37 After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered.
38 “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”
But what I get out of this whole conversation is that when we see God doing something we should jump in and join Him. Where is God working? Go join Him!
Application
I see God working in our church and I definitely want to join Him. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I see Your hand at work in our church and I definitely want to join You. Show me to what to do. Guide me to the people that You want me to help. Show me what needs to be done. Give me the wisdom and discernment I need to do what You want me to do.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Boldness of Peter and John
Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1; Malachi 2; Acts 4
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Boldness of Peter and John
Scripture
Acts 4
18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”
13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.
Observation
Do we amaze people with our boldness? Do people recognize that we have spent time with Jesus? Have we?
Can people see Jesus in us? Are we powerful in spirit?
Application
I will spend time with Jesus every morning so people can see Jesus in me throughout the day.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me draw close to You. I want my relationship with You to make a difference in the people that I see during the day. I want to have the boldness of Peter and John. Use me today to help someone be closer to You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Boldness of Peter and John
Scripture
Acts 4
18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”
13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.
Observation
Do we amaze people with our boldness? Do people recognize that we have spent time with Jesus? Have we?
Can people see Jesus in us? Are we powerful in spirit?
Application
I will spend time with Jesus every morning so people can see Jesus in me throughout the day.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me draw close to You. I want my relationship with You to make a difference in the people that I see during the day. I want to have the boldness of Peter and John. Use me today to help someone be closer to You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Walking, Leaping, and Praising God
Nehemiah 11; Nehemiah 12; Psalm 1; Acts 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Walking, Leaping, and Praising God
Scripture
Acts 3
Peter Heals a Crippled Beggar
Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.
4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”
7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.
9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! 11 They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John.
Observation
This man didn’t expect to be healed by Peter and John when he looked to them for help. He was expecting some money. People may not have a spiritual motive when they come to us for help, but they can find Christ if we are sensitive and ready to share with them.
You can’t heal everyone or fix everyone’s problems but you can direct people to the One who can help them. Lives can be changed if we are open and ready to share the Good News. Who needs to hear about Jesus? It may be someone with a completely different idea or plan that is coming to you for help. God could very well be directing someone into our path this morning. Are we ready?
Application
I will be ready to share with any person that the Lord sends across my path today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to miss one divine appointment that You have planned for me today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Walking, Leaping, and Praising God
Scripture
Acts 3
Peter Heals a Crippled Beggar
Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.
4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”
7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.
9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! 11 They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John.
Observation
This man didn’t expect to be healed by Peter and John when he looked to them for help. He was expecting some money. People may not have a spiritual motive when they come to us for help, but they can find Christ if we are sensitive and ready to share with them.
You can’t heal everyone or fix everyone’s problems but you can direct people to the One who can help them. Lives can be changed if we are open and ready to share the Good News. Who needs to hear about Jesus? It may be someone with a completely different idea or plan that is coming to you for help. God could very well be directing someone into our path this morning. Are we ready?
Application
I will be ready to share with any person that the Lord sends across my path today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to miss one divine appointment that You have planned for me today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Baptized That Same Day!
Nehemiah 9; Nehemiah 10; Acts 2
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Baptized That Same Day!
Scripture
Acts 2
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
Observation
What was it like to be there when all 3,000 people believed and were baptized? If 3,000 people became believers that day how many people were in the crowd listening to Peter’s message? Where did the 3,000 people go to get baptized? How many people watched? What did the on lookers say about those that were being baptized that day?
This past Sunday we had 13 people give their hearts and lives to Jesus. It was exciting! Those of us that were on lookers I am sure had mixed reactions to so many making public decisions for Christ. There were those that were excited and delighted over what God was doing in our midst and at the same time there were a few doubters and grumblers. I am one of the ones that is amazed at what God is doing and delighted about the decisions that were made.
Those 3,000 were baptized that same day. How long did that take? Who did the baptizing? What a great problem to have? I bet they didn’t wear robes…what you think? I look forward to the day when we baptize people on the same day that they become believers. If they did it in scripture then I believe it is something that we need to do. What do you think?
