You Will Perish Too, Unless You Repent Of Your Sins And Turn To God

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Zechariah 7,8,9; Luke 13

You
Will Perish Too,
Unless You Repent Of Your Sins And Turn To God

(Create in me a clean heart, O God!)

Scripture

Luke 13

13 About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. ² “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? ³ Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. ⁴ And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? ⁵ No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.”

Observation

The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts. Isaiah 57:15

Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Matthew 3:8

 Unless you and I repent sin will destroy us! When we turn away from God and turn to sin we begin to self-destruct.

In our “Brokenness” we can find our Savior.

Application

I will ask God to help me to immediately repent every time I sin.

Prayer

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins Remove the stain of my guilt.  

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Psalm 51:1-2, 7-12

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“Yes, A Person Is A Fool To Store Up Earthly Wealth But Not Have A Rich Relationship With God.”

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Zechariah 4,5,6; Luke 12

“Yes, A Person Is A Fool
To Store Up Earthly Wealth
But Not Have A Rich Relationship With God.”

Scripture

Luke 12

¹⁵ Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

¹⁶ Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. ¹⁷ He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ ¹⁸ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. ¹⁹ And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

²⁰ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

²¹ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

Observation

Today is Monday. There is a tendency, at least for me, to start out my week on the wrong foot, worrying about everyday life! So today’s Bible reading for this Monday is perfect!

²² Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. ²³ For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. ²⁴ Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! ²⁵ Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Luke 12:22-25

Application

I will focus this week on my relationship with my Heavenly Father and I will try not to worry about everyday life. 

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. Luke 12:31

 Prayer

Heavenly Father, there is so much to be concerned about and that concern for me quickly turns to worry. Help me to trust You this week with every detail of my life. My relationship with You is more important than anything else. 

I pray today for people in my life that seem to be going sideways. I can’t fix things for them. Their lives seem to be out of control. You are All-Powerful. Nothing is too hard for You. I put them in Your Hands today and I ask You to bring them back into a right relationship with You and a right relationship with everybody else.

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“Love Your Neighbor As Yourself”

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Haggai 1,2; Psalms 129; Luke 10

“Love
Your
Neighbor As Yourself”

Scripture

Luke 10

²⁷ The man answered, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Observation

This young man went on to ask Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” To make His answer perfectly clear Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan.

I have been grieving lately over couples that just can’t get along with each other. They are constantly fighting. Some have been going to church for years!

If you love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind, then loving others as much as you love yourself should come pretty easy! Right?

Right?

For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her. Ephesians 5:25

Application

I will continue to challenge men to love like Jesus loved.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me a wife who is easy to love. I am very grateful for the partner that You brought into my life. I don’t understand why people can’t love each other. Why do they have to fight all the time? Soften their hearts Lord and do whatever it takes to cause them to seek Your face. Help them to love each other as they fall in love with You.

I pray for my son Timothy today on his birthday. Bless him. Bless his family. May he bring You much joy as he lives out his life. May you give him the desires of his heart, answer his prayers, and make his plans successful. (Psalm 20:1-3)

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Unless The LORD Protects A City, Guarding It With Sentries Will Do No Good.

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Ezra 4; Psalms 113; Psalms 127; Luke 9

Unless
The LORD Protects A City,
Guarding It With Sentries Will Do No Good.

Scripture

Psalms 127

1b … Unless the Lord protects a city,
    guarding it with sentries will do no good.

Observation

Do you believe this? Wouldn’t it be great if our leadership in Washington believed this?

Safe?

I would feel a lot safer if our leadership in Washington was crying out to God for God to save us instead of depending on our military strength.

Some nations boast of their chariots and horses,
    but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.
⁸ Those nations will fall down and collapse,
    but we will rise up and stand firm. Psalm 20:7-8

What sorrow awaits those who look to Egypt for help, trusting their horses, chariots, and charioteers and depending on the strength of human armies instead of looking to the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 31:1

 Application

I will pray for our President and those in leadership that God gives them wisdom in these difficult days.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for our country and those who lead us. Give them wisdom to lead us. Show them that they cannot depend on human strength to keep our country safe and to keep us free. Unless You protect a city, or a nation, guarding it with sentries will do no good. (Psalm 127:1b)

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“Don’t Be Afraid. Just Have Faith …”

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Ezra 2,3; Luke 8

“Don’t
Be Afraid.
Just Have Faith …”

Scripture

Luke 8

⁴⁹ While he was still speaking to her, a messenger arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. He told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”

⁵⁰ But when Jesus heard what had happened, he said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed.”

