… Yes, I Am Coming Soon! Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

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Revelation 19; Revelation 20; Revelation 21; Revelation 22

… Yes,

I Am Coming Soon!

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

Scripture

Revelation 22

²⁰ He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!”
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

Observation

I am ready. How about you? Lets live out 2014 like He is coming soon. Lets get back to basics. Lets keep the main thing the main thing. What is the main thing? Telling people about Jesus is the main thing!

Application

I commit to share Jesus with someone every week.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I agree with the writer of Revelation, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Help me share my faith even more people in 2014. Give me boldness. Give me a greater love for those around me. Bring people into my path that need a relationship with You.

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Has The Lord Redeemed You? Then Speak Out!

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Revelation 15; Revelation 16; Revelation 17; Revelation 18

Has The Lord

Redeemed You? 

Then Speak Out!

Scripture

Psalm 107:2 

Has the Lord redeemed you? 

Then speak out! 

Tell others he has saved you from your enemies. 

Observation

I tried to write about Revelation 15-18, but just could not do it this morning. I almost wrote about the 75 pound hail stones that are going to fall from the sky, but I decided instead to write something about witnessing.

In a few minutes I go to Mission Tampa. I will be telling the people there about Jesus Christ. Why? Psalm 107:2 says, “If the Lord has redeemed you then speak out!”

Just what I plan to do in just a few minutes!

Application

I will share with confidence about Jesus Christ.

    For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—Jews first and also Gentiles. Romans 1:16

 Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us share the Gospel in a clear powerful way so that those that hear can accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Please open up their spiritual eyes and give them spiritual understanding so that they can be saved.

 

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They Will Be Tormented With Fire And Burning Sulfur … Their Torment Will Rise Forever And Ever, And They Will Have No Relief Day Or Night.

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Revelation 10; Revelation 11; Revelation 12; Revelation 13; Revelation 14

They Will Be Tormented With Fire And Burning Sulfur …

Their Torment Will Rise Forever And Ever,

And They Will Have No Relief Day Or Night.

Scripture

Revelation 14

And they will be tormented with fire and burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. ¹¹ The smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name.”

Observation

I know that this passage is talking about those that accept the mark of the beast, but the fire and burning sulfur is also for everyone that doesn’t know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. 

I have read some articles fairly recently that have expressed the view that those without Christ will not suffer forever. I don’t know how one can hold this view if they also believe that the Bible is the Word of God. 

The Bible that speaks of Heaven also speaks of a place called Hell and it also speaks of Eternal Life and eternal judgment. You can’t have one without the other. 

 Application

 I will continue to pray for people to be saved from a place of eternal judgment.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to never forget that the people around me are heading to a place of eternal judgment and eternal suffering if they don’t have a relationship with Your Son Jesus Christ. I pray today for those attending our worship services that don’t know Jesus that they would surrender their lives to Him today. 

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“… Your Blood Has Ransomed People For God From Every Tribe And Language And People And Nation.”

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Revelation 5; Revelation 6; Revelation 7; Revelation 8; Revelation 9

“… Your Blood

Has Ransomed People For God

From Every Tribe And Language And People And Nation.”

Scripture

Revelation 5

⁹ And they sang a new song with these words:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
    and break its seals and open it.

For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation.

¹⁰ And you have caused them to become
    a Kingdom of priests for our God.
    And they will reign on the earth.”

Observation

Jesus Christ has paid the ransom for us and not only for us but also for people from every tribe, language, people, and nation. I think that the word “every” that we read in verse 9 is huge!

Every day I read and pray for an unreached people group I pray with the confidence of knowing that one-day they will have the opportunity to hear the Gospel and some of them will trust Christ. There is not a group of people that is going to be left out. Every nation and people group will have the opportunity to hear about Jesus.

The book of Revelation is all about Victory. The victory has already been won. We are victors. As followers of Jesus Christ we are on the winning team.  

Application

I will share the Gospel with confidence knowing that God is working in the lives of those who listen.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Your Word says, “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:12-15

Help me to live out these verses.

   

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So Be Diligent And Turn From Your Indifference

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Revelation 1; Revelation 2; Revelation 3; Revelation 4 

So Be Diligent

And

Turn From Your Indifference

Scripture

Revelation 3

¹⁹ I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

²⁰ “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
 

Observation

Jesus stands at the door of our hearts and is knocking to come in. He wants to spend time with us as friends. He wants to fellowship with us.

