1 Samuel 20; 1 Samuel 21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5
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Taste and See That The Lord is Good!
Scripture
Psalm 34
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
for those who fear him will have all they need
Observation
This is a great promise for us. Try God and see that He is good. Those that take refuge in Him are filled with joy. Those that fear Him will have everything that they need.
Application
I will trust in the Lord by taking things to Him in prayer and not doing them on my own.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to depend on You and not on myself. You are Mighty. Nothing is too hard for You.
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Monday, April 18, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Are You Weak This Morning?
1 Samuel 19; 1 Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4
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Are You Weak This Morning?
Scripture
Psalm 59
9 You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me,
for you, O God, are my fortress.
10 In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me.
He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies.
Observation
Are you weak this morning? Let God be your strength. Are you in trouble? Let God rescue you? Do you need a place to hide? Let God be your fortress.
Application
I need the Lord's strength this morning. I will rely on Him to get me through this day.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are my hiding place. You are my fortress. You are my strength this morning. Thank You for standing with me. I am not alone.
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Are You Weak This Morning?
Scripture
Psalm 59
9 You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me,
for you, O God, are my fortress.
10 In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me.
He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies.
Observation
Are you weak this morning? Let God be your strength. Are you in trouble? Let God rescue you? Do you need a place to hide? Let God be your fortress.
Application
I need the Lord's strength this morning. I will rely on Him to get me through this day.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are my hiding place. You are my fortress. You are my strength this morning. Thank You for standing with me. I am not alone.
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Saturday, April 16, 2011
The Message Is Still The Same
1 Samuel 18; 1 Chronicles 6; Psalm 11; Matthew 3
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The Message Is Still The Same
Scripture
Matthew 3
2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
Observation
Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. This message is for us today just was it was for the people of Jesus' day. We are closer to His return now than ever before.
Are you ready?
Our job while we are on this earth is to help as many people as possible do just what this verse says, “Repent of your sins and turn to God”. How are you doing on sharing the Good News? How am I doing?
Application
I will look for every opportunity today to share with people.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for the people that we will see at Mission Tampa today. Help us minister to them in a way that will make You smile. Give us strength for this day. You are a Mighty God. You are changing lives all around us. You are constantly working in the lives of every person that I will meet today. You are an awesome God.
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The Message Is Still The SameScripture
Matthew 3
2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
Observation
Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. This message is for us today just was it was for the people of Jesus' day. We are closer to His return now than ever before.
Are you ready?
Our job while we are on this earth is to help as many people as possible do just what this verse says, “Repent of your sins and turn to God”. How are you doing on sharing the Good News? How am I doing?
Application
I will look for every opportunity today to share with people.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for the people that we will see at Mission Tampa today. Help us minister to them in a way that will make You smile. Give us strength for this day. You are a Mighty God. You are changing lives all around us. You are constantly working in the lives of every person that I will meet today. You are an awesome God.
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Friday, April 15, 2011
Strength For Taking On Our Giants
1 Samuel 17; Psalm 9; Matthew 2
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Strength For Taking On Our Giants
Scripture
Psalm 9
9 The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.
Observation
As I read in 1 Samuel 17 about David and Goliath I was reminded that there is no better place to be than right in the middle of God's will. David took on Goliath with only a sling shot. Humanly speaking the odds were definitely against him; there was no way he could beat a giant like Goliath. Goliath had a spear so big that the tip weighed a whopping 15 pounds. It had the weight of 3 five pound bags of sugar, just visualize that! He was huge. It was an impossible task humanly speaking. But God is a shelter for the oppressed (David and me) and He is a refuge in times of trouble.
We all have giants that we will face today. How will you face them? How will I do battle with them?
Application
I will trust in the Lord. He is my refuge. He is my strength. He will fight my battles for me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are my shelter. You are my refuge. You are my hiding place. You give me strength to fight my Giants my Goliaths. I trust in You and I know that You will not abandon me. I will never be alone.