⁵¹ When they arrived at the house, Jesus wouldn’t let anyone go in with him except Peter, John, James, and the little girl’s father and mother. ⁵² The house was filled with people weeping and wailing, but he said, “Stop the weeping! She isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.”

⁵³ But the crowd laughed at him because they all knew she had died. ⁵⁴ Then Jesus took her by the hand and said in a loud voice, “My child, get up!” ⁵⁵ And at that moment her life returned, and she immediately stood up! Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. ⁵⁶ Her parents were overwhelmed, but Jesus insisted that they not tell anyone what had happened.

Observation

Fear versus Faith! Have you ever thought about how many times in scripture we are commanded not to be afraid? Our default button sends fear down our spines in a matter of seconds. We are wired for it. Fear come natural, at least it does to me!

Faith on the other hand takes focus. We must take our focus off of the impossible situation that is facing us. Faith challenges us to depend and place our focus on our All-Powerful Heavenly Father. We are constantly challenged to have faith.

Fear paralyzes us! Faith strengthens us!

Most of our fears never even materialize they are only in our minds. But there are some fears that are bigger than life like: cancer or some other terrible debilitating disease that we face ourselves or that someone we love is facing, a relationship that seem to be falling apart, financial disaster, or maybe even the death of a spouse.

I can’t even begin to imagine how Jairus felt during this ordeal, but I am pretty sure that he was a man of faith after Jesus left his home!

Application

As fear creeps into my thoughts this week I will remind myself of how my God has always taken care of me in the past. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, this is my prayer to You this morning

    God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble. [2] And so we need not fear even if the world blows up and the mountains crumble into the sea. [3] Let the oceans roar and foam; let the mountains tremble! 

    [4] There is a river of joy flowing through the city of our God--the sacred home of the God above all gods. [5] God himself is living in that city; therefore it stands unmoved despite the turmoil everywhere. He will not delay his help. [6] The nations rant and rave in anger--but when God speaks, the earth melts in submission and kingdoms totter into ruin. 

    [7] The Commander of the armies of heaven is here among us. He, the God of Jacob, has come to rescue us. 

    [8] Come, see the glorious things that our God does, how he brings ruin upon the world [9] and causes wars to end throughout the earth, breaking and burning every weapon. [10] "Stand silent! Know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation in the world!" 

    [11] The Commander of the heavenly armies is here among us! He, the God of Jacob, has come to rescue us! Psalm 46:1-11

 

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I Would Rather Be A Gatekeeper In The House Of God Than Live The Good Life In The Homes Of The Wicked

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Ezra 1; Psalms 84,85; Luke 7

I Would Rather Be
A Gatekeeper In The House Of God
Than Live The Good Life In The Homes Of The Wicked

(Looking forward to Sunday?)

Scripture

Psalms 84

¹⁰ A single day in your courts
    is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
    than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
¹¹ For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
    He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
    from those who do what is right.
¹² O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
    what joy for those who trust in you.

Observation

When I hear someone say, “I don’t need to go to church to worship God” I think to myself, “how sad!” A person that says something like that just doesn’t understand anything about having a relationship with Jesus Christ!

Being a part of a local church is so much more than just attending a worship service, but I do look forward to being in worship with my spiritual family each week. In fact, I look forward to being with them on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday every week (big church on Sunday and life groups on Monday and Wednesday).

If you are not involved in the life of a local church then you are missing out on what God created you for. You are not living! You are just going through the motions!

 Application

I will look forward to greeting people as they arrive at Christ Fellowship this Sunday!

I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
    than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. Psalm 84:10b

Prayer

Heavenly Father, don’t let me lose my love for Your church. Jesus Christ died for the church. Church is Your idea. Help me to encourage someone this week that needs to get back in fellowship. You are Worthy to be Praised! … For you are my sun and our shield. You give me grace and glory. You will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.  O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you. (Psalm 84:11-12)

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What You Say Flows From What Is In Your Heart.

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Daniel 11,12; Luke 6

What
You Say
Flows From What Is In Your Heart.

“Squeeze a lemon and you get …?”


Scripture

Luke 6

⁴⁵ A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.