The definition of the word “Indifference” is as follows: a lack of interest in or concern about something. 

Jesus tells us in verses 15 – 17 that the church in Laodicea was lukewarm. They were indifferent.
I often catch myself being indifferent to people around me. People I should be paying attention to, people that need my love and my help. 

Pastor Bruce made a statement that goes along with this passage, “The only way we serve God is by serving people.” So true! If we are indifferent to the needs of those around us then we are also “lukewarm” and “indifferent” in our love for God.   

“And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ Matthew 25:45

Application

I will look for those around me who need my help.

 Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me not to be indifferent today. I don’t want to be lukewarm in my relationship with You. Give me Your heart for those around me.

Create in me a clean heart, O God.  Renew a right spirit within me. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. 

Psalm 51:10; Psalm 139:23-24

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Your Promises Have Been Thoroughly Tested; That Is Why I Love Them So Much.

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Psalm 117; Psalm 119:81-176; 2 John 1; 3 John 1

Your Promises 

Have Been Thoroughly Tested;

That Is Why I Love Them So Much.

Scripture

Psalm 119

¹⁴⁰ Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
    that is why I love them so much.

Observation

Promises … you and I make them, but we don’t always keep them. God makes them and He always keeps them. When we read His word we find all kinds of promises that God makes to us and He will keep every one of them. 

What is your favorite Bible promise? Here are a few of my favorites:

    "I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. John 5:24

    I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them away from me, John 10:28

    and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.  Matthew 6:33

    'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' Jeremiah 33:3

 Application

I will meditate on God’s promises I as go through this day.

Prayer

 O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up.You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Taken from Psalm 139)

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Dear Children, Keep Away From Anything That Might Take God’s Place In Your Hearts.

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1 John 1; 1 John 2; 1 John 3; 1 John 4; 1 John 5

Dear Children,

Keep Away From Anything

That Might Take God’s Place In Your Hearts.

Scripture

1 John 5

²¹ Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.

Observation

On Christmas day maybe this is the perfect verse for us to reflect on! It is so easy to let other things fill God’s spot in our hearts.

As I write this I am looking at our Christmas tree and listening to Christmas music. I am thinking about all of our family and how we have enjoyed spending time with them over the past few days.  I am thinking about how wonderful it was seeing everyone at our Christmas Eve service last night.

I don’t want anything to take God’s place in my heart. How about you? 

Application

I will continue to guard my heart so that God has the number One place in my life.

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me guard my heart. I don’t want anything taking Your place in my life. I pray for my family and friends. I pray that they would also seek You first so that they can experience the abundant life that You promise us. I pray for Pastor Bruce and his family. I ask You to bless our entire leadership team. Energize them and fill them with Your Holy Spirit. Help them to keep You in the center of their lives. 

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Jesus Also Did Many Other Things. If They Were All Written Down, I Suppose The Whole World Could Not Contain The Books That Would Be Written

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John 19; John 20; John 21

Jesus Also Did Many Other Things.

If They Were All Written Down,

I Suppose The Whole World Could Not Contain The Books That Would Be Written

Scripture

John 21

²⁵ Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.

Observation

Every day Jesus continues to work. Lives are constantly being changed and stories about His mighty Power are heard around the world.

Jesus Christ came to this earth to bring peace. Have you discovered the Christ of Christmas? Do you know His peace?

I was so fortunate that at 19 years of age I put my faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. It makes me sad to watch so many people continue to live life without Him even after they have heard and heard the Gospel message.

    For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Maybe, just maybe this year they will attend a Christmas Eve service and their hearts and their lives will be forever changed as they surrender to the Christ of Christmas.

Application

I am praying for several people today that need a personal relationship with Jesus.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for all of our family and friends that will be attending our Christmas Eve service today. I pray that they would hear the message and I pray that it would penetrate their hearts. Be glorified in and through Your church today!

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Just As You Sent Me Into The World, I Am Sending Them Into The World.

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John 15; John 16; John 17; John 18

Just As You 

Sent Me Into The World,

I Am Sending Them Into The World.

Scripture

John 17

¹⁸ Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.

Observation

Do you think that this verse is for all of us?

Is it my task? Is it your task?

In a few minutes I have the opportunity to go to Mission Tampa and talk to people about the Good News of Jesus Christ. Every week by I have the opportunity to share with new people about the love of Jesus Christ. 

