The Earth Is The LORD’S, And Everything In It. The World And All It’s People Belong To Him.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Leviticus 23; Leviticus 24; Psalm 24; Acts 21

The Earth Is The LORD’S, And 

Everything In It.

The World And All It’s People Belong To Him.

Scripture

Psalm 24

¹ The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
    The world and all its people belong to him.

Observation

 Could reminder to me this morning that I belong to the LORD. He will take care of me as I go through this surgery. “He is my creator. I was in His care even before I was born.” Isaiah 44:2

Happy Valentines Day to the BEST WIFE IN THE WHOLE WORLD! Nobody compares to you! I love you Kath!

Application

I will put my total trust in Him as I go through this procedure. I am in His Hands.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for doctors and nurses and hospitals, but You are the One in Whom I put my trust. Thank You for taking care of me. No matter what happens this morning I know that I am in Your care. 

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

It Is More Blessed To Give Than To Receive

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Leviticus 20; Leviticus 21; Leviticus 22; Acts 20

It Is More

Blessed To Give

Than To Receive

Scripture

Acts 20

³⁵ And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Observation

Working hard to help those in need! This was what the Apostle Paul said that he personally did! He did more than just tell people about Jesus! He also by his example showed his peers how to help others who were in need.

Application

I will strive to be like Paul when it comes to giving and receiving!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am blessed. I have so much. You have been so good to me. Show me how to help those around me that are in need. I pray that You continue to use our church to reach the lost for Christ. Thank You for what You are doing in the lives of so many who are attending Christ Fellowship. 

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

I Trust In Your Unfailing Love. I Will Rejoice Because You Have Rescued Me. I Will Sing To The LORD Because He Is Good To Me.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Leviticus 18; Leviticus 19; Psalm 13; Acts 19

I Trust In Your Unfailing Love.

I Will Rejoice Because You Have Rescued Me.

I Will Sing To The LORD Because He Is Good To Me.

Scripture

Psalm 13

⁵ But I trust in your unfailing love.
    I will rejoice because you have rescued me.

⁶ I will sing to the Lord
    because he is good to me.

Observation

Who do you trust? People will let you down. God will never let you down. Why not trust in His unfailing love?

I will rejoice because God rescued me.

I will sing (though not a good singer) to the LORD because He is good to me.

Application

I will hold on to Psalm 13:5 as I go through some medical tests on Thursday!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I will trust in Your unfailing love. I will rejoice because You have rescued me. I will sing to You because You are so good to me!

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

Don’t Be Afraid! Speak Out! Don’t Be Silent!

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Leviticus 15; Leviticus 16; Leviticus 17; Acts 18

Don’t Be Afraid!

Speak Out!

Don’t Be Silent!

Scripture

Acts 18

⁹ One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! ¹⁰ For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” ¹¹ So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.

Observation

The Apostle Paul as tough and fearless as he was needed encouragement from the Lord. He needed for God to tell him to hang in there.

Maybe you need these words today too, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.”

I wonder how many more people in our city belong to God and just need us to find them?

Application

I will look for people that cross my path today and I will be reminded of the fact that they may be the ones that belong to God. I will not be afraid! I will speak out! I will not be silent!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that You still have many people in this city that belong to You. Help me not to be afraid. Help me to speak out. Don’t let me be silent. I know that You are with me.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

Now He Commands Everyone Everywhere To Repent Of Their Sins And Turn To Him

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Leviticus 13; Leviticus 14; Acts 17

Now He Commands Everyone

Everywhere To Repent

Of Their Sins And Turn To Him

Scripture

Acts 17

³⁰ “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him.

Observation

Now … the word speaks of immediate action! Everyone & Everywhere … those words should include you and me.

What do you and I need to do right now?

Repent … that word means turn around

We need to turn from “self” and “sins” and we need to turn to God right now!

Why?

Because He commands that we do!

Application

I will keep urging people to repent and turn to God.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for changing my life. Thank You for allowing me the privilege of knowing You. Help me share the Good News with as many people as I can while I still can. Thank You for today. Thank You for what You are doing in and through our church. I pray that our church continues to reach our city for Jesus.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

“Sirs, What Must I Do To Be Saved?”

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Leviticus 10; Leviticus 11; Leviticus 12; Acts 16

“Sirs,

What Must I Do

To Be Saved?”

Scripture

Acts 16

²² A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. ²³ They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. ²⁴ So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.

