JEREMY’S
LIFE JOURNAL
Date Scripture “Title”
Feb 11,
2006 Acts
18:9-10 “Don’t Be Afraid”
Feb 12, 2006 Ps 13 “From
Woe to Praise”
Feb 13, 2006 Acts 20:32 “Released
to God’s Care”
Feb 14,
2006 Psalm
24:3-6 “Who
Can Stand With the Lord?”
Feb
15, 2006 Psalm 25:6-11 “God’s Dictionary Definition”
Feb 16, 2006 Acts 23:1-5 “A
Quick Change of Tune”
Feb 17, 2006 Acts 23:22-27 “Bound
Without Cause”
Feb 18, 2006 Acts 25:9-12 “Straight
to the Top”
Feb 19,
2006 Num 6:23-27 “The
Lord’s Blessing”
Feb 20, 2006 Acts 27:9-14; 20-25 “Life in the Storm”
Feb 21, 2006 Acts 28:23-29 “The
Torch is Passed”
Feb 23,
2006 Psalm 90:15-17 “Make
Us Glad”
Feb 24,
2006 Num 14:1-9 “Two
Strong Voices”
Feb 25,
2006 Mark 4:35-41 “My
Little Faith”
Feb 26, 2006 Mark 5:25-34 “Desperate
Faith”
Feb 27, 2006 Mark 7:1-23 “Not In, But Out”
Feb 28, 2006 1 Cor 13:13 “The Greatest of the Three”
Mar 2, 2006 Mark 9:17-24 “Lord,
Help My Unbelief”
Mar 5, 2006 Mark 12:41-44 “Giving Your
All”
Mar 6, 2006 Deut 3:24 “Your Mighty Works and
Deeds”
Mar 7, 2006 Mark 14:32-42 “Asleep In
Gethsemane”
Mar 12, 2006 Gal 3:22-29 “Faith Through Law”
Mar 14, 2006 Gal 5:24-25 “Walk In the Spirit”
Mar 15, 2006 Gal 6:7-8 “What Will I Sow?”
Mar 16, 2006 1 Cor 1:10-18 “Not
Divided”
Mar 17, 2006 1 Cor 2:4-5 “Faith By God’s Power”
Mar 18, 2006 1 Cor 13:18-20 “My Wisdom
Is Foolishness”
Mar 19, 2006 Josh 6:2-5 “A Strange Command”
Mar 20, 2006 1 Cor 5:6-8 “A Little Leaven”
Mar 21, 2006 1 Cor 6:15-20 “We
Are Not Our Own”
Mar 23, 2006 1 Cor 8:2,3 “Know It All!”
Mar 26, 2006 1 Cor 11:11,12 “Not
Independent”
Mar 27, 2006 1 Cor 12:4-6 “Different Talents, But One
God
Mar 28, 2006 1
Cor 13:1-3 “Without
Love”
Mar 29, 2006 1 Cor 14:20 “Think Like An Adult”
Mar 30, 2006 1 Cor 15:12-19 “Without The
Resurrection”
Apr 1, 2006 2 Cor 1:18-22 “Christ
Said Yes”
Apr 2, 2006 Judg 15:13-15 “God
Provides What We Need”
Apr 3, 2006 2 Cor 3:4-6 “My
Confidence and Competence”
Apr 4, 2006 2 Cor 4:18 “Unseen
No Seen”
Apr 5, 2006 Ruth 1:19-21 “God’s
Still There”
Apr 6, 2006 2 Cor 6:14-16 “Proper
Association”
Apr 7, 2006 1 Sam 1:10-28 & 2:18-21 “Blessing
From A Difficult Gift”
Apr 9, 2006 1 Cor 9:6 “Sowing”
Apr 10, 2006 1 Cor 10:24 “Seeking Good”
Apr 11, 2006 1 Sam 12:22-23 “Prayer For
Others”
Apr 12, 2006 2 Cor 12:9-10 “When
I’m Weak, I’m Strong”
Apr 14, 2006 1 Sam 16:6-7 “Heart Of
The Matter”
Apr 17, 2006 Matt 4:5-7 “It Is Written”
Apr 20, 2006 Matt 7:7-8 “Ask, Seek and Knock”
Apr 21, 2006 Matt 8:8-10 “Great Faith”
Apr 22, 2006 Matt 9:10-13 “He Came
For The Sinners”
Apr 24, 2006 Matt 11:25 “Childlike”
Apr 25, 2006 Matt 12:30-32 “Unpardonable”
Apr 27, 2006 Matt 14:6-14 “Even
Through Struggles”
May 1, 2006 Matt 18:1-4 “Greatest
In The Kingdom”
May 4, 2006 2 Sam 9:6-11 “Hidden
Under The Table”
May 5, 2006 Matt 22:41-46 “Silencing
The Crowd”
May 6, 2006 Matt 23:25-26 “Look
At My Religion!”
