More and More Glory!
Judges 19; Judges 20; Judges 21; 2 Corinthians 4
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 4
7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 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.
11 Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. 12 So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.
13 But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” 14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.
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
It is all about glory. As we reach more and more people for Christ God receives more and more glory. It is not about us. It is not about us. It is not about us. It is all for His glory.
“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 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! 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.”
Whatever we are going through it is small potatoes, it is nothing compared to what God has in store for us. And what He has in store for us will last forever.
Application
I won’t look at the troubles I can see now; rather, I will fix my gaze on things that cannot be seen.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me focus on reaching more and more people for You so that You can receive more and more glory. Give me energy, ideas, and the desire to reach people with the Good News of Jesus. I pray for our church. I pray that we will commit ourselves to the task of winning Tampa to Christ.
I pray that You do something in our church that can only be explained as a God thing. Something so powerful that only You will receive the credit and only You will receive the glory. Come Lord Jesus!
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Saturday, April 04, 2009
Friday, April 03, 2009
More and More Like Jesus
Judges 17; Judges 18; Psalm 89; 2 Corinthians 3
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 3
And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
Observation
More and more like Jesus, that is what should be happening to us if we belong to Christ. We have someone in our small group that is in her 80’s and she is so like Jesus! I am not saying that she is perfect because she is not, but she when you are around her it is so obvious that she has known Jesus a long time she is so much like Him. She is a joy to be around!
And that is what should be happening to each one of us. His glory should be shining through us as we are becoming more and more like Him!
Application
I will look for Jesus in the lives of those around me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I hope that others see Jesus in me. Help me be so close to You that Your glory shines out to those that I will see today. Bless Florence and continue to give her good health and strength. Thank you with blessing our small group with her presence.
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Judges 17; Judges 18; Psalm 89; 2 Corinthians 3
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 3
And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
Observation
More and more like Jesus, that is what should be happening to us if we belong to Christ. We have someone in our small group that is in her 80’s and she is so like Jesus! I am not saying that she is perfect because she is not, but she when you are around her it is so obvious that she has known Jesus a long time she is so much like Him. She is a joy to be around!
And that is what should be happening to each one of us. His glory should be shining through us as we are becoming more and more like Him!
Application
I will look for Jesus in the lives of those around me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I hope that others see Jesus in me. Help me be so close to You that Your glory shines out to those that I will see today. Bless Florence and continue to give her good health and strength. Thank you with blessing our small group with her presence.
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Thursday, April 02, 2009
Christ-like Fragrance
Judges 13; Judges 14; Judges 15; Judges 16; 2 Corinthians 2
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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?
17 You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us.
Observation
If you are a Christian, a Christ – Follower, then there is a certain smell about you. Your life is so powerful that the smell rises all the way up to God. To those that accept Christ you have a wonderful smell and to those that reject Christ - you … stink. To those that are going to hell you have a dreadful smell a smell of death and doom. So it shouldn’t surprise you when people persecute you or say mean things to you.
But to those that are being saved, you are a life-giving perfume. He uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ to those everywhere.
Application
I will preach/teach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for my salvation. Help me share the Good News of Christ everywhere I go. I pray that You open doors so that I may be able to share with those that are going to be saved. And as I share Christ with those that reject the Good News help me not to become discouraged. I pray that You would use the members of our church to reach many for Your kingdom. Open doors for them to be Your witnesses everywhere! Thank You for First Baptist Brandon and I ask You to bless them as they partner with our church to further Your kingdom.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Judges 13; Judges 14; Judges 15; Judges 16; 2 Corinthians 2
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
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?
17 You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us.
Observation
If you are a Christian, a Christ – Follower, then there is a certain smell about you. Your life is so powerful that the smell rises all the way up to God. To those that accept Christ you have a wonderful smell and to those that reject Christ - you … stink. To those that are going to hell you have a dreadful smell a smell of death and doom. So it shouldn’t surprise you when people persecute you or say mean things to you.
But to those that are being saved, you are a life-giving perfume. He uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ to those everywhere.
Application
I will preach/teach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for my salvation. Help me share the Good News of Christ everywhere I go. I pray that You open doors so that I may be able to share with those that are going to be saved. And as I share Christ with those that reject the Good News help me not to become discouraged. I pray that You would use the members of our church to reach many for Your kingdom. Open doors for them to be Your witnesses everywhere! Thank You for First Baptist Brandon and I ask You to bless them as they partner with our church to further Your kingdom.
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Wednesday, April 01, 2009
YES! … AMEN!
Judges 11; Judges 12; Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 1
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 1
20 For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.
Observation
“Amen” … all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” Have you ever responded with an “Amen” when the preacher shouts out a Biblical truth that touches your heart? Well you should because Paul says that through Christ your “Amen” goes up to God for his glory! Wow! Have you ever thought of that?
You may have even been critical of someone that shouts out “Amen” when a preacher is preaching. Now you know that it is your loss and not that person that is shouting out the “Amens”! “Amen” is simply “Yes” or “Right On” or “I agree with you brother” and it is more than all right to shout it out when somebody is preaching or teaching God’s Word!