Application
I am getting our church ready to baptize people on the same day that they make a decision for Christ!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that our church could experience the moving of Your Mighty Holy Spirit and week after week have people put their faith and trust in Jesus. I pray that our focus would be on reaching out to those that don’t know You. It seems that everything works against us being the Salt and being the Light. Even when You move and people are saved some of Your people grumble instead of celebrate. Help us become a church that pleases You. Every Sunday it is my desire to see people putting their faith and trust in You and watching them be baptized that same day. I pray that what is happening at our church continues to grow.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Baptized That Same Day!
Scripture
Acts 2
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
Observation
What was it like to be there when all 3,000 people believed and were baptized? If 3,000 people became believers that day how many people were in the crowd listening to Peter’s message? Where did the 3,000 people go to get baptized? How many people watched? What did the on lookers say about those that were being baptized that day?
This past Sunday we had 13 people give their hearts and lives to Jesus. It was exciting! Those of us that were on lookers I am sure had mixed reactions to so many making public decisions for Christ. There were those that were excited and delighted over what God was doing in our midst and at the same time there were a few doubters and grumblers. I am one of the ones that is amazed at what God is doing and delighted about the decisions that were made.
Those 3,000 were baptized that same day. How long did that take? Who did the baptizing? What a great problem to have? I bet they didn’t wear robes…what you think? I look forward to the day when we baptize people on the same day that they become believers. If they did it in scripture then I believe it is something that we need to do. What do you think?
Application
I am getting our church ready to baptize people on the same day that they make a decision for Christ!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that our church could experience the moving of Your Mighty Holy Spirit and week after week have people put their faith and trust in Jesus. I pray that our focus would be on reaching out to those that don’t know You. It seems that everything works against us being the Salt and being the Light. Even when You move and people are saved some of Your people grumble instead of celebrate. Help us become a church that pleases You. Every Sunday it is my desire to see people putting their faith and trust in You and watching them be baptized that same day. I pray that what is happening at our church continues to grow.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
When God’s People Humble Themselves…
Nehemiah 7; Nehemiah 8; Acts 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
When God’s People Humble Themselves…
Scripture
Nehemiah 8
5 Ezra stood on the platform in full view of all the people. When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet.
6 Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
Observation
This is how God’s people should have always responded to the Word of God. Ezra had recently discovered the Word of God and the people were hearing the Word of God for probably the first time. It had a powerful impact on the people. God’s hand was on them.
They had neglected the things of God for a long time and now they had come back to Him. It was a time of revival. God’s Spirit was moving among His people. I desire to see that happen at our church. How about you?
Application
I will continue to pray for the hand of the Lord to be on His people at our church. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I desire to see this happen at our church. This past Sunday it was neat to see so many people make decisions for You. I pray that those people will cause a movement that will shake our city. God do a mighty work within and through us, Your people at Christ Fellowship. Be glorified in us and through us and use us to reach the city. Help normal at our church always be supernaturally abnormal and help us to expect You to show up in powerful and mighty ways. You are awesome. You are Mighty to save. I pray that this Sunday more people will find salvation!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
When God’s People Humble Themselves…
Scripture
Nehemiah 8
5 Ezra stood on the platform in full view of all the people. When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet.
6 Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
Observation
This is how God’s people should have always responded to the Word of God. Ezra had recently discovered the Word of God and the people were hearing the Word of God for probably the first time. It had a powerful impact on the people. God’s hand was on them.
They had neglected the things of God for a long time and now they had come back to Him. It was a time of revival. God’s Spirit was moving among His people. I desire to see that happen at our church. How about you?
Application
I will continue to pray for the hand of the Lord to be on His people at our church. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I desire to see this happen at our church. This past Sunday it was neat to see so many people make decisions for You. I pray that those people will cause a movement that will shake our city. God do a mighty work within and through us, Your people at Christ Fellowship. Be glorified in us and through us and use us to reach the city. Help normal at our church always be supernaturally abnormal and help us to expect You to show up in powerful and mighty ways. You are awesome. You are Mighty to save. I pray that this Sunday more people will find salvation!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, October 11, 2010
"I'm Doing a Great Work; I Can't Come Down"
Nehemiah 5; Nehemiah 6; Psalm 146; Luke 24
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
"I'm Doing a Great Work; I Can't Come Down"
Scripture
Nehemiah 6
"I'm Doing a Great Work; I Can't Come Down"
1-2 When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and that there were no more breaks in it—even though I hadn't yet installed the gates— Sanballat and Geshem sent this message: "Come and meet with us at Kephirim in the valley of Ono."