May 7, 2006 Matt 24:4-5 “Deception”
May 8, 2006 Ps 32:10 “Trusting In Him”
May 9, 2006 Matt 26:69-75 “Just
Like Peter”
May 10, 2006 Matt 27:50-51 “Unlimited
Access”
May 11, 2006 Psalm 55:22 “Cast
Your Cares”
May 12, 2006 2 Sam 23:2-4 “Ruling
With Righteousness”
May 13, 2006 1 Thess 2:10-12 “Example Of A
Father”
May 14, 2006 1 Thess 3:5 “Faith
Report Card”
May 15, 2006 1 Thess 5:16-18 “Pray
Continuously”
May 16, 2006 1 Thess 4:7:8 “Holy vs.
Impure”
May 17, 2006 1 Kings 2:1-4 “A
Father’s Wisdom To His Son”
May 18, 2006 Ps 78:31-39 “God
Is Merciful”
May 19, 2006 1 Thess 3:1-3 “Protection”
May 21, 2006 Rom 2:28-29 “Inward/Outward”
May 22, 2006 Rom 3:23-24 “Fallen
Short”
May 23, 2006 Rom 4:9-10 “Before
Or After”
May 25, 2006 Rom 6:16-18 “Slaves”
May 26, 2006 Prov 1:7 “Reacting
In Foolishness”
May 27, 2006 Rom 8:38,39 “Powerful
Love”
May 28, 2006 Prov 9:7-9 “The
Wise”
May 29, 2006 Prov 11:2 “Pride
or Humility”
May 30, 2006 Prov 14:19 “Hope”
May 31, 2006 Rom 12:12 “Joy
and Patience”
Jun 1, 2006 Prov 21:19 “My
Wife”
Jun 2, 2006 Prov 24:16 “Dusting
Me Off”
Jun 3, 2006 Rom 15:7 “Accept One Another”
Jun 5, 2006 Prov 30:7-9 “Trusting
In God’s Provision”
Jun 7, 2006 Ecc 4:9-10 “Two
Are Better Than One”
Jun 11, 2006 Phil 1:15-16 “The
Gospel In Love”
Jun 13, 2006 Phil 3:20-21 “Glorious
Reward”
Jun 17, 2006 Col 3:23 “God’s Employee”
Jun 19, 2006 1 Tim 1:15-16 “A Patient
Man”
Jun 20, 2006 1 Tim 2:5-6 “The
Mediator”
Jun 22, 2006 1 Tim 4:4-5 “Everything
Is Good”
Jun 24, 2006 1 Tim 6:1-2 “Hard
Working Employee”
Jun 26, 2006 Jonah 4:1-4 “Running
Away”
Jun 27, 2006 2 Tim 3:16-17 “God
Breathed”
Jun 29, 2006 Psalm 86:11 “Teach
Me, Lord”
Jun 30, 2006 Psalm 104:30 “They
Shall Be Created”
Jul 6, 2006 Hos 6:1 “Return to the Lord”
Jul 7, 2006 Heb 4:15-16 “The New
High Priest”
Jul 8, 2006 Heb 5:13-14 “Meat
Not Milk”
Jul 11, 2006 Heb 8:7-13 “A
New Covenant”
Jul 14, 2006 Heb 11:1 “What Is Faith?”