Why don’t you let out an “Amen” this Sunday! It could reach all the way up to heaven to God for his glory! Think about that…!
Application
I will listen to the message on Sunday and I will be ready to shout out “Amen” when Tommy Green says something that speaks to my heart!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Amen …Come Lord Jesus! I pray that You pour out Your blessings on Your people this Sunday. I pray that tonight You would come in power as we meet together as Your children. Shower us with Your Mercy and Love. For all of Your promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” Amen!
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Judges 11; Judges 12; Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
2 Corinthians 1
20 For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.
Observation
“Amen” … all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” Have you ever responded with an “Amen” when the preacher shouts out a Biblical truth that touches your heart? Well you should because Paul says that through Christ your “Amen” goes up to God for his glory! Wow! Have you ever thought of that?
You may have even been critical of someone that shouts out “Amen” when a preacher is preaching. Now you know that it is your loss and not that person that is shouting out the “Amens”! “Amen” is simply “Yes” or “Right On” or “I agree with you brother” and it is more than all right to shout it out when somebody is preaching or teaching God’s Word!
Why don’t you let out an “Amen” this Sunday! It could reach all the way up to heaven to God for his glory! Think about that…!
Application
I will listen to the message on Sunday and I will be ready to shout out “Amen” when Tommy Green says something that speaks to my heart!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Amen …Come Lord Jesus! I pray that You pour out Your blessings on Your people this Sunday. I pray that tonight You would come in power as we meet together as Your children. Shower us with Your Mercy and Love. For all of Your promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” Amen!
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Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Spending Your Life Doing What?
Judges 9; Judges 10; Psalm 49; 1 Corinthians 16
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 16
15 You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, 16 to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion. 17 I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me. 18 They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.
Observation
What are you spending your life doing? Would Paul if he were alive and a member of your church say the same thing about you that he said about the family of Stephanas? These were some of the first converts that Paul reached in Greece and they were very committed to serving Christ. They served Christ by serving people and of course that is how you serve Christ.
Church attendance is just church attendance, but spending your lives in service to God’s people now that is what we are called to do.
Are you spending your life in service for God’s people or are you just showing up for church on Sunday?
Application
I will write some people in our church that are spending their lives in service to God’s people and thank them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the dedication of my staff. They serve you by spending their lives in service to those in our church. I pray that You bless them. Bring people into their lives that will encourage them. Help them to see the fruit of their labor and I pray that You will help them not to become discouraged. Help them to be on guard, to stand firm in the faith, to be courageous and to be strong. And help them to do everything with love.
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Judges 9; Judges 10; Psalm 49; 1 Corinthians 16
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 16
15 You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, 16 to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion. 17 I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me. 18 They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.
Observation
What are you spending your life doing? Would Paul if he were alive and a member of your church say the same thing about you that he said about the family of Stephanas? These were some of the first converts that Paul reached in Greece and they were very committed to serving Christ. They served Christ by serving people and of course that is how you serve Christ.
Church attendance is just church attendance, but spending your lives in service to God’s people now that is what we are called to do.
Are you spending your life in service for God’s people or are you just showing up for church on Sunday?
Application
I will write some people in our church that are spending their lives in service to God’s people and thank them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the dedication of my staff. They serve you by spending their lives in service to those in our church. I pray that You bless them. Bring people into their lives that will encourage them. Help them to see the fruit of their labor and I pray that You will help them not to become discouraged. Help them to be on guard, to stand firm in the faith, to be courageous and to be strong. And help them to do everything with love.
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Monday, March 30, 2009
“Always” Work Enthusiastically For The Lord
Judges 8; Psalm 42; 1 Corinthians 15
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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
The word “Always” is a tough word. When we say that word when we are fighting with a loved one it is never true, “You always”…(you can finish this sentence with what ever you usually say when you are fighting). It is never true because we are exaggerating to make our point.
But the point here that Paul is making is super important when we do something for the Lord we should “always” do it with enthusiasm because whatever we do for the Lord always counts. It is going to last forever!
So much of what we do is not for the Lord it is for ourselves. Paul says that we should be strong and immovable and always serve the Lord enthusiastically. The call for us to be strong and immovable means only one thing to me it means that as we serve the Lord there will be a tendency for us to become tired, weak and discouraged and then the temptation will be for us to give up.
Paul is encouraging us this morning to evaluate what we are doing for the Lord, to think about it, and to get back into the battle with enthusiasm. Because whatever we accomplish for the Lord is “never”…let me repeat that one more time “never” useless! It is “always” fruitful!
Application
I will serve the Lord “enthusiastically” this week!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be strong and immovable. Give me energy and enthusiasm for Your work. I know that what I do for You this week will last forever! I pray for Your direction. Show me what to focus on! Thank you for calling me to Your service. You are a Mighty God. You are Worthy to be Praised!
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Judges 8; Psalm 42; 1 Corinthians 15
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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
The word “Always” is a tough word. When we say that word when we are fighting with a loved one it is never true, “You always”…(you can finish this sentence with what ever you usually say when you are fighting). It is never true because we are exaggerating to make our point.
But the point here that Paul is making is super important when we do something for the Lord we should “always” do it with enthusiasm because whatever we do for the Lord always counts. It is going to last forever!