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Strength For Taking On Our Giants
Scripture
Psalm 9
9 The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.
Observation
As I read in 1 Samuel 17 about David and Goliath I was reminded that there is no better place to be than right in the middle of God's will. David took on Goliath with only a sling shot. Humanly speaking the odds were definitely against him; there was no way he could beat a giant like Goliath. Goliath had a spear so big that the tip weighed a whopping 15 pounds. It had the weight of 3 five pound bags of sugar, just visualize that! He was huge. It was an impossible task humanly speaking. But God is a shelter for the oppressed (David and me) and He is a refuge in times of trouble.
We all have giants that we will face today. How will you face them? How will I do battle with them?
Application
I will trust in the Lord. He is my refuge. He is my strength. He will fight my battles for me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are my shelter. You are my refuge. You are my hiding place. You give me strength to fight my Giants my Goliaths. I trust in You and I know that You will not abandon me. I will never be alone.
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Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Grow To Maturity
1 Samuel 14; 1 Chronicles 4; 2 Corinthians 13
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Grow To Maturity
Scripture
2 Corinthians 13:10
...Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
Observation
Paul closes his letter to the Corinthians with these words, “Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”
He commands the believers to “be joyful, to grow to maturity, to encourage each other, and to live in harmony and peace.” Why did he need to say those things? Because our default button is to do and to be just the opposite. We are wired with an old nature that loves to be sad, loves to be lazy, loves to discourage, and loves to fight.” So we must depend on our new nature which is “Christ” living in us.
Application
I will work today to put this verse into practice as I deal with people!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be joyful. Help me to grow today. Help me be an encourager. Help me to live in harmony and peace.
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Grow To Maturity
Scripture
2 Corinthians 13:10
...Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
Observation
Paul closes his letter to the Corinthians with these words, “Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”
He commands the believers to “be joyful, to grow to maturity, to encourage each other, and to live in harmony and peace.” Why did he need to say those things? Because our default button is to do and to be just the opposite. We are wired with an old nature that loves to be sad, loves to be lazy, loves to discourage, and loves to fight.” So we must depend on our new nature which is “Christ” living in us.
Application
I will work today to put this verse into practice as I deal with people!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be joyful. Help me to grow today. Help me be an encourager. Help me to live in harmony and peace.
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Tuesday, April 12, 2011
God's Grace is Enough!
1 Samuel 13; 1 Chronicles 2; 1 Chronicles 3; 2 Corinthians 12
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God's Grace is Enough!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 12
9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
Observation
“My grace is all you need.” My grace is all you need...period...end of story! God's grace is all that we need. Paul is sharing a huge secret with us. He is sharing the key to how to live this life here on earth which is living life through the power of Christ who lives within us.
Paul had the opportunity to actually experience Heaven. He said that he got to hear things that humans are not allowed to hear. I think it is interesting that he said “hear” and he did not say “see”. I would have thought that he would have seen things that were too wonderful for humans to see, but he heard things that humans are not allowed to hear. Was it the angelic choir? Who knows, but what ever it was God allowed Paul to experience something very very special. Maybe he had this experience when he was being beaten with rods, or with whips, or while he was floating around in the sea, or maybe when he was stoned and left for dead.
I would love to have the experience of hearing and even seeing the neat things in Heaven, but I don't care about having any of the hardships that Paul experienced to get that opportunity. He more than deserved it.
Application
I will rely on the power of Christ today to help me do the things that I need to do. I realize that my weakness is the opportunity for God to show off His power. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I realize that so many things that I need to accomplish are way beyond my strength and capability. But Your grace is sufficient for me. I will rely on You. Help me to do that this week as I do things things that You direct me to do. You are a Mighty God. Nothing is too hard for You.
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God's Grace is Enough!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 12
9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
Observation
“My grace is all you need.” My grace is all you need...period...end of story! God's grace is all that we need. Paul is sharing a huge secret with us. He is sharing the key to how to live this life here on earth which is living life through the power of Christ who lives within us.
