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!

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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!



Scripture

Acts 3

Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service.

  ² As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. ³ When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.

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

But I will give you what I have – Jesus!

You and I have Divine Intersections with people all the time and it is up to us to: 1. See the opportunity. 2. Seize the opportunity. 3. Build on the opportunity.

This is our Bible Study lesson this morning from Acts 3. This man was crippled from birth. Everyday friends would carry him to the Temple gate to beg.

He was a panhandler. Most people would probably not make eye contact with this man, but Peter and John looked at him intently.

Peter made the man look at them. Then something incredible happened, this crippled man’s life was forever changed.

Seeing, seizing, and building is what you and I as Christ followers are called to do!

Let’s do it!

Application

I will look for opportunities to share Jesus. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, don’t let me miss opportunities when you bring people into my path. I want to see them and I want to take the opportunity to share about Jesus. And then I want to help that person grow in Jesus Christ. I pray for Pastor Bruce Moore and Pastor Brian Elliott today as they preach Your word. Empower them. Help them to communicate clearly the message that You want us to hear. Use them for Your glory.

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 30; Psalms 120; Galatians 3,4; Psalm 6, Psalm 106; Proverbs 6; Acts 3


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Listen To My Voice In The Morning, LORD. Each Morning I Bring My Requests To You And Wait Expectantly.

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Listen To My Voice
In The Morning, LORD.
Each Morning I Bring My Requests To You And Wait Expectantly. 


Scripture

Psalm 5

³ Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
    Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

Observation

King David had developed a very good habit.

It is a habit that you and I need to cultivate.

David had the habit of getting up and praying to God and then He waited expectantly for God to answer.

If you and I buzz through our daily Bible reading just so we can check it off of our “to do list” then we are missing out on what God wants us to experience.

In just a few minutes I will begin praying for many of you. And as I lay out my requests for you before God I will wait expectantly for Him to answer!

This morning I read about Job, King David, Joseph (Psalm 105), and Paul.

So many things that I could have written about this morning! God’s Word is so rich.

Let me encourage you to dig into God’s Word, read and devour it, and then take time to pray and wait expectantly.

Application

I will lay out my requests before God and wait expectantly. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come to You this morning with confidence. I know that You love me and You are on my side. You are for me so why should I be afraid. Thank You for listening to me when I pray. Help me to ask for things that are on Your heart and that are in line with Your will.

I pray for every person reading this blog. Bless them Lord. Give them spiritual understanding. Flood their hearts with light so that they may live in a way that is pleasing to You. You know what is on my heart. I wait expectantly for You to answer my prayers. I will never give up!

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 28,29; Galatians 1,2; Psalm 5, Psalm 105; Proverbs 5



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Don’t Get Sidetracked

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Don’t
Get
Sidetracked



Scripture

Proverbs 4

²⁶ Mark out a straight path for your feet;
    stay on the safe path.

²⁷ Don’t get sidetracked;
    keep your feet from following evil.

Observation

Getting sidetracked! Young people and even not so young people get sidetracked and ruin their lives by yielding to the temptation of sexual immorality. 

I have watched so many men and women yield to temptation because they neglected to set up boundaries for their life. 

A long time ago when I was a lot younger someone told me to set boundaries for my life when it comes to dealing with the opposite sex. 

Kathy knows the boundaries that I have established, boundaries that I don’t ever plan to break.

Here they are:

1.      I will not meet with a woman alone to discuss her problems or meet with her alone for any other reason.

2.  I will not eat a meal with another woman other than my wife.

3. I will not ride in a car alone with a woman other than my wife. 

You my friend may think that this is stupid. But if you do, then my friend, you are the stupid one!

Satan wants to destroy our lives. He wants to wreck our marriage, our relationships, our family, and our ministry!

And Satan will use someone of the opposite sex to do it if he has the slightest chance.

So why give him the chance! Set yourself some boundaries and let your spouse know what they are! Wives, this goes for you too!

Application

I will mark out a straight path for my feet. I will not get sidetracked. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God of mercy and a God of grace. You know that I am a sinner. You know my heart. You know my thoughts. Nothing I do, think, or say, is hidden from You. Keep me from sexual sin. Keep me from yielding to temptation when it comes. Help Kathy and I finish well. Don’t ever let us mess up. 

I pray for those who may be reading this blog that may have crossed the line and may have gotten sidetracked by yielding to sexual immorality. Give them the strength to repent and turn from their sin and help them to get right with You again. Don’t let it destroy them Lord. Show them how to get back on the right path so that they can finish well.