Jul 15, 2006 Heb 12:5-6 “God
Must Truly Love Me”
Jul 16, 2006 Heb 13:2 “Who Am I
Entertaining?”
Jul 19, 2006 James 3:9-10 “The
Tongue”
Jul 21, 2006 James 5:19-20 “Back To
The Truth”
Jul 23, 2006 1 Peter 2:9 “His
Chosen”
Jul 25, 2006 Isa 43:25 “For His Own Sake”
Jul 29, 2006 2 Peter 3:10-12 “The Day Is
Coming”
Aug 1, 2006 John 3:30 “Jesus Must Be Greater”
Aug 2, 2006 John 4:23-24 “Spirit
and Truth”
Aug 3, 2006 John 5:16-17 “Always
Working”
Aug 4, 2006 John 6:5-13 “Feeding
The 5,000 Plus Some”
Aug 6, 2006 John 8:12-20 “Judging”
Aug 8, 2006 John 10:7-10 “The
Shepherd’s Gate”
Aug 9, 2006 John 11:35 “Jesus’
Humanity”
Aug 10, 2006 John 12:49-50 “Not
His Words”
Aug 11, 2006 John 13:20 “Accepting Jesus Is
Accepting God”
Aug 15, 2006 John 17:13-19 “We
Are Not Of This World”
Aug 16, 2006 John 18:12-14 “One
To Die For All”
Aug 22, 2006 1 John 3:9-10 “Love
My Brother”
Aug 23, 2006 1 John 4:1-6 “Testing
Someone From God”
Aug 24, 2006 Jer 33:17-21 “God’s
Word Is His Bond”
Aug 25, 2006 2 John 7 “False Teachings”
Aug 27, 2006 Psalm 144:15 “Blessings
and Happiness”
Aug 29, 2006 Rev 3:8-10 “Who Does He Love?”
Aug 30, 2006 Rev 4:6-11 “Continual Worship”
Sep 1, 2006 Ezek 16:8-14 “A
Beautiful Picture”
Sep 3, 2006 Ps 111:10 “Fear
Is Wisdom”
Sep 4, 2006 Ezek 22:1-5 “Am I Ready To Judge”
Sep 8, 2006 Ps 48:1 “He Is Worthy Of
Praise”
Sep 10, 2006 Lam 3:25-26 “He’s Teaching Me Patience”
Sep 14, 2006 Ps 110:4 “He Will Not Go Back
On His Word”
Sep 15, 2006 Ps 145:4 “Telling It To My
Children”
Sep 19, 2006 Luke 2:19&51 “Treasures
Of The Heart”
Sep 21, 2006 Luke 4:9-11 “The Master Of Lies And Deceit”
Sep 23, 2006 Luke 6:43-45 “Good Or
Bad Fruit”
Oct 4, 2006 Luke 17:20-21 “Where Is
The Kingdom?”
Oct 6, 2006 Luke 19:26 “Use
What God Gives You”
Oct 8, 2006 Luke 21:12-15 “God Will
Strengthen Me”
Oct 9, 2006 Luke 22:24-27 “How Am I
Supposed To Be?”
Oct 11, 2006 Luke 24:28-32 “Christ
Revealed”
Oct 12, 2006 Acts 1:7 “I’m Not Supposed To
Know When”
Oct 14, 2006 Acts 3:25-26 “Part Of
Abraham’s Covenant”
Oct 15, 2006 Acts 4:7-13 “In
The Power Of The Holy Spirit”
Oct 16, 2006 Acts 5:35-39 “God Is
The Pilot”
Oct 19, 2006 Acts 11:15-17 “Opposing
God”
Oct 20, 2006 Acts 12:12-15 “Knocking
At The Door”
Oct 22, 2006 Acts 16:22-25 “Praising
Even When Beaten”
Oct 24, 2006 Acts 19:13-20 “Funny
But Sad”
Oct 25, 2006 Acts 28:1-6 “That’s
Just Like “Religious” People”
Nov 2, 2006 Mark 12:28-31 “Love God;
Love People”
Nov 4, 2006 Job 27:3-4 “As
Long As I Live”
Nov 5, 2006 Gal 2:21 “Did Christ Die For
Nothing?”
