Wednesday, June 26, 2019

But Jonah Got Up And Went In The Opposite Direction To Get Away From The Lord.


But Jonah Got Up
And Went In The Opposite Direction
To Get Away From The Lord.
Scripture
Jonah 1
1 The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai:
2 “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.”
3 But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish.
Observation

Are you, like the Prophet Jonah, going in the wrong direction?

I am greatly encouraged when I hear stories about people who have decided to stop running from God and have made the decision to live for Him.

I still have people close to me who are trying to live their lives like God doesn't exist. And I might add that it is not working out very well for them. But I know that God is constantly at work in their lives and He is in hot pursuit of them.

Oh yes, God is pursuing each and every one of us. He loves us. He wants to bless us. He wants us to trust and depend on Him.

Obedience and Blessing go hand in hand … so if you want things to change in your life … live a life of obedience!

Matthew 7:28
But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.
Romans 6:16
Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.
Ephesians 2:2
You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.
Application
I know God loves me. I know that He wants me to live a life of obedience.
How about you?
Luke 11:28
Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”
Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am so ready to see a change in the lives of some of the people that are close to me. I am tired of seeing them miss out on all the wonderful things that they could be experiencing. Oh, if they would just turn their lives in Your direction. Lord, open up their spiritual eyes. Help them to walk in obedience. None of us deserve Your love. None of us deserve Your mercy. Work in their hearts so they can also receive what they do not deserve.
Daily Bible Reading: Jonah 1,2,3,4; 2 Timothy 2



Tuesday, June 25, 2019

The Spirit God Gave Us Does Not Make Us Afraid. His Spirit Is A Source Of Power And Love And Self-control.


The Spirit God Gave Us Does Not Make Us Afraid.
His Spirit
Is A Source Of Power And Love And Self-control.
Scripture
2 Timothy 1
7 The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.
Observation
What are you facing today?
Let me encourage you to dive into God's Word right now so you will be able to have the strength to handle what is coming your direction!
The Apostle Paul was encouraging his son in the faith, young Timothy, to be strong. It is a good word for us too.
2 Timothy 1:7 reminds me of another verse,
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 1:3
And those two verses remind me of this verse,
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” Romans 8:11
Whatever you and I are facing today we can handle it through the power of God's Holy Spirit who lives in us!
So let's be strong in the Lord and not wimp out!
Application
I will face whatever comes my way today with boldness.
How about you?
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the strength that I need to live out this day in a way that makes You smile. Don't let me be afraid. Don't let me wimp out. Fill me and control me with Your Holy Spirit, that same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead!
Psalm 46:1-3
1 God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come
    and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam.
    Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! 
Daily Bible Reading: Joel 1,2,3; 2 Timothy 1



Monday, June 24, 2019

After All, We Brought Nothing With Us When We Came Into The World, And We Can't Take Anything With Us When We Leave It.



After All,
We Brought Nothing With Us When We Came Into The World,
And We Can't Take Anything With Us When We Leave It.
Scripture
1 Timothy 6
6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.

8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
Observation
The truly wealthy in this world is not the millionaires and billionaires.
The truly wealthy are described in 1 Timothy 6:6. So let me ask you this question, “Do you consider yourself to be wealthy?”
We live in a culture that by design stirs up discontent. We are bombarded with messages constantly trying to get us to buy something else.
Storage units are being built all over our city and probably all over the country just to store all the stuff that we thought we had to have.
I don't need to tell you that we don't need the biggest, the newest, the fastest, or the prettiest anything to make us happy or content.
The newest is only new for a day, shiny things quickly lose their shine.
None of the stuff that we can acquire will bring us contentment. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
Application
I will focus my attention on my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, don't let me focus on the wrong things today. Help me to keep my eyes on You. Help me to be content with what I have. I am blessed. Because You are my Shepherd I have everything that I need. Help me to be content.
I pray for any person reading this blog today. Don't let them get sidetracked with things that are not the most important. Help them to keep You as the Number One priority of his or her life. Show them that they can trust You to meet every one of their needs. Help them to live godly lives. Help them to be content.
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 11,12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6