²⁵ Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. ²⁶ Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! ²⁷ The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. ²⁸ But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”

²⁹ The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

³¹ They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.”  

³² And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household.

Observation

One of my favorite scriptures in the Bible is this story found in Acts 16! Paul and Silas had just been illegally stripped and beaten and yet when the officials ordered this done to them they did not protest. After they were beaten they were thrown into the darkest and most secure part of the dungeon. Their feet were clamped in stocks.

Then at midnight Paul and Silas began to sing and pray. The other prisoners were listening. Then all of Heaven broke loose; there was a massive earthquake and the chains broke off of every prisoner and all of the doors of the prison flew open and yet not prisoner moved. The jailor woke up and assumed all the prisoners had escaped and started to kill himself. Paul shouted, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all still here!”

Can you visualize this scene in your mind? Just think about what must have been going through this jailor’s mind! Paul and Silas were in that jail for only one reason and that was so the jailor and his family could be saved. Paul and Silas suffered being stripped and beaten so a jailor could meet Jesus.

Are we willing to suffer so that others can be drawn closer to Jesus? In the midst of our suffering will we sing and pray?

Application

I will pray for the strength to be like Paul and Silas.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, this is an amazing story of Your love. The jailor didn’t deserve Your love and yet You loved him. I don’t deserve Your love and yet You love me. Help us to be Your witnesses during the good times and during the times of struggle. Help others see Jesus in us.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

We Should Not Make It Difficult For The Gentiles Who Are Turning To God.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Leviticus 7; Leviticus 8; Leviticus 9; Acts 15

We Should Not

Make It Difficult

For The Gentiles Who Are Turning To God.

Scripture

Acts 15

¹¹ We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.”

¹⁹ “And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.

Observation

As the church expanded through out the region more and more Gentiles (non Jews) were putting their faith in Christ. The Apostles had to remind the other Jewish Christ Followers that everyone is saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.

I hear the same thing by critics today. These critics say something like this; “you need for people to do more to show that they are saved. You can’t share the Gospel at the end of the worship service and expect people to know what they are doing.”

I, of course, would disagree with these critics. The Gospel message in a nutshell is this; “We are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” God came down from Heaven to this earth. He was born in a manger. His name is Jesus. 

Jesus lived a sinless life. He died on a cross for your sins and my sins. He died on the cross to pay the penalty of our sins. He was buried and on the third day Jesus came back to life. When you and I place our faith and trust in what Jesus did on the cross for us we have Eternal life. We are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.

Lets not make it difficult for people to turn to God. Lets invite them to follow our Savior.

Application

I will continue to invite people to our church. How about you? How about to this week’s free BBQ?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, don’t let me make things difficult for people that want to follow Jesus. 

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

They Stoned Paul And Dragged Him Out Of Town, Thinking That He Was Dead.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Leviticus 4; Leviticus 5; Leviticus 6; Acts 14

They Stoned Paul

And Dragged Him Out Of Town,

Thinking That He Was Dead.

Scripture

Acts 14

¹⁸ But even with these words, Paul and Barnabas could scarcely restrain the people from sacrificing to them.

¹⁹ Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side.
They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead.  

²⁰ But as the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town.

Observation

This story reminds me of two truths: 1. People can be very fickle. 2. Ministry is very difficult.

One minute the crowd thinks Barnabas and Paul are the gods, Zeus and Hermes and the next minute they stone Paul and drag him out of town thinking he was dead. Praise one moment and brutal criticism and beatings the next.

Paul and Barnabas heal a cripple man who has been crippled for birth and Paul’s thanks for being God’s instrument for that man’s healing was being stoned and left for dead outside the town.

The scriptures say that Paul got up after being stoned and left for dead, he got up and went back in to town. Wow! Ministry is tough.

You and I need to let Pastor Bruce know how much we love him. He and Heather always need our encouragement. I was once in the place that Pastor Bruce is in and I know how difficult it can be. 

As a pastor I know that there are nights without sleep because of very hard decisions that have to be made. I know that you have to deal with some people who can be very fickle. I know that as a pastor you are smack dab in the middle of spiritual warfare!