2-3 I knew they were scheming to hurt me so I sent messengers back with this: "I'm doing a great work; I can't come down. Why should the work come to a standstill just so I can come down to see you?"
Observation
Focus on the “Great Work” and don’t get distracted by the busy stuff that won’t make a difference!
This is an incredible story of one man that had tunnel vision. Nehemiah had opposition from without, opposition from within, there was plenty of stuff to discourage him but he stayed focused on the task. What has God called you to do? What has God called me to do? Are we focused or are we distracted? Are we on course or have we drifted off course?
Are we focused on the “Great Work” that God has called us to do? Or are we bogged down with stuff that really doesn’t count for His kingdom?
Application
I will focus on Kingdom stuff this week and not let other things rob my time.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You have called me to a “Great Work” and that “Great Work” is helping people find Christ. Help me stay focused to the task. Give me Your heart for those that we need to follow up that made decisions in church yesterday. I pray for those that made decisions that they would be able to follow through and grow in Christ. Help them to get connected into the body of Christ.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
"I'm Doing a Great Work; I Can't Come Down"
Scripture
Nehemiah 6
"I'm Doing a Great Work; I Can't Come Down"
1-2 When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and that there were no more breaks in it—even though I hadn't yet installed the gates— Sanballat and Geshem sent this message: "Come and meet with us at Kephirim in the valley of Ono."
2-3 I knew they were scheming to hurt me so I sent messengers back with this: "I'm doing a great work; I can't come down. Why should the work come to a standstill just so I can come down to see you?"
Observation
Focus on the “Great Work” and don’t get distracted by the busy stuff that won’t make a difference!
This is an incredible story of one man that had tunnel vision. Nehemiah had opposition from without, opposition from within, there was plenty of stuff to discourage him but he stayed focused on the task. What has God called you to do? What has God called me to do? Are we focused or are we distracted? Are we on course or have we drifted off course?
Are we focused on the “Great Work” that God has called us to do? Or are we bogged down with stuff that really doesn’t count for His kingdom?
Application
I will focus on Kingdom stuff this week and not let other things rob my time.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You have called me to a “Great Work” and that “Great Work” is helping people find Christ. Help me stay focused to the task. Give me Your heart for those that we need to follow up that made decisions in church yesterday. I pray for those that made decisions that they would be able to follow through and grow in Christ. Help them to get connected into the body of Christ.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Paradise!
Nehemiah 3; Nehemiah 4; Luke 23
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Paradise!
Scripture
Luke 23
39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Observation
When I hear on television about the senseless murders that happen each week in our city I realize that we are a long way from paradise. People murdering people for hardly any reason at all. Life does not have value to so many people.
This was the case with these two criminals that found themselves on each side of Jesus. One began to join all the other people in making fun of Jesus, but the other one realized who Jesus was and cried out to him in brokenness and Jesus responded to his cry for help.
So often we see people make decisions for Christ, but are those decisions real. I think we would have doubted this man’s decision to follow Christ, but Christ knew it was real.
Application
I will pray for those in church today that they make life-changing decisions to follow Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, today is Friend Day at church and I know that a lot of guests will be at our church today. I pray that in that mix of people that there would be people that would recognize their need for Christ and they would put their faith and trust in Christ to save them. Give them understanding and help them make real life changing decisions. Since I cannot see each heart I will trust that their decision is genuine and I pray that we can help them grow in Christ.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Paradise!
Scripture
Luke 23
39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Observation
When I hear on television about the senseless murders that happen each week in our city I realize that we are a long way from paradise. People murdering people for hardly any reason at all. Life does not have value to so many people.