Nov 6, 2006 Gal 4:4-7 “Heir To The Promise”
Nov 9, 2006 1 Cor 4:20 “Talking
The Talk Or Walking The Walk?”
Nov 16, 2006 2 Cor 6:14-16 “Who
Are We To Associate With?”
Nov 18, 2006 2 Cor 12:7-10 “Strength
In My Weakness”
Nov 22, 2006 Matt 12:30 “Son Of Man vs Son Of God”
Nov 23, 2006 Matt 14:25-33 “It
Takes Great Faith To Walk On Water”
Nov 24, 2006 Matt 19:3-9 “Divorce Is Not An Option”
Dec 12, 2006 Heb 4:12 “The Word Is Alive”
Dec 13, 2006 Heb 11:1-2 “What Is Faith?”
Dec 16, 2006 1 Peter 2:18-19 “Whistle
While You Work”
Dec 17, 2006 2 Peter 1:5-9 “Attributes
and Progression”
Dec 24, 2006 John 20:24-29 “Not
Seeing But Believing”
Dec 25, 2006 1 John 5:14-15 “According
To His Will
“Don’t Be Afraid”
SCRIPTURE: Acts 18:9-10
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not
be silent. For I am with you, and no one
is going to harm you, because I have many people in this city.”
OBSERVATION:
In this passage the Lord is telling Paul not to be afraid to speak the
good word of Jesus Christ. God said that
Paul has a lot of help in the city and God would not let anything happen to
him.
APPLICATION:
I do believe in the word of God and in his love. I need to receive these words as if I was
Paul. I do not need to be afraid of what
people do to me and I need to practice spreading the Word of God to others.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, I pray for your wisdom and strength and learn to trust in
you and the strength and protection you provide so that I may not have to fear
others. Use me as a tool in you
kingdom. Amen
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“From Woe to Praise”
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 13
How long, O Lord? Will you
forget me forever? How long will you
hide your face from me? How long must I
wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in
death; my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when
I fall. But I trust in your unfailing
love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good
to me.
OBSERVATION:
Here David is obviously under stress and attack from all around. He starts off this Psalm looking and
wondering how long God be gone from him.
He seems in a way of blaming God for all the trouble around him and I
imagine that he feels God has left him.
But suddenly you realize that this is not the case. David knows that not only God is with him but
that he trusts in God’s unfailing love and David rejoices in the saving grace
of the Lord. He also makes a point in
saying that despite what seems to be a hopeless time in his life that God has
been good to him and he will sing praises to God despite the struggle.
APPLICATION:
I have had some pretty rough times in my life. In fact right now is I tough time with this
broken leg and being out of work. But
despite all of the struggles I am in I need to constantly remember that God has
been and will always be good to me. He
has really blessed me lately and I need to continue to praise him for that.
PRAYER:
Thank you O Lord for what you have done in my life during this hard
time. You have blessed me and my family
in this time of need. I thank you for
giving us the means to live off of and the friends and family to lean onto for
guidance when I start to look away. Lord
I thank you for always being there for me and not turning away from me. Amen.
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“Released to God’s Care”
SCRIPTURE: Acts 20:32
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them who are sanctified.
OBSERVATION:
Paul is releasing the Macedonians to God and is letting them know that
they are in his capable hands.
APPLICATION:
I am under God’s care. By His
grace I am sanctified and he is building me up.
I need to recognize the works that God is doing in me so that I can be a
better servant to him.
PRAYER:
Lord I thank you for your loving, warm grace. You have shone me your love by the power of
your might. Thank you for your
continuous blessings. I have been
released into your care and I am willing to rest into that. Give me the wisdom to use these talents you have
given me to your will. Change my heart,
Lord to better serve you. Amen
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“Who Can Stand With the Lord?”