So much of what we do is not for the Lord it is for ourselves. Paul says that we should be strong and immovable and always serve the Lord enthusiastically. The call for us to be strong and immovable means only one thing to me it means that as we serve the Lord there will be a tendency for us to become tired, weak and discouraged and then the temptation will be for us to give up.
Paul is encouraging us this morning to evaluate what we are doing for the Lord, to think about it, and to get back into the battle with enthusiasm. Because whatever we accomplish for the Lord is “never”…let me repeat that one more time “never” useless! It is “always” fruitful!
Application
I will serve the Lord “enthusiastically” this week!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be strong and immovable. Give me energy and enthusiasm for Your work. I know that what I do for You this week will last forever! I pray for Your direction. Show me what to focus on! Thank you for calling me to Your service. You are a Mighty God. You are Worthy to be Praised!
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Sunday, March 29, 2009
You Must Believe In People!
Judges 6; Judges 7; Psalm 52; 1 Corinthians 14
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Scripture
Judges 6
12 The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the LORD is with you!”
Observation
The Lord came to Gideon as he was threshing out wheat hiding down in a winepress. He was hiding because he was scared of the Midianites. God comes to him while he is down there hiding and greets him with this greeting, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” I think that at that moment Gideon began looking around for the person that the Lord was speaking to because he sure didn’t consider himself a “Mighty hero”. At that moment he wasn’t the Mighty hero, but the Lord saw the potential in Gideon. And as you read today’s Bible reading Gideon became God’s Mighty hero by the end of chapter seven!
We have to see the potential in the people around us. We must believe in them. They may rise or fall depending on our expectations of them. Who can you help live up to their potential …how? … By giving them an encouraging word today?
Application
I will look for the best in people and encourage them to live up to their potential.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to believe in others and help me to encourage them to become all that God wants them to be.
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Judges 6; Judges 7; Psalm 52; 1 Corinthians 14
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Scripture
Judges 6
12 The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the LORD is with you!”
Observation
The Lord came to Gideon as he was threshing out wheat hiding down in a winepress. He was hiding because he was scared of the Midianites. God comes to him while he is down there hiding and greets him with this greeting, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” I think that at that moment Gideon began looking around for the person that the Lord was speaking to because he sure didn’t consider himself a “Mighty hero”. At that moment he wasn’t the Mighty hero, but the Lord saw the potential in Gideon. And as you read today’s Bible reading Gideon became God’s Mighty hero by the end of chapter seven!
We have to see the potential in the people around us. We must believe in them. They may rise or fall depending on our expectations of them. Who can you help live up to their potential …how? … By giving them an encouraging word today?
Application
I will look for the best in people and encourage them to live up to their potential.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to believe in others and help me to encourage them to become all that God wants them to be.
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Saturday, March 28, 2009
40 Days of Love And You Are Still Fighting!
Judges 4; Judges 5; Psalm 39; Psalm 41; 1 Corinthians 13
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 13
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Observation
Our church has just finished a church wide spiritual growth campaign called “40 Days of Love”. Just because we have talked about how we should love doesn’t mean that we are all happy at home and everything is peachy keen! In fact, shouldn’t we expect that what we have learned would soon be put to the test.
Yesterday, Kathy and I had to say to each other “I am sorry”! You see we have spent 40 Days learning how to correctly respond to each other when we lose it. It is wrong to think that all of a sudden we are going to be so loving and so kind to everyone that there will be no more misunderstandings and hurt feelings. We are still sinners and we are still going to mess up … a lot. What we should have learned through this incredible study is how we should treat each other after or when we get angry because we are still going to get angry.
Personally I have learned a lot about anger and how to better control it over the past 40 days. And I know that my new knowledge will be put to the test!
Application
I will begin to memorize I Corinthians 13.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me live out I Corinthians 13!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Judges 4; Judges 5; Psalm 39; Psalm 41; 1 Corinthians 13
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
1 Corinthians 13
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Observation
Our church has just finished a church wide spiritual growth campaign called “40 Days of Love”. Just because we have talked about how we should love doesn’t mean that we are all happy at home and everything is peachy keen! In fact, shouldn’t we expect that what we have learned would soon be put to the test.
Yesterday, Kathy and I had to say to each other “I am sorry”! You see we have spent 40 Days learning how to correctly respond to each other when we lose it. It is wrong to think that all of a sudden we are going to be so loving and so kind to everyone that there will be no more misunderstandings and hurt feelings. We are still sinners and we are still going to mess up … a lot. What we should have learned through this incredible study is how we should treat each other after or when we get angry because we are still going to get angry.
Personally I have learned a lot about anger and how to better control it over the past 40 days. And I know that my new knowledge will be put to the test!
Application
I will begin to memorize I Corinthians 13.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me live out I Corinthians 13!
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Why You Have a Spiritual Gift(s)!
Judges 1; Judges 2; Judges 3; 1 Corinthians 12
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 12
7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
Observation
Paul was talking to Christians and told them that the reason that God had given them a spiritual gift(s) was for others. We have been given the spiritual gift(s) for the benefit of the church, the body of Christ. They are not for our own use or for our own ego; no they are to help believers around us.