This was the case with these two criminals that found themselves on each side of Jesus. One began to join all the other people in making fun of Jesus, but the other one realized who Jesus was and cried out to him in brokenness and Jesus responded to his cry for help.
So often we see people make decisions for Christ, but are those decisions real. I think we would have doubted this man’s decision to follow Christ, but Christ knew it was real.
Application
I will pray for those in church today that they make life-changing decisions to follow Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, today is Friend Day at church and I know that a lot of guests will be at our church today. I pray that in that mix of people that there would be people that would recognize their need for Christ and they would put their faith and trust in Christ to save them. Give them understanding and help them make real life changing decisions. Since I cannot see each heart I will trust that their decision is genuine and I pray that we can help them grow in Christ.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, October 09, 2010
He Saw That…
Nehemiah 1; Nehemiah 2; Psalm 133; Luke 22
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
He Saw That…
Scripture
Luke 22
61 At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 62 And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.
Observation
Sometimes when we sin we think that we have gotten away with it because no one saw what we did…sort of dumb to think that because our Lord doesn’t miss anything that we do whether it is good or bad.
It was on the third denial that the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Now obviously Jesus knew when Peter denied him the first time and then the second time, but on the third time their eyes met and Peter was convicted of his sin. And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.
All of us are going to sin, but it is what we do after we sin that is so important. We need to realize that Jesus sees and knows all about what we did. What He wants us to do is to come to Him with a broken and contrite heart over the sin and He wants us to ask Him for forgiveness.
Application
I will confess my sins today as they happen and I will ask God to forgive me. I will ask Him to make it obvious to me when I mess up.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am a sinner. Thank You for giving me forgiveness for my sins. I know that I will not go to hell because of my sins because Jesus has paid the penalty for my sins. I have asked Him to come into my life and save me and He did that a long time ago. But today I want to confess my sins as I commit them. Make it plain to me when I mess up. Don’t let me move away from You because of Unconfessed sin in my life. Guide me through this day so that it is profitable for Your kingdom. Don’t let me waste time today on things that don’t really count. I pray for the team today as they travel back from Nashville that you keep them safe.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
He Saw That…
Scripture
Luke 22
61 At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 62 And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.
Observation
Sometimes when we sin we think that we have gotten away with it because no one saw what we did…sort of dumb to think that because our Lord doesn’t miss anything that we do whether it is good or bad.
It was on the third denial that the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Now obviously Jesus knew when Peter denied him the first time and then the second time, but on the third time their eyes met and Peter was convicted of his sin. And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.
All of us are going to sin, but it is what we do after we sin that is so important. We need to realize that Jesus sees and knows all about what we did. What He wants us to do is to come to Him with a broken and contrite heart over the sin and He wants us to ask Him for forgiveness.
Application
I will confess my sins today as they happen and I will ask God to forgive me. I will ask Him to make it obvious to me when I mess up.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am a sinner. Thank You for giving me forgiveness for my sins. I know that I will not go to hell because of my sins because Jesus has paid the penalty for my sins. I have asked Him to come into my life and save me and He did that a long time ago. But today I want to confess my sins as I commit them. Make it plain to me when I mess up. Don’t let me move away from You because of Unconfessed sin in my life. Guide me through this day so that it is profitable for Your kingdom. Don’t let me waste time today on things that don’t really count. I pray for the team today as they travel back from Nashville that you keep them safe.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, October 08, 2010
Desperate For God
Ezra 9; Ezra 10; Psalm 131; Luke 21
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Desperate For God
Scripture
Ezra 9
3 When I heard this, I tore my cloak and my shirt, pulled hair from my head and beard, and sat down utterly shocked. 4 Then all who trembled at the words of the God of Israel came and sat with me because of this outrage committed by the returned exiles. And I sat there utterly appalled until the time of the evening sacrifice.
5 At the time of the sacrifice, I stood up from where I had sat in mourning with my clothes torn. I fell to my knees and lifted my hands to the LORD my God. 6 I prayed,
“O my God, I am utterly ashamed; I blush to lift up my face to you. For our sins are piled higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached to the heavens.