Observation

What has come out of our mouths so far this week … any hurtful words, critical words, and any other ugly stuff? What about the tone of our voices as we respond to those we love?  What you and I say and how we say it reflects the condition of our hearts.

What is in our hearts is going to come out!

He didn’t mean it. Just ignore him; he is not really like that. Baloney … it comes straight from his heart!

    The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9

Listen carefully to what people talk about. Listen to the tone of their voice. Listen carefully to what comes out of their mouth. It reflects who they really are?

    Careless words stab like a sword, but wise words bring healing. Proverbs 12:18

Squeeze a lemon and out comes lemon juice. Squeeze a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and out comes? What should come out is the fruit of the Holy Spirit, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” Galatians 5:22

   

Application

I will listen carefully to what comes out of my mouth this week, both to the words and to the tone of my voice.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is my desire this morning to have a heart that is full of Your Holy Spirit. I pray and ask that You be in control of every part of my life. Don’t let anything ugly come out of my mouth. If it does please make me aware of it right then so I can apologize to the people around me. Help me to bring You glory and honor with the way I live out this week. You are an Awesome God.

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But If You Say So

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Daniel 9,10; Psalms 123; Luke 5

But
If You
Say So

(The phrase that pays, "What can I do to help?")
 

Scripture

Luke 5

³ Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

⁴ When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”

⁵ “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” ⁶ And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!

  ⁷ A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

Observation

Yesterday Pastor Bruce preached a message on mutual submission and our take home phrase from that message was, “What can I do to help?” (Ephesians 5:21)

Relationships … they would be so much better if we just that phrase into practice!

Peter and the disciples had fished all night and they had caught nothing. They were tired. Peter was a fisherman and Jesus was a carpenter. Jesus told Peter to put out his nets in the daytime. Peter knew that you didn’t fish in the daytime and that you only caught fish at night.

Tired and worn out Peter obeyed this seemingly ridiculous request. He submitted himself to Jesus and Peter experienced a miracle.

Do you need a miracle in your marriage? Mutual submission starts with you and me.

Here is the phrase that pays, “What can I do to help?”

Application

I will ask Kathy this week even when I am tired and even when I don’t feel good, “What can I do to help?” Thanks Pastor Bruce!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me a heart of obedience like Peter had so I can experience the miracles that Peter experienced. Help me to be more concerned about the people around me than I am of myself. Help me say to others, “What can I do to help?”

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LORD, If You Kept A Record Of Our Sins, Who, O Lord, Could Ever Survive?

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Daniel 5,6; Psalms 130; Luke 3

LORD, If You Kept A Record Of Our Sins,

Who, 

O Lord, Could Ever Survive?

(Careless words stab like a sword, but wise words bring healing.) 

Scripture

Psalms 130

³ Lord, if you kept a record of our sins,
    who, O Lord, could ever survive?

⁴ But you offer forgiveness,
    that we might learn to fear you.

Observation

Forgiveness! If you and I would only learn how to forgive like Jesus has forgiven us. 

It would make a huge difference in our marriages, our relationships, and it would make us a lot more fun to be around. 

Fighting, arguing, huge amounts of drama all seem to be what consumes the lives of so many people … even those who call themselves Christ followers. 

 I am sorry. Will you forgive me? I love you. This is what needs to flow out of our mouths quickly when we hurt someone. And when someone wrongs us we need to quickly forgive him or her. 

Have you gotten angry this week? The problem is not the other person … 

Are you keeping a record of the wrongs that someone has done to you? If the Lord did that we could never survive. 

Offer forgiveness right now. Put this up on your refrigerator or use a dry erase marker and put them on a mirror in your bedroom. “I am sorry. Will you forgive me? I love you.” 

Application

I am sorry. Will you forgive me? I love you.

Careless words stab like a sword, but wise words bring healing. Proverbs 12:18

Will be posted on our refrigerator today. How about yours?

 Prayer

Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.  I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on You. I have put my hope in Your word. 
 
Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Psalm 130:3-4; Psalm 51:9-10

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These Hard Times Are Small Potatoes Compared To The Coming Good Times

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Hebrews 2

These Hard Times 

Are Small Potatoes 

Compared To The Coming Good Times

Scripture

Hebrews 2

¹⁴ Since the children, as he calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus himself became like them and shared their human nature.
¹⁸ And now he can help those who are tempted, because he himself was tempted and suffered.

Observation

Suffering … it is all around us. Just listen to the news or read the newspaper or talk to friends and loved ones. Suffering is everywhere!

