Job 15; Acts 19; Acts 20
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Lets Finish Well
Scripture
Acts 20
24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Observation
I want to finish well. I want my life to count for the kingdom. I don't want to retire. I don't want to slow down. I want to finish well. I want to make a difference in the lives of as many people as possible. There has been a job that has been assigned to me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Do you want to finish well too?
Application
Today I want to count. I want to make a difference in someone's life. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to finish well. I want to complete my task. I want You to smile at my life. Don't let me mess up. Don't let me settle for something less than what You have for me. Put people in my life today that need to hear about You.
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Monday, October 24, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Don't Be Afraid! Speak Out!
Job 13; Job 14; Acts 17; Acts 18
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Don't Be Afraid! Speak Out!
Scripture
Acts 18
9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.”
Observation
I think that it is always good to remember this word of encouragement that God gave to Paul when He said, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.”
The promise to hold on to is the fact that God is with us and we don't need to be afraid. It is hard to imagine that Paul had a problem with being afraid, but God would not have said this if Paul didn't battle with fear just like we do.
Being in the center of God's will is not the safest place to be, but it is the best place to be. Paul was in the center of God's will and sometimes God kept Paul from harm and at other times Paul suffered severely from the people he was trying to reach. The important thing for us is to make sure that God has the number One place in our lives then no matter what happens it had to get the approval from Him.
He loves us. We are the apple of His eye. He delights in us. We are His offspring. We are His children. He will take care of us so that we can bring Him glory.
Application
My trust is in the God that created the Heavens and the Earth. He will take care of me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your unfailing kindness. It reaches all the way up to the heavens! You are an Awesome God. Nothing is too hard for You. Thank You for my new friends: Don and Gladys; Tim and Kathy; David and Judy and Jim. Bless them. Meet the needs of their lives. Answer their prayers. Give them the desires of their hearts. Make their plans successful.
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Don't Be Afraid! Speak Out!
Scripture
Acts 18
9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.”
Observation
I think that it is always good to remember this word of encouragement that God gave to Paul when He said, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.”
The promise to hold on to is the fact that God is with us and we don't need to be afraid. It is hard to imagine that Paul had a problem with being afraid, but God would not have said this if Paul didn't battle with fear just like we do.
Being in the center of God's will is not the safest place to be, but it is the best place to be. Paul was in the center of God's will and sometimes God kept Paul from harm and at other times Paul suffered severely from the people he was trying to reach. The important thing for us is to make sure that God has the number One place in our lives then no matter what happens it had to get the approval from Him.
He loves us. We are the apple of His eye. He delights in us. We are His offspring. We are His children. He will take care of us so that we can bring Him glory.
Application
My trust is in the God that created the Heavens and the Earth. He will take care of me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your unfailing kindness. It reaches all the way up to the heavens! You are an Awesome God. Nothing is too hard for You. Thank You for my new friends: Don and Gladys; Tim and Kathy; David and Judy and Jim. Bless them. Meet the needs of their lives. Answer their prayers. Give them the desires of their hearts. Make their plans successful.
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Wednesday, October 19, 2011
A Confident Heart
Job 5; Psalm 108; Acts 10; Acts 11
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A Confident Heart
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? Are you confident in yourself and your own abilities? I hope your confidence is in God. Read this Psalm and praise the Lord with me this morning! We can trust Him. He is faithful! God is so good.
Don't trust in your own abilities this morning. Don't do it. God wants you to trust Him today.
Application
My confidence will be in the Lord today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my confidence is in You. You will take care of me. You will take care of Kathy. You will guide us this week as we travel to Richmond. You are our strength. You are our confidence and our Hope. We trust in You and in You alone. Thank You for Your unfailing love. I will sing your praises with all my heart!
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A Confident Heart
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? Are you confident in yourself and your own abilities? I hope your confidence is in God. Read this Psalm and praise the Lord with me this morning! We can trust Him. He is faithful! God is so good.
Don't trust in your own abilities this morning. Don't do it. God wants you to trust Him today.
Application
My confidence will be in the Lord today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my confidence is in You. You will take care of me. You will take care of Kathy. You will guide us this week as we travel to Richmond. You are our strength. You are our confidence and our Hope. We trust in You and in You alone. Thank You for Your unfailing love. I will sing your praises with all my heart!