Observation
Humility, brokenness, and totally desperate for God is how we find Ezra in this passage. He said, “I am utterly ashamed; I blush to lift up my face to you,” when was the last time you and me came to God with this kind of humility and brokenness?
Ezra realized how much God had blessed the people of Israel and they were messing up again and he knew God would not continue to bless them if they did not repent. What they did next was pretty incredible, but it was totally necessary they divorced and exiled their pagan wives and sent them away with the children that they had conceived together.
It was a drastic measure but Ezra was desperate to maintain a right relationship with God. What drastic measure do we need to take to have a right relationship with our Heavenly Father? Are you desperate for God? What are you willing to do?
Application
I will ask God to search my heart and reveal anything that it keeping me away from having a right relationship with Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me anything that might be keeping me from You. Show me anything in my life that doesn’t please You. Then help me confess and forsake those sins so Your face will shine on my family and me. I want to reflect Your love today and I want people to be drawn to You through me. I want You to be the most important thing in my life today. I want to be totally desperate for You. Help me to be like Ezra sensitive to Your Holy Spirit. You are Wonderful. You are Worthy of my praise!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Desperate For God
Scripture
Ezra 9
3 When I heard this, I tore my cloak and my shirt, pulled hair from my head and beard, and sat down utterly shocked. 4 Then all who trembled at the words of the God of Israel came and sat with me because of this outrage committed by the returned exiles. And I sat there utterly appalled until the time of the evening sacrifice.
5 At the time of the sacrifice, I stood up from where I had sat in mourning with my clothes torn. I fell to my knees and lifted my hands to the LORD my God. 6 I prayed,
“O my God, I am utterly ashamed; I blush to lift up my face to you. For our sins are piled higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached to the heavens.
Observation
Humility, brokenness, and totally desperate for God is how we find Ezra in this passage. He said, “I am utterly ashamed; I blush to lift up my face to you,” when was the last time you and me came to God with this kind of humility and brokenness?
Ezra realized how much God had blessed the people of Israel and they were messing up again and he knew God would not continue to bless them if they did not repent. What they did next was pretty incredible, but it was totally necessary they divorced and exiled their pagan wives and sent them away with the children that they had conceived together.
It was a drastic measure but Ezra was desperate to maintain a right relationship with God. What drastic measure do we need to take to have a right relationship with our Heavenly Father? Are you desperate for God? What are you willing to do?
Application
I will ask God to search my heart and reveal anything that it keeping me away from having a right relationship with Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me anything that might be keeping me from You. Show me anything in my life that doesn’t please You. Then help me confess and forsake those sins so Your face will shine on my family and me. I want to reflect Your love today and I want people to be drawn to You through me. I want You to be the most important thing in my life today. I want to be totally desperate for You. Help me to be like Ezra sensitive to Your Holy Spirit. You are Wonderful. You are Worthy of my praise!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Seek and Save The Lost!
Esther 9; Esther 10; Luke 19
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Seek and Save The Lost!
Scripture
Luke 19
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Observation
Everyday we must remind ourselves that our purpose here on earth is to seek and save the lost. It is so easy to get bogged down with being religious, just going through the motions, and spending most of our time and effort on ourselves – the redeemed.
The people moaned, groaned, and complained when Jesus decided to go to the house of Zacchaeus. They couldn’t believe that Jesus would accept the invitation to go and hang out with such a sinner. What notorious sinner have you hung out with lately? Who am I taking the time to reach? How will I spend my time this week? Will I invest my time in a Zacchaeus? Will I seek to save those who are lost? Or will I spend all of my time with the redeemed this week?
Application
I must find a “Zacchaeus” this week to spend time with. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me run into a Zacchaeus this week. Don’t let me miss the opportunity to share my faith. Help me make contact with those that I want to come to church on Friend Day this Sunday. Move in their hearts so they say, “yes” to the invitation. I pray for those that made decisions to follow You this past week. Move in their hearts to follow through in believer’s baptism. You are Mighty to save. I pray that people would be saved this week through the ministry of our people.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Seek and Save The Lost!
