Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

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Amen!
Come,
Lord Jesus!

I am not big into New Year’s resolutions, but I think it is a great time to make new or renew our commitments to God!

Scripture

Revelation 22

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

²¹ May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people.

Observation

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Is that your heart too? I am ready! 

¹² “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. ¹³ I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:12-13

Today we close out 2014. Today is the last day of the year!

I am not big into New Year’s resolutions, but I think it is a great time to make commitments to God, but only if we are going to keep them. 

• Read the Bible through in 2015. Now that is a worthy commitment for us to make! 
• How about joining and faithfully attend a life group this coming new year! 
• Why not make a commitment to serve the Lord at your church. God has the perfect place for you to serve Him.
• How about putting God to the test in 2015 by tithing and giving generously. See if God doesn’t pour out His blessings on you.

 Jesus is coming soon! When He comes I hope that He catches us doing the things that please Him. 

Application

I will read the Bible through this year and make a commitment to read it everyday. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I look forward to the day when:

 ^“No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him.  

And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads.  

And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them.
And they will reign forever and ever.” Amen. Revelation 22:3-5

Daily Bible Reading  Revelation 19,20,21,22

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Hailstones Weighing As Much As Seventy-Five Pounds Fell From The Sky Onto The People Below.

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Hailstones Weighing As Much As
Seventy-Five Pounds
Fell From The Sky Onto The People Below.

You would think that the people would repent and turn to God.

Scripture

Revelation 16

²¹ There was a terrible hailstorm, and hailstones weighing as much as seventy-five pounds fell from the sky onto the people below.

Observation

You would think that if people had 75-pound hailstones falling down all around them that they would have turned to God and they would have cried out to Him to save them.

Not …

Read the next verse: “They cursed God because of the terrible plague of the hailstorm.”

What will it take for those we love to become Christ Followers? What will it take for them to become believers in the Lord Jesus Christ?

Maybe it will take some horrific storm, maybe involvement in a war, a bad car accident, a life threatening disease, poverty, homelessness, the loss of a loved one. Or maybe it will take the love of a friend, the prayers of people that love them, or Divine healing.

To be honest we don’t what it takes do we!

My prayer for those I know who need a relationship with Jesus is this, “Lord, do whatever it takes to make them realize that they a need a personal relationship with You.” Whatever it takes!

If a 75-pound hailstone will work then send it their way!

Application

I will pray for my lost family and friends and I will never give up. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I don’t understand why those around me don’t see the need to turn their lives over to You. They continue to exist instead of living. They are blinded by this world. Open up their spiritual eyes so they can see that they need a Savior. Do whatever it takes so they turn, repent, and place their faith in You. You are the Creator God. Nothing is too hard for You.

Daily Bible Reading  Revelation 15,16,17,18

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God Is Our Refuge And Strength, Always Ready To Help In Times Of Trouble.

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God Is Our Refuge And Strength,
Always
Ready To Help In Times Of Trouble.

This week’s Sunday school lesson is Psalm 46!

Scripture

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
 
² So we will not fear when earthquakes come
    and the mountains crumble into the sea.
 
³ Let the oceans roar and foam.
    Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

Observation

My daily Bible reading was Revelation 10,11,12,13,14 but I decided to write about Psalm 46 because it is so powerful.

Is your God like what we read when we read Psalm 46? Is He always ready to help you in times of trouble?

If not then I suggest you change gods and start worshiping the God of the Bible. My God is always ready to help me when I am in trouble. I can count on Him. How about you?

Application

 I will memorize Psalm 46:1-3 this week. How about you? 

Prayer

God, You are my refuge and strength. You are always ready to help me in times of trouble. So I will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! 

Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.                  Psalm 46:1-3, 8-11

Daily Bible Reading Revelation 10,11,12,13,14; Psalm 46

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I Saw A Vast Crowd, To Great To Count, From Every Nation And Tribe And People And Language, Standing In Front Of The Throne And Before The Lamb.

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I Saw A Vast Crowd, To Great To Count,
From Every Nation And Tribe And People And Language,
Standing In Front Of The Throne And Before The Lamb.

