Wednesday, January 31, 2018

He Has Enabled Us To Be Ministers Of His New Covenant

He
Has Enabled Us
To Be Ministers Of His New Covenant
Scripture
2 Corinthians 3
6 He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant.
12 Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold.
Observation
God says that if you and I are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ then we are ministers! 

 Now maybe we don't feel like a minister today, maybe we don't look like a minister (all dressed up in coat and tie or maybe wearing a priestly robe), but the Bible says that if you and I are followers of Christ then we are ministers of the Gospel! 

 And God has enabled us, He has empowered us with His Holy Spirit, so that we can minister on His behalf. We have everything we need to be good ministers of the Gospel of Christ. 

 So today, you and I need to be bold witnesses. We should look for opportunities to minister to those around us. Our confidence and our boldness will not come because of who we are but because of Who we have living in us. Jesus is all we need to get the job done. 

 Lets do it!
Application
I will serve Him with confidence and boldness today. How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that all of us who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior are called to be Your ministers. You have equipped me to do the job. I have no excuse. Help me to be faithful. Help me to stay away from stupid sins that mess up my testimony and hurt my witness as Your minister. I pray for anyone who may read this blog today. Lord, help them to serve You with all of his or her heart. Strengthen them with Your Holy Spirit and use them in a powerful way for Your glory and for Your honor. Help all of us to serve You today with confidence and boldness!
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 28,29; Acts 7; … I added Psalm 31; 2 Corinthians 3



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Tuesday, January 30, 2018

There Were Rumblings Of Discontent

There
Were Rumblings
Of Discontent
Scripture
Acts 6
1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent.
Observation

In Acts 6 the rumblings of discontent were evidently legitimate but in way too many cases it is just because we are not getting our way.
Whimpering and whining about this or complaining and griping about that seems to be what we do best!
If we are not careful it will be what we are known for and I don't know about you but I would rather be known for something else!
If you are reading the Bible through this year maybe you are reading in Exodus like I am. I am amazed at Moses and how much patience he had with the constant complaining of the people that he was trying to lead to the Promised Land.
It is easy to gripe and complain and cast blame.
It takes spiritual maturity to keep our mouths shut and not complain while at the same time we look for ways to fix the problem.
It took spiritual men, men full of the Holy Spirit, to take care of the problem in Acts 6.
Application
I need to be part of the solution to the problems I see and not a complainer.
Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being so good to me and my family. We are blessed. I have nothing to complain about. And even though I have nothing to complain about I realize that I could easily start complaining over nothing! You have taken care of every single one of my needs. You answer my prayers. You are constantly working in my life and You are constantly at work in the lives of those who I am praying for. You are an Awesome God. Don't let me complain today. Don't let me even think about complaining. Help me to be content.

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 25,26,27; Acts 6



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Monday, January 29, 2018

Honor The Lord

Honor
The
Lord
Scripture
Psalm 29
1 Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings;
    honor the Lord for his glory and strength.

2 Honor the Lord for the glory of his name.
    Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
Observation
There are so many choices in life!
Some of the choices we are offered in life are clearly wrong and we are warned over and over again in the Bible not to make them; for example the 10 commandments!
Other choices we face might not be as clear as the Big Ten and so for all of those other choices let me suggest a way for us to know if it is the right choice or not.
Are you ready?
Here it is: Is what I am doing or what I am getting ready to do going to bring honor to the Lord?
Will this bring Him glory and honor?
Will it make Him Smile?
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
Psalm 86:11
Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.
Proverbs 3:9
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.
Daniel 5:23b
… But you have not honored the God who gives you the breath of life and controls your destiny!
Application
I will honor God by the choices that I make today. How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, honor and glory are the two things that You desire from my life. Help me to live out today in a way that brings You both of those things. Keep me away from stupid sins that mess up my relationship with You and that will mess up my relationship with those around me. I want to make You smile. Help me to please You today.
I ask the same thing for any person that may be reading this blog today. Lord, help them to make choices that bring You honor and glory. Keep us from making choices that grieve Your Holy Spirit.
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 23,24; Psalms 14; Acts 5 … I added Psalm 29, Psalm 59, Psalm 129; Proverbs 29



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Sunday, January 28, 2018

God Causes Everything To Work Together For The Good Of Those Who Love God And Are Called According To His Purpose For Them.