Scripture
Luke 19
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Observation
Everyday we must remind ourselves that our purpose here on earth is to seek and save the lost. It is so easy to get bogged down with being religious, just going through the motions, and spending most of our time and effort on ourselves – the redeemed.
The people moaned, groaned, and complained when Jesus decided to go to the house of Zacchaeus. They couldn’t believe that Jesus would accept the invitation to go and hang out with such a sinner. What notorious sinner have you hung out with lately? Who am I taking the time to reach? How will I spend my time this week? Will I invest my time in a Zacchaeus? Will I seek to save those who are lost? Or will I spend all of my time with the redeemed this week?
Application
I must find a “Zacchaeus” this week to spend time with. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me run into a Zacchaeus this week. Don’t let me miss the opportunity to share my faith. Help me make contact with those that I want to come to church on Friend Day this Sunday. Move in their hearts so they say, “yes” to the invitation. I pray for those that made decisions to follow You this past week. Move in their hearts to follow through in believer’s baptism. You are Mighty to save. I pray that people would be saved this week through the ministry of our people.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
What Do You Want Me To Do For You?
Esther 3; Esther 4; Esther 5; Esther 6; Esther 7; Esther 8; Luke 18
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
What Do You Want Me To Do For You?
Scripture
Luke 18
35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. 36 When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. 38 So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
39 “Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him.
But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
40 When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord,” he said, “I want to see!”
42 And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” 43 Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.
Observation
What do you want me to do for you? “LORD,” he said, “I want to see!” I think it is interesting that Jesus asked the blind beggar that question. Jesus knew what the man wanted but Jesus wanted the man to ask him to be healed. Jesus knows all of our needs but He loves for us to come to Him in humility and ask Him for help.
Can you imagine the joy that this man must have felt? It says that he followed Jesus, praising God. I bet everyone for miles could hear him praising God. Do you have a need today? Or does someone else have a need that you can pray for? Jesus knows all about the need, but He loves for us as His children to come to Him and ask Him to meet that need.
It is all about faith. It is all about trust. It is all about having childlike faith.
Application
I will pray and depend on Jesus today to meet my needs that I am going to share with Him. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be effective today for Your kingdom. I pray that as I talk to people today and invite them to church for friend day that they would be give me a positive response. Work in their hearts and lives and I pray that you bring them closer to Your kingdom this week. Put in their hearts a desire to follow after You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
What Do You Want Me To Do For You?
Scripture
Luke 18
35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. 36 When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. 38 So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
39 “Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him.
But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
40 When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord,” he said, “I want to see!”
42 And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” 43 Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.
Observation
What do you want me to do for you? “LORD,” he said, “I want to see!” I think it is interesting that Jesus asked the blind beggar that question. Jesus knew what the man wanted but Jesus wanted the man to ask him to be healed. Jesus knows all of our needs but He loves for us to come to Him in humility and ask Him for help.
Can you imagine the joy that this man must have felt? It says that he followed Jesus, praising God. I bet everyone for miles could hear him praising God. Do you have a need today? Or does someone else have a need that you can pray for? Jesus knows all about the need, but He loves for us as His children to come to Him and ask Him to meet that need.
It is all about faith. It is all about trust. It is all about having childlike faith.
Application
I will pray and depend on Jesus today to meet my needs that I am going to share with Him. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be effective today for Your kingdom. I pray that as I talk to people today and invite them to church for friend day that they would be give me a positive response. Work in their hearts and lives and I pray that you bring them closer to Your kingdom this week. Put in their hearts a desire to follow after You.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, October 04, 2010
Praise! ...Praise The Lord!
Esther 1; Esther 2; Psalm 150; Luke 17
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Praise!
Scripture
Psalm 150
1 Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heaven!
2 Praise him for his mighty works;
praise his unequaled greatness!
3 Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn;
praise him with the lyre and harp!
4 Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;
praise him with strings and flutes!
5 Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
6 Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD!
Praise the LORD!
Observation
Why praise the Lord? Where should we praise the Lord? How should we praise the Lord? Who should praise the Lord? All of these questions and probably more are answered in these six verses!
Why praise the Lord?