What should my church look like? 

Scripture

Revelation 7

⁹ After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb.

Observation

What is Heaven going to be like? As I read the book of Revelation I get a glimpse and I can see that Heaven is going to be full of people from all over this world.

What should my church look like? I think verse 9 of Revelation 7 should at least give us our goal. It should be like Heaven.

It should be diverse. In the United States especially in the inner city I don’t think that there should be a predominately white church, black church, deaf church, or a Latino church, I think God’s church should be made up of all peoples, regardless of color, regardless of race, and regardless of language.

Christ Fellowship Church is far from perfect, but the one thing that makes it a great church is its people! They are from every walk of life! It is a beautiful thing to experience! I am so glad that God has given me the opportunity to be a part of this fellowship.

Application

I will take time today at church to make, as many people as possible feel welcome as they arrive for worship!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me Your heart for the people that I will see today at church. Help me to love them like You would want me to love them. Show me who needs extra time today. Show me who needs to be encouraged. I pray today for our leadership team. Help them to serve You with all of their hearts today. Meet their needs, give them the desires of their hearts, answer their prayers, and make their plans successful.

Daily Bible Reading Revelation 5,6,7,8,9

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Holy, Holy, Holy Is The Lord God, The Almighty – The One Who Always Was, Who Is, And Who Is Still To Come

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Holy, Holy, Holy
Is The Lord God, The Almighty –
The One Who Always Was, Who Is, And Who Is Still To Come

Sunday is coming!

Scripture

Revelation 4

8b … Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—

    the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”

Observation

Christmas Eve at Christ Fellowship – what a worship experience! Our praise and worship team made the night so special! It was worship! Pastor Bruce and his entire team made Jesus the focus of attention!

If you don’t like to sing and you don’t like “loud” I think you might be disappointed when you get to Heaven!

As I begin to read the book of Revelation and visualize what Heaven is going to be like I don’t think it will be quiet around God’s throne!

… the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne
“You are worthy, O Lord our God,
    to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
    and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

Application

This Sunday I will sing loud and I will focus on worshiping with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all of my strength! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You know I will not wait until Sunday to worship You, but when Sunday comes I do plan on worshiping You with all that I’ve got. I am not going to hold back. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

Daily Bible Reading Revelation 1,2,3,4

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My Life Constantly Hangs In The Balance

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My Life
Constantly Hangs
In The Balance,

… but I will not stop obeying your instructions.

Scripture

Psalm 119

¹⁰⁹ My life constantly hangs in the balance,
    but I will not stop obeying your instructions.

Observation

Hardly a moment goes by that I don’t realize that I am on borrowed time. Since my heart attack three years ago my body constantly reminds me that my life hangs in the balance. 

And that is not a bad thing either!

You see we are both on borrowed time. Seeing the end of 2015 is no guarantee for any of us. We might not make it to the end of 2014 come to think of it.

The idea of dying doesn’t bother me. Does it bother you? Are you scared of dying?

By God’s grace and mercy I have personally experienced death and God’s people praying me back to life. I know that I am not afraid to die.

What does bother me is how I live each day! I am not proud of myself at how I am doing.

When it comes to handling pain and feeling tired and worn out on a daily basis I am a big wimp.

So if you and I are tempted to feel sorry for ourselves on the day after Christmas lets take a minute and think about other folks we know and lets pray for them. Some of them are dealing with far more serious things than we are! Kathy always reminds me (so glad that she does) that there are lots of people suffering a lot more than I am.

You and I are blessed. We are very blessed.

I am going to live forever in a brand new body that is never going to wear out!

God has allowed me to stay here on planet earth a little bit longer to do His will.

Application

 I will pray Psalm 119:114,116-117. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You are my refuge and my shield;
    your word is my source of hope.
 
 Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live!
    Do not let my hope be crushed.
 
 Sustain me, and I will be rescued;
    then I will meditate continually on your decrees. Psalm 119:114,116-117

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

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My Lord And My God!

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My Lord
And
My God!