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 24:3-6
3 Who may
ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? 4 He who
has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive blessing from the Lord, And
righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is Jacob, the generation of
those who seek Him, Who seek Your face. Selah
OBSERVATION:
In this Psalm, David asks basically who can be with God. The person with a pure heart, who believes in
God only, not in idols, not using deceit, he is the one who receives the
blessing of the Lord and the righteousness of His Salvation. This person is of Jacob the one who sees the
Lords wonderful face.
APPLICATION:
When reading Chapter 24, I did have a little bit of trouble trying to understand
what it is telling me until I really paid attention to these 4 verses. David is giving is a template on how we
should be in living in God’s presence. I
need to practice following this model that David provided in this Psalm.
PRAYER:
Lord, I do want to walk in you
and see your face. Lord guide me and
teach me how to have a pure heart. Lift
me up Lord. I choose you and not the gods
of this world and not practice deceit so that I may receive your continued
blessings. Lord I want to be like your
servant and walk with you. Thank you
Lord for the blessings you have given me and those that you will bless us with
in the future. Thank you for your
salvation and your son Jesus Christ who has did for me and the world. Lord I choose to receive your salvation and
accept you alone as my God. Amen
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“God’s
Dictionary Definition”
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 25:6-11
6 Remember, O
Lord, Your tender mercies and Your loving kindnesses, For they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to
Your mercy remember me, For Your goodness' sake, O Lord. 8 Good and upright is
the Lord; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way. 9 The humble He guides in
justice, And the humble He teaches His way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are
mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. 11 For Your
name's sake, O Lord, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
OBSERVATION:
The Psalmist
is saying remember that you are merciful and loving to us for that is they way
you have always been. Forgive me my sins
and transgressions; by your mercy remember me for your goodness’ sake. God is upright and good and he teaches
sinners in the way of his love and goodness.
He guides the humble in justice and teaches his way. All of the ways of God are mercy and truth
and he always keeps his covenants and testimonies. For my sake, forgive me my sins for they are
great.
APPLICATION:
To me this
Psalm is very powerful because it goes to the very nature of the Lord and the
way he has been from the beginning. It
defines what believing in him is all about.
It tells the story of why Jesus died on the cross for our sins. This part of the 25th Psalm is a
constant reminder of the Lord’s love for
us and his willingness to forgive us if we are humble to him. I can apply this by remembering to humble
myself to God and admit my transgressions and sins and rely on his unfailing
love for me and his willingness to accept my faults and love me regardless.
PRAYER:
“Thank you
Lord for loving me and thank you Lord for blessing me. Thank you Lord for making me whole and saving
my soul.” These words that I sang as a
child, I now pray to you. Lord this
description of you in the very essence is what my “Dictionary Definition” of
who you are. Lord you are Love, Grace,
Peace, Joy, Forgiveness, Happiness, Life, Laughter, Salvation, Redemption,
Truth, Almighty, Unconditional and some many other words to many to describe
you. Lord I thank you for living and
me. I pray for your continued guidance
on how to be a good father to my children and a loving husband to my wife. I want to learn to love my kids and wife the
way you have loved me and continue to love me.
Give me the wisdom and courage to raise my family in your love. Thank you Lord for your continued blessings
in this family’s life. Amen.
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“A Quick
Change of Tune”
Scripture: Acts 23:1-5
1 Then Paul,
looking earnestly at the council, said, "Men and brethren, I have lived in
all good conscience before God until this day." 2 And the high priest
Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then
Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit
to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary
to the law?" 4 And those who stood by said, "Do you revile God's high
priest?" 5 Then Paul said, "I did not know, brethren, that he was the
high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your
people.' "
OBSERVATION:
Here Paul is before the Jewish council and says that he has lived in good conscience be the Lord and the High Priest Ordered the people stand nearing him to hit him on the mouth. Paul rebuked the priest and the priest who ordered the attack saying that God would enact punishment on them for Judging him according to there law but going against there law and ordering an unjust punishment. But when it was revealed by those near him that it was he High Priest he was rebuking he was quick to repent and humble himself and admit his fault.