2 Praise him for his mighty works;
praise his unequaled greatness!
Where should we praise the Lord?
1 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heaven!
How should we praise the Lord?
3 Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn;
praise him with the lyre and harp!
4 Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;
praise him with strings and flutes!
5 Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
Who should praise the Lord?
6 Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD!
Application
I will praise the Lord today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are worthy of praise! I give You praise. I praise You for who You are. I praise You for what You have done. Let every living thing sing praise to the Lord.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Praise!
Scripture
Psalm 150
1 Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heaven!
2 Praise him for his mighty works;
praise his unequaled greatness!
3 Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn;
praise him with the lyre and harp!
4 Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;
praise him with strings and flutes!
5 Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
6 Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD!
Praise the LORD!
Observation
Why praise the Lord? Where should we praise the Lord? How should we praise the Lord? Who should praise the Lord? All of these questions and probably more are answered in these six verses!
Why praise the Lord?
2 Praise him for his mighty works;
praise his unequaled greatness!
Where should we praise the Lord?
1 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heaven!
How should we praise the Lord?
3 Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn;
praise him with the lyre and harp!
4 Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;
praise him with strings and flutes!
5 Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
Who should praise the Lord?
6 Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD!
Application
I will praise the Lord today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are worthy of praise! I give You praise. I praise You for who You are. I praise You for what You have done. Let every living thing sing praise to the Lord.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Sunday, October 03, 2010
You Can’t Take It With You, But You Can Send It On Ahead!
Ezra 5; Ezra 6; Psalm 138; Luke 16
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
You Can’t Take It With You, But You Can Send It On Ahead!
Scripture
Luke 16
9 Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.
Observation
It is true that all of our wealth here on this earth will be left for someone else to enjoy and even though it is true that you can’t take it with you … you can send it on ahead.
God’s word teaches us that we can send our riches on ahead of us to Heaven, by giving them away down here. Being generous and helping others with our resources is sending them on to Heaven ahead of us. What have you sent on ahead? What have I invested in Heaven? Am I spending it all on myself here on this earth? How sad for me if I am!
Application
I will be generous as the Lord gives me opportunity.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me live this week like I really do believe this principle. Help me to be generous with the resources that you have provided me. You are a loving Heavenly Father Who knows how to bless His children and I am very blessed.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
You Can’t Take It With You, But You Can Send It On Ahead!
Scripture
Luke 16
9 Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.
Observation
It is true that all of our wealth here on this earth will be left for someone else to enjoy and even though it is true that you can’t take it with you … you can send it on ahead.
God’s word teaches us that we can send our riches on ahead of us to Heaven, by giving them away down here. Being generous and helping others with our resources is sending them on to Heaven ahead of us. What have you sent on ahead? What have I invested in Heaven? Am I spending it all on myself here on this earth? How sad for me if I am!
Application
I will be generous as the Lord gives me opportunity.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me live this week like I really do believe this principle. Help me to be generous with the resources that you have provided me. You are a loving Heavenly Father Who knows how to bless His children and I am very blessed.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Joy in Heaven Over Sinners
Zechariah 13; Zechariah 14; Psalm 147; Luke 15
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Joy in Heaven Over Sinners
Scripture
Luke 15
10 In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”
Observation
What is Heaven like? It is going to be way better than we can even imagine or think, but one thing I do know about Heaven is that the Angels get very excited when sinners repent!
When Jesus returned to Heaven after His brief 33 years here on earth His Angels may have wondered if His plan to redeem the world would work. This passage says that in Heaven every time a sinner repents it brings joy in Heaven. Joy is expressed in Heaven every time a sinner repents. I don’t know if it is because there is an Angel assigned to us and when we repent and come to Christ our Angel begins celebrating, but I know that it causes a party in Heaven every time someone comes to Christ.
We need to celebrate “repentance” like they do in Heaven. It is the most positive word in the Bible, the word “repent”. There is nothing negative about it … it is all good. We have to work on celebrating more with those that make decisions for Christ!