“And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.” John 17:3

Application

I will share the Good News about Jesus today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that only You can save people from their sins. Only You can open up their spiritual eyes so that they can understand the Gospel. I pray today that those that hear the Gospel would be able to receive it so that they can be saved. Thank You for those that were saved yesterday in the worship services around our city. Thank You for Jay’s Mom Susan and her decision to follow You and trust in Jesus for her salvation. You are a Mighty God and nothing is too hard for You. 

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I Am Leaving You With A Gift – Peace Of Mind And Heart

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John 12; John 13; John 14

I Am Leaving You 

With A Gift –

Peace Of Mind And Heart

Scripture

John 14

²⁷ “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Observation

 I saw this sign, “No Jesus No Peace … Know Jesus Know Peace”. It is so true. You can really see this at Christmas time. It is a hectic time of the year for everyone but for those that have a relationship with Christ there is or at least there should be a noticeable difference in how we handle this holiday and all of the stress that it produces. 

Is there a noticeable difference? If not why not stop a minute or 10-15 minutes and reflect on the real meaning of Christmas. 

Jesus left us a gift – peace of mind and heart. Why not take a minute and receive that gift?
In fact, Jesus Christ came to this earth to be a sacrificial gift for us. He came to die for us. He came to gift us with eternal life. He came to gift us with forgiveness of our sins. All you and I need to do is receive the gift. Have you received the Gift of Christmas? 

    For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Application

I will take time today to reflect on the Christ of Christmas! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You said in Your word this morning, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” 

Help me to show genuine love to the people at church today and everyone else that crosses my path.

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My Purpose Is To Give Them A Rich And Satisfying Life

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John 9; John 10; John 11

My Purpose

Is To Give Them

A Rich And Satisfying Life

Scripture

John 10

¹⁰ The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.
 

Observation

Jesus came to pay the penalty for our sins so that we didn’t have to receive what we deserve – Hell. But He also came to this earth so that you and I could live a rich and satisfying life.

How has that been going for us? Looking back on our lives can we say that it has been rich and satisfying? Why or why not?

Life is difficult. It is full of disappointments and struggles both for the believer and non-believer. The difference is Jesus.

As I look back on my life I can say that I have had a rich and satisfying life. Things have not been easy. And I have regrets just like everyone else, but Jesus Christ has given my life purpose and meaning. It has been a great adventure so far!

 Application

I will continue to share the Good News with everyone I can so they can experience a rich, satisfying and eternal life! How about you?

Prayer

 God, my shepherd!  I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. Psalm 23:1-6

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I Am The Light Of The World. If You Follow Me, You Won’t Have To Walk In Darkness

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John 7; John 8

I Am The Light Of The World.

If You Follow Me,

You Won’t Have To Walk In Darkness

Scripture

John 8

¹² Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

Observation

The bright lights of our Christmas tree remind me “Jesus is the Light of the world.” I think Kathy put about ten thousand lights on our small skinny tree this year. I told her that it is hard to see the ornaments because there is so much light coming off the tree!

For the past few years we didn’t have enough lights on our Charlie Brown Christmas tree, but Kathy took care of that this year! It looks great. Just put on your sunglasses when you walk into the living room. (Just kidding Kathy)

Jesus is the Light of the world. We live in a very dark world. Only the Light of Christ can make a difference and penetrate the darkness. Christians bring light to the countries where they are sent, and even into neighborhoods where God leads them to live.

I love Matthew 5:16, “Matthew 5:16 “… let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

If you have attended a candlelight service at Christ Fellowship then you know how special it is. I love when we light the candles and the flame and light from each candle spreads through the crowd until every person has received and shared the light with someone else. All you see around you are smiles and faces reflecting the joy of Christ! Don’t miss this experience!

Application

I will look for opportunities to share the Light with those still in darkness.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity and responsibility of sharing the Light with those around me. Help me not ever forget that those around me that don’t know Jesus who are living in darkness that need to come to the light. 

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…Wake Up And Look Around. The Fields Are Already Ripe For Harvest.

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John 2; John 3; John 4

…Wake Up

And Look Around.

The Fields Are Already Ripe For Harvest.

Scripture

John 4

³⁴ Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. ³⁵ You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’

But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.
 
³⁶ The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life.
What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! ³⁷ You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. ³⁸ I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”

Observation

It is a reminder to me today for me to Wake up and look around at a harvest that is ripe and ready for harvest!