Don’t ever let me lose the wonder and awe of Christmas!

Scripture

John 20

²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

²⁸ “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.

Observation

Are you a believer? This Christmas Eve will you acknowledge that Jesus is both Lord and God? Is He your Savior?

Have you taken time to worship Him during this Christmas season? Tonight there will be Christmas Eve worship services all over the city of Tampa.

Will you take time to worship the Christ of Christmas?

Application

I will enjoy worshipping at Christ Fellowship this afternoon. He is my Lord and my God. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, don’t ever let me lose the wonder and awe of Christmas.

    In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and he was God. 

    So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. John 1:1,14 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 

⁸ That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. ⁹ Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, ¹⁰ but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. ¹¹ The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! ¹² And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
¹³ Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
¹⁴ “Glory to God in highest heaven,
    and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Daily Bible Reading John 19,20,21

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

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I Am

Leaving You With A Gift –

Peace Of Mind And Heart.

The Gift of Christmas … 

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

Busyness seems to be the order of the day at Christmas time. Yet, it is a time to celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace!

No Jesus no peace! Know Jesus know peace! I saw this on a bumper sticker. Not a bad reminder for you and me at this special time of year!

Lets slow down and enjoy peace of mind and heart! Lets enjoy our relationship with Jesus!

Application

I will enjoy being the people that God brings into my life this Christmas! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to enjoy every minute of being with my family tonight as we celebrate our family Christmas. Help Kathy and I make memories for our grandchildren and our children that they will never forget. Help us convey to them our love for Jesus. Open their eyes to spiritual things during this Christmas season! Open their hearts so they can really know and worship You!

Daily Bible Reading John 12,13,14

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I Am The Light Of The World

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I Am
The
Light Of The World

One of my favorite things about Christmas is all of the Christmas lights!  
 

Scripture

John 8

12 … “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

I do not like the dark. Not being able to see when it is completely dark is scary to me. One of my favorite things about Christmas (I have a lot of favorite things about Christmas!) is all of the Christmas lights!

When Kathy and I served as missionaries in North Africa it was a strange feeling to travel into those Muslim countries during the Christmas season and travel through cities that were dark and had no hint of the Savior’s birth!

Jesus is the light of the world, but most of the world has not had the opportunity to experience His salvation!

They continue to live in darkness!

Application

I will apply Matthew 5:16 and I will let my light shine during this Christmas season! How about you?

    In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

   

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me be the light to those around me by the way I live. Help me point them to Jesus. I pray for Eddie Davis and Makayla Myers today as they get married. I pray that You bless them with a wonderful marriage. I pray that You bring friends into their lives that will help them grow in their faith. Use this couple to advance Your kingdom. May Your face shine brightly on them and their future family.

I also pray for my daughter Debby today on her birthday. Thank You for blessing Kathy and I with beautiful children that give us wonderful grandchildren. Bless Debby today. Help her to live in a way that brings You glory and honor. Bless her family.

Daily Bible Reading John 7,8

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Yes, I Am The Bread Of Life!

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Yes,
I Am
The Bread Of Life!

Most people will not experience the true Christmas this year! Will you? 

Scripture

John 6

⁴¹ Then the people began to murmur in disagreement because he had said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” ⁴² They said, “Isn’t this Jesus, the son of Joseph? We know his father and mother. How can he say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”

⁴⁸ Yes, I am the bread of life!

Observation

Most people in Tampa will not get to really experience Christmas this year! For most of our neighbors and even some of those within our extended family Christmas amounts to a lot of shopping and a lot of eating. It is all about over spending and over eating.

If you and I are not careful this Christmas may be the same for us.

I suggest that we take some time to enjoy the Christ of Christmas! He is the Bread of life. He is the Bread that came down from Heaven!

Slow it down. Take time and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas!

 Application

I will spend extra time today enjoying the Christ of Christmas! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, slow me down so I don’t miss what You are doing all around me. Help me to enjoy this Christmas season. I pray for my family, my children and my grandchildren. I pray that they would recognize Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives. Bring people into their lives that will help them follow You. Draw them to a personal relationship with You.