God Causes Everything To Work Together For The Good
Of Those Who Love God
And Are Called According To His Purpose For Them.
Scripture
Romans 8
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Observation
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ and going through a difficult time in your life then this is a verse for you today … memorize it and put up on your refrigerator! Stick it on the dashboard of your car!
Bad things, terrible things, awful things happen to all of us.
Just because we are followers of Jesus Christ does not mean we get a pass on suffering. Actually the scriptures tell us that just the opposite is true.
Remember: God will never waste a hurt – He will work this around for your good. Trust Him.
Romans 8:31,35-39
31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 
36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”
37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,  neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.
39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Application
God will always take things that happen in my life and turn them around for my good. Always!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am Your child. I have been bought with a very high price. I have been bought with the blood of Your very own Son Jesus Christ. I have been adopted into Your family. You are concerned with every detail of my life. I know that no matter what happens to me I know that You will turn it around for my good. So today I put my faith and my trust in You. I also pray for those going through difficult times right now. Help them to hold on to all of Your promises. Help them to trust You to work things out!
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 21,22; Psalms 12; Acts 4 … I added Romans 8



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Saturday, January 27, 2018

Now Repent Of Your Sins And Turn To God, So That Your Sins May Be Wiped Away.

Now Repent Of Your Sins
And Turn To God,
So That Your Sins May Be Wiped Away.
Scripture
Acts 3
19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 
Observation

When I pick a verse like Acts 3:19 I know that very few people will take the time to read what I am getting ready to say about the verse. And that is okay, but if you do decide to read what I say about this verse it might just change your life.
After Peter preached and shared with the people about Jesus Christ he challenged them to repent of their sins and turn to God. Thousands of people did just that and God's hand of blessing was on them.
The number of believers grew to over 5,000!
This is what we read about them in Acts 4:33-35,
“The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.”
The word “repent” is one of the most positive words in the English language. When we repent God blesses us, when we refuse to repent then God's hand of discipline and correction is on us! Just take time to read Acts 5 and you will see what I mean!
So repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away!
Application
I will confess and repent of my sins as I commit them. How about you? Blessing or curse?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that obedience is what You desire from me. I know that You want to bless me. I know that You want to walk with me through everything that happens to me in life. You want to lead and guide me. You want to bless me, but I know that is only possible as I stay away from sin. Sin keeps me away from You. Help me to repent every time I sin and help me to immediately turn back to You. Don't let me hang around in the sin.
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 17,18,19,20; Acts 3



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Friday, January 26, 2018

Don't Be Afraid. Just Stand Still And Watch The Lord Rescue You Today.

Don't Be Afraid.
Just Stand Still
And Watch The Lord Rescue You Today.
Scripture
Exodus 14
13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

Observation

Don't be afraid!

It is a phrase that runs throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Over and over and over again God tells us not to be afraid.

Over and over and over again God tells us, “I've got this!”

He is trying to drive this truth deep into our hearts because it is a truth that we desperately need. We live in a crazy world, a world that seems to be dead set against us.

I don't know what battle you are fighting today, but here is what God's Word says, “Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

The very same God who parted the Red sea so His children could walk across on dry ground is the same God who will take care of you and He will also take care of me!

Application
I will look up and meditate on verses of scripture that tell me not to be afraid. How about you? Here are a few:
Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 35:4
Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”
Romans 8:38
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Prayer

Heavenly Father, You have shown me in Your Word that You will take care of me and that You will take care of Your children. Help me to walk by faith and not be afraid. I pray for those going through very difficult times right now. Help them to put their faith and their trust in You and in all of Your promises. Help them to not be afraid. Give them strength today. Show them that You are in control. Show them that You will take care of them.
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 14,15,16; Acts 2



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Thursday, January 25, 2018

As For My Companion, He Betrayed His Friends; He Broke His Promises.

As For My Companion,
He Betrayed His Friends;
He Broke His Promises.
Scripture
Psalm 55
16 But I will call on God,
    and the Lord will rescue me.

17 Morning, noon, and night
    I cry out in my distress,
    and the Lord hears my voice.

18 He ransoms me and keeps me safe
    from the battle waged against me,
    though many still oppose me.

19 God, who has ruled forever,
    will hear me and humble them. Interlude
For my enemies refuse to change their ways;
    they do not fear God.
20 As for my companion, he betrayed his friends;
    he broke his promises.
21 His words are as smooth as butter,
    but in his heart is war.
His words are as soothing as lotion,
    but underneath are daggers!
22 Give your burdens to the Lord,
    and he will take care of you.
    He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
23 But you, O God, will send the wicked
    down to the pit of destruction.
Murderers and liars will die young,
    but I am trusting you to save me.