Paul had the opportunity to actually experience Heaven. He said that he got to hear things that humans are not allowed to hear. I think it is interesting that he said “hear” and he did not say “see”. I would have thought that he would have seen things that were too wonderful for humans to see, but he heard things that humans are not allowed to hear. Was it the angelic choir? Who knows, but what ever it was God allowed Paul to experience something very very special. Maybe he had this experience when he was being beaten with rods, or with whips, or while he was floating around in the sea, or maybe when he was stoned and left for dead.
I would love to have the experience of hearing and even seeing the neat things in Heaven, but I don't care about having any of the hardships that Paul experienced to get that opportunity. He more than deserved it.
Application
I will rely on the power of Christ today to help me do the things that I need to do. I realize that my weakness is the opportunity for God to show off His power. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I realize that so many things that I need to accomplish are way beyond my strength and capability. But Your grace is sufficient for me. I will rely on You. Help me to do that this week as I do things things that You direct me to do. You are a Mighty God. Nothing is too hard for You.
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Monday, April 11, 2011
A Pastor's Heart
1 Samuel 11; 1 Samuel 12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11
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A Pastor's Heart
Scripture
2 Corinthians 11
28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?
Observation
Do you care? You you care about the condition of the Christians in your church, in your small group, in your Sunday School class? Do you care enough to pray for them? Do you care enough to confront them or care enough to encourage them?
They are sheep without a shepherd unless someone cares. Look around today and help someone.
Application
I will look for someone to encourage today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be sensitive to the needs of others around me today. Give me a heart like the Apostle Paul's or better yet give me a heart like Yours!
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A Pastor's HeartScripture
2 Corinthians 11
28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?
Observation
Do you care? You you care about the condition of the Christians in your church, in your small group, in your Sunday School class? Do you care enough to pray for them? Do you care enough to confront them or care enough to encourage them?
They are sheep without a shepherd unless someone cares. Look around today and help someone.
Application
I will look for someone to encourage today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be sensitive to the needs of others around me today. Give me a heart like the Apostle Paul's or better yet give me a heart like Yours!
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Sunday, April 10, 2011
Living For The Praise Of ONE! Serving An Audience of ONE!
1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 9; 1 Samuel 10; 2 Corinthians 10
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Living For The Praise Of ONE! Serving An Audience of ONE!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 10
18 When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.
Observation
Today's reading in 2 Corinthians 10 is a great reminder that we don't need the praise of men, but we do need the praise of ONE. Don't worry about what everybody else thinks about what you are doing. You should be concerned about serving the ONE Who really counts.
Jesus Christ should be the ONE we serve. Recognition by the people that you serve is way overrated and you better be careful not to serve them just to receive their praise. There will be times when they are not real happy with the decisions that you make and they may even fight against you. We have plenty of examples in scripture that prove what I am saying just look at the church in Corinth.
Application
I will serve the Lord today. I will serve an audience of ONE. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for waking me up this morning with excitement. Thank You for giving me assurance that today You are going to work powerfully within our church. I pray that Your Hand continues to remain on our church. We are nothing without You. I pray that You use Pastor Bruce today in a powerful way. I pray that every word that he says communicates clearly and I pray that people will be saved today and that lives are changed. Thank You for allowing me to serve You.
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Living For The Praise Of ONE! Serving An Audience of ONE!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 10
18 When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.
Observation
Today's reading in 2 Corinthians 10 is a great reminder that we don't need the praise of men, but we do need the praise of ONE. Don't worry about what everybody else thinks about what you are doing. You should be concerned about serving the ONE Who really counts.
Jesus Christ should be the ONE we serve. Recognition by the people that you serve is way overrated and you better be careful not to serve them just to receive their praise. There will be times when they are not real happy with the decisions that you make and they may even fight against you. We have plenty of examples in scripture that prove what I am saying just look at the church in Corinth.
Application
I will serve the Lord today. I will serve an audience of ONE. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for waking me up this morning with excitement. Thank You for giving me assurance that today You are going to work powerfully within our church. I pray that Your Hand continues to remain on our church. We are nothing without You. I pray that You use Pastor Bruce today in a powerful way. I pray that every word that he says communicates clearly and I pray that people will be saved today and that lives are changed. Thank You for allowing me to serve You.