Daily Bible Reading John 5,6

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In The Beginning The Word Already Existed. The Word Was With God, And The Word Was God.

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In The Beginning The Word Already Existed.
The Word Was With God,
And The Word Was God.

The Christmas story told from the Apostle’s John’s perspective!

Scripture

John 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.

¹⁴ So the Word became human and made his home among us.

The Christmas story told from the Apostle’s John’s perspective!

Observation

I talked to a woman at Mission Tampa this week that had been studying with a group of Jehovah Witnesses and probably because of their influence she couldn’t see Jesus as God. I felt sorry for her and I prayed that God would give her clarity about the Person of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is 100% God and 100% Man. I realize that only God can reveal the Truth to her and I pray that He will.

How about you? Is Jesus Christ Deity to you? Is He your Savior and Lord?

The Christmas story is all about Deity leaving Heaven and coming to make His home among us!

²² All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

²³ “Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
    She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
    which means ‘God is with us.’”  Matthew 1:22-23

Application

I will pray for those in my family who still don’t know Jesus as Savior and Lord. I will continue to pray for their salvation.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know Your heart for my family. I know that it is Your desire that they be saved. Give them the spiritual understanding that they need so they have the opportunity to know You as Savior. Open up their spiritual eyes so that they can see Jesus as Deity. Help Kathy and I live in such a way that they are able to see Jesus in us.

Daily Bible Reading 2 Peter 1,2,3; John 1

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God Has Given Each Of You A Gift From His Great Variety Of Spiritual Gifts. Use Them Well To Serve One Another.

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God Has Given Each Of You A Gift From His Great Variety Of Spiritual Gifts.
Use Them Well
To Serve One Another.

This Christmas Season lets think of ways we can serve others!

Scripture

¹⁰ God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
 
¹¹ Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? 

Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Observation

 Sit … Soak … And Sour! You and I were made to serve one another. We were not made to Sit in a pew … Soak in God’s Word … and be Sour!

Have you ever left clothes soaking too long in water and they soured? Don’t you just love that smell?

Well when all we do is come to church and sit … and all we do is soak it all in … then guess what … you guessed right … we SOUR!

Quick … Where can we serve?

Pastor Bruce makes this statement all the time and it is so true, “The only way we serve God is by serving people!”

Where do you need to plug in at your church?

If you are at Christ Fellowship and need a place to serve just ask someone wearing an orange shirt and they will get you started!

Application

I will look for opportunities to serve people this week. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, don’t let me sit, soak, and sour. Keep me serving You by serving and helping those around me. Help me to keep my focus off of myself and on others. Help me to serve with all the strength and energy that You supply. Then everything I do will bring glory to You through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to Jesus Christ forever and ever! Amen.

Daily Bible Reading 1 Peter 1,2,3,4,5

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Remember, It Is Sin To Know What You Ought To Do And Then Not Do It.

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Remember,
It Is Sin To Know
What You Ought To Do And Then Not Do It.

 What do we know that we ought to do, but have not done it?

Scripture

James 4

¹⁷ Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

Observation

What do we know that we ought to do, but have not done it?

This is definitely an area that deserves our attention. Maybe you and I are not chain saw murderers and will never do something so bad that gets the news media’s attention, but not doing what we know we should do … we are guilty, guilty, guilty.

When the Holy Spirit prompts us and tells us to do something and we aren’t obedient and we don’t do it, that my friend = sin.

Anything come to your mind that you know that you should do or that you should have done, but you have not done yet?

 Disobedience is sin!

Application

I will ask God to show me the things that I have not done that He has told me to do and I will strive to get them done.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive me for my sin of not doing what I should have done when Your Holy Spirit prompted me to do it. Show me any things that I did not do that can still be accomplished. Help me to walk in obedience. Help me to do what You prompt me to do immediately so I do not sin by forgetting or deciding not to do it. Help me to be a man of my word. Help me to keep my promises. Thank You for blessing me and for blessing my family so much.