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 26,27; Mark 15,16; Psalm 4, 104; Proverbs 4

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She Has Done What She Could

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She
Has Done
What She Could

Scripture

Mark 14

While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.

⁴ Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked.

 ⁵ “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.

⁶ But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? ⁷ You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me.
 
⁸ She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. ⁹ I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”

Observation

She did what she could!

She poured expensive perfume out on Jesus. How expensive? It was worth a year’s wages!

Those that watched got angry as she poured it out anointing Jesus using this expensive perfume. It was what she could do and she did what she could. 

So let me ask, “What could we do that we are not doing?” Are we making a difference?

What can we do? What has God asked you to do? What has He asked me to do?

She did what she could – now it is our turn.

Philippians 4:13

For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.

Mark 9
41 If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.

Application

I will look for ways to serve the people that God brings into my life. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is so easy for me to criticize people and question their motives when I should really be looking at myself and thinking about what I could do to further Your kingdom. It is so easy for me to be hard on everyone else. Give me a sensitive heart Lord. Give me Your heart for those around me. Show me what I could do. Show me what I should do. And then help me and give me the strength and energy to carry out what You put on my heart to do.

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 25; Mark 13,14

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Have Faith In God

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Have Faith
In
God


Scripture

Mark 11

²² Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God.
 
²³ I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.
 
²⁴ I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.
 
²⁵ But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.

Observation

Did you know that even a Christian can turn to drugs or alcohol when they are looking for help!

It is sad but very true.

Drugs and Alcohol then become little gods and even Christ followers can make the mistake of trying to find help and a solution to their pain and their troubles by depending on them instead of praying and trusting in God for help.

Jesus tells us where to find help!

And help is never found in a bottle of booze. The only thing you will find in that bottle is more misery. 

It is also important to see that in this passage Jesus included “forgiveness” as an essential ingredient for answered prayers.

So let’s stay away from all crutches like alcohol and drugs and lets draw close to our Heavenly Father when we are facing trials and experiencing trouble!

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. … James 4:8

Application

I will pray and I will never give up! How about you? Where are you putting your trust?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it breaks my heart to see people turn to things for help rather than trusting in You. Help them see that those substitutes are only destroying them. I pray that they will be set free from the addictions of alcohol and drugs. I pray that they would turn to you. Set them free Lord. Set them free. Show them that they can lead lives of victory when You are their source of help! Don’t ever let me trust in anything other than You for help with my problems. Nothing is too hard for You!

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 23,24; Mark 11,12

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If Anyone Gives You Even A Cup Of Water Because You Belong To The Messiah, I Tell You The Truth, That Person Will Surely Be Rewarded.

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If Anyone Gives You Even A Cup Of Water
Because You Belong To The Messiah,
I Tell You The Truth, That Person Will Surely Be Rewarded.


Scripture

Mark 9

⁴¹ If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.

Observation

Kathy and I are overwhelmed this morning by the generosity and out pouring of love into our lives by so many of you.

Over the course of our 47 years of marriage we have had so many people make both spiritual and financial investments into our lives. It brings so much joy to our hearts just thinking about each one of you.

This verse is a promise to you and to all of us for each and every investment we make in the life of someone else. So let’s look around. Where can we make the next investment? Doesn’t have to be a big one!

Even something as small as a cup of water given in the Name of Jesus will get us a reward!

Yesterday in my blog I bragged about what a wonderful wife that God had given me. As we woke up this morning to celebrate our 47^th wedding anniversary I am still bragging! She keeps getting better and better and better! 

I love you Mrs. Kathy Williams more than ever!

I wish that every couple could experience the love for each other that God has given us. No amount of wealth or riches could ever bring the joy and happiness that God has poured out on us over these past 47 years of marriage.  

 Application

I will look for someone to invest in. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us to experience so many wonderful things. You are so good to us. We don’t deserve Your kindness and Your love. Thank You for each person who has made an investment into our lives. We know that You directed them to be kind to us. Help Kathy and I do the same thing with the people that You bring our way. Show me today who needs a cup of water. Don’t let me miss an opportunity to touch someone’s life. Give me Your heart for those around me today. Thank You for my wife. She is the best gift that You could have ever given me. And I know that she was a gift straight from Your heart to mine! 

Daily Bible Reading:  Psalms 121; Mark 9,10



> If you are reading this simple blog this morning you are an encouragement to me!