Does anybody know what we are going through? Does anybody feel our pain?

Temptation … it is all around us. Just turn on the television, open a magazine, or just let your mind wander. Temptation is everywhere!

Does anybody know how we are being tempted? Does anybody understand what we are going through?

The short answer to the question of temptation and suffering is “YES”. Jesus knows exactly what we are going through. He knows both pain and temptation.

He is our help for today’s crisis! He is all we need. He is Savior. He understands us. He knows exactly what we feel today.

Application

I have a strong and trustworthy anchor for my soul in this crazy world.

Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. ¹⁹ This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. Hebrews 6:18-19

Prayer

Heavenly Father, this world is crazy. It seems to be racing out of control. Evil seems to reign, but I know that You are in control. 

So I am not giving up. How could I! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on me, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for me. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things I see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things I can’t see now will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

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“You Are Highly Favored. The Lord Is With You.”

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Ezekiel 45,46; Luke 1

“You
Are
Highly Favored. The Lord Is With You.”

Scripture

Luke 1

²⁶ In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, ²⁷ to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Observation

If God sent an angel down from Heaven to speak to us I wonder if he would say the same thing about us that he said about Mary. 

Today as I start reading through the book of Luke I find that it starts out with the Christmas story. The weather is beginning to change. The air has a hint of “fall” in it (just a hint!) Christmas is just around the corner!

You are highly favored. The Lord is with you. I hope an Angel would say those things about me. How about you? 

I remember what the Angel Gabriel said to the prophet Daniel when God sent Gabriel down to encourage His prophet. Gabriel said to Daniel, “Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” (Daniel 10:19)

I know God loves me. God loves everybody. I want God to highly favor me. I want Him to be with me like He was for Mary the mother of Jesus, and for His prophet Daniel.

If you and I humble ourselves and seek God’s face we too will be highly favored and God will also be with us. Right now is a good time to say to Him, “Yes, Lord.” “Yes, Lord.” What ever You want me to do I will do. I humble myself before You.

Application

It is my desire to live in a such a way that I am highly favored by God. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, My soul glorifies You and my spirit rejoices in You my Savior, for You have been mindful of the humble state of Your servant. Your mercy extends to those who fear You, from generation to generation. You have performed mighty deeds with Your arm; You have scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. You have brought down rulers from their thrones but have lifted up the humble. You have filled the hungry with good things but have sent the rich away empty. Praise be to the Lord! (Luke 1:46-51)

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Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

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Ezekiel 42,43,44; Revelation 22

Amen!
Come,
Lord Jesus!

Scripture

Revelation 22

² “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.”

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

John was ready! He had been banished to live on an island while all of the other Disciples of Christ had been put to death for their faith. He was ready for Christ second coming. Are you ready?

I am!  Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

Application

I will keep focused on kingdom business until He comes. How about you?

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. ⁴ And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. ⁵ 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. ¹³ I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”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. (Revelation 22:3-5,13,20-21)

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May You Live To Enjoy Your Grandchildren

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Ezekiel 40,41; Psalms 128; Revelation 21

May
You Live
To Enjoy Your Grandchildren

Scripture

Psalms 128

6a May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.

Observation

Grandchildren … Kathy and I really enjoy being with all 10 of them! We are blessed!

God has allowed us to live to enjoy our grandchildren!

Application

I will continue to enjoy being with my grandchildren every chance I get.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to live long enough to enjoy my grandchildren. They are a blessing. I pray for them. I pray that they will grow up to love and trust You as their Lord and Savior. Protect them. Help their parents raise them in a way that pleases You. Help their parents live for You. Work in their hearts so they put You first in their lives. Bless them like You have blessed us. I pray for our daughter Jenny today on her birthday. Bless her. May Your face shine on her and her family.

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The LORD Always Keeps His Promises

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Ezekiel 38,39; Psalms 145; Revelation 20

The LORD

Always

Keeps His Promises

Scripture

Psalms 145

The Lord always keeps his promises;
    he is gracious in all he does.

¹⁴ The Lord helps the fallen
    and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
¹⁵ The eyes of all look to you in hope;
    you give them their food as they need it.
¹⁶ When you open your hand,
    you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
¹⁷ The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
    he is filled with kindness.
¹⁸ The Lord is close to all who call on him,
    yes, to all who call on him in truth.