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Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Sharing The “Good News”
Job 3; Job 4; Acts 8; Acts 9
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Sharing The “Good News”
Scripture
Acts 8
4 But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.
Observation
This verse shows the early church carrying out the Great Commission as they fled the persecution of Saul. God will scatter us and will take us where the Gospel needs to be proclaimed. It is the Good News!
We have been commissioned to take the “Good News” to the entire world. It is the “Good News” and the world is waiting to hear. Someone needs to hear the “Good News” from us today. Are we willing to share as we go?
Application
I will look for someone that needs to hear the “Good News” today and I will be ready to share with them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me the opportunity to hear the Good News and allowing me the joy of accepting that Good News into my life. Thank You for sending someone to me to share the Good News with me now send me to someone that needs to hear the Good News about You today.
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Sharing The “Good News”
Scripture
Acts 8
4 But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.
Observation
This verse shows the early church carrying out the Great Commission as they fled the persecution of Saul. God will scatter us and will take us where the Gospel needs to be proclaimed. It is the Good News!
We have been commissioned to take the “Good News” to the entire world. It is the “Good News” and the world is waiting to hear. Someone needs to hear the “Good News” from us today. Are we willing to share as we go?
Application
I will look for someone that needs to hear the “Good News” today and I will be ready to share with them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me the opportunity to hear the Good News and allowing me the joy of accepting that Good News into my life. Thank You for sending someone to me to share the Good News with me now send me to someone that needs to hear the Good News about You today.
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Monday, October 17, 2011
A Glimpse Of Heaven
Job 1; Job 2; Acts 6; Acts 7
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A Glimpse Of Heaven
Scripture
Acts 7
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 would love to be able to get a glimpse into Heaven but are you and I willing to pay the price for a peek. Stephen gazed steadily into heaven as he was being stoned to death. As the stones were taking his life God opened up heaven so Stephen could be encouraged during the last moments of his life.
I would love to see into Heaven, but I don't want to have that experience as stones are hitting me in the head!
God takes care of His saints. He will take care of me. No matter where He sends us He will take care of us. He might take care of us as we die for Him but He will take care of us.
Application
I will trust the Lord today to take care of me and my family.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us this story of Stephen. It is an incredible story of both his tremendous faith and Your tremendous love. I know that You will take care of me and Kathy. You always have and You always will. Thank You for Your kindness and Your unfailing love. You are Mighty and Worthy of praise!
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A Glimpse Of Heaven
Scripture
Acts 7
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 would love to be able to get a glimpse into Heaven but are you and I willing to pay the price for a peek. Stephen gazed steadily into heaven as he was being stoned to death. As the stones were taking his life God opened up heaven so Stephen could be encouraged during the last moments of his life.
I would love to see into Heaven, but I don't want to have that experience as stones are hitting me in the head!
God takes care of His saints. He will take care of me. No matter where He sends us He will take care of us. He might take care of us as we die for Him but He will take care of us.
Application
I will trust the Lord today to take care of me and my family.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us this story of Stephen. It is an incredible story of both his tremendous faith and Your tremendous love. I know that You will take care of me and Kathy. You always have and You always will. Thank You for Your kindness and Your unfailing love. You are Mighty and Worthy of praise!
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Sunday, October 16, 2011
The Gracious Hand Of The Lord
Malachi 3; Malachi 4; Psalm 148; Acts 5
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The Gracious Hand Of The Lord
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
In this chapter we have the opportunity to see how God can discipline and how He can also protect and bless those that follow Him. I love how He takes care of his disciples and how His disciples rejoiced at having the opportunity to suffer for Christ. It was a badge of honor that they would be worthy to suffer for their Savior.
Are you and I ready to suffer for Jesus? Think about that … are we willing to only receive God's blessings and not receive His suffering also?
This is an exciting chapter isn't it? We can see God's gracious hand on His disciples. We can see how He took care of them and powerfully rescued them out of the prison. He rescued them so they could once again go preach His word. Think about it He rescued them from prison but not from a flogging.
There is a cost involved in serving the Lord. There is a sacrifice that He calls on us to make. Are we willing to serve Him? Anywhere? Any time? Any place?
Application
I am willing to serve the Lord where ever He wants me to serve Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me live out the statement that I just made about my willingness to serve You. Help me to be willing to serve You no matter how difficult the place is, or how seemingly insignificant the place is. Help me to be totally obedient to You.