> I have made it a habit to pray for those who read this blog! I enjoy lifting you and your family up to the Lord in prayer.

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Who Can Find A Virtuous And Capable Wife? She Is More Precious Than Rubies. Her Husband Can Trust Her And She Will Greatly Enrich His Life.

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Who Can Find A Virtuous And Capable Wife?
She Is More Precious Than Rubies.
Her Husband Can Trust Her And She Will Greatly Enrich His Life.





Scripture

Proverbs 31

¹⁰ Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
    She is more precious than rubies.

¹¹ Her husband can trust her,
    and she will greatly enrich his life.

¹² She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.

Observation

Tomorrow, November 1^st, Kathy and I will celebrate 47 years of marriage! It was 48 years ago at the age of 17 that God brought Kathy into my life.

What did I do to deserve a woman like Kathy?

Nothing!

It was all God’s grace. She is a gift from God.

She is the very best gift that God could have ever given Eddy Williams.

What is the secret of a great marriage?

For Eddy the secret is keeping Jesus First, Kathy Second, and Eddy Third.

For Kathy, I think that she would say that it is keeping Jesus First, Eddy Second, and Kathy Third!

Just that simple – I know that it sounds simple but if you are married then you know how hard it is to keep things in the right priority!

It is hard work!

Who is First, Who Is Second, Who is Third in your life?

 ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her … Ephesians 5:25
So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33

 Application

I will work hard at keeping my marriage great. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You brought a virtuous and capable wife into my life. I am blessed. She is more precious than rubies or anything else. I can totally trust her and she greatly enriches my life. She has always brought good, not harm into my life. There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but the wife that you gave me surpasses them all! Thank You for bringing Kathy into my life at just the right time. And thank You for helping us love each other through the power of Jesus Christ.    (Proverbs 31 personalized)

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 22; Mark 7,8; Psalm 31, Psalm 131; Proverbs 31

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Their Hearts Were Too Hard To Take It In.

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Their Hearts
Were Too Hard
To Take It In.



Scripture

Mark 6

⁴⁷ Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. ⁴⁸ He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. 

About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, ⁴⁹ but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. ⁵⁰ They were all terrified when they saw him.

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” ⁵¹ Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, ⁵² for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.

Observation

I am afraid that you and I miss so much of what God is doing around us because our hearts are not in the right condition to catch what is going on!

I am afraid that we are missing so much of what is happening around us. God is always at work!

What you and I need to have are hearts sensitive to the things of God.

Right before this boat experience they had watched Jesus feed the 5000 with 5 small loaves and 2 small fish, but totally missed the importance of the miracle.

Sorry to say it but you and I do the same thing.

God works miracle after miracle in our lives and in the lives of the people around us to show us that He is fully capable and willing to take care of us, but our hearts are too hard to take it in.

Here is His Word to us today, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage! I am here!”

 Application


 I will look to see where God is at work today and join Him. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, don’t let me miss a thing that You are doing today! Give me Your eyes and Your heart so I can see everything that is important for me to see. I don’t want to miss one thing! I pray for Pastor Bruce Moore today and for Pastor Brian Elliott. Use them in a power way today to preach Your word. Give them boldness. Give them Your love for the people that they shepherd and care for!

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 21; Mark 5,6

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“Who Is This Man?” They Asked Each Other. Even The Wind And Waves Obey Him!”

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“Who Is This Man?”
They Asked Each Other.
Even The Wind And Waves Obey Him!”


Mark 4

³⁵ As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” ³⁶ So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). ³⁷ But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

³⁸ Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

³⁹ When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰ Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

⁴¹ The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

Observation

Jesus was asleep on the back of the boat with His head on a cushion as the waves were coming into the boat and the boat was sinking.

His disciples were freaking out and they woke Him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care …”

We do the same thing.

When we are in a desperate situation it is easy to cry out to God and shout out, “Don’t You care?”

One of the reasons that God allows us to get into those desperate situations is so that He can show us that He does care.

He is building our faith. No storms then no need for faith!

The next time we are in one of those “sinking situations” lets remember the response of His disciples, “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey Him!” 

 Application

Jesus cares about me. I will trust Him in the storms. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that with every difficult situation that comes into my life there is a lesson for me about trusting You. It is a life long lesson. Thank You for taking such good care of my family and me. You show me everyday that I can trust in You. Help those that are going through tough times. Show them that they can trust You through the storms of life. Show them that nothing is too hard for You.