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Saturday, April 09, 2011
Why God Provides Us With More Than We Need
1 Samuel 6; 1 Samuel 7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians 9
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Why God Provides Us With More Than We Need
Scripture
2 Corinthians 9
7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
Observation
God provides us with more than enough to live on so we can be generous with others around us that are in need. He never gave us more than need for us to spend it on ourselves.
You may say, “God hasn't provided me with more than I need because just look at all of this debt I owe.” If you and I have accumulated debt and we have nothing to show for it then it could very well be that we have spent the extra that God provided for us on ourselves instead of being generous and helping others. It is the law of the harvest. If you and I have sowed sparingly then we will also reap sparingly.
Application
God provides us with more than we need but He expects that the extra go to others and not on ourselves. I will look for ways to share with others.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be a cheerful giver. Help me to be generous with those around me. Show me who I can help.
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Why God Provides Us With More Than We Need
Scripture
2 Corinthians 9
7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
Observation
God provides us with more than enough to live on so we can be generous with others around us that are in need. He never gave us more than need for us to spend it on ourselves.
You may say, “God hasn't provided me with more than I need because just look at all of this debt I owe.” If you and I have accumulated debt and we have nothing to show for it then it could very well be that we have spent the extra that God provided for us on ourselves instead of being generous and helping others. It is the law of the harvest. If you and I have sowed sparingly then we will also reap sparingly.
Application
God provides us with more than we need but He expects that the extra go to others and not on ourselves. I will look for ways to share with others.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be a cheerful giver. Help me to be generous with those around me. Show me who I can help.
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Friday, April 08, 2011
Poor So Others Can Be Rich
1 Samuel 3; 1 Samuel 4; 1 Samuel 5; Psalm 77; 2 Corinthians 8
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Poor So Others Can Be Rich
Scripture
2 Corinthians 8
9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
Observation
We are some of the richest people on the face of the earth. I am talking about you if you live in the USA. We have so much. There is a reason for our having so much and that is so we can give it away. We need to be generous. We need to share. We need to say “no” to accumulating more and more toys and say “yes” to make others rich.
Jesus owned it all, but for your sake and for my sake He became poor to make us rich. What can you live without to make someone else rich. The Apostle Paul made the same statement as he wrote to the churches. He was poor but he made people spiritually rich.
I am spiritually rich. I need to live with less so other people can live with the riches of knowing Christ.
Application
I will choose to stay poor (still rich by the world's standards) and focus on the kingdom.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me live today like I understand what Paul is saying in this passage.
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Poor So Others Can Be Rich
Scripture
2 Corinthians 8
9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
Observation
We are some of the richest people on the face of the earth. I am talking about you if you live in the USA. We have so much. There is a reason for our having so much and that is so we can give it away. We need to be generous. We need to share. We need to say “no” to accumulating more and more toys and say “yes” to make others rich.
Jesus owned it all, but for your sake and for my sake He became poor to make us rich. What can you live without to make someone else rich. The Apostle Paul made the same statement as he wrote to the churches. He was poor but he made people spiritually rich.
I am spiritually rich. I need to live with less so other people can live with the riches of knowing Christ.
Application
I will choose to stay poor (still rich by the world's standards) and focus on the kingdom.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me live today like I understand what Paul is saying in this passage.
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Wednesday, April 06, 2011
We Own Nothing, and Yet We Have Everything
Ruth 3; Ruth 4; Psalm 64; Psalm 65; 2 Corinthians 6
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We Own Nothing, and Yet We Have Everything
Scripture
2 Corinthians 6
10 Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.
Observation
When I think about all the stuff that I have accumulated I realize that I am not in the same league as the Apostle Paul. When he says that he had nothing, I believe that he made a choice not to accumulate stuff. He made a choice to do without.
You and I can own nothing and yet at the same time we can have everything if we understand how the kingdom of God works. We can be poor but we can at the same time be able to give spiritual riches to others. We can own nothing, and yet have everything.