Sunday, June 23, 2019


Listen To Your Father,
Who Gave You Life,
And Don't Despise Your Mother When She Is Old.
I now realize and understand that it was because my Dad wasn't a Christian that he just didn't know how to love his wife or his kids like God intended for a Dad to love his family. I have forgiven him a long time ago for his lack of love.
Scripture
Proverbs 23
22 Listen to your father, who gave you life,
    and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
23 Get the truth and never sell it;
    also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
24 The father of godly children has cause for joy.
    What a pleasure to have children who are wise.
25 So give your father and mother joy!
    May she who gave you birth be happy.
Observation
My Dad, even though he mistreated my Mom, and didn't know how to really love us, kids, he did teach me some very important things about life. My Dad worked hard and didn't back away from a challenge.
I have good memories of fishing with my Dad when I was very young in elementary school.
It was when my three siblings and I got older that my Mom and my Dad started having serious problems.
I now realize and understand that it was because my Dad wasn't a Christian that he just didn't know how to love his wife or his kids like God intended for a Dad to love his family.
I have forgiven him a long time ago for his lack of love.
So I now have 5 great kids and 15 wonderful grandchildren. It is my prayer they live out Proverbs 23:22-25.
I hope that each one of them realizes that even though Mom and Dad are far from perfect, that we love each one of them very much.
Application
I will try to live my life close to the Lord so that my children and my grandchildren can see Jesus in me.
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the capacity to love people, especially my family, with Your Agape love. Don't let me be a stumbling block that would keep them from a relationship with You. I pray for their salvation. May each one of them fall in love with You.
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 22,23; 1 Timothy 5; I added: Psalm 23, Psalm 93; Proverbs 23



Saturday, June 22, 2019

Be An Example To All Believers In What You Say, In The Way You Live, In Your Love, Your Faith, And Your Purity.


Be An Example To All Believers
In What You Say, In The Way You Live,
In Your Love, Your Faith, And Your Purity.
Scripture
1 Timothy 4
Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.

“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. 

10 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.

11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 
12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
Observation

The Apostle Paul's words to young Timothy are good words for me!
Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better!” “Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”
So even though I am pretty sure that getting up and getting 10,000 steps in a day is important for me, taking the time to open up God's Word, to read it and spend time alone with God is way more important!”
Maybe you and I could cut down on the time we spend on Facebook and take that extra time to spend a few minutes in God's Word!
Application
I will read and spend time in God's Word every day.
How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to not neglect time alone with You every single day. Give me an even greater love for Your Word. Show me things in Your Word that You don't want me to miss. Show me new things each time I open up the Bible. Don't let my love for You to grow cold.
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 8,9; 2 Chronicles 21; 1 Timothy 4



Friday, June 21, 2019

Do Not Be Afraid! Don't Be Discouraged By This Mighty Army, For The Battle Is Not Yours, But God's.


Do Not Be Afraid!
Don't Be Discouraged By This Mighty Army,
For The Battle Is Not Yours, But God's.
Scripture
2 Chronicles 20
12 O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”
13 As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, 14 the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph.
15 He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 
16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 
17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”
Observation
I love to read these amazing stories found in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles! God has those stories recorded in the Bible for a reason. They are to show me that He is able to take care of me. He will fight my battles when I put my trust and my faith in Him.
He will also fight your battles if you go to Him and ask Him for His help.
So let's admit to God that we are powerless to handle the situation. Let's go to Him for help. Let's let God fight our battles!
What battle are you facing today?
Take time to take it to the Lord in prayer and ask Him for His help, for the Lord is with you!
Application
I will trust the Lord to fight for me today.
How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, I need Your help today. Give me strength. Show me that I can depend on You to fight my battles.
I pray for any person reading this blog today. Help them to slow down and take time to read Your Word today. Show them that they can trust You with whatever is going on in his or her life. I am reminded today that nothing is too hard for You. Impossible, is not in Your vocabulary.
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 6,7; 2 Chronicles 20; 1 Timothy 3



Thursday, June 20, 2019

I Urge You, First Of All, To Pray For All People. Ask God To Help Them; Intercede On Their Behalf, And Give Thanks For Them.


I Urge You, First Of All, To Pray For All People.
Ask God To Help Them;
Intercede On Their Behalf, And Give Thanks For Them.
Scripture
1 Timothy 2
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 
2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
Observation
Who are we praying for? It is certainly okay to pray for ourselves sometimes, but if that is the only person that we spend our time praying for then we have totally missed it. God wants to answer our prayers as we pray for the people that He has brought into our lives.
I remember what the Prophet Samuel said “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you ...” 1 Samuel 12:23
Thanks to all of you who prayed with me for my friend Don Kennedy. He came through surgery well. Please continue to pray for his complete recovery!
Application

I will pray for those that God places on my heart. I know that He is working in their lives.