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The Gracious Hand Of The Lord
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
In this chapter we have the opportunity to see how God can discipline and how He can also protect and bless those that follow Him. I love how He takes care of his disciples and how His disciples rejoiced at having the opportunity to suffer for Christ. It was a badge of honor that they would be worthy to suffer for their Savior.
Are you and I ready to suffer for Jesus? Think about that … are we willing to only receive God's blessings and not receive His suffering also?
This is an exciting chapter isn't it? We can see God's gracious hand on His disciples. We can see how He took care of them and powerfully rescued them out of the prison. He rescued them so they could once again go preach His word. Think about it He rescued them from prison but not from a flogging.
There is a cost involved in serving the Lord. There is a sacrifice that He calls on us to make. Are we willing to serve Him? Anywhere? Any time? Any place?
Application
I am willing to serve the Lord where ever He wants me to serve Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me live out the statement that I just made about my willingness to serve You. Help me to be willing to serve You no matter how difficult the place is, or how seemingly insignificant the place is. Help me to be totally obedient to You.
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Saturday, October 08, 2011
Concerns of this life!
Ezra 9; Ezra 10; Psalm 131; Luke 21
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Concerns of this life!
Scripture
Luke 21
34 “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life.
Observation
I don't think my heart will get dulled from carousing and drunkenness but there is a real danger of it getting dulled by the “worries of life.” The older one gets the more concerns there are for the things in life, children and grandchildren and then great grandchildren!
Application
I will focus on the Kingdom today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for the team today as we prepare to go to Cuba. I pray that you use all of us in a mighty way. May we make You smile. Keep us safe, but even more important I pray that You use us to bring someone closer to You. You are a Mighty God. You are Worthy of praise. Thank You for allowing me to go in Your name today to the people of Cuba!
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Concerns of this life!
Scripture
Luke 21
34 “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life.
Observation
I don't think my heart will get dulled from carousing and drunkenness but there is a real danger of it getting dulled by the “worries of life.” The older one gets the more concerns there are for the things in life, children and grandchildren and then great grandchildren!
Application
I will focus on the Kingdom today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for the team today as we prepare to go to Cuba. I pray that you use all of us in a mighty way. May we make You smile. Keep us safe, but even more important I pray that You use us to bring someone closer to You. You are a Mighty God. You are Worthy of praise. Thank You for allowing me to go in Your name today to the people of Cuba!
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Friday, October 07, 2011
May God's Gracious Hand Be On You!
Ezra 7; Ezra 8; Luke 20
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May God's Gracious Hand Be On You!
Scripture
Ezra 7
6 “...and the king gave him everything he asked for, because the gracious hand of the Lord his God was on him.”
Observation
Ezra had the gracious hand of the Lord his God on him and it made all the difference in the world. God caused the King to give Ezra everything that he asked for to build and restore the temple. He gave him traveling safety. He gave him favor with those around him and they gave Ezra the things that he needed for the project. God brought skilled workers to assist Ezra. God took total care of Ezra. His gracious hand was on Him.
Application
I want God's gracious hand to remain on me as we go to Cuba. God is already helping us by causing people to help us. I will pray that God gracious hand remains on us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to experience Your gracious hand. It has been on me. I have seen You at work in the lives of those around me. You will go before us as we go to Cuba. This is your work. Just as Ezra was about Your business. Our mission team is about Your business. May Your gracious hand be on us just as it was on Ezra and those around him. I pray that You fill our team with Your Holy Spirit. Use each team member for Your glory. Help them please You as we seek to serve You this next week in Cuba. You are a Mighty God.
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May God's Gracious Hand Be On You!
Scripture
Ezra 7
6 “...and the king gave him everything he asked for, because the gracious hand of the Lord his God was on him.”
Observation
Ezra had the gracious hand of the Lord his God on him and it made all the difference in the world. God caused the King to give Ezra everything that he asked for to build and restore the temple. He gave him traveling safety. He gave him favor with those around him and they gave Ezra the things that he needed for the project. God brought skilled workers to assist Ezra. God took total care of Ezra. His gracious hand was on Him.