I have noticed that people who are single have a huge problem understanding that they are to use their spiritual gift(s) and serve. I guess because they are single and don’t have the responsibility and probably the support of a spouse that for many of them their world revolves around themselves. But Paul says that they are to use their spiritual gift or spiritual gifts to serve others.
Paul suggested that folks should remain single if possible so that they could commit more of their time to serving the Lord. It makes sense that if you are single (never married) and don’t have the responsibility of a family or of taking care of the needs of a spouse that you as a single person would have more time to be devoted to the Lord. Paul says that if you can remain single do it so you can serve the Lord with more devotion. I need to encourage our singles to step up to the plate and be more committed to serving others.
Application
I will work harder at involving our members in areas of service especially our singles.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to serve You and love You with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind and with all my strength.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Judges 1; Judges 2; Judges 3; 1 Corinthians 12
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
1 Corinthians 12
7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
Observation
Paul was talking to Christians and told them that the reason that God had given them a spiritual gift(s) was for others. We have been given the spiritual gift(s) for the benefit of the church, the body of Christ. They are not for our own use or for our own ego; no they are to help believers around us.
I have noticed that people who are single have a huge problem understanding that they are to use their spiritual gift(s) and serve. I guess because they are single and don’t have the responsibility and probably the support of a spouse that for many of them their world revolves around themselves. But Paul says that they are to use their spiritual gift or spiritual gifts to serve others.
Paul suggested that folks should remain single if possible so that they could commit more of their time to serving the Lord. It makes sense that if you are single (never married) and don’t have the responsibility of a family or of taking care of the needs of a spouse that you as a single person would have more time to be devoted to the Lord. Paul says that if you can remain single do it so you can serve the Lord with more devotion. I need to encourage our singles to step up to the plate and be more committed to serving others.
Application
I will work harder at involving our members in areas of service especially our singles.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to serve You and love You with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind and with all my strength.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
What?
Joshua 23; Joshua 24; Psalm 44; 1 Corinthians 11
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 11
20 When you meet together, you are not really interested in the Lord’s Supper. 21 For some of you hurry to eat your own meal without sharing with others. As a result, some go hungry while others get drunk. 22 What? Don’t you have your own homes for eating and drinking? Or do you really want to disgrace God’s church and shame the poor? What am I supposed to say? Do you want me to praise you? Well, I certainly will not praise you for this!
23 For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread 24 and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” 25 In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.” 26 For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.
27 So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. 29 For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died.
31 But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way. 32 Yet when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world.
33 So, my dear brothers and sisters, when you gather for the Lord’s Supper, wait for each other. 34 If you are really hungry, eat at home so you won’t bring judgment upon yourselves when you meet together. I’ll give you instructions about the other matters after I arrive.
Observation
The church at Corinth was a mess. People getting drunk at the Lord’s Supper celebration and people eating all the food and letting others go hungry. It was a mess. Paul said that people were getting sick and dying in the fellowship because they were abusing and neglecting the Lord’s Supper. This Sunday morning we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper at our church. I know that no one will get drunk because we use grape juice, but I don’t know how many will take the Lord’s Supper with the wrong attitude. Everyone needs to prepare his or her heart before participating in the Lord’s Supper. Maybe we ought to start right now!
Application
I will examine my heart before participating in the Lord’s Supper.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that this Sunday would be a very special day as we celebrate what Christ did for us. As we take the Lord’s Supper help all of us take special interest in what we are doing. May You be glorified and lifted up and may You be pleased with us as we worship You this Sunday.
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Joshua 23; Joshua 24; Psalm 44; 1 Corinthians 11
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 11
20 When you meet together, you are not really interested in the Lord’s Supper. 21 For some of you hurry to eat your own meal without sharing with others. As a result, some go hungry while others get drunk. 22 What? Don’t you have your own homes for eating and drinking? Or do you really want to disgrace God’s church and shame the poor? What am I supposed to say? Do you want me to praise you? Well, I certainly will not praise you for this!
23 For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread 24 and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” 25 In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.” 26 For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.
27 So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. 29 For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died.
31 But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way. 32 Yet when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world.
33 So, my dear brothers and sisters, when you gather for the Lord’s Supper, wait for each other. 34 If you are really hungry, eat at home so you won’t bring judgment upon yourselves when you meet together. I’ll give you instructions about the other matters after I arrive.
Observation
The church at Corinth was a mess. People getting drunk at the Lord’s Supper celebration and people eating all the food and letting others go hungry. It was a mess. Paul said that people were getting sick and dying in the fellowship because they were abusing and neglecting the Lord’s Supper. This Sunday morning we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper at our church. I know that no one will get drunk because we use grape juice, but I don’t know how many will take the Lord’s Supper with the wrong attitude. Everyone needs to prepare his or her heart before participating in the Lord’s Supper. Maybe we ought to start right now!
Application
I will examine my heart before participating in the Lord’s Supper.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that this Sunday would be a very special day as we celebrate what Christ did for us. As we take the Lord’s Supper help all of us take special interest in what we are doing. May You be glorified and lifted up and may You be pleased with us as we worship You this Sunday.