How about you? Who are you praying for?
Romans 1:9
God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son.”
Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that there is nothing more important for me to do than to pray for those who You put on my heart. Help me not to get so distracted with my own stuff that I neglect praying for those that You want me to pray for. You are a good, good Father. You love to answer our prayers. All You want from us is for us to trust You and for think about others more than we think about ourselves. Help me to do that today.
Thank You for answering my prayer for my friend Don. Now help him to have a speedy recovery! And I pray for his total healing.
I pray for my daughter-in-law Dominique as she has our grand-baby today. Be with her and my son Eddie as they have baby Eden!
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 4,5; Psalms 83; 1 Timothy 2



Wednesday, June 19, 2019

You Saw Me Before I Was Born. Every Day Of My Life Was Recorded In Your Book.


You Saw Me
Before I Was Born.
Every Day Of My Life Was Recorded In Your Book.
Scripture
Psalm 139
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
    as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.

16 You saw me before I was born.
    Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Observation
Tomorrow our daughter-in-law Dominque will give birth to our 15th grandchild!
Yes, tomorrow our newest granddaughter Eden will make her grand entrance into this world.
My prayer for her is that she will grow up knowing, trusting, and loving God with all of her heart.
I pray that my son Eddie and his wife Dominque will raise Eden with the training and teaching of the Lord. Please pray for them today!
Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not make your children angry, but raise them with the training and teaching of the Lord.
Application
I will do my best to be a good example for my grandchildren and my children. I want them to see Jesus in me.
How about you?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, our children are a gift from You. Help us raise them in a way that helps them know and trust You. I pray for that You give my children wisdom as they raise their children. Help them to see how important it is to put You first in their lives. Don't let them their life apart from You. Give them the ability to raise their children with the training and teaching that comes from You.
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 1,2,3; Psalms 82; 1 Timothy 1; I added: Psalm 39, Psalm 139; Proverbs 19



Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Live Wisely Among Those Who Are Not Believers, And Make The Most Of Every Opportunity.


Live Wisely
Among Those Who Are Not Believers,
And Make The Most Of Every Opportunity.
Scripture
Colossians 4
5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 
6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Observation

What we say and how we say it does matter, especially when it comes to how we act when we are around non-believers.

You and I have the opportunity to be salt and light, a real influence, but in order for that to happen, we need to carefully think about how we live.

I have just started reading the book, “MARRIAGE AFTER GOD Chasing Boldly After God's Purpose for Your Life Together”, and in one of the chapters the authors, Aaron and Jennifer Smith, asked this question, “Am I the man that I am encouraging other men to be?”

Am I? Are you?
Application
I will look for opportunities to share my faith.
I will also think about my life and look for things that need to change to make me a more effective witness for Christ.
How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be a more effective witness for You. Show me every 'thing' in my life that needs to change to make me more like Jesus. Bring people into my life who I can encourage in their journey of faith. Don't let me be a stumbling block to anyone.
I pray today for my friends, Doug and Julia, as they grieve the death of Julia's Dad. You are the God of all comfort and all compassion. Help them and also help Julia's Mom and Julia's brother Phil as they go through this time of grief and loss.
I pray for my friend Don who is facing surgery tomorrow. Guide the surgeon's hands. Take care of every detail of Don's life. Give him and his wife Edith a supernatural peace that only comes with trusting in You.
Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18,19; Colossians 4



Monday, June 17, 2019

Make Allowance For Each Other's Faults ...