APPLICATION:
This is exactly the attitude that we are to have when others may have treated us bad but we found out that we were in the wrong as well. We are to be quick to repent and recognize when we have over stepped our boundaries. When we realize we are in the wrong, not matter what others may have done to us in the process, we are quickly humble ourselves to that person and ask for forgiveness and admit our misgiving. I know that I have and still need help with this part of my life. I have not always been quick to recognize my shortcomings and misgivings. I need help in this area and I will draw upon the strength that God has provided to me.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for the forgiving heart that you have shared with me over the span of my life. Lord I have not always been quick to admit my transgressions not only to you but to others around me. This is an aspect of my life that I know that I need to work on. I can not change this by my own power but I know and have faith that you will show me and train me to deal with this shortcoming in my life and make a better shepherd, husband, father, friend and Christian. Thank you for changing me for your glory Lord and I thank you that I can study your word and learn from the example your son Jesus provided for all of us in your word. Amen
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SCRIPTURE: Acts 24:22-27
22 But when
Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned
the proceedings and said, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will
make a decision on your case." 23 So he commanded the centurion to keep
Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends
to provide for or visit him. 24 And after some days, when Felix came with his
wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the
faith in Christ. 25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and
the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now;
when I have a convenient time I will call for you." 26 Meanwhile he also
hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him.
Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him. 27 But after two
years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a
favor, left Paul bound.
OBSERVATION:
Paul was sent to Felix to stand trial for the so-called crimes that the Jews were accusing him of. When Felix, who had a knowledge of Christianity, heard Paul’s response to the allegations, he ordered that Paul be held but not to restrict his friends from seeing him. When he had another chance to hear Paul’s case he told him he would call him when it was convenient for him, so he could release him. But after two years when he was relieved of duty by Festus, he decided to keep Paul locked up just to make the Jews happy. We know though that despite all of this Paul was not worried because he was trusting in the loving power of Jesus Christ.
APPLICATION:
Sometimes people do wrong and mean things to me just to make others happy, but I need to be like Paul and trust that Jesus is going to provide for my every need and that I will be taken care of in the time of strife.
PRAYER:
Thank you Lord Jesus for the guiding and caring hand that you lift me up with during times of struggle and strife. Lord I pray for the strength, hope and faith that is needed to make through times that are beyond my control and place the control into your capable hands. Thank You for lifting me up. Amen
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9 But Festus,
wanting to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, "Are you willing
to go up to
OBSERVATION:
Festus wanted
to help the Jews by sending Paul to
APPLICATION:
Paul was a
very bold person. But he wasn’t bold for
his benefit but for the benefit of God.
He was not afraid to answer for crimes because of the news of Jesus
Christ. Paul’s faith is remarkable. It to have faith in my Lord and Savior but I
know that I am no where near the faith giant that Paul was. I look at Paul’s life and see what unending
faith in Jesus can bring and sometimes it scares me because none of us like to
be attacked and mocked. But I also look
at Paul and see a person who’s faith in Christ Jesus gave him the strength to
face these trials and it shows me that I can stand in Christ Jesus just as Paul
did. I just want to thank God for giving
Paul as an example on how to willingly go straight to the top and face the
music.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank
you from my very being for giving me an example like Paul. His faith in you was so amazing and strong
that even in times of deepest times of strife and despair. It inspires me even more to look to you and
your love when the world is against me.
I know the world will come against me because of your name but Lord the
name of Jesus is also the very name that will strengthen me when I am attacked
the world. Amen
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“The Lord’s
Blessing”
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 6:23-27
23
"Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, 'This is the way you shall bless the
children of
OBSERVATION:
The Lord has instructed the priests on how
to bless the people of
APPLICATION:
This is one of the most popular quotes of the Bible. Even though it is Old Testament, these words ring into the very heart of God’s willingness to bless us and his love for us and that he wants us to know him. He freely gives his blessing to anyone who accepts it. I freely accept the blessing of God and long to walk with him.
PRAYER:
Lord I thank you for blessing me and keeping
me. Lord I long to look upon your face
and receive the wonders of your grace.