Application
I want God's gracious hand to remain on me as we go to Cuba. God is already helping us by causing people to help us. I will pray that God gracious hand remains on us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to experience Your gracious hand. It has been on me. I have seen You at work in the lives of those around me. You will go before us as we go to Cuba. This is your work. Just as Ezra was about Your business. Our mission team is about Your business. May Your gracious hand be on us just as it was on Ezra and those around him. I pray that You fill our team with Your Holy Spirit. Use each team member for Your glory. Help them please You as we seek to serve You this next week in Cuba. You are a Mighty God.
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Thursday, October 06, 2011
Our Purpose!
Esther 9; Esther 10; Luke 19
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Our Purpose!
Scripture
Luke 19
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Observation
You and I have a purpose. It is the same purpose that Jesus had when He walked this earth. Our main purpose in life is to seek and save those who are lost. If we are focused on seeing people come to Jesus then we have missed our purpose. Why do you think you are still walking on this earth?
We have eternal life if we have trusted in Jesus Christ for our salvation. If you and I are going to live forever then why are we still on this earth and not in Glory? There is only one reason and that reason is that people need to hear about Jesus and the only way that they are going to hear is if we tell them.
Application
I will look for opportunities today to share Christ!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me keep my focus on seeing people come to You. I pray for my family today. Turn their hearts towards You. I pray for their salvation. Help them repent. I pray that You soften their hearts and give them the desire to seek after You. You alone are the only One that can save.
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Our Purpose!
Scripture
Luke 19
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Observation
You and I have a purpose. It is the same purpose that Jesus had when He walked this earth. Our main purpose in life is to seek and save those who are lost. If we are focused on seeing people come to Jesus then we have missed our purpose. Why do you think you are still walking on this earth?
We have eternal life if we have trusted in Jesus Christ for our salvation. If you and I are going to live forever then why are we still on this earth and not in Glory? There is only one reason and that reason is that people need to hear about Jesus and the only way that they are going to hear is if we tell them.
Application
I will look for opportunities today to share Christ!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me keep my focus on seeing people come to You. I pray for my family today. Turn their hearts towards You. I pray for their salvation. Help them repent. I pray that You soften their hearts and give them the desire to seek after You. You alone are the only One that can save.
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Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Agape Love
Esther 3; Esther 4; Esther 5; Esther 6; Esther 7; Esther 8; Luke 18
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Agape Love
Scripture
Luke 18
32 He will be handed over to the Romans, and he will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit upon. 33 They will flog him with a whip and kill him, but on the third day he will rise again.”
Observation
Christ came to die for us. He knew that He would suffer. He knew exactly what was going to happen and yet He still did it for you and for me.
We don't deserve that kind of love.
Jesus wants us to love people with that same kind of love. How are you doing at loving people with that kind of sacrifice. How am I doing? Is life all about ourselves or are we focused on loving others.
I know that I am too self centered. How about you?
Application
I want to have this kind of love for those around me. Today I will think of someone that needs some encouragement and I will encourage them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for dying for me in my place. Thank You for going to the cross for me. Help me love people with that kind of love. I don't want to be so self centered. I pray that the people that cross my path today would be able to see Jesus in me. I pray for the mission team that will soon be going to Cuba. I pray that You fill them with Your Holy Spirit and I pray that all of us that are going would be totally under Your control.
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Agape Love
Scripture
Luke 18
32 He will be handed over to the Romans, and he will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit upon. 33 They will flog him with a whip and kill him, but on the third day he will rise again.”
Observation
Christ came to die for us. He knew that He would suffer. He knew exactly what was going to happen and yet He still did it for you and for me.
We don't deserve that kind of love.
Jesus wants us to love people with that same kind of love. How are you doing at loving people with that kind of sacrifice. How am I doing? Is life all about ourselves or are we focused on loving others.
I know that I am too self centered. How about you?
Application
I want to have this kind of love for those around me. Today I will think of someone that needs some encouragement and I will encourage them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for dying for me in my place. Thank You for going to the cross for me. Help me love people with that kind of love. I don't want to be so self centered. I pray that the people that cross my path today would be able to see Jesus in me. I pray for the mission team that will soon be going to Cuba. I pray that You fill them with Your Holy Spirit and I pray that all of us that are going would be totally under Your control.
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Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Loud Praise!