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Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Life is Not All About You!
Joshua 21; Joshua 22; Psalm 47; 1 Corinthians 10
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 10
Here is the secret to experiencing a rich and full life a life full of meaning and purpose:
1. Do everything for the glory of God.
2. Do what is best for others and not what is best for you so that many may be saved.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength and love your neighbor as yourself.
Application
I will help people understand this secret to life!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I talk with people every day that are concerned only about themselves. They are miserable. All they need to do is begin to serve You and serve people around them to find joy and purpose in life, but they can’t get past the big “me”. Help me to help them. I pray that you set them free from their selfishness and give them a ministry where they find life and place to bring You glory and give them a ministry that brings others to salvation.
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Joshua 21; Joshua 22; Psalm 47; 1 Corinthians 10
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 10
31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.
Here is the secret to experiencing a rich and full life a life full of meaning and purpose:
1. Do everything for the glory of God.
2. Do what is best for others and not what is best for you so that many may be saved.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength and love your neighbor as yourself.
Application
I will help people understand this secret to life!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I talk with people every day that are concerned only about themselves. They are miserable. All they need to do is begin to serve You and serve people around them to find joy and purpose in life, but they can’t get past the big “me”. Help me to help them. I pray that you set them free from their selfishness and give them a ministry where they find life and place to bring You glory and give them a ministry that brings others to salvation.
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Tuesday, March 24, 2009
“Finding Common Ground”
Joshua 18; Joshua 19; Joshua 20; 1 Corinthians 9
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 9
22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
Observation
The key to bringing people to Jesus is “finding common ground” with them. Paul said that no matter who he was with whether it was Jews, Gentiles, or folks that were weak he found common ground with them so he could bring them the message of Christ. He did whatever it took so people could hear the Good News and be saved.
So if it is someone that is homeless or someone that is very well off, someone struggling with alcohol, drugs, or some other kind of addiction, someone that loves to play golf, or loves to fish, or someone that is into computers, we have to find common ground with them to bring them to Christ.
How are we doing at finding common ground?
Application
I will look for someone that needs Jesus and I will then look for “common ground”.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to find someone that needs Jesus and then show me how to relate to him. Show me where we have the common ground. So he has the opportunity to be saved.
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Joshua 18; Joshua 19; Joshua 20; 1 Corinthians 9
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 9
22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
Observation
The key to bringing people to Jesus is “finding common ground” with them. Paul said that no matter who he was with whether it was Jews, Gentiles, or folks that were weak he found common ground with them so he could bring them the message of Christ. He did whatever it took so people could hear the Good News and be saved.
So if it is someone that is homeless or someone that is very well off, someone struggling with alcohol, drugs, or some other kind of addiction, someone that loves to play golf, or loves to fish, or someone that is into computers, we have to find common ground with them to bring them to Christ.
How are we doing at finding common ground?
Application
I will look for someone that needs Jesus and I will then look for “common ground”.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to find someone that needs Jesus and then show me how to relate to him. Show me where we have the common ground. So he has the opportunity to be saved.
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Monday, March 23, 2009
Drinking
Joshua 15; Joshua 16; Joshua 17; 1 Corinthians 8
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 8
9 But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.
Observation
There is freedom in Christ but we can’t flaunt that freedom and hurt folks that may be weaker than we are. Drinking alcohol is probably the closest example of what Paul was talking about in this passage about eating meat that had been used in idol worship. Paul said that those that were strong knew that the meat was just meat because the idols were nothing, but for those that had come out of idol worship eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols was wrong and to them it was a sin.
A drink of wine or a can of beer may not be wrong for some folks but for someone that is struggling with addiction to alcohol it is very wrong and for someone to drink in front of a believer that struggles with alcohol would be a sin because that person may cause the weaker brother to stumble.
Drinking of alcohol in itself may not be wrong, but just the results of the damage done by the alcohol industry should be enough for you to refrain from drinking. How many of you have family or friends that have been hurt by someone under the influence of alcohol?
Application
I will help people that struggle with alcohol by encouraging them to join Celebrate Recovery and let them know that God loves them and I love them too.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that I would be able to love people that struggle with alcoholism and help them walk in sobriety. Give me the strength to hang in there with them even when they act out, even when they relapse, even when they mess up. Help me today as I talk with people about their relationship with you that I would be able to communicate the Gospel clearly. Direct my thoughts and my attitudes today that they may be pleasing to You.
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Joshua 15; Joshua 16; Joshua 17; 1 Corinthians 8
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 8
9 But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.
Observation
There is freedom in Christ but we can’t flaunt that freedom and hurt folks that may be weaker than we are. Drinking alcohol is probably the closest example of what Paul was talking about in this passage about eating meat that had been used in idol worship. Paul said that those that were strong knew that the meat was just meat because the idols were nothing, but for those that had come out of idol worship eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols was wrong and to them it was a sin.
A drink of wine or a can of beer may not be wrong for some folks but for someone that is struggling with addiction to alcohol it is very wrong and for someone to drink in front of a believer that struggles with alcohol would be a sin because that person may cause the weaker brother to stumble.