This passage reminds me of what Jesus says in the sermon on the mount,
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:25-33
Application
I am content with all that God has provided me. I can give spiritual riches to others that come my way today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of what I don't need. Continue to help me to walk by faith. You have blessed me so much. Help me be a blessing to others as I go through this day.
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We Own Nothing, and Yet We Have Everything
Scripture
2 Corinthians 6
10 Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.
Observation
When I think about all the stuff that I have accumulated I realize that I am not in the same league as the Apostle Paul. When he says that he had nothing, I believe that he made a choice not to accumulate stuff. He made a choice to do without.
You and I can own nothing and yet at the same time we can have everything if we understand how the kingdom of God works. We can be poor but we can at the same time be able to give spiritual riches to others. We can own nothing, and yet have everything.
This passage reminds me of what Jesus says in the sermon on the mount,
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:25-33
Application
I am content with all that God has provided me. I can give spiritual riches to others that come my way today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of what I don't need. Continue to help me to walk by faith. You have blessed me so much. Help me be a blessing to others as I go through this day.
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Tuesday, April 05, 2011
#1 Goal in Life!
Ruth 1; Ruth 2; Psalm 53; Psalm 61; 2 Corinthians 5
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#1 Goal in Life!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 5
9 “...our goal is to please him.”
Observation
What is the number one goal in your life...to make money...to be happy...to have a comfortable life...to raise up a family etc.? What drives you everyday to get up and live life? What drives me is the goal that the Apostle Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 5:9 when he says, “...our goal is to please him”.
This should be the number one goal for every Christian on this planet. We should live to please Him and to bring Him glory and honor...period! Do you have some other goals that have become more important than that? If you have allowed other things to gain the number one priority in your life then you need to make some changes. Surrender your life today to the One who can radically change your life. Make it your number one goal to please Him today.
Application
I will live today with pleasing God as my highest priority. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to live today in a way that pleases You. Give me Your ideas, Your vision, and give me energy and drive to make this day count for you. I pray for the friend that I met with a few minutes ago that You bless him today. Help him make good decisions. May he have Your wisdom as he lives out this day. Meet his needs and show him the right steps to take.
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#1 Goal in Life!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 5
9 “...our goal is to please him.”
Observation
What is the number one goal in your life...to make money...to be happy...to have a comfortable life...to raise up a family etc.? What drives you everyday to get up and live life? What drives me is the goal that the Apostle Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 5:9 when he says, “...our goal is to please him”.
This should be the number one goal for every Christian on this planet. We should live to please Him and to bring Him glory and honor...period! Do you have some other goals that have become more important than that? If you have allowed other things to gain the number one priority in your life then you need to make some changes. Surrender your life today to the One who can radically change your life. Make it your number one goal to please Him today.
Application
I will live today with pleasing God as my highest priority. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to live today in a way that pleases You. Give me Your ideas, Your vision, and give me energy and drive to make this day count for you. I pray for the friend that I met with a few minutes ago that You bless him today. Help him make good decisions. May he have Your wisdom as he lives out this day. Meet his needs and show him the right steps to take.
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Monday, April 04, 2011
Never Give Up
Judges 19; Judges 20; Judges 21; 2 Corinthians 4
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Never Give Up
Scripture
2 Corinthians 4
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
Observation
Do you ever feel like giving up? Is life just too overwhelming for you? Take Paul's advice and look beyond your troubles and fix your gaze on the things that cannot be seen. The things that we see will not last long but the things that you cannot see will last forever. The last time I checked “forever” was a very long time.
Application
I will fix my gaze on things that cannot be seen and not on my troubles.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me focus on the important stuff today and not on stuff that doesn't matter. Help me focus on your kingdom.
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Never Give Up
Scripture
2 Corinthians 4
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
Observation
Do you ever feel like giving up? Is life just too overwhelming for you? Take Paul's advice and look beyond your troubles and fix your gaze on the things that cannot be seen. The things that we see will not last long but the things that you cannot see will last forever. The last time I checked “forever” was a very long time.