Lord thank you for your countenance that you freely give and the peace
that comes from might power of your love.
Thank you for loving me lord and thank you for blessing me. You are almighty and I thank you especially
for the healing you are providing for me.
I continue to lift up Sebastian and Bethany to you. Be with
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9 Now when much time had been spent, and
sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them,
10 saying, "Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and
much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives." 12 And
because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set
sail from there also, if by any means they could reach
OBSERVATION:
In the first part of this scripture reading, when the sailing became to dangerous, Paul told them that he feared that the ship and there very lives were in danger. When they continued on a fierce storm came and came down on there boat. Later on in verse 21 Paul stood up and told them that they should have listened to them. An angel had told him not to fear that he and everyone on board will be saved from death. Only the ship would be destroyed. Then he said that he God would save them just as the angel said.
APPLICATION:
Sometimes I don’t listen and do whatever I want and things start to go bad. First of all I need to listen and do what the Lord tells me. But for those times that I try to do it my way and things start to fail then I need to listen to what God is trying to tell me and just believe and trust in his ability to make things right.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for this opportunity to
study your word. I thank you for showing
me your will for me. Lord I know that I
sin and make mistakes. Lord forgive me
of those transgressions. Lord I humble myself to your graces and
teachings. Lord when I fall give me the
strength and determination to trust in your love and the works of your
hands. Lord thank you for giving me the
faith to trust in you to provide and take care of the situation at hand. Thank you Jesus for your life giving
sacrifice. For being the lamb sacrificed
before the alter of God and thank you for coming back to live and reigning in
heaven with your father. Lord I love you
and I know that you love me. Thank you
for your continued blessings. Lord I
also lift up
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“The Torch is Passed”
SCRIPTURE: Acts 28:23-29
23 So when
they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he
explained and solemnly testified of the
OBSERVATION:
The Jews
gathered to the home of Paul to here the words that he had to say concerning
God and his love for us through his son Jesus Christ. Some believed and some didn’t.
They started
to dispute among one another when Paul reminded them how that through the Holy
Spirit, Isaiah had said that some of the Jews will believe and some will not
because of there unwillingness to believe due to hardened hearts and that the
word will be sent to the Gentiles and they will believe.
APPLICATION:
At this time
the winter Olympics are underway. Well
before the opening ceremonies, the torch begins its journey from
PRAYER:
Lord I thank
you for passing on the torch to the Gentiles so that we may also receive the
gift of the Holy Spirit. Lord I thank
you for giving me the strength and wisdom to pass this torch of Love, Grace and
Salvation onto others so that your love may spread through the entire
world. Just like the Olympic torch
transferred from one person to the next, so is your word so that the flame of
Jesus and your love may never die. Amen
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“Make Us
Glad”
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 90:15-17
15 Make us
glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, The years in which
we have seen evil. 16 Let Your work appear to Your servants, And Your glory to
their children. 17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, And
establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.
OBSERVATION:
Make me glad
according to the days in which we were afflicted, the years that we saw
evil. Let you work be shown to us as well
as your glory. Let your beauty be upon
us and your works for us.
APPLICATION:
The Psalmist
writes that even in days of sadness and evil they were glad because the Lord
was with them and they rejoiced in that wanting to once again see the work of
his hands. I need to feel blessed
because of the blessings that the Lord has given me in this hard time.
PRAYER:
Thank you
Lord for your continued blessings in this difficult time in my life. I thank you for your continued provision and
the provisions of the future. I also
thank you for letting us be a blessing to Shane and Tammy. Lord may you continue to bless them and our
love for each other. Thank you for all
that you do. In your most holy
name. Amen
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“Two Strong
Voices”
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 14:1-9
1 So all the
congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night.