Drinking of alcohol in itself may not be wrong, but just the results of the damage done by the alcohol industry should be enough for you to refrain from drinking. How many of you have family or friends that have been hurt by someone under the influence of alcohol?
Application
I will help people that struggle with alcohol by encouraging them to join Celebrate Recovery and let them know that God loves them and I love them too.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that I would be able to love people that struggle with alcoholism and help them walk in sobriety. Give me the strength to hang in there with them even when they act out, even when they relapse, even when they mess up. Help me today as I talk with people about their relationship with you that I would be able to communicate the Gospel clearly. Direct my thoughts and my attitudes today that they may be pleasing to You.
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Sunday, March 22, 2009
Things
Joshua 12; Joshua 13; Joshua 14; 1 Corinthians 7
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 7
31 Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.
Observation
Getting attached to things…hmm…like…cars, boats, guns, collections, stuff etc is wrong. Why? Because the world as we know will soon pass away and none of our things that we have accumulated or have spent time on are going to last. Relationships on the other hand are something to focus our attention on. Love is going to last forever and the last time I checked forever is a real long time!
Paul said that getting married even makes it more difficult to live a life totally committed to the Lord. If you can stay single without falling into sexual immorality he suggested that staying single would make it easier to be totally focused on the Lord and the ministry that the Lord has called you to.
32 I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him.
35 I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.
Application
I will focus my attention on improving the relationships in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to be a lover of things. I know that they just break, wear out, and take up space. They also take up my time. Help me focus on Your kingdom this week. Help me to seek You first and everything else ever that. I pray that today You would receive much glory as we gather together for worship.
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Joshua 12; Joshua 13; Joshua 14; 1 Corinthians 7
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 7
31 Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.
Observation
Getting attached to things…hmm…like…cars, boats, guns, collections, stuff etc is wrong. Why? Because the world as we know will soon pass away and none of our things that we have accumulated or have spent time on are going to last. Relationships on the other hand are something to focus our attention on. Love is going to last forever and the last time I checked forever is a real long time!
Paul said that getting married even makes it more difficult to live a life totally committed to the Lord. If you can stay single without falling into sexual immorality he suggested that staying single would make it easier to be totally focused on the Lord and the ministry that the Lord has called you to.
32 I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him.
35 I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.
Application
I will focus my attention on improving the relationships in my life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to be a lover of things. I know that they just break, wear out, and take up space. They also take up my time. Help me focus on Your kingdom this week. Help me to seek You first and everything else ever that. I pray that today You would receive much glory as we gather together for worship.
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Saturday, March 21, 2009
RUN!
Joshua 9; Joshua 10; Joshua 11; 1 Corinthians 6
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 6
18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Observation
Are you tempted with a sexual sin? The Bible tells us what to do … RUN! Don’t flirt around with a sexual temptation because it is the worst kind of sin that you can commit. It is a sin that is against our own bodies and our bodies belong to the Lord. Our bodies now are the Temple of God.
Do you remember the reverence that was demanded by God when the nation of Israel went to the Temple to worship? If the high priest would do anything incorrectly while he was in the holy of holies he could be struck dead. They would listen to hear the bells that were fastened on the tassels of his robe and if they could not hear them then they knew that he was dead.
The Temple was a Holy place. Now Christians have become the Temple of God. Run from sexual sin.
Application
I will run from sexual sin!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to keep myself pure from sexual sin. Help me to take of my body because it is where Your Holy Spirit resides.
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Joshua 9; Joshua 10; Joshua 11; 1 Corinthians 6
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 6
18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Observation
Are you tempted with a sexual sin? The Bible tells us what to do … RUN! Don’t flirt around with a sexual temptation because it is the worst kind of sin that you can commit. It is a sin that is against our own bodies and our bodies belong to the Lord. Our bodies now are the Temple of God.
Do you remember the reverence that was demanded by God when the nation of Israel went to the Temple to worship? If the high priest would do anything incorrectly while he was in the holy of holies he could be struck dead. They would listen to hear the bells that were fastened on the tassels of his robe and if they could not hear them then they knew that he was dead.
The Temple was a Holy place. Now Christians have become the Temple of God. Run from sexual sin.
Application
I will run from sexual sin!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to keep myself pure from sexual sin. Help me to take of my body because it is where Your Holy Spirit resides.
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Friday, March 20, 2009
Using Good Judgment But Not Being Judgmental!
Joshua 7; Joshua 8; Psalm 69; 1 Corinthians 5
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 5
9 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.
12 It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”
Observation
Have you ever said that we as Christians shouldn’t be “judgmental”? God doesn’t want us to put other people down because of their faults or because of their sins but He does want us to use our good judgment especially with folks that call themselves “Christians”. There are times when we must use good judgment and use church discipline, but at the same time we must be redemptive in our actions.
God will deal with those outside the church but we must firmly but gently correct those within our fellowship. The men in the small group that I meet with give each other the permission to hold each other accountable. When you have that kind of an agreement up front it makes it easier to confront.