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 20; Mark 3,4

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But As For Me I Know That My Redeemer Lives

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But As For Me
I Know
That My Redeemer Lives



Scripture

Job 19

²⁵ “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
    and he will stand upon the earth at last.
²⁶ And after my body has decayed,
    yet in my body I will see God!
²⁷ I will see him for myself.
    Yes, I will see him with my own eyes.
    I am overwhelmed at the thought!

 Observation

What are you going through today? 

Do you have aches and pains, a disease working against your body, financial difficulties, broken relationship(s), or maybe your are unfortunate enough to have all of the above? 

What has you defeated and messed up? What has turned your world upside down? 

Job had lost everything. He had lost his wealth, his children, and his health and yet he was able to make this bold confession of his faith! 

Today I want to echo what Job said, “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives! Yes, I will see Him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!” 

So my friend, no matter what you and I face today, if we are Christ followers, we can face it with the confidence of knowing that God is on our side and one day we will see Him face to face! 

Romans 8:35-39 

    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 are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death? [36] (Even 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 his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. [39] Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, 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

I know that my Redeemer lives! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am blessed. I know that my Redeemer lives. I know that one day I will see You face to face. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate me from Your love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. My fears for today, my worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep Your love away. Whether I am high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate me from Your love that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 personalized)


Daily Bible Reading:  Job 19; Mark 1,2 Romans 1; Psalm 28, Psalm 128; Proverbs 28



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As Iron Sharpens Iron, So A Friend Sharpens A Friend

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As Iron
Sharpens Iron,
So A Friend Sharpens A Friend


Scripture

Proverbs 27

17 As iron sharpens iron,
    so a friend sharpens a friend.

Observation

What is way better than winning the “Lottery”? 

Yes, I know that there are a lot of things that are better than winning the “Lotto”, but here is one thing that maybe you haven’t thought of before. 

It is this, having good friends! 

This trip to Tennessee and to North Carolina is all about spending time with some of our very best friends. God brought them into our lives a very long time ago. 

God knew what Kathy and I needed when He brought them into our lives. 

If we could do it, and I sure wish that could, we would extend this trip to Texas and then on to Mexico to see more of our wonderful friends. 

How about you, are you making good friends? 

“As Iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17

“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” Proverbs 17:17

“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

 “Oil and perfume make the heart glad; So does the sweetness of a friend’s counsel that comes from the heart.” Proverbs 27:9

“Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.” Luke 16:9

Application

I will work hard at being a good friend. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Kathy and I are rich. We have so many good friends. Thank You for the gift of friendship. Help me to be a good friend to those that You bring into my life. I pray for our friends. Bless them Lord. Help them with the struggles of life. Show them Your Power and Your Strength. Help them to be strong in their faith. Thank You that You call me Your friend. Only because of Jesus and what He did on the cross for me can I be called Your friend. 

Daily Bible Reading: Job 18; Psalms 114; Acts 27,28; Psalm 27, Psalm 127; Proverbs 27



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Do You Think You Can Persuade Me To Become A Christian So Quickly?

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Do You Think
You Can Persuade Me
To Become A Christian So Quickly? 


Scripture

Acts 26

²⁸ Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”

²⁹ Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.”


Romans 8

For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Romans 8:38-39

Observation

Have you been persuaded? 

This is the peak season for political persuasion and if you are like me you are sick of both politicians spending millions of dollars trying to persuade us with their empty promises! 

But there is Someone that we need to put our hope, our trust, our total confidence in and His name is Jesus Christ! 

Have you been persuaded to become a Christian yet? I hope and pray that your answer to that question is – YES! 

For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Romans 8:38-39

I would love to hear every family member of ours and every friend of ours declare, “Jesus Christ is my Lord and my Savior!” 

If Jesus Christ is your Lord and your Savior why not boldly declare it in the comment section and give witness of God’s mighty saving power in your life! 

Come on, here is a chance to boldly declare your faith!

Application

Jesus Christ is my Lord and my Savior. He is my life and I am not ashamed to call Him my Lord and Savior. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I don’t know if King Agrippa ever became a follower of Jesus Christ, but I know that the Apostle Paul was not afraid to share his faith with him. Give me the boldness and the courage to talk to people about their need of a Savior. I pray that every person that may read this blog will be persuaded to put their faith and their trust in Jesus Christ. Give them the courage and boldness to turn from sin and self and turn to God. You know who I am praying for. Open up their hearts so that they can believe! 

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 17; Acts 24,25,26

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O LORD, I Give My Life To You

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O LORD,
I Give
My Life To You

Scripture

Psalm 25

¹ O Lord, I give my life to you.
²     I trust in you, my God!