Esther 1; Esther 2; Psalm 150; Luke 17
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Loud 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
Loud! Psalm 150 sounds loud to me … how about you? Our church works hard at trying to keep the sound level down because our building is so alive! Sometimes it is just way too loud. Maybe it reaches the Psalm 150 level on those days.
Do you feel the excitement as you read this Psalm. It seems like the Psalmist is saying to us … let it rip! Sing and play as loud as you can to the God of the universe. He is Big so play loud. He is Big so sing with everything you've got.
If you miss the excitement in this Psalm then something is wrong with you. In the loudness of a day when the sound is too loud even for me I should remember that my God has no problem with loudness or over the top praise! Lets give Him glory even if it maxes out our ears for His unequaled greatness.
Application
I will enjoy praise and worship even when the volume exceeds my comfort level.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for music. Thank You for allowing us the opportunity to praise You. Help my attitude to be good so I can express my gratitude during our praise and worship time on Sundays. You are worthy of our praise. Help us to worship You with all of our hearts. Give me a heart that worships.
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Loud 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
Loud! Psalm 150 sounds loud to me … how about you? Our church works hard at trying to keep the sound level down because our building is so alive! Sometimes it is just way too loud. Maybe it reaches the Psalm 150 level on those days.
Do you feel the excitement as you read this Psalm. It seems like the Psalmist is saying to us … let it rip! Sing and play as loud as you can to the God of the universe. He is Big so play loud. He is Big so sing with everything you've got.
If you miss the excitement in this Psalm then something is wrong with you. In the loudness of a day when the sound is too loud even for me I should remember that my God has no problem with loudness or over the top praise! Lets give Him glory even if it maxes out our ears for His unequaled greatness.
Application
I will enjoy praise and worship even when the volume exceeds my comfort level.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for music. Thank You for allowing us the opportunity to praise You. Help my attitude to be good so I can express my gratitude during our praise and worship time on Sundays. You are worthy of our praise. Help us to worship You with all of our hearts. Give me a heart that worships.
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Monday, October 03, 2011
Eternal Regrets
Ezra 5; Ezra 6; Psalm 138; Luke 16
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Eternal Regrets
Scripture
Luke 16
27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
Observation
Here is what you might be thinking after you die and if it is it will be too late. Concern for your family after you are dead is way too late, but in hell people will realize that they should have trusted in Jesus Christ. They will think of their family members that are without Christ and they will want someone to return to this earth to save them but it will be too late. Don't wait! Pray for your family right now and if you don't know Christ then you need to turn to Him right now before it is too late. Eternal regrets is what this rich man will face. He will never die. He will forever be in torment and he will forever regret that he didn't trust Christ.
Heaven and Hell are both real and they will both be filled with people just like you and me. The choice is ours! I have already chosen. How about you?
Application
I will share this story today at Mission Tampa.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you have given us a glimpse into the place called Hell. I don't like what I see and I sure don't want anyone that I love to go there. I pray for all my family that seem to not know You. I pray for them as unbelievers because they act like unbelievers. I praise You for the family members that are seeking to walk with you and for the others I pray for their salvation. They are missing out on so much and they are going to miss out on Heaven if they don't make a change in their lives. I pray for their salvation. I pray that You do a miraculous work in each of their hearts. I pray for my grandchildren and my children that they would walk with You. Turn their hearts towards You and help them to know You in a personal way.
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Eternal Regrets
Scripture
Luke 16
27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
Observation
Here is what you might be thinking after you die and if it is it will be too late. Concern for your family after you are dead is way too late, but in hell people will realize that they should have trusted in Jesus Christ. They will think of their family members that are without Christ and they will want someone to return to this earth to save them but it will be too late. Don't wait! Pray for your family right now and if you don't know Christ then you need to turn to Him right now before it is too late. Eternal regrets is what this rich man will face. He will never die. He will forever be in torment and he will forever regret that he didn't trust Christ.
Heaven and Hell are both real and they will both be filled with people just like you and me. The choice is ours! I have already chosen. How about you?
Application
I will share this story today at Mission Tampa.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you have given us a glimpse into the place called Hell. I don't like what I see and I sure don't want anyone that I love to go there. I pray for all my family that seem to not know You. I pray for them as unbelievers because they act like unbelievers. I praise You for the family members that are seeking to walk with you and for the others I pray for their salvation. They are missing out on so much and they are going to miss out on Heaven if they don't make a change in their lives. I pray for their salvation. I pray that You do a miraculous work in each of their hearts. I pray for my grandchildren and my children that they would walk with You. Turn their hearts towards You and help them to know You in a personal way.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Are You A Delight To The Lord?