Application
I will fix my gaze on things that cannot be seen and not on my troubles.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me focus on the important stuff today and not on stuff that doesn't matter. Help me focus on your kingdom.
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Sunday, April 03, 2011
More and More Like Him
Judges 17; Judges 18; Psalm 89; 2 Corinthians 3
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More and More Like Him
Scripture
2 Corinthians 3
18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
Observation
Do you need to be reminded that everyday we become more and more like Jesus and we are being changed into His glorious image? Sometimes when we feel bummed out it is good to remember that God is doing something very extraordinary in our lives and it is happening everyday that we live.
When we turn to the Lord and have the veil removed then we can see and reflect the glory of the Lord.
Application
I will go through this day knowing that what has happened to me is super extraordinary and because I have turned to the Lord I am being changed more and more to be like Him. I refuse to believe the Devil's lies today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me go through this day being able to see and reflect Your glory. Glorify Yourself through me today. Help me to walk close to You today so that You can receive glory and honor through my life.
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More and More Like Him
Scripture
2 Corinthians 3
18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
Observation
Do you need to be reminded that everyday we become more and more like Jesus and we are being changed into His glorious image? Sometimes when we feel bummed out it is good to remember that God is doing something very extraordinary in our lives and it is happening everyday that we live.
When we turn to the Lord and have the veil removed then we can see and reflect the glory of the Lord.
Application
I will go through this day knowing that what has happened to me is super extraordinary and because I have turned to the Lord I am being changed more and more to be like Him. I refuse to believe the Devil's lies today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me go through this day being able to see and reflect Your glory. Glorify Yourself through me today. Help me to walk close to You today so that You can receive glory and honor through my life.
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Saturday, April 02, 2011
Smelly Smelly Good!
Judges 13; Judges 14; Judges 15; Judges 16; 2 Corinthians 2
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Smelly Smelly Good!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 2
14 But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.
15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.
16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?
Observation
Are you smelly smelly good or are you smelly smelly bad? Are you like a sweet perfume to those that are being saved? Are you the smell of death to those that are rejecting Christ.
You do smell. Hopefully as a Christian you smell like a sweet perfume as you take the knowledge of Christ everywhere.
Application
Today I want to take the knowledge of Christ everywhere and I want to be smelly smelly good to those that come to Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be all that You want me to be today. Thank You for saving me.
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Smelly Smelly Good!
Scripture
2 Corinthians 2
14 But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.
15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.
16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?
Observation
Are you smelly smelly good or are you smelly smelly bad? Are you like a sweet perfume to those that are being saved? Are you the smell of death to those that are rejecting Christ.
You do smell. Hopefully as a Christian you smell like a sweet perfume as you take the knowledge of Christ everywhere.
Application
Today I want to take the knowledge of Christ everywhere and I want to be smelly smelly good to those that come to Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be all that You want me to be today. Thank You for saving me.
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Friday, April 01, 2011
God of All Comfort and All Compassion
Judges 11; Judges 12; Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 1
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God of All Comfort and All Compassion
Scripture
2 Corinthians 1
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
Observation
God comforts us in all of our troubles so that we can comfort others. It is what we are supposed to do. So do you know someone that is going through a difficult time. Pray for them. Let them know that you care. Be a comfort to them just like Christ has comforted you in the past.
Application
I will send this to someone that is going through a very difficult time and let him know that I am praying for him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God of all comfort and all compassion. Help me to be able to minister to others that are going through tough times. You care for us. You are thinking about us right now. It is amazing to think about how much You love us even though we don't deserve it. You are wonderful. You are totally worthy of Praise.
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God of All Comfort and All Compassion
Scripture
2 Corinthians 1
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
Observation
God comforts us in all of our troubles so that we can comfort others. It is what we are supposed to do. So do you know someone that is going through a difficult time. Pray for them. Let them know that you care. Be a comfort to them just like Christ has comforted you in the past.