Observation

In a marriage relationship when the words “always” and “never” are tossed back and forth it is usually not done in a nice way. You “always” bring up stuff that is in the past, or how about you “never” pick up your clothes off the floor!

Even when we try our best we don’t always keep our promises. We like to point out how politicians never keep the many promises that they make during an election, but you and I have to admit that we too fall short. Hopefully not to the same level that politicians, but we still at times come up short and we don’t deliver on what we have promised.

We promised to love and cherish our spouse. How are we doing on keeping that promise?

The LORD always keeps His promises! Always! He never lets us down.

 Application

I will trust the Lord completely today. I will think about all of His wonderful promises.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You always keep Your promises; You are gracious in all You do. You help the fallen and lift those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all look to You in hope; You give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, You satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. You are righteous in everything You do; You are filled with kindness. You are close to all who call on You, yes, to all who call on You in truth. (Psalm 145:13-18)

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I Want Them To Change Their Lives So That They Can Really Live

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Ezekiel 33,34,35; Revelation 18

I Want
Them To Change Their Lives
So That They Can Really Live

(Stop doing bad things … why don’t you come back to God)

Scripture

Ezekiel 33

¹¹ “You must say to them, ‘The Lord God says: By my life, I swear that I don’t enjoy seeing people die—not even evil people! I don’t want them to die. I want them to come back to me. I want them to change their lives so that they can really live. So come back to me! Stop doing bad things! Why must you die, family of Israel?’

Observation

God doesn’t enjoy watching us destroy ourselves. He wants us to come back to Him. He wants us to change our lives so that we can really live.

My heart has been sad all week because I am watching a young couple destroy their marriage and damage their family. I am praying for them. I am praying that they change their lives so that they can really live.

Maybe you need to come back to God. Why not do that right now? God doesn’t enjoy seeing us live a life of sin and destruction. He wants us to turn from sin and self and turn back to Him.

Maybe you are the person I have been praying for? If you are then heed God’s word right now, “So come back to me! Stop doing bad things! Why must you die!

Application

 I will continue to pray for this couple and others who seem to be determined to live like God doesn’t exist.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are a miracle working God. I pray specifically for this couple right now. I pray that they would hear Your voice. I pray that they would change their lives and turn back to You. Help them turn back to You so that they can really live. You are Mighty. Nothing is too hard for You.

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He Is Able To Humble The Proud

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Daniel 3,4; Psalms 81; Revelation 17

He
Is Able
To Humble The Proud

(Never take a pat on the back unless it is way down low!)

Scripture

Daniel 4

³⁷ “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.”

Observation

First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall. Proverbs 16:18

True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.  Proverbs 22:4

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

When I first began serving the Lord under Dr. Waylon B. Moore way back in the early 1970’s I remember him telling me, “never take a pat on the back unless it is way down low!” I never forgot what he said, but I can’t always say that I didn’t let compliments sometimes go to my head.

Pride has a way of creeping into our lives. It is easy to become big headed. 

It is hard to be around someone who is full of themself, but a humble person draws people like a magnet. Jesus = Humility.

The more of Jesus that is evident in our life the more that people will be attracted to us.

Application

I will ask God to fill me today with His Holy Spirit so that people will see Jesus in me. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, don’t let pride rob me of serving You today. You are my Lord and my Savior. Take total control of my life today. Be glorified in and through me today. Your rule is everlasting, and Your kingdom is eternal. All the people of the earth are nothing compared to You. You do as You please among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. (Daniel 4:34-35)

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He Controls The Course Of World Events

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Daniel 1,2; Revelation 16

He 

Controls

The Course Of World Events

(May we pray today on 9-11 for God’s mercy and grace!)

Scripture

Daniel 2

“Praise the name of God forever and ever,
    for he has all wisdom and power.
²¹ He controls the course of world events;
    he removes kings and sets up other kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to the scholars.
²² He reveals deep and mysterious things
    and knows what lies hidden in darkness,
    though he is surrounded by light.
²³ I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors,
    for you have given me wisdom and strength.

Observation

I listened to President Obama’s speech last night and this morning I was reminded once again of Who is really in charge of removing government leaders and it wasn’t Obama. 

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was the world power to be reckoned with back in Daniel’s day, but the King of Babylon was not really the One in charge. 

Let’s not forget that we serve a Sovereign God. He is in control. He controls the course of world events; He removes kings and sets up other kings.