Observation
Betrayal is a cruel, terrible, devastating thing!
Here in Psalm 55 King David talks about being betrayed by his best friend.
Maybe you have been betrayed by your best friend. Maybe the best friend who has betrayed you is your spouse.
Maybe it is the very same person who promised before God to love, cherish and protect you has now turned against you and is now breaking his or her promises that they made to you and the promises that they made to God … especially breaking the promise to love you unconditionally.
If you have recently been betrayed and deeply hurt by someone you love let me suggest that you do what King David did in Psalm 55.
And remember this: Someone who breaks his or her promises and betrays their best friend(s) will find themselves in a very dangerous place!
The Bible says that God will deal harshly with them! God will get revenge.
So pray and ask God to change his or her heart!
Psalm 55:22-23
“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me.”
Romans 12:19
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:6
Never harm or cheat a fellow believer in this matter by violating his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before.
Application

I will continue to pray for God to heal broken relationships. I will not give up. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have asked You to break my heart with what breaks Yours. Well my heart is broken. I don't understand people like You understand them.. Why is it so hard for people to love each other unconditionally? My heart breaks for people that can't see what they are doing to themselves, to the ones that are closest to them, to those who they were leading spiritually, or to the ministry that you had called them to, when they break their wedding vows. Open up their eyes so that they can see what the future will be like if they continue down this road and what it will be like if they don't turn back to you and turn back to the one that they made so many promises to.
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 12,13; Psalms 21; Acts 1; ... I added Psalm 25, Psalm 55; Proverbs 25



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Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Don't Excuse Yourself By Saying, “Look, We Didn't Know.” For God Understands All Hearts, And He Sees You. He Who Guards Your Soul Knows You Knew.

Don't Excuse Yourself By Saying, “Look, We Didn't Know.”
For God Understands All Hearts, And He Sees You.
He Who Guards Your Soul Knows You Knew.
Scripture
Proverbs 24
12 Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.”
    For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.
He who guards your soul knows you knew.
    He will repay all people as their actions deserve.
Observation

I guess you can see that I read a Proverb almost everyday. When I read my daily Bible reading and nothing jumps out at me for me to write about I will always go to Psalms and Proverbs.
I will usually take the Psalm which corresponds to the date of the month, like Psalm 24 for today, then I will add either 30 or 100 to today's date 24 and so today I also read Psalm 54. And I will read the Proverb that corresponds to today's date and so today I read Proverbs 24.
So this is my thought about Proverbs 24:12:
Many times we make excuses when we sin. We either try to say, “Look, we didn't know”, or we will try to blame someone else for our sin.
Trying to plead ignorance is not going to work and neither is trying to put the blame on our spouse or someone else.
Let's put on our big boy pants on and admit to God and to everyone else when we mess up. … He who guards our soul knows we knew!
Application
I know that God sees everything that I do. I know that He knows. I will confess my sins to God as I commit them and I will not make excuses for them or blame someone else. How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that You see everything that I do. I know that when I sin it makes You sad. I realize that You love me way too much to let me get by with sin that is not confessed. Make me miserable every time that I sin. Bring conviction to my soul. Don't ever let me try to blame someone else for what I do wrong. Help me to walk in obedience and walk in a way that pleases You.

I pray for my friend Don Kennedy today as he has surgery. Guide the surgeon's hands. I pray for a quick recovery with no setbacks. Give his wife Edith and his girls Your peace that passes all understanding as they trust in You.

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 9,10,11; Luke 24 … I added Psalm 24, Psalm 54; Proverbs 24



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Tuesday, January 23, 2018

We Are His Children, God Has Sent The Spirit Of His Son Into Our Hearts, Prompting Us To Call Out, “Abba, Father.”

We Are His Children,
God Has Sent The Spirit Of His Son Into Our Hearts,
Prompting Us To Call Out, “Abba, Father.”
Scripture
Galatians 4
6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”
Observation

Abba = Daddy! Dad!

It is a name that any father on earth loves to hear and you and I, if we are followers of Jesus Christ, can address our Heavenly Father with that same kind of love and intimacy.

I have to admit that it is hard for me to say “Daddy” or “Dad” when I come to God in prayer, but He has given me that privilege.

He has told us that we can talk to Him with that kind of intimacy because we have been adopted into His family!

Pretty awesome when you take time to actually think about it … the Creator of this entire Universe … the Creator of everything … wants me to call Him Daddy and He has adopted me into His family making me an heir to all that He has!

I am so rich! And so are you if you are a King's kid!

Lets act like we belong to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
Application
As I pray to my Heavenly Father/Dad today I pray with the confidence of knowing that I am one of His kids and He loves me with His unconditional love.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that You paid a high price for me. I know that I am part of Your family and because of that I can come to You with confidence and I can address You as Dad. I know that all that You have also belongs to me. I am an heir. I am a King's kid. I don't deserve it, but thank You for allowing me to be a part of Your family. Help me to live like I belong to You.