Observation

Five years ago yesterday I had a heart attack that has forever changed my life and Kathy’s life. I had the heart attack on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 10pm!

As I write this blog this morning 5 years later all I can say that it has been an amazing journey so far!

Fourteen hours in surgery trying to repair an aortic root dissection that went all the way down to my abdomen and blown away right coronary artery, 17 drip lines putting into my body over 100 pounds of fluids, a week in a coma, a month on kidney dialysis, months of not being able to have a taste for food, I could go on and on but I won’t!

I am here today because many of you prayed and asked God to save me and He did.

When I think back, which I do almost on a daily basis, my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude and joy thinking about how so many of you rallied around Kathy and my children and wouldn’t give up even though there was medically very little hope of me making it. When the surgeon told Kathy that there was less than a 5% chance of me making it from surgery up to ICU I think he was preparing Kathy for the worst!

Do I believe in miracles? Absolutely! Do I believe in the power of prayer? You bet! It was an unforgettable lesson in the power of prayer! All of you that prayed for me to pull through took away all doubt if there ever was any! Doctors and Nurses at St. Joseph Hospital called my recovery a miracle! May God get all the glory!

One day though I will die. Two times in the past 5 years my defibrillator/pacemaker has brought me back to life. But one day no amount of prayer, no pacemaker, no defibrillator are going to keep me from getting into Heaven when God calls me home.

…But…

But… until that day comes I want to live in a way that brings God glory and honor!

I want to keep telling people about Jesus and I hope that is your desire too.

Application

But… until that day comes I want to live in a way that brings God glory and honor!

I want to keep telling people about Jesus and I hope that is your desire too.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I think that it is only right that I think about what You did for me and for Kathy 5 years ago. You are a God of mercy and compassion. I didn’t deserve what You did for me. I understand that You did it for all of those that prayed for me more than You did it for me. I realize that I could have been in Heaven. I could have left this earth and all of its problems behind, but You heard the prayers of Your children and You did not take me home. One day You will take me home and You know that I am ready. You also know that I am not afraid to die. You have taken care of that fear by letting me die multiple times already. My life and my breath are in Your hands. What do I have to fear!

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 16; Acts 21,22,23; Psalm 25, Psalm 125; Proverbs 25

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

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



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 quit! ¹⁰ For I am with you and no one can harm you. Many people here in this city belong to me.” ¹¹ So Paul stayed there the next year and a half, teaching the truths of God.

Observation

Don’t be Afraid! Speak Out! Don’t Quit! 

Good words for all of us today that call ourselves Christ followers! 

Don’t be afraid! What are you facing today? 

Speak out! Who do we need to share Christ with today? 

What has got you beaten down? Don’t quit! 

If you take the phrase “Don’t be afraid”, or “Fear not” or the phrase “Trust in the Lord” and do a search on the web at Bible Gateway I think that you will be encouraged you this morning! 

Let’s get up and get to church! No excuses! Move it! Don’t be afraid!

Application

I will enjoy worship today. And … I will not be afraid! I will speak out! I will not quit! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am not different than the Apostle Paul. I need to be encouraged too! Your Word today is an encouragement to me. You are guiding my life. You are in control. I can trust You with every detail of my life.

I pray for our good friends Don and Edith Kennedy today as we celebrate their 40^th wedding anniversary with them. Bless them Lord. May Your face shine brightly on them today and on all of their family. I know that their marriage makes You smile. They are a reflection of Jesus to everyone that comes along their path. Continue to use them for Your honor and Your glory. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 13,14; Acts 17,18

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My Help Comes From The LORD, Who Made Heaven and Earth!

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My Help
Comes From The LORD,
Who Made Heaven and Earth!


Scripture

Psalm 121

¹ I look up to the mountains—
    does my help come from there?

² My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth!

Observation

Where does our help come from? Where are we looking for help? 

We are not going to find it on Capitol Hill. We are not going to find it in pills, booze, sex, entertainment, riches, people, horoscopes, tarot card readers, etc., nope, our help will come from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! 

So let’s repent! Lets return to the Lord and ask Him for help. 

If you have been living without God’s help where has that gotten you? 

Why not look up and cry out to the Lord for help? 

He knows just what we need and He is ready and willing to help us if we will just ask!

.
I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me. Psalm 86:7

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior. Psalm 38:22

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1

Application

I will call on my Heavenly Father to help me today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me today to ask You for help. I want to pray first instead of last. Help me to trust You completely with all of my heart. Help me to put You first in my life today. Because my help comes from You, Lord, who made heaven and earth!