Application

I will strive to pray daily for Pastor Bruce and Heather. I will do things to encourage them. Will you join me?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for Bruce and Heather that You give them extra strength for today. I pray that You give them wisdom. Bless them. Bless their family. Bless our church through them. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in this world. Bring strong people along side of them that will encourage them and that will help make their ministry successful.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

 31 Days of praying for your pastor -

 https://www.reviveourhearts.com/articles/31-days-of-praying-for-your-pastor/

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

I Have Made You A Light To The Gentiles, To Bring Salvation To The Farthest Corners Of The Earth

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Leviticus 1; Leviticus 2; Leviticus 3; Acts 13 

I Have Made You A Light To The Gentiles,

To Bring Salvation

To The Farthest Corners Of The Earth

Scripture

Acts 13 

⁴⁷ For the Lord gave us this command when he said,

‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
    to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’”

Observation

It is true that there are people all around us that need to hear about Jesus and we should share Christ with them. But it is very easy to be so concerned with our “Jerusalem” that we never take the message of salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.

It is way to easy to just focus on growing our local church. Just reaching our city is an all-consuming task, but we have been called, no we have been commanded, to take the Gospel to the entire world.

It is the task of the church.

So we have to figure out how to reach this world and add that “Great Commission” to our busy schedules!

Application

I will pray for an unreached people group everyday and hopefully one day soon I will be able to go. Today I pray for the Fula Jalon peoples in Guinea.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us as a church to find time this year to engage an unreached people group. I pray that You call out people from within our church that will take the Gospel to the farthest corners of the earth.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.joshuaproject.net/peoples-in-google-maps.php

But While Peter Was In Prison, The Church Prayed Very Earnestly For Him.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 39; Exodus 40; Psalm 15; Acts 12

But While Peter

Was In Prison,

The Church Prayed Very Earnestly For Him.

Scripture

Acts 12

⁵ But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

Observation

God responded to the prayers of His church and set Peter free from that prison. Nothing on the face of this earth is more powerful than the church of God when they pray. Nothing!

Not a day goes by that I am not thankful for our church and for everyone who prayed for me. I am just as much overwhelmed today by what our church did for me as I was back in October 2011 when I had my heart attack. 

My surgeon, who did a remarkable job of patching my heart, had given up hope for me, but our church had not. My surgeon told Kathy, our church members and others who were out in the waiting room I don’t know what you are doing but keep doing it.

No force on the face of this earth is as powerful as a church that prays!

This Sunday when we are called to the front of the church to pray please respond and go and pray. God loves it when His church prays. He loves to say “yes” to us!

I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born.   Isaiah 44:2 (CEV)

Application

When I pray during the week this week and when I pray together with our church on Sunday I know that our prayers are powerful. I know that there is nothing more powerful on the face of the earth than our prayers.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, when I talk to You this week I know that You will hear me. I know that You love to hear me when I pray. I know that because You were concerned about me before I was even born. I am Your child. I pray that You would work through Your people at our church. So them that they can pray and that You will answer them. Empower our people to do mighty things this week in Your Name. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in this world.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

The Heavens Proclaim The Glory Of God. The Skies Display His Craftsmanship.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 37; Exodus 38; Psalm 19; Acts 11

The Heavens Proclaim The Glory Of God.

The Skies 

Display His Craftsmanship.

Scripture

Psalm 19

¹ The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    The skies display his craftsmanship.

² Day after day they continue to speak;
    night after night they make him known.

³ They speak without a sound or word;
    their voice is never heard.

⁴ Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
    and their words to all the world.

Observation

Go outside tonight and look up! God is a Master Craftsman! Enjoy His creation! He made those stars, the moon, and the sun just for you! He also made them for me.

They proclaim His Glory. We are to proclaim His Glory too! They witness without saying a sound or a word. You and I are to be His witnesses too.

Out of all of His creation we are His delight! We are His chosen possession. As you go about your day today think about that! I am.

Application

Today I will meditate on this passage and I will think about how I can bring the LORD glory today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I enjoy Your Creation. It speaks of Your Awesome Power and to think that You care about something as small as me. It is amazing! You are Wonderful. Glory and Honor belong to You alone!

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

…But God Has Shown Me That I Should No Longer Think Of Anyone As Impure Or Unclean.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 35; Exodus 36; Acts 10

…But God Has Shown Me 

That I Should No Longer

Think Of Anyone As Impure Or Unclean.

Scripture

Acts 10

28b “…But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.”

Observation

Prejudice! 

Are you prejudiced? 

It can be against someone because they have a different skin color or because they speak a different language or they smell bad, or maybe they are very overweight, or maybe they are mentally challenged. Anytime you think you are better than someone else or look down on someone you are prejudice.