Today on 9-11 we need to cry out to Him. He is our only Savior. He is All-Powerful. Nothing is too hard for Him.

May God give President Obama wisdom and the humility to seek God’s face. May our leaders repent and turn to God and seek His help.

 Application

I will pray for our country’s leaders, especially our president that God would grant them wisdom and favor.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that our country has been under Your blessing for a long time. It is only because of Your grace and mercy that we have been spared the terror that so much of our world experiences every day. Our strength in the past has never been our armies, or our weaponry it has always been You. Help our leaders to humble themselves and seek Your face. 

I pray for our granddaughter Sierra on her birthday today. May Your face shine on her and may You bless her on her very special day!

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His Mercies Begin Afresh Each Morning

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Lamentations 3,4,5; Revelation 15

His Mercies

Begin Afresh

Each Morning

(Aren’t you glad that everyday is a start all over day with God!)

Scripture

Revelation 15

²² The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
²³ Great is his faithfulness;
    his mercies begin afresh each morning.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
    therefore, I will hope in him!”

Observation

I am so glad that God gives me a new chance every morning. Every morning I get to make the choice to live for Him or live the day for myself. 

When we make a mess out of life it is great to know that we have a God who loves us and is faithful and full of mercy!

Have you made a mess out of life? Why not go to Him right now. His faithful love never ends. His mercies never cease. Reach out to Him right now.

Application

The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, right now I stop and look to You. You are my inheritance. Great is Your faithfulness; Your mercies never cease. Your faithful love never ends. Thanks for never giving up on me.

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“Fear God,” He Shouted. Give Glory To Him.

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Lamentations 1,2; Obadiah; Revelation 14

“Fear God,”

He Shouted.

Give Glory To Him.

(Are you a knucklehead … or just plain stupid?)

Scripture

Revelation 14

⁶ And I saw another angel flying through the sky, carrying the eternal Good News to proclaim to the people who belong to this world—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. ⁷ “Fear God,” he shouted. “Give glory to him. For the time has come when he will sit as judge. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all the springs of water.”

Observation

“Fear God” I can understand how unbelievers or outsiders can live immoral lives and have no fear of God, but I just don’t get it when those who call themselves Christ followers commit adultery, practice sexual immorality, and totally ignore godly counsel … Then they desperately want people to come to their rescue and they want to blame everyone else for their desperate situation. How stupid is that!

They totally disregard what this sexual sin does to their children, extended family and to their Christian testimony.

Just because your spouse is living an ungodly life and being a complete knucklehead doesn’t mean it is time for you to do the same thing.

How about living a godly life and give glory to God with how we live!

  Application

I will not give up on some people even though they don’t seem to be listening to godly counsel.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for a couple right now that seem to be heading in a direction in their lives of total destruction. Open their eyes so that they can see that what they are doing is wrong. Help them to repent and turn back to You. Don’t let them continue on this road of destruction.  Bring people into their lives that will confront them in love. I pray for their children. I pray that You protect them.

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That Is What God Is Like

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Jeremiah 42,43,44; Psalms 48; Revelation 13

That 

Is What 

God Is Like

(What is your god …God like?)

Scripture

Psalms 48

¹⁴ For that is what God is like.
    He is our God forever and ever,
    and he will guide us until we die.

Observation

What is your god/God like? I will tell you what my God is like. 

¹ Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
² This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.
³ For he will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly disease.
⁴ He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
If you make the Lord your refuge,
    if you make the Most High your shelter,
¹⁰ no evil will conquer you;
    no plague will come near your home.
¹¹ For he will order his angels
    to protect you wherever you go.
¹² They will hold you up with their hands
    so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.

¹⁴ The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
    I will protect those who trust in my name.
¹⁵ When they call on me, I will answer;
    I will be with them in trouble.
    I will rescue and honor them.
¹⁶ I will reward them with a long life
    and give them my salvation.” Psalm 91

What is your god/God like?

Application

I will make God my refuge today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I will trust You with all my heart; I will not depend on my own understanding.  I will seek Your will in all that I do, and I know that You will direct my path. (Proverbs 3:5-6) You alone are my refuge, my place of safety; You are my God, and I trust You. You will rescue you from every trap and protect me from deadly disease. You will cover me with Your feathers. You will shelter me with Your wings. Your faithful promises are my armor and protection. (Psalm 91:1-4)

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