There are people in my life that are ripe for the harvest. I need to just wake up and look around.
It is exciting to know that God is always at work in the lives of the people that He brings into my life. I just need to look and see where He is working. 

We plant and we harvest. We will get to harvest where others have planted and we will plant and others will harvest from the seeds that we plant!  

Application

I will look for where God is working and join Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, show me where to plant and help me see those that are ready to accept Christ. I pray that You prepare the hearts of those in my family that needs a relationship with You. Bring people into their lives that will plant the Gospel. Open their spiritual eyes so they can experience and enjoy this wonderful Christian life. 

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So The WORD Became Human And Made His Home Among Us.

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2 Peter 1; 2 Peter 2; 2 Peter 3; John 1

So The WORD

Became Human

And Made His Home Among Us.

Scripture

John 1

1 In the beginning the Word already existed.

    The Word was with God,
 
    and the Word was God.

² He existed in the beginning with God.
 
³ God created everything through him,
    and nothing was created except through him.

⁴ The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and his life brought light to everyone.

⁵ The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.

¹⁴ So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

¹⁸ No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.

Observation

I like the way the Message shares John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.”

Christmas … I never grow tired of the Christmas story. Only those who know Christ can experience Christmas.

For most of the world it is a busy, expensive time of the year. It is at best for those who are not Christ followers a time to be with their families and open gifts.

For me, this morning as I look at our Christmas tree and listen to Christmas music and read God’s word, it is a time to reflect on the One that makes this season so special. His name is Jesus! 

Application

I will invite people to our Christmas Eve service. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me the opportunity to move someone closer to You during this Christmas season. Help me to be sensitive to those around me. I pray for my family. Help them all to know and celebrate the Christ of Christmas.

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Stay Alert! Watch Out For Your Great Enemy The Devil. He Prowls Around Like A Roaring Lion, Looking For Someone To Devour.

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1 Peter 1; 1 Peter 2; 1 Peter 3; 1 Peter 4; 1 Peter 5

Stay Alert!

Watch Out For Your Great Enemy The Devil.

He Prowls Around Like A Roaring Lion, Looking For Someone To Devour.

Scripture

1 Peter 5

⁶ So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. ⁷ Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

⁸ Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.

Observation

Did you notice that right after we are told to give all of our worries and cares to God we are warned to watch out for the Devil because he is looking for someone to devour?

Worrying must give the devil a foothold into our lives. And Monday is a good day to be reminded that all my worries and cares need to be given to God.

We are told to humble ourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time God will lift us up in honor. We can do that by asking God to take care of all of the issues in our lives that are beyond our control.

Application

 I will give God all my worries today as they come to my mind. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me not to worry. Help me to trust You with every detail of my life. Help me to stay alert! Help me to watch out for my great enemy, the devil, who prowls around like a roaring lion, looking to devour me.  Help me to stand firm against him, and help me to be strong in my faith.

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“…Let Us Run With Endurance The Race God Has Set Before Us.”

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Hebrews 12; Hebrews 13; Jude 1

“…Let Us Run With 

Endurance

The Race God Has Set Before Us.”

Scripture

Hebrews 12

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ² We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

Observation

 Does your life seem like a race? Does it seem like a wind sprint, a marathon, or a rat race?

We are running a race. Everyday that we wake up is another day to run!

How are we to run? We are to let go of things that slow us down. What slows us down and messes us up … sin!

How are we to run? We are to run with endurance (we are in a marathon not a sprint) and we are to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. 

Hebrews 11 reminds me of the importance of being an example to those around me.

I am so glad that God brought spiritual giants into my life! They have been a huge encouragement to my life.

I like what the writer of Hebrews says in verses 12 &13 of chapter 12:

¹² So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.
¹³ Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

Application

I will run with my eyes looking up at Jesus.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me take a new grip with my tired hands and strengthen my weak knees. Help me to mark out a straight path for my feet so that I will not fall but become strong. Since I am receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, I will be thankful and please You by worshiping You with holy fear and awe. 

²⁰ Now may the God of peace—
    who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
    and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
 
²¹ may he equip you with all you need
    for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
    through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
 
    All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.  Hebrews 13:20-21

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It Is Impossible To Please God Apart From Faith.

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Hebrews 9; Hebrews 10; Hebrews 11

It Is Impossible

To Please God 

Apart From Faith.