It is still very prevalent today. Peter had a big problem-accepting people that were not Jewish. Who do you have a problem accepting? Who do I have a problem accepting?

Today as you and I go to worship lets sit by someone different. Why not lets try to sit by someone we usually try to avoid.

Lets pay extra attention to folks we usually steer clear of today! Lets make God smile!

Application

 I will look for someone that people tend to avoid and spend a little time with them this morning. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You don’t show favoritism - so help me be like You. Give me Your Heart and Your Eyes for the people around me.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

I Know The LORD Is Always With Me. I Will Not Be Shaken, For He Is Right Beside Me.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 33; Exodus 34; Psalm 16; Acts 9 

I Know The LORD Is Always With Me.

I Will Not Be Shaken,

For He Is Right Beside Me.

Scripture

Psalm 16

⁷ I will bless the Lord who guides me;
    even at night my heart instructs me.

⁸ I know the Lord is always with me.
    I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

Observation

Are you afraid of anything today?

Why don’t you and I memorize this verse today so we can overcome any fears that come our way. I will if you will. I will even if you won’t!

I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me!

Application

I will memorize and meditate on Psalm 16:8 today.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that You are always with me. I will not be shaken, for You are right beside me.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

But Now, If You Will Only Forgive Their Sin – But If Not, Erase My Name From The Record You Have

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 30; Exodus 31; Exodus 32; Acts 8

But Now,

If You Will Only Forgive Their Sin – But If Not, 

Erase My Name From The Record You Have

Scripture

Exodus 32

³² But now, if you will only forgive their sin—but if not, erase my name from the record you have written!”

Observation

Moses loved the people that he had led out of Egypt even though they were a bunch of complainers and they were totally rebellious. He loved them enough to ask God to wipe his name off of the list of those going to Heaven if God would not forgive them for their sins.

Moses was asking God to give them what they didn’t deserve – Grace!

He was asking God to not give them what they did deserve – He was pleading for Mercy!

He was willing to give his life in their place!

Do we pray like that for people? Or do we pray for God to give them what they deserve?

Who are you and I praying for today?

What sacrifice are we willing to make so that they can know Jesus?

Application

 I will invite my neighbors to Friend Day this Sunday. I will pray for them right now. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me a heart like Moses. Give me a love for people like You gave him. Help me to be willing to sacrifice so people can go to Heaven. 

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

Look, I See The Heavens Opened And The Son Of Man Standing In The Place Of Honor At God’s Right Hand!

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 28; Exodus 29; Acts 7

Look, 

I See The Heavens Opened And The Son Of 

Man Standing In The Place Of Honor At God’s Right Hand!

Scripture

Acts 7

⁵⁴ The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. ⁵⁵ But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. ⁵⁶ And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”

Observation

One day I will see Jesus face to face. One day like Stephen did I will see Him too!

I am ready to see Him.

How about you?

 Application

I will talk to Jesus today and I will think about this story as I go through this day.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, one day I will see Jesus at Your Right Hand. One day I will stand before Him and bow in His presence. I pray that You help me live in a way today that makes You smile. Help me to be like Stephen. Give me his faith, his courage, and his boldness! 

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

But As The Believers Rapidly Multiplied, There Were Rumblings Of Discontent.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 25; Exodus 26; Exodus 27; Acts 6 

But As The Believers

Rapidly Multiplied,

There Were Rumblings Of Discontent.

Scripture

Acts 6 

6 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent.

Observation

By chapter 6 of the book of Acts the number of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ had grown to over 5,000 men not counting the women and children. With growth comes rumblings – imagine that!

This past Sunday our attendance at church was an all time high! Decisions were made for Christ. There was excitement! It was our new church’s 2^nd anniversary! It was a time to celebrate! There was a baptism! There were cupcakes! We heard a new song produced and written just for our church by members of our church! It was an incredible, awesome, super wonderful day of worship!

By Monday … you guessed it … rumblings of discontent! 

What do people find to complain about when things are going so well? 

How about ribbons and banners that keep them from sitting their bottoms anywhere they choose in the Sanctuary?

You have to take a deep breath and remind yourself that with growth come rumblings of discontent!

Application

I will keep my focus on our church reaching people for Jesus.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are doing awesome things at our church. Don’t let our lead team be distracted by rumblings or by issues that would take energy away from our main purpose. Give Pastor Bruce and all of our leadership the ability to stay focused on the Great Commission. Give them wisdom. Encourage them. Bless them. 