Application
I will accept correction from those around me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to live so close to You that I will know when I have stepped over the line and have involved myself in sin. Help me to accept correction from others when it is needed. Give me the strength to confront those that call themselves Christians but act out because of hurts, hang ups, and bad habits that hurt their testimony and the testimony of Your church. I pray that our church would continue to grow healthier everyday. Thank You for what You are doing in the lives of our people. You are a Mighty God.
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Joshua 7; Joshua 8; Psalm 69; 1 Corinthians 5
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 5
9 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.
12 It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”
Observation
Have you ever said that we as Christians shouldn’t be “judgmental”? God doesn’t want us to put other people down because of their faults or because of their sins but He does want us to use our good judgment especially with folks that call themselves “Christians”. There are times when we must use good judgment and use church discipline, but at the same time we must be redemptive in our actions.
God will deal with those outside the church but we must firmly but gently correct those within our fellowship. The men in the small group that I meet with give each other the permission to hold each other accountable. When you have that kind of an agreement up front it makes it easier to confront.
Application
I will accept correction from those around me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to live so close to You that I will know when I have stepped over the line and have involved myself in sin. Help me to accept correction from others when it is needed. Give me the strength to confront those that call themselves Christians but act out because of hurts, hang ups, and bad habits that hurt their testimony and the testimony of Your church. I pray that our church would continue to grow healthier everyday. Thank You for what You are doing in the lives of our people. You are a Mighty God.
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Thursday, March 19, 2009
Victory God’s Way!
Joshua 3; Joshua 4; Joshua 5; Joshua 6; 1 Corinthians 4
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Scripture
Joshua 6
1 Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in. 2 But the LORD said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors. 3 You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days. 4 Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram’s horn.
On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. 5 When you hear the priests give one long blast on the rams’ horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can. Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town.”
Observation
When God ask you to do something have you noticed that it is usually not the way we would have done it? I wonder what the Israelites thought day after day after day for 6 days of walking around the city of Jericho. I wonder what they thought on the seventh day on the seventh lap around the city and then I wonder what they thought when the walls of Jericho came tumbling down. God does things strangely and slowly and He does them for His glory not ours!
Application
Yes, God loves doing new things. I will adapt to His plans.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us have the faith of those Israelites as they walked around Jericho. I can’t begin to imagine the excitement that they must have felt when they saw those walls come tumbling down. Give me the faith to believe You for awesome miracles like they experienced around the city of Jericho. You are awesome. You are powerful. Nothing is too hard for You!
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Joshua 3; Joshua 4; Joshua 5; Joshua 6; 1 Corinthians 4
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Scripture
Joshua 6
1 Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in. 2 But the LORD said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors. 3 You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days. 4 Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram’s horn.
On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. 5 When you hear the priests give one long blast on the rams’ horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can. Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town.”
Observation
When God ask you to do something have you noticed that it is usually not the way we would have done it? I wonder what the Israelites thought day after day after day for 6 days of walking around the city of Jericho. I wonder what they thought on the seventh day on the seventh lap around the city and then I wonder what they thought when the walls of Jericho came tumbling down. God does things strangely and slowly and He does them for His glory not ours!
Application
Yes, God loves doing new things. I will adapt to His plans.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us have the faith of those Israelites as they walked around Jericho. I can’t begin to imagine the excitement that they must have felt when they saw those walls come tumbling down. Give me the faith to believe You for awesome miracles like they experienced around the city of Jericho. You are awesome. You are powerful. Nothing is too hard for You!
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Wednesday, March 18, 2009
He Delights in Us!
Joshua 1; Joshua 2; Psalm 37; 1 Corinthians 3
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Scripture
Psalm 37
23 The LORD directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the LORD holds them by the hand.
Observation
Are you a Christ follower? Do you have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ? If you do then Psalm 37 has to be one of your favorite Psalms. Just in two verses of this Psalm look at how much we find out about our relationship with our Heavenly Father:
And that is just from two of the forty verses found in Psalm 37. I hope that you take time this morning to read the entire Psalm.
Application
I will do a word search for the word “delights” to see if God says that in other places in His Word.
“The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Ps. 147:11
"He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him." Ps. 22:8
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am glad that you delight in the details of my life. I get bogged down with the details of my life and You delight in them. Thank You for directing my steps. Thank you for keeping me from falling by holding me up with Your Mighty hand. I don’t know how You can keep up with all of Your followers all over the world at the same time, but I know that You do. You are amazing! Guide my steps today. Put on my heart the important things for today.
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Joshua 1; Joshua 2; Psalm 37; 1 Corinthians 3
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Scripture
Psalm 37
23 The LORD directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the LORD holds them by the hand.
Observation
Are you a Christ follower? Do you have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ? If you do then Psalm 37 has to be one of your favorite Psalms. Just in two verses of this Psalm look at how much we find out about our relationship with our Heavenly Father:
- He directs our steps.
- He delights in every detail of our lives.
- We may stumble but we will not fall because the Lord himself is holding our hand.
And that is just from two of the forty verses found in Psalm 37. I hope that you take time this morning to read the entire Psalm.
Application
I will do a word search for the word “delights” to see if God says that in other places in His Word.