Scripture

Hebrews 11:6

It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.

Observation

Did you take time to read all of Hebrews 11 this morning? I hope that you did. It includes the great men and women of the Bible that lived by faith even though they faced incredible difficulties.

We exercise faith all the time in lots of things, but nothing is totally reliable except the faith that we place in our Heavenly Father. Your car will eventually break down. Your heater on a cold winter morning will eventually not work. Your favorite chair that you faithfully sit in every morning eventually will break.

When you and I place our faith in our Heavenly Father and by faith we know that He cares enough to respond to us, then we are placing our faith where it will never fail and where we will never be disappointed.

Application

I will please God today by looking up and placing my faith in Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that faith is the confidence that what I hope for will actually happen; it gives me assurance about things I cannot see. I know that it is impossible to please You without faith. Give me the faith to believe even when things are difficult and when things look like they are out of control. I trust You with my family. I trust You where it doesn’t look like You are at work. 

Your word says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)  Help me to do that today. 

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So Let Us Come Boldly To The Throne Of Our Gracious God. There We Will Receive His Mercy, And We Will Find Grace To Help Us When We Need It Most.

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Philemon 1; Hebrews 1; Hebrews 2; Hebrews 3; Hebrews 4

So Let Us Come Boldly To The Throne Of Our Gracious God.

There We Will Receive His Mercy,

And We Will Find Grace To Help Us When We Need It Most.

Scripture

Hebrews 4

¹⁴ So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. ¹⁵ This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. ¹⁶ So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Observation

Jesus understands exactly what you and I struggle with and He was tested just like us only He didn’t sin.

We can come boldly to God and receive the help we need when we most need it because God is a God of mercy and grace.

Boldly … how was our prayer time today! Did we approach God with boldness? Why … Why not?

Just reading Hebrews 1-4 this morning should cause us to pray differently today.

 Application

I will pray with boldness today because I have a High Priest who understands my weaknesses.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me come to You boldly all day today as I pray. You are a God of grace and a God of mercy. Thank You for giving me what I don’t deserve and for not giving me what I do deserve! I come to You today boldly because of Jesus. He is interceding for me today. When doubts and fears come to my mind remind me today that You have given me the privilege of coming to You boldly with all of those things that weigh me down and fight against me. 

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Run From Anything That Stimulates Youthful Lusts.

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2 Timothy 1; 2 Timothy 2; 2 Timothy 3; 2 Timothy 4

Run

From Anything

That Stimulates Youthful Lusts.

Scripture

2 Timothy 2

²² Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

Observation

I talked recently to an old friend who has gone back to hanging around old friends and his old way of life.

RUN … RUN … RUN!

I hope he is reading this blog today.

It is so much better to pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. It is also so much better to enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord than those that pull you back into a life of destruction.

You and I need to RUN from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. ANYTHING!

The Devil just needs a foothold. Let’s not be stupid and give it to him.

Application

I will run from anything and everything that stimulates youthful lusts. I will also pray for my friend and talk to him when the opportunity opens up.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is hard to see friends go back to the old way of life. It is hard to watch them self-destruct. I pray for my friend this morning. Give him understanding and wisdom and help him make good choices. Protect him and discipline him so he can one day live for You. Do a work in his heart that only You can do. Use Your word to bring him back to a right relationship with You. Keep me from making dumb mistakes. Keep me from anything that would cause me to do stupid sins that would hurt what You want to do with my life.

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So If We Have Enough Food And Clothing, Let Us Be Content.

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I Timothy 5, I Timothy 6

So 

If We Have Enough Food And Clothing,

Let Us Be Content.

Scripture

I Timothy 6

⁸ So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

Observation

We are a country built on discontentment. Have you ever heard of the “Happy Meal”?

This time of the year we are bombarded with advertisements that want us to toss out our old stuff and buy the latest new gadget and before the dust settles on that gadget there is another new one with more bells and whistles that advertisers are dangling in front of us tempting us to buy. 

It is never ending. 

So … lets be content if we have enough food and clothing.

My clothes closet and my waistline reveal that I have plenty of both food and clothing … therefore I should be content. 

Application

I will resist the temptation of buying something “new” for myself this week. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to believe Your word when You say, “true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.”  After all, I brought nothing with me when I came into the world, and I can’t take anything with me when I leave it. So if I have enough food and clothing, let me be content.