Application
I will send this to someone that is going through a very difficult time and let him know that I am praying for him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God of all comfort and all compassion. Help me to be able to minister to others that are going through tough times. You care for us. You are thinking about us right now. It is amazing to think about how much You love us even though we don't deserve it. You are wonderful. You are totally worthy of Praise.
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Thursday, March 31, 2011
Do Everything With Love
Judges 9; Judges 10; Psalm 49; 1 Corinthians 16
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Do Everything With Love
Scripture
1 Corinthians 16
13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.
Observation
One day I want to count how many times in scripture we are exhorted to be courageous and to be strong. If we have to be reminded over and over again about something then I believe it is because we normally tend to do just the opposite.
We are also exhorted over and over again in scripture to do everything with love. So our natural bent would be to not love each other and to not do everything with love.
So today, "be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love."
Application
I will strive to do everything with love today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be strong and courageous. Help me to be on my guard. Help me to stand firm and do everything today with love. You are the Mighty King. You are worthy of all praise!
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Do Everything With Love
Scripture
1 Corinthians 16
13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.
Observation
One day I want to count how many times in scripture we are exhorted to be courageous and to be strong. If we have to be reminded over and over again about something then I believe it is because we normally tend to do just the opposite.
We are also exhorted over and over again in scripture to do everything with love. So our natural bent would be to not love each other and to not do everything with love.
So today, "be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love."
Application
I will strive to do everything with love today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be strong and courageous. Help me to be on my guard. Help me to stand firm and do everything today with love. You are the Mighty King. You are worthy of all praise!
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Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Always Work Enthusiastically For The Lord
Judges 8; Psalm 42; 1 Corinthians 15
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Always Work Enthusiastically For The Lord
Scripture
1 Corinthians 15
58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Observation
Always...Did you hear what Paul said, He said, "Always work enthusiastically for the Lord." And why should we do that, we should do that because nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
So how will you serve the Lord today? How will I serve him?
Application
I will serve the Lord today enthusiastically. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me energy for this day. I want to serve You this entire day with enthusiasm and joy. It is my desire to serve You with all my heart today. Don't let me do anything else. Don't let me lose my enthusiasm for serving You. Help me to finish well.
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Always Work Enthusiastically For The Lord
Scripture
1 Corinthians 15
58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Observation
Always...Did you hear what Paul said, He said, "Always work enthusiastically for the Lord." And why should we do that, we should do that because nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
So how will you serve the Lord today? How will I serve him?
Application
I will serve the Lord today enthusiastically. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me energy for this day. I want to serve You this entire day with enthusiasm and joy. It is my desire to serve You with all my heart today. Don't let me do anything else. Don't let me lose my enthusiasm for serving You. Help me to finish well.
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Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Mighty Hero!
Judges 6; Judges 7; Psalm 52; 1 Corinthians 14
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Mighty Hero!
Scripture
Judges 6
12 The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!”
Observation
Deep down inside of you is a "mighty hero" if you will let Jesus Christ be Lord of your life. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. I can do all things with Christ who strengthens me.
Is there a "mighty hero" lurking deep inside of you this morning? God plus you makes a majority.
If God is for you then who can be against you.
We are just like Gideon and we don't believe what God has promised us. God has given those that are in Christ all spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms. We don't lack one thing. We are equipped to be "mighty heroes".
God has already given us the victory. We are fighting a battle, but we already know that we are the winners.
So as you face today, I hope you remember these words as you go out to battle, "Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!”
Application
In humility, I accept the fact that I am a "mighty hero" and I go out in confidence knowing that today's battles have already been won.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be brave today as I face opposition, and as I go up against the challenges of the enemy. Don't let me give him any ground today. Don't let me sin. Keep me in the battle. I want to be a "mighty hero" for You today. You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Nothing is too hard for You.
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Mighty Hero!
Scripture
Judges 6
12 The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!”
Observation
Deep down inside of you is a "mighty hero" if you will let Jesus Christ be Lord of your life. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. I can do all things with Christ who strengthens me.