“The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Ps. 147:11
"He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him." Ps. 22:8
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am glad that you delight in the details of my life. I get bogged down with the details of my life and You delight in them. Thank You for directing my steps. Thank you for keeping me from falling by holding me up with Your Mighty hand. I don’t know how You can keep up with all of Your followers all over the world at the same time, but I know that You do. You are amazing! Guide my steps today. Put on my heart the important things for today.
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Tuesday, March 17, 2009
God’s Holy Spirit Illuminates
Deuteronomy 32; Deuteronomy 33; Deuteronomy 34; 1 Corinthians 2
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Scripture
1 Corinthians 2
9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him.”
10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 11 No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. 12 And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. 14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others.
16 For,
“Who can know the LORD’s thoughts?
Who knows enough to teach him?”
But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
Observation
As Christians we get to know a lot of God’s deep secrets that the rest of the world can’t see or understand. They think that what we believe is all foolishness, they can’t understand, they just don’t get it. But we can understand because we have been given the mind of Christ. We are able to grasp spiritual things that they can’t comprehend.
The Holy Spirit lives in every believer and gives us understanding into the deep secrets of God. “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts?” We can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. God’s Holy Spirit helps us understand spiritual truths that others can’t understand.
How about this spiritual truth, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
God says that our minds can’t even begin to imagine what God has prepared for us that love Him. Think about that all day today!
Application
I will meditate on “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You have something very good in store for me and for everyone else that loves You. It is so good that it is beyond our comprehension. We can’t even imagine in our minds something as good as what you are preparing for us. Thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit that allows me to understand spiritual truths that people without Christ can’t. You love me so much even though I don’t deserve Your love. Help me love others like You love me. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Deuteronomy 32; Deuteronomy 33; Deuteronomy 34; 1 Corinthians 2
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
1 Corinthians 2
9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him.”
10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 11 No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. 12 And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. 14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others.
16 For,
“Who can know the LORD’s thoughts?
Who knows enough to teach him?”
But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
Observation
As Christians we get to know a lot of God’s deep secrets that the rest of the world can’t see or understand. They think that what we believe is all foolishness, they can’t understand, they just don’t get it. But we can understand because we have been given the mind of Christ. We are able to grasp spiritual things that they can’t comprehend.
The Holy Spirit lives in every believer and gives us understanding into the deep secrets of God. “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts?” We can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. God’s Holy Spirit helps us understand spiritual truths that others can’t understand.
How about this spiritual truth, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
God says that our minds can’t even begin to imagine what God has prepared for us that love Him. Think about that all day today!
Application
I will meditate on “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You have something very good in store for me and for everyone else that loves You. It is so good that it is beyond our comprehension. We can’t even imagine in our minds something as good as what you are preparing for us. Thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit that allows me to understand spiritual truths that people without Christ can’t. You love me so much even though I don’t deserve Your love. Help me love others like You love me. Amen.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Message of The Cross
Deuteronomy 30; Deuteronomy 31; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
1 Corinthians 1
18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 19 As the Scriptures say,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”
20 So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21 Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22 It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.
Observation
As I witness to people every Monday at Mission Tampa I have been amazed that most of the folks think that they are going to get to Heaven by their own good works. Part of my amazement is the fact that many of these people have been coming to Mission Tampa for several years to receive help and each time they have talked with a counselor. So even after hearing the Gospel they still reject that message and want to rely on human wisdom for their salvation.
“The message of the cross is foolish to those headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.” The Bible says that the Jews were offended by the message of the cross and the Gentiles thought it was just total nonsense.
It is our job to share the message and it is God’s job to save! It is all about the cross. It is all about a Savior crucified in my place and in your place. We deserve to die for our sins, but He died for us. Does this make sense to you or do you still think that it is all nonsense?
Application
I will strive to present a clear message of the cross to those at Mission Tampa this morning!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me make the message of the cross perfectly clear today. I pray that the people that I talk to will understand that they are lost without Christ. Help me to communicate Your message clearly to them and I pray that You would open up their hearts so they can be saved.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Deuteronomy 30; Deuteronomy 31; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 1
Click Here To Read Or Listen To Today’s Daily Bible Reading
Scripture
1 Corinthians 1
18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 19 As the Scriptures say,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”
20 So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21 Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22 It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.
Observation
As I witness to people every Monday at Mission Tampa I have been amazed that most of the folks think that they are going to get to Heaven by their own good works. Part of my amazement is the fact that many of these people have been coming to Mission Tampa for several years to receive help and each time they have talked with a counselor. So even after hearing the Gospel they still reject that message and want to rely on human wisdom for their salvation.
“The message of the cross is foolish to those headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.” The Bible says that the Jews were offended by the message of the cross and the Gentiles thought it was just total nonsense.
It is our job to share the message and it is God’s job to save! It is all about the cross. It is all about a Savior crucified in my place and in your place. We deserve to die for our sins, but He died for us. Does this make sense to you or do you still think that it is all nonsense?
Application
I will strive to present a clear message of the cross to those at Mission Tampa this morning!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me make the message of the cross perfectly clear today. I pray that the people that I talk to will understand that they are lost without Christ. Help me to communicate Your message clearly to them and I pray that You would open up their hearts so they can be saved.
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
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