Daily Bible Reading James 1,2,3,4,5

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

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So Let Us Come 

Boldly 

To The Throne Of Our Gracious God.

Scripture

Hebrews 4

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

Kids have access to their parents 24/7. You and I have access to our Heavenly Father 24/7 because we are His kids. We are King’s kids! And not just any king mind you, we are kids of the King of Kings, and Lord Of Lords.

So how boldly are we coming to the throne of God today?

Application

Today I will boldly come before my God on behalf of my friends who need my prayers.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I boldly come before Your throne this morning on behalf of Christy, Debbie, Kay, and Dick. I ask You to touch their bodies with Your healing Power. Guide the surgeon’s hands this morning as Christy goes through surgery. Give the doctors wisdom and guidance today as Debbie goes for her first radiation treatment. I pray for Dick and his wife Pat that You give them strength today as he deals with the effects of chemo. I pray for Kay. Restore her back to perfect health after her recent surgery. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading Philemon; Hebrews 1,2,3,4

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He Saved Us, Not Because Of The Righteous Things We Had Done, But Because Of His Mercy.

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He Saved Us,
Not Because Of The Righteous Things We Had Done,
But Because Of His Mercy.

We can never be “good enough” to get into the Kingdom Of Heaven.

Scripture

Titus 3

⁵ he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

 ⁶ He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.
 
⁷ Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

Observation

 Yesterday Kathy had the opportunity to share with Julius at Mission Tampa about God’s love and forgiveness and Julius asked Jesus Christ to save him. 

Julius has Eternal life and a relationship with God through Jesus Christ not because Julius is good enough, no; it is because Julius realized that Jesus and His sacrificial death on the cross was enough to save him.

Julius now needs to get into an exciting, vibrant Bible believing and people loving church, a church where people will love him and will him grow in Christ. Personally I think Christ Fellowship is the perfect church for Julius.

Application

 I will pray for Julius and I will pray for Kathy.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am so glad that Kathy is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ and that she loves to tell people about You and Your love for them. I pray that You continue to bring people into her life that need to hear about Your love for them.

I pray for Julius. I pray that he will be forever changed and that he would find a church family that will love him and help him to grow. Don’t let Satan have a victory in Julius’s life. Bring people into his life that will help him grow. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading 1 Timothy 5,6; Titus 1,2,3

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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.

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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.

 He knows what you and I need. He wants us to focus our prayers on those around us!

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 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

How is our prayer life going? Do we spend most of our time when we pray praying for ourselves and praying for our own personal needs?

We have the awesome privilege to pray for everyone. I have to admit that I get so aggravated with those in authority that I don’t pray for them like I should. Maybe you take up the slack for me.

Praying for others is one of the most important jobs we as Christ followers while we are on planet earth. It is important. It does matter. God does hear us. He does work in the lives of those we lift up to Him in prayer.

He knows what you and I need. He wants us to focus on those around us!

“… your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:32-33

Application

I will ask God to show me who I need to pray for today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is amazing that You care enough to hear our prayers. Not only do You hear them but it brings You great pleasure when we pray. Show me today who You want me to pray for. You know my needs and I know that I don’t need to mention them to You right now.

Thank You for giving me the privilege to pray for others. I do pray for our President and those in our government that lead us. Give them wisdom. Help them to make decisions based on Your Word. Keep them from doing stupid things that hurt us. Keep me from doing stupid stuff that hurts me and my family. You are Awesome. You are Worthy of Praise!

Daily Bible Reading 1 Timothy 1,2,3,4

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Husbands, Love Your Wives, And Never Treat Them Harshly

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Husbands,
Love Your Wives,
And Never Treat Them Harshly

But being mean and harsh comes natural for me …

Scripture

Colossians 3

¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.

Observation

I can be pretty mean to Kathy sometimes.

In fact, I can just be pretty mean. But since Kathy is the closest person to me and the person that I love the most for some reason I can be meaner to her than anyone else. Do you experience that in your relationship too?

Being mean for all of us, if we are honest, comes natural. It takes no effort on our part for that meanness to spew out. We are born that way.