Is there a "mighty hero" lurking deep inside of you this morning? God plus you makes a majority.
If God is for you then who can be against you.
We are just like Gideon and we don't believe what God has promised us. God has given those that are in Christ all spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms. We don't lack one thing. We are equipped to be "mighty heroes".
God has already given us the victory. We are fighting a battle, but we already know that we are the winners.
So as you face today, I hope you remember these words as you go out to battle, "Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!”
Application
In humility, I accept the fact that I am a "mighty hero" and I go out in confidence knowing that today's battles have already been won.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be brave today as I face opposition, and as I go up against the challenges of the enemy. Don't let me give him any ground today. Don't let me sin. Keep me in the battle. I want to be a "mighty hero" for You today. You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Nothing is too hard for You.
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Monday, March 28, 2011
My Hope Is In You
Judges 4; Judges 5; Psalm 39; Psalm 41; 1 Corinthians 13
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My Hope Is In You
Scripture
Psalm 39
7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
My only hope is in you.
Observation
A pastor friend of mine that used to meet with us every Wednesday moved a couple of years ago to the state of Louisiana. I meet with a group of pastors every Wednesday and we have been meeting together for probably over the last five or six years or maybe even longer than that. We pray together and we have become very good friends.
This pastor that moved away took his own life a few months ago. It shocked us. Why did it happen? We don't know and we probably never will know why he became so desperate, but we feel pretty certain that he wasn't meeting with a group of pastors like he was doing when he was part of our group. We might have been able to help him deal with the impossible issue that drove him to do what he did.
Life is tough.
Where do you put your hope? Let me encourage you to follow the example of the Psalmist and put your hope in the Lord. When you hit the wall and when life seems totally impossible and there appears to be no hope, then think of Psalm 39:7 "And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you."
When you want to end it all. When you want to quit. When you get to the point where you think it is totally hopeless always remember that there is always hope. The situation is never hopeless. You can always put your hope and trust in the Lord.
Application
I will put my hope in the Lord today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, don't let me ever get to the point where I think the situation is hopeless. I pray that I always will be able to turn to You. Don't ever let me get to the point where I am not trusting in You and in You alone. Don't let me mess up to the point where things seem totally hopeless. I pray for people that may find themselves in that situation today. I thank You for the pastors that I meet with every Wednesday. Bless them today. Use them in their churches. Bless their wives and their families. Give them hope today. Give them energy to do Your will. Bless them with good things today. You are Wonderful. You are a Mighty God.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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My Hope Is In You
Scripture
Psalm 39
7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
My only hope is in you.
Observation
A pastor friend of mine that used to meet with us every Wednesday moved a couple of years ago to the state of Louisiana. I meet with a group of pastors every Wednesday and we have been meeting together for probably over the last five or six years or maybe even longer than that. We pray together and we have become very good friends.
This pastor that moved away took his own life a few months ago. It shocked us. Why did it happen? We don't know and we probably never will know why he became so desperate, but we feel pretty certain that he wasn't meeting with a group of pastors like he was doing when he was part of our group. We might have been able to help him deal with the impossible issue that drove him to do what he did.
Life is tough.
Where do you put your hope? Let me encourage you to follow the example of the Psalmist and put your hope in the Lord. When you hit the wall and when life seems totally impossible and there appears to be no hope, then think of Psalm 39:7 "And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you."
When you want to end it all. When you want to quit. When you get to the point where you think it is totally hopeless always remember that there is always hope. The situation is never hopeless. You can always put your hope and trust in the Lord.
Application
I will put my hope in the Lord today. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, don't let me ever get to the point where I think the situation is hopeless. I pray that I always will be able to turn to You. Don't ever let me get to the point where I am not trusting in You and in You alone. Don't let me mess up to the point where things seem totally hopeless. I pray for people that may find themselves in that situation today. I thank You for the pastors that I meet with every Wednesday. Bless them today. Use them in their churches. Bless their wives and their families. Give them hope today. Give them energy to do Your will. Bless them with good things today. You are Wonderful. You are a Mighty God.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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