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 6,7,8; Luke 23; ... I added Psalm 23, Psalm 123; Proverbs 23; Galatians 4



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Monday, January 22, 2018

Lord, Please! Send Anyone Else.

Lord,
Please!
Send Anyone Else.
Scripture
Exodus 4
10 But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”

11 Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? 
12 Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”
13 But Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.”
Observation

Why me Lord? Can't you send someone else? I think that every pastor has felt the way that Moses felt that day when God told Moses to go speak to Pharaoh and deliver the Hebrew children out of bondage and slavery and lead them out of Egypt.
It is rough being a pastor, even one that is not full-time anymore. I have several people mad and upset with me right now.
Why? Because I tried to help them and give them what I thought was godly counsel. It offended them.
They are now not talking to me. Well God has called me to be a pastor – a shepherd ... when I see someone going in the wrong direction I have to try to give them godly counsel.
If I didn't at least try to do that it would be like Moses refusing to go back to Egypt.
And I can tell you this, whether you are talking to me right now or not … I am still praying for you. I am asking God to bring you back to where you belong.
I want you walking in a close relationship with the Lord and making Him smile.
And I want you far away from the sin that has tripped you up!
I love you, and I am not judging you!
If people are warning you … maybe you are in a dangerous place … so take it as a helpful warning not judgment and get yourself back where you belong.
Application
I will never stop urging people to live godly lives and to stay away from sin. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don't know if every pastor feels like I do, but I want my heart to break with whatever breaks Your heart. Don't ever let me grow insensitive to the people around me. I pray for anyone that may read this blog today. I pray that they would hear Your voice and be obedient to You. Help me to walk in a way that my life is an example to those around me and not a stumbling block. Don't ever allow me to have a judgmental attitude towards anyone who is struggling with any sin. Always remind me Lord that I am a sinner and that I am capable of doing the very same thing that I see them doing.
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 3,4,5; Luke 22




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Sunday, January 21, 2018

The Sacrifice You Desire Is A Broken Spirit

The Sacrifice
You Desire
Is A Broken Spirit
Scripture
Psalm 51
16 You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.
    You do not want a burnt offering.

17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
    You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
Observation
Yesterday I wrote about “sacrifice” from Psalm 50:14 “make thankfulness your sacrifice to God” and today the word “sacrifice” pops up again as I read God's Word in Psalm 51 and this is a different kind of sacrifice that God wants from us.
A broken and repentant heart, yes a broken spirit is what God wants from me and from you.
He knows our hearts. He doesn't miss a thing. He sees it all. He wants us to confess our sins, not try to hide them or be defensive and try to blame someone else.
God wants us to come to Him with a broken and repentant heart over what we are doing or what we have done.
There is no blame-shifting found in Psalm 51 - “Against you, and you alone, have I sinned...”.
Application
When I sin I will confess my sin and I will ask the Lord to bring conviction every time I sin. I will ask Him to break my heart with what breaks His.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, two days in a row I have read in Your Word about “sacrifice”. I have read about what pleases You. Help me to stay away from stupid sins that mess up my life and mess up my relationship with You and that mess up my relationship with those around me. Make me so miserable when I sin that it breaks my heart and causes me to repent and turn back to You. I know that the sacrifice that You desire from me is a broken spirit and a broken and repentant heart.
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 1,2; Psalms 88; Luke 21; … I added Psalm 21, Psalm 51; Proverbs 21



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Saturday, January 20, 2018

Make Thankfulness Your Sacrifice To God

Make
Thankfulness
Your Sacrifice To God
Scripture
Psalm 50
14 Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
    and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
15 Then call on me when you are in trouble,
    and I will rescue you,
    and you will give me glory.”
23 But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. ...
Observation

Giving of our tithes and offerings, and going to church, those are important things for us to do, but if you and I really want to honor God and make Him happy then we must take time to thank Him.
It means so much to me when I get a thank you from one of my children, and I am sure that it does to you too.
God looks upon our taking time to give thanks to Him as the highest sacrifice that we can make.
Since God owns everything in this world, the possessions we give Him as an offering are actually already His.
But a thankful heart is 100% ours to give to Him … giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors God.
What are you thankful for?
Why not take time to give thanks to God right now. He is listening!
Application
I will thank my God today for all of His blessings. How about you?
...
Ephesians 5:20
And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 12:28
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.
Psalm 116:17
I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, nothing is more important than giving you thanks for all that You have done for me. Nothing is more important than that. I am so blessed. I am so thankful for all that You have done for me. I am so very grateful. I don't deserve anything and yet You have given me everything. I praise Your Wonderful Name!
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 49,50; Psalms 8; Luke 20 … I added Psalm 20, Psalm 50; Proverbs 20



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