   

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 9,10; Acts 13,14;Psalm 21, Psalm 121; Proverbs 21

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If My Misery Could Be weighed And My Troubles Be Put On The Scales, They Would Outweigh All The Sands Of The Sea.

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If My Misery Could Be weighed
And My Troubles Be Put On The Scales,
They Would Outweigh All The Sands Of The Sea.

Scripture

Job 6

² “If my misery could be weighed
    and my troubles be put on the scales,
³ they would outweigh all the sands of the sea. That is why I spoke impulsively.

Job 7
5 My body is covered with maggots and scabs.
    My skin breaks open, oozing with pus.

Observation

The next time I am having a very bad rotten terrible kind of a day I want the Lord to remind me of Job 6:2-3 and Job 7:5! I don’t think my aches and pains and my minor troubles are anything compared to the sufferings of Job. In fact, my worst days are nothing to compared to what my Lord and my Savior Jesus Christ experienced for me. No pity party for me today! How about you? 

Isaiah 53

⁴ Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
    it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
    a punishment for his own sins!
 
⁵ But he was pierced for our rebellion,
    crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
    He was whipped so we could be healed.

7 He was oppressed and treated harshly,
    yet he never said a word.
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
    And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,
    he did not open his mouth.

9 He had done no wrong
    and had never deceived anyone.
But he was buried like a criminal;
    he was put in a rich man’s grave.

“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” Job 13:15

Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:10

Application

I will try hard not to complain about my small aches and pains and my little bit of suffering. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that what I am going through is “small potatoes” compared to what other people deal with. I know that the suffering that my Savior endured for me was beyond what I can even imagine. Help me focus on the needs of the people around me. I pray for those dealing with pain from either a disease or from the treatment for that disease. Show them that they can trust in You to help them during this difficult time. Show them Your Power. Give them Your Strength. You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You have power over all disease and sickness. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 6,7,8; Acts 12

 
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With God’s Help We Will Do Mighty Things

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With God’s Help
We
Will Do Mighty Things



Scripture

Psalm 108

¹ My heart is confident in you, O God;
    no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!
⁴ For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens.
    Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
¹³ With God’s help we will do mighty things,
    for he will trample down our foes.

Observation

With God’s help what are we going to do with our lives? Think about life … are we wasting it, or are we allowing God to use us?  Lets not squander or miss any opportunity to be used by God. With God’s help we will do mighty things, for He will trample down our foes. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Philippians 4:13 (Personalized)

And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! Psalm 90:17

   

 Application

I will ask for God’s help today and with His help I will do mighty things.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, my heart is confident I you, no wonder I can sing Your praises with all my heart! Your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. With Your help we will do mighty things, because You will trample down our foes.

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 5; Psalms 108; Acts 10,11

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In Your Strength I Can Crush An Army; With My God I Can Scale Any Wall.

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In Your Strength
I Can Crush An Army;
With My God I Can Scale Any Wall. 

Scripture

Psalm 18

19 He led me to a place of safety;
    he rescued me because he delights in me.
29 In your strength I can crush an army;
    with my God I can scale any wall.

Psalm 139

¹⁷ How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
    They cannot be numbered!
¹⁸ I can’t even count them;
    they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
    you are still with me!

Philippians 4

I can do all things through Christ because he gives me strength.

Observation

What are we facing today?

Does it seem overwhelming?

Does it seem like a wall that is just too high to climb?

Then dig into God’s Word and check out Psalm 18, 118 and Psalm 139!

I threw in Philippians 4:13 because it came to my mind when I read Psalm 18.

Psalm 18 has got to be one of my favorite chapters in the entire Bible!

Dig in to Psalm 18 this morning! God is good! All the time! Don’t give up! Look up!

With God you and I can scale any wall!

Application

In God’s strength I will do everything that needs to get done today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I love You; You are my strength. You are my rock, my fortress, and my savior. You are my rock, in whom I find protection. You are my shield, the Power that saves me and You are my place of safety. I called on You, who are worthy of praise, and You saved me from my enemies. (Psalm 18:1-3 Personalized)

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 3,4; Acts 8,9; Psalm 18, Psalm 118; Proverbs 18



> If you are reading this simple blog this morning you are an encouragement to me!

> I have made it a habit to pray for those who read this blog! I enjoy lifting you and your family up to the Lord in prayer.

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