Make
Allowance
For Each Other's Faults ...
Scripture
Colossians 3
5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 

But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 

Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 

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

13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 

14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 

15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives.
Observation
In a relationship it is the differences between a couple that attracts and draws a couple together, but as I have watched over and over again it is also those differences that drive a couple apart!
Why can't you get along? Why can't you make your relationship work?
I think the answer can be found in Colossians 3:5-16.
What is our big problem? Why is it so hard to live with someone?
The short answer is this: You and I are sinners and the person who we have committed to living with for the rest of our life is also a sinner.
Plus, Satan doesn't want you happily married and he will do everything in his power to rip you and your spouse apart. Your spouse is not your enemy. You have an enemy. His name is Satan.
Let's not give our enemy, Satan, ammunition.
Tell your spouse: I am a sinner. I am sorry. I love you. Will you forgive me?
Colossians 3
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 

13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 

14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 
Application
Today is Kathy's birthday! It is her day. We will celebrate!
How about you? What will you do special for your spouse or significant other today?
Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is so easy to blame our partner for our fusses and disagreements. It is so easy for me to see the flaws in someone else when I am totally unable to see my own. Help me, Lord. Show me each and every time I mess up. Convict me when I sin. Don't let me blame other people when I am the problem.
Help me to live out Colossians 3:16-17 “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
I pray today for Kathy on her birthday. May Your face shine brightly on her. Continue to use her in the lives of my children, grandchildren, and so many others. Thank You for giving me such a wonderful wife and best friend. You are so good.
Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 20,21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3
> 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.



Sunday, June 16, 2019

And Now, Just As You Accepted Christ Jesus As Your Lord, You Must Continue To Follow Him.


And Now, Just As You Accepted Christ Jesus As Your Lord,
You Must
Continue To Follow Him.
Scripture
Colossians 2
6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 
7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.
10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
Observation
Salvation is a one-time event, but Lordship is a daily choice that you and I must make every morning. It is so easy to let the things of this world get us sidetracked. Satan does not want you in church growing spiritually every day.
He knows how to get us sidetracked. He knows how to keep you from growing spiritually. He is good at laying distractions in our way.
Maybe you were growing spiritually and were very active in church, but lately one thing or another has kept you from attending church. Maybe your love for the Lord and your desire for the things of God has grown cold because of one reason or another.
If that is the case then let me suggest that you do what you already know that you need to do.
Church starts in a few minutes. Get dressed and get yourself to church.
Ask God to rekindle that fire that you used to feel for Him. You accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, now you must continue to follow him.
Let's get moving …
And Happy Father's Day to all you Dad's out there!
Application
The best thing that I can do for my kids, my grandkids, and my wife is to keep my relationship with Jesus Christ as my number one priority.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, don't let me get sidetracked. I don't want my relationship with You to grow cold. Keep me away from stupid sins. Don't let the evil one has his way in my life.
I pray for my children and my grandchildren. Help them grow in their relationship with You. I want them to experience all of the good things that You have for them.
I pray for any Dad that might be reading this blog. Help him finish well. Help him to be the man of God that You want him to be. Give him strength and give him the desire to keep You first in his life. Bless him, Lord.
Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 17,18,19; Colossians 2



Saturday, June 15, 2019

We Also Pray That You Will Be Strengthened With All His Glorious Power So You Will Have All The Endurance And Patience You Need.


We Also Pray That You Will Be Strengthened
With All His Glorious Power So You Will Have
All The Endurance And Patience You Need.
Scripture
Colossians 1
11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,
12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. 
13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,
14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Observation
Are you at the end of your rope? Are you wanting to give up?
If that describes you and describes just how you feel today then tie a knot at the end of your rope and hang on! I am praying for you!
I am praying that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy!
Life is brutal. It is full of pain and suffering. God never intended for us to live life without him. The Bible or Bibles that we have in our house do us no good at all if we don't open them each day and spend time alone with God.
I also read in Kings and Chronicles today as part of my daily Bible reading. Those books give me a clear picture of what life is like when I neglect my relationship with the Lord and what life is like when I repent and turn back and put God first.
Drama, fighting, inner turmoil, defeat, hopelessness, sadness, and misery are a pretty accurate description of life when God is not the main focus of our lives.
Is life a mess? Are you at the end of your rope?
Hang on and look up!
Application
My joy comes from my relationship with the Lord. He will sustain me.
How about you?
Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Philippians 4:4
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, You know that my heart is heavy with concern for those close to me who are living in turmoil. Drama, fighting, arguing, defeat, harsh words, and turmoil seem to dominate their lives. It breaks my heart. But I know that only You and a right relationship with You is the only thing that can change their situation.
I pray for those who are sick and who are feeling bad. Don't let them operate on feelings. Give them strength today to trust in You in spite of his or her illness. Help them to focus on relationships and not on themselves. You know that I know personally how hard it is to focus on others when you are hurting, but give them the strength to do just that.
Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 15,16; Colossians 1