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Zechariah 13; Zechariah 14; Psalm 147; Luke 15
Are You A Delight To The Lord?
Scripture
Psalm 147
11 the LORD delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Observation
To think that the God of this Universe that has created everything could delight in someone like me, but it is true. Are you a delight to the Lord? He delights in those that fear him and in those that put their hope in Him. How does God feel about you? I know that He delights in me.
Application
I will meditate on this verse during this day of the Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that You be glorified and honored in the way I live out this day. I thank You that I can be a delight to You. I know that I am a sinner and I don't deserve Your love. I don't know how You can delight in me, but I am glad that You do. Help me please You this day. Guard my heart. Give me strength against the evil one today. I pray for Kathy that You help her as she serves You in preschool. Bring people into her life that will be an encouragement to her. You are a Mighty God. You are Worthy of our Praise!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Zechariah 13; Zechariah 14; Psalm 147; Luke 15
Are You A Delight To The Lord?
Scripture
Psalm 147
11 the LORD delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Observation
To think that the God of this Universe that has created everything could delight in someone like me, but it is true. Are you a delight to the Lord? He delights in those that fear him and in those that put their hope in Him. How does God feel about you? I know that He delights in me.
Application
I will meditate on this verse during this day of the Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that You be glorified and honored in the way I live out this day. I thank You that I can be a delight to You. I know that I am a sinner and I don't deserve Your love. I don't know how You can delight in me, but I am glad that You do. Help me please You this day. Guard my heart. Give me strength against the evil one today. I pray for Kathy that You help her as she serves You in preschool. Bring people into her life that will be an encouragement to her. You are a Mighty God. You are Worthy of our Praise!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Saturday, October 01, 2011
Do You Understand “Discipleship”?
Zechariah 10; Zechariah 11; Zechariah 12; Psalm 126; Luke 14
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Do You Understand “Discipleship”?
Scripture
Luke 14
26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
Observation
I don't think very many of us in the USA understand this passage or for that matter really understand discipleship. Our country has been so blessed that the cost of true discipleship has been very minimal, but that is rapidly changing. It won't be long before the cost of being a Christ follower will be something that is real and something that we feel. In other places in this world these verses are being lived out.
There are people being disowned by their family members even being put to death by their own parents because they have made the decision to follow Christ. The cost of discipleship is very high in many countries, but what is the cost of following Christ here in America?
What are you giving up? What is it costing you? What is it costing me? Are we willing to follow Christ even though it means leaving our family and our friends and going to some other place in the world to share the Good News. Are you willing to do that? Are you willing to give up everything?
I have to admit that I do not totally understand what Jesus means when He says, “And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Do you understand that verse? If you do let me know. I have ideas, but I don't completely understand it.
Application
It is my intention to live out the best I can being a disciple of Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help understand and live out these verses so that You smile when you look down at me. Help me to please You with my thoughts and my actions today. You are an Awesome God. Thank You for allowing me to be Your disciple. Help me to deny myself 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
Do You Understand “Discipleship”?
Scripture
Luke 14
26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
Observation
I don't think very many of us in the USA understand this passage or for that matter really understand discipleship. Our country has been so blessed that the cost of true discipleship has been very minimal, but that is rapidly changing. It won't be long before the cost of being a Christ follower will be something that is real and something that we feel. In other places in this world these verses are being lived out.
There are people being disowned by their family members even being put to death by their own parents because they have made the decision to follow Christ. The cost of discipleship is very high in many countries, but what is the cost of following Christ here in America?
What are you giving up? What is it costing you? What is it costing me? Are we willing to follow Christ even though it means leaving our family and our friends and going to some other place in the world to share the Good News. Are you willing to do that? Are you willing to give up everything?
I have to admit that I do not totally understand what Jesus means when He says, “And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Do you understand that verse? If you do let me know. I have ideas, but I don't completely understand it.
Application
It is my intention to live out the best I can being a disciple of Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help understand and live out these verses so that You smile when you look down at me. Help me to please You with my thoughts and my actions today. You are an Awesome God. Thank You for allowing me to be Your disciple. Help me to deny myself today.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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