Thank You for everything that happened this past Sunday. Don’t let us miss what You are doing. Give us Your eyes and Your heart.

 

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

They Continued To Teach And Preach This Message: “Jesus Is The Messiah.”

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 23; Exodus 24; Psalm 14; Acts 5

They Continued To Teach And Preach

This Message:

“Jesus Is The Messiah.”

Scripture

Acts 5

42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”

Observation

Our message never changes: “Jesus is the Messiah.” Our methods of how we share that message change all the time. The Gospel is shared every week at Christ Fellowship. People make decisions to follow Jesus every Sunday. 

It is so exciting to see what God is doing in and through our church. 

When I hear a few “church folks” complain or gripe that they don’t like this or they don’t like that I do my best to get them refocused on Jesus. People are lost and going to Hell. 

Hello … people are lost and going to Hell! Lets make all the modifications (changes) we need to make so that more and more people have the chance to meet our Savior!

 Application 

I will support our church in every new idea we come up with to reach more people for Jesus! How about you?  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Ananias and Sapphira didn’t care about other people. They only cared about themselves. What happened to them should be a reminder to us. Help me to stay focused on reaching the lost. Help me this week to take time with my neighbors and with others that need Jesus. Guard my heart so that I don’t develop a critical spirit. 

Don’t let me take my eyes off of what is truly important. I pray that people would be saved this week at Christ Fellowship. I pray for our people that You would use them as Your witnesses. Be glorified through our church this week. Give our leadership all the wisdom that they need to make important decisions that will help us reach more for Jesus. 

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!


http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

“By What Power, Or In Whose Name, Have You Done This?”

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 21; Exodus 22; Psalm 12; Acts 4

“By What Power,

Or In Whose Name,

Have You Done This?”

Scripture

Acts 4

⁷ They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?”

⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, ⁹ are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? ¹⁰ Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. ¹¹ For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says,

‘The stone that you builders rejected
    has now become the cornerstone.’

¹² There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

Observation

Someone very recently asked me this question, “Do you think that you (not me personally but speaking of our church) would have as many people as you do coming to your church if you didn’t use the gimmicks that you use to get people to attend? That question was followed up by this comment/question. If you just preached the Gospel and didn’t do all of those things (outreach events) do you think you would have all of those people coming?

My short answer to this person’s question, “No, we would not.”

It has been awhile since I have heard a question like that concerning our outreach ministry to our community. I used to hear things like that a lot when we brought in over 300 people on buses each week to church back in the early 1970’s. (Yes, the early 1970’s!) 

People would constantly question our motives back then. Many didn’t like us bringing those dirty - disruptive bus kids to church, but it was a life changing experience for both the bus kids we brought and the workers that served in the bus ministry. 

We had a team of over 50 people that would spend half a day every Saturday visiting the homes of those kids. Sundays were very long days by the time you picked up and then dropped off every one on your bus.

Two events happened in the first couple of chapters in the book of Acts that caused huge crowds to gather. Both of these events gave the Apostle Peter the opportunity to preach the Gospel and from those two events over 5,000 people were saved. 

The first event happened at Pentecost (Acts 2) when 3,000 people were saved and the second was the healing of the man who had been crippled for more than 40 years (Acts 3). After Peter and John healed the crippled man at the Temple the church grew to over 5,000 men (not including the number of women and children).

Peter took advantage of preaching the Gospel to these crowds!

Lets take advantage and invite people to the big days we have at church!

1. Friend Day Sunday – Dessert Breakfast Sunday - February 3^rd.
2. B’B’Q’ Sunday – February 10^th

I was so happy for one of our church members yesterday when one of her friends that she had invited came and this friend made a decision for Christ!

Yes, it is important to have special events to draw crowds because in those crowds are people that need our Savior!

Application

 I will invite some people to Friend Day this Sunday!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us reach people with the Good News of Jesus Christ! 

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

“In The Name Of Jesus Christ The Nazarene, Get Up And Walk!”

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 17; Exodus 18; Exodus 19; Exodus 20; Acts 3

“In The Name 

Of Jesus Christ The Nazarene,

Get Up And Walk!”

Scripture

Acts 3

4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”

7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk!

Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.

Observation

There is power in the name of Jesus! People are healed. People are saved. Miracles happen when we depend on the name of Jesus. 

I would have like to have been there that day. I would have loved to have seen that man walking, leaping, and praising God as he went into the Temple with Peter and John.