But Christ followers are new creations. We have been given a new nature. The Holy Spirit lives within us. Our family, especially Kathy, should see Jesus in me.

Since I have a new nature I should be different and I should treat Kathy differently.

    Careless words stab like a sword,

        but wise words bring healing.   Proverbs 12:18

Application

I will try hard not to be “harsh” with Kathy this week.

 Prayer

Heavenly Father, help those in my family be gentle with those that they love. Help me love Kathy in a way that makes You smile. Don’t let me be harsh. Don’t let me be mean. Correct me just as soon as I show anything other than love towards her. I pray for those who are sick this morning. I pray especially for Kay Brooks in the hospital. I pray for healing. May she sense your Strength and Your Presence this morning.

Daily Bible Reading Colossians 1,2,3,4

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Do Everything Without Complaining And Arguing

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Do
Everything
Without Complaining And Arguing

Why did the Apostle Paul have to say “Everything” … bummer!

Scripture

Philippians 2

¹⁴ Do everything without complaining and arguing, ¹⁵ so that no one can criticize you.

Observation

I like to complain sometimes, well maybe a lot of times about my aches and pains.

Kathy reminds me when she hears me come out with even a little complaint about my health that things could be a lot worse. She is so right.

What I experience on a daily basis is small potatoes compared to what other people are going through and what other people are struggling with and having to live with.

I am blessed. I am so blessed. God has been so good to me. I have no complaints.

How about you?

If we complain and argue it opens us up for criticism.

Application

 This week I will try really hard not to complain about the way I feel. (Except when I go see my heart doctor on Wednesday for a scheduled nuclear stress test)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, the Apostle Paul is amazing! To anyone that may be reading this I want to pray Paul’s prayer for them from Philippians 1: 9-11

 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 
  
For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.  

May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ —for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading Philippians 1,2,3,4

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You Made Me; You Created Me. Now Give Me The Sense To Follow Your Commands.

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You
Made Me; You Created Me.
Now Give Me The Sense To Follow Your Commands.

With all my heart I want Your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. 

Scripture

Psalms 119

⁵⁷ Lord, you are mine!
    I promise to obey your words!

⁵⁸ With all my heart I want your blessings.
    Be merciful as you promised.

⁶⁵ You have done many good things for me, Lord,
    just as you promised.

⁷³ You made me; you created me.
    Now give me the sense to follow your commands.

Observation

“With all my heart I want Your blessings. Be merciful as You promised.”

 Is that our prayer today? All of these verses will be part of my prayer time.

These verses from Psalm 119 fit right in with what I read in Ephesians 5:

¹⁰ Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.

17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

Application

I will pray these verses back to the Lord this morning.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to carefully determine what pleases You. 

Help me not to act thoughtlessly, but help me to understand what You want me to do.  Lord, you are mine! I promise to obey Your words!

 With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised. You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. Amen

Daily Bible Reading Ephesians 5,6; Psalms 119:1-80

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Because Of Christ And Our Faith In Him, We Can Now Come Boldly And Confidently Into God’s Presence.

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Because Of Christ And Our Faith In Him,
We Can Now Come Boldly And Confidently
Into God’s Presence.

Why not pray this prayer for a friend this morning?

Scripture

Ephesians 3

¹² Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.

Observation

This morning I can come boldly and confidently into God’s presence because of Christ. Take a minute and read the prayer that Paul prays in chapter 3. Here it is:

¹⁴ When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, ¹⁵ the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.
 
¹⁶ I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.
 
¹⁷ Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
 
¹⁸ And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.
 
¹⁹ May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. 

Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

²⁰ Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 

²¹ Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Application

I will pray this prayer for some of my friends who are facing health issues and some other friends who are dealing with problems in their marriage.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray that from Your glorious, unlimited resources You will empower my friends with inner strength through Your Spirit.
 
Then Christ will make his home in their hearts as they trust in him. Their roots will grow down into God’s love and keep them strong.
 
And may they have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.
 
 Now all glory to You God, You are able, through Your mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to You in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Daily Bible Reading Ephesians 1,2,3,4

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