Application
I will follow up and celebrate with those that make decisions for Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, this passage gives us a glimpse into Heaven. When people come to Christ all of Heaven celebrates. We need to celebrate too. Help me work on better ways to celebrate the decisions that people are making at our church. I pray that people will make decisions for Christ tomorrow during our worship service. I pray that many new people will come to Christ. Help us invite and invite and invite.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Joy in Heaven Over Sinners
Scripture
Luke 15
10 In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”
Observation
What is Heaven like? It is going to be way better than we can even imagine or think, but one thing I do know about Heaven is that the Angels get very excited when sinners repent!
When Jesus returned to Heaven after His brief 33 years here on earth His Angels may have wondered if His plan to redeem the world would work. This passage says that in Heaven every time a sinner repents it brings joy in Heaven. Joy is expressed in Heaven every time a sinner repents. I don’t know if it is because there is an Angel assigned to us and when we repent and come to Christ our Angel begins celebrating, but I know that it causes a party in Heaven every time someone comes to Christ.
We need to celebrate “repentance” like they do in Heaven. It is the most positive word in the Bible, the word “repent”. There is nothing negative about it … it is all good. We have to work on celebrating more with those that make decisions for Christ!
Application
I will follow up and celebrate with those that make decisions for Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, this passage gives us a glimpse into Heaven. When people come to Christ all of Heaven celebrates. We need to celebrate too. Help me work on better ways to celebrate the decisions that people are making at our church. I pray that people will make decisions for Christ tomorrow during our worship service. I pray that many new people will come to Christ. Help us invite and invite and invite.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, October 01, 2010
Ownership!
Zechariah 10; Zechariah 11; Zechariah 12; Psalm 126; Luke 14
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Ownership!
Scripture
Luke 14
33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.
Observation
Discipleship is linked with ownership and Jesus says in this passage that you can’t be a disciple of His until you have given up everything that you own. What is in your back pocket?
Does how we spend our money reflect that we are Jesus’ disciples?
I watch how people spend money to go here and to go there, to go this event, or to this concert, or on this cruise, or that excursion or trip, and you have to wonder how much of their resources are at Jesus’ disposal.
Do they ever wonder if the reason they have that extra money that they are using on themselves was for some other need or purpose or person.
I am not saying not to do some special stuff and take a vacation etc, but we must balance out how we spend our money because it doesn’t belong to us. We are not the owners of it. We are just caretakers of the resources that God has made available to us and if we spend it all on ourselves then how can the kingdom be expanded.
Application
Show me what You want me to do with Your resources today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that I am not the owner of anything that I have in my possession, but help me act like it. Thank You for providing me with so much. Thank You for taking care of us. Kathy and I are blessed. Help us be good stewards of everything that You have allowed us to be caretakers of. We know that it doesn’t belong to us. Help us to be generous with all that You have given us. Show us where we should use our resources. You own everything. We are rich because You have given us everything. There is not one thing that we lack because of Your Wonderful love for us.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Ownership!
Scripture
Luke 14
33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.
Observation
Discipleship is linked with ownership and Jesus says in this passage that you can’t be a disciple of His until you have given up everything that you own. What is in your back pocket?
Does how we spend our money reflect that we are Jesus’ disciples?
I watch how people spend money to go here and to go there, to go this event, or to this concert, or on this cruise, or that excursion or trip, and you have to wonder how much of their resources are at Jesus’ disposal.
Do they ever wonder if the reason they have that extra money that they are using on themselves was for some other need or purpose or person.
I am not saying not to do some special stuff and take a vacation etc, but we must balance out how we spend our money because it doesn’t belong to us. We are not the owners of it. We are just caretakers of the resources that God has made available to us and if we spend it all on ourselves then how can the kingdom be expanded.
Application
Show me what You want me to do with Your resources today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that I am not the owner of anything that I have in my possession, but help me act like it. Thank You for providing me with so much. Thank You for taking care of us. Kathy and I are blessed. Help us be good stewards of everything that You have allowed us to be caretakers of. We know that it doesn’t belong to us. Help us to be generous with all that You have given us. Show us where we should use our resources. You own everything. We are rich because You have given us everything. There is not one thing that we lack because of Your Wonderful love for us.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)