By the power of the name of Jesus I was dead and I am now alive. I give all glory, honor, and power to Jesus for giving me life! 

I was also once spiritually dead and Jesus gave me Eternal life. 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus there is something about that Name! 

Application

I will praise Him today as I go to Christ Fellowship to worship!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for that powerful name Jesus. Thank You for saving me. Thank You for bringing back to life. Thank You for giving me this day to serve You. You are Awesome!

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

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

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 14; Exodus 15; Exodus 16; Acts 2

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.”

Escape through the Red Sea

¹⁵ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!

 ¹⁶ Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.
 
¹⁷ And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers.

 ¹⁸ When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the Lord!”

Observation

The Hebrew children were trapped and the Egyptian army was closing in on them and they were afraid. They had nowhere to go. They were trapped and it seemed hopeless. I love what their leader Moses told them, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today … the Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.

When the situation seems totally impossible, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today.” 

As I read through the Bible again in 2013 I will read over and over again, “Don’t be afraid!” Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today.” It is a theme that repeats itself over and over and over again through out God’s word. 

Don’t believe me? Listen to this from the book of Acts from today’s Bible reading,
“I see that the Lord is always with me.
 
    I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” Acts 2:25b

Fear is a lack of faith. 

It is a lack of trust. 

We are commanded not to be afraid! 

 Application

 I will trust in the Lord today. I will not be afraid. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, the Hebrew children experienced a miracle that day when You opened up the Red Sea and allowed them to go across on dry ground. I have experienced Your Power in my life too. I know that I don’t need to be afraid. Help those today that are struggling with life. Help them to put their faith and trust in You. Help them not to be afraid. 

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

Rise Up, O Lord, In All Your Power. With Music And Singing We Celebrate Your Mighty Acts.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 12; Exodus 13; Psalm 21; Acts 1 

Rise Up, O Lord, 

In All Your Power.

With Music And Singing We Celebrate Your Mighty Acts.

Scripture

Psalm 21

² For you have given him his heart’s desire;
    you have withheld nothing he requested.

¹³ Rise up, O Lord, in all your power.
    With music and singing we celebrate your mighty acts.

Observation

Do you look forward to worshiping the Lord on Sundays? I sure do! It is a celebration! I have watched God transform our church over the past 2 years since Pastor Bruce has taken over as the lead pastor. 

I love it!

There is a freedom to worship as God leads and there is “celebration” every Sunday. 

King David enjoyed worship! He celebrated! He praised the Lord! He was thankful for all that the Lord had given him. God had given him his heart’s desire. God didn’t withhold anything from him that he asked for. 

Wow!

Lets celebrate this Lord’s Day! I am. How about you? 

 Application

I will celebrate all that the Lord is doing and all that the Lord has done. I will celebrate with all my heart! 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the transformation that is happening at Christ Fellowship. Thank You for the leadership that has helped us make this change. God You are so good. Thank You for our Praise and Worship team. Thank You for every person that helps us worship You better on Sundays. Give them their heart’s desire. Don’t withhold any good thing from them. You are worthy to be praised! 

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/

“Didn’t Our Hearts Burn Within Us As He Talked With Us On The Road And Explained The Scriptures To Us?”

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Exodus 9; Exodus 10; Exodus 11; Luke 24 

“Didn’t Our Hearts Burn Within Us

As He Talked With Us

On The Road And Explained The Scriptures To Us?”

Scripture

Luke 24 

²⁸ By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, ²⁹ but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. ³⁰ As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. ³¹ Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!

³² They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”
 

Observation

I have been involved in Bible studies where I have sensed a little bit of what these two disciples experienced. God’s Word is powerful and living! It is exciting to be a part of a group that studies God’s Word. 

We do “Biblical Storytelling” in our life group and we have been going through the Gospels looking at how Jesus taught and mentored His disciples. When someone in our group tells the Bible story the Bible comes alive and everyone in our group gets to experience in a small way what those disciples experienced on the road to Emmaus!

Here are a few of the discussion questions that are asked after every story: 1. What do we learn about Jesus in this story? 2. What is Jesus teaching his disciples in this story? 3. What is Jesus teaching me personally from this story? 

Application

I will look forward to reading God’s Word every day with anticipation and great expectation! How about you?

  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, may Your Word always burn in my heart when I hear it and when I read it. Don’t ever let me become indifferent to Your Word. I pray that more and more of our people that make up our church would develop the habit of spending time in Your Word every day. 

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

http://www.enewhope.org/bible/