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Pray Much For Others, Plead For God’s Mercy Upon Them, Give Thanks For All He Is Going To Do For Them.

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1 Timothy 1; 1 Timothy 2 ; 1 Timothy 3; 1 Timothy 4

Pray Much For Others,

Plead For God’s Mercy Upon Them,

Give Thanks For All He Is Going To Do For Them.

Scripture

1 Timothy 2

2 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
 
² Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. ³ This is good and pleases God our Savior,
 
⁴ who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 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.

Observation

The Apostle Paul gives Timothy a lesson on how to pray for people. The lesson is for me this morning too. How about you?

So we pray for “all” people. We ask God to help them. We go to God on their behalf. And we give thanks for what God is going to do in their lives.

Why… because God wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.

Application

I am praying for my family. I am asking God to help them. I am interceding on their behalf. I give thanks to God today for what He is going to do in their lives.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am praying right now for my entire family. I am interceding on their behalf. Help them to understand the truth. Thank You for working in their lives. Nothing is too hard for You. I know that it pleases You for me to pray for them. I pray for everyone that attends our church this morning. I pray that Your Holy Spirit would work in each and every one of our hearts this morning. 

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You Who Were Once So Far Away From God You Were His Enemies … Yet Now He Has Brought You Back As His Friends.

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Colossians 1; Colossians 2; Colossians 3; Colossians 4

You Who Were Once So Far Away From God 

You Were His Enemies …

Yet Now He Has Brought You Back As His Friends.

Scripture

Colossians 1

¹³ For he has rescued us out of the darkness and gloom of Satan’s kingdom and brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, ¹⁴ who bought our freedom with his blood and forgave us all our sins.

²⁰ It was through what his Son did that God cleared a path for everything to come to him—all things in heaven and on earth—for Christ’s death on the cross has made peace with God for all by his blood. ²¹ This includes you who were once so far away from God. You were his enemies and hated him and were separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions, yet now he has brought you back as his friends. 

²² He has done this through the death on the cross of his own human body, and now as a result Christ has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are standing there before him with nothing left against you—nothing left that he could even chide you for;.

Observation

Have you received the Gift of a relationship with God? The Bible says that we have all fallen short of the glory of God. The blood of Christ paid for the Gift. But you and I have to receive the Gift personally for it to become ours.

Our sins have separated us from God. There is a wall between mankind and God and that wall is our sin. Christ death on the cross has made peace with God for us and His death has cleared a path for everything to come to Him.

    For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

And this is the secret: 

Christ in your hearts is your only hope of glory.    

No Christ … no peace. Know Christ … know peace!

Application

This is my application: I will personalize verses 28-29 of Colossians 1

²⁸ So everywhere I go I talk about Christ to all who will listen, warning them and teaching them as well as I know how. I want to be able to present each one to God, perfect because of what Christ has done for each of them. ²⁹ This is my work, and I can do it only because Christ’s mighty energy is at work within me.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me share Christ with all who will listen. Help me to warn and teach them as well as I know how. I want to be able to present each one to You, perfect because of what Christ has done for each of them. This is my work, and I can do it only because Christ’s mighty energy is at work within me. 

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Don’t Worry About Anything, Instead Pray About Everything. Tell God What You Need, And Thank Him For All He Has Done.

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Philippians 1; Philippians 2; Philippians 3; Philippians 4

Don’t Worry About Anything, Instead Pray About Everything.

Tell God What You Need, 

And Thank Him For All He Has Done.

Scripture

Philippians 4

⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. 

Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
 
⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Observation

One of my most favorite passages in the Bible is Philippians 4:6-7. Probably because I tend to worry a lot about stuff God has burned these two verses into my memory and His Holy Spirit has them pop up when I start fretting over something. 

One of the best ways that I have found to deal with difficult situations is to look back in my life and see how God has always taken care of me in the past. Best way to deal with worry is to talk to God about what is causing the concern and to thank Him for how He has always helped us in the past. 

Here is another help that Paul mentions in Philippians 4:8-9 

“…Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  

⁹ Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

So today lets focus on the right things. Lets live in such a way that others can follow our example.

Application

Today, I will thank God for all that He has done for me in the past.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me not to worry about anything. Help me instead talk to You about everything. Help me to remember how You have always taken care of us in the past. I pray that Your peace, which exceeds anything I can understand, will guard my heart and mind as I live in Christ Jesus.

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