2 And all the children of
OBSERVATION:
The people of
APPLICATION:
You know,
sometimes I want to question whether God can really provide when the situation
looks totally grim. Jacob and Caleb
provide the perfect example that despite things may not look good, they are
willing to stand up and say, God promised us he will provide and he will do
just that. I need to practice being more
like Jacob and Caleb.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank
you again for the opportunity to study this part of your word and I thank you
for opening my eyes to what you are wanting me to know. Lord I know you want me to be more like the
example of Jacob and Caleb. Lord give me the wisdom and courage to be
that strong voice in your world so that people might see and hear and see the
glories of your love and grace. Thank
you Jesus for you tender mercies. I pray
in you most glorious name. Amen
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“My Little
Faith”
SCRIPTURE: Mark 4:35-41
35 On the
same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to
the other side." 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him
along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And
a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was
already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke
Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are
perishing?" 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea,
"Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40
But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no
faith?" 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who
can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"
OBSERVATION:
In this popular story of a lack of faith, the disciples and Jesus went into a boat and traveled across the sea. There was a great storm that began to rage and they disciples, being afraid, woke Jesus up saying “Don’t you care we are about to die?” Jesus got up and ordered the storm to calm and it became calm. Jesus then turned around asking them, “Why are you so afraid? Where is your faith?”
APPLICATION:
Storms in this sea of life have come and they have gone. And I know that I have heard, many times, the voice of God rebuking me asking, “Where is your faith?” Having faith is easy, putting it into practice and living in that faith is what is difficult. I do have faith but where I have fallen is when I am trying to live in that faith and the waves of doubt and unbelief try to wash me over board and bring me down. This is when I cry out to God wondering why he is not helping me or where is he? That’s when he lifts me up but at the same time asks why didn’t I just wait and trust in him.
PRAYER:
Lord, I know that I am saved and I know that you love me and will provide for my and my family’s every need. Lord I struggle with living in and practicing the faith in your love and gift of your Son. Lord I resolve to practice just resting and looking to you, by prayer and your word and just wait, hoping in the things to come, and faith that all is already being made right. Lord Jesus I thank you for your love by dying the death for me and paying the price for my sins. Lord I may not have known you physically, seeing you face to face those many years ago, but I am thankful that I am learning to know you spiritually and seeing you face to face in spirit. Lord I am going to put into practice the faith needed now and say thank you for healing me and getting me and my family through this trial in our live. I pray this prayer in your almighty name. Amen
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“Desperate Faith”
SCRIPTURE: Mark 5:25-34
25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well." 29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My clothes?" 31 But His disciples said to Him, "You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, 'Who touched Me?' " 32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction."
OBSERVATION:
A woman who suffered from bleeding for many years heard that Jesus was coming, she went to see him hoping that if she was to just touch his clothes she would be healed. When she touched him she was healed but Jesus asked who touched him. The disciples asked him what was he talking about since there were so many people crowding him. The woman being frightened came forward telling Jesus the truth about what she did. He told her not to be afraid that her faith has healed her.
APPLICATION:
Just having hoping that touching Jesus clothes would heal hear gave her the faith she need to believe in the power of Jesus. I have never been that desperate to jump out blindly in faith. Her strength and belief , without failing, in the healing power of Jesus is what helped this woman. I need to use her example of faith as a stepping stone in my walk with Jesus.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, I pray for continued strength in learning how to walk with you. I pray that I learn to use this example of faith as a stepping stone on how to walk with you. Lord I thank you for your love for me and teaching me how to have faith in you. Thank you for your blessings yesterday, today and in the days to come. I pray in your name. Amen
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“Not In, But Out”
SCRIPTURE: Mark 7:1-23
1 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes
came together to Him, having come from
OBSERVATION:
The Pharisees chastised Jesus and his disciples about eating food with unwashed hands. Jesus then in turned and told them what Isaiah said about the Pharisees how that they honor God with there lips not there hearts and that its not what goes in a man that defiles him but what comes out. When the disciples asked Jesus what the parable meant, He said to them “Do you not understand that it’s what a person eats or drinks or whatever enters him that defiles him because it doesn’t enter his heart but his stomach and then out of his body purifying him. What comes out of a man’s heart is what defiles him. Out of his heart comes evil thoughts, adultery, fornication, murder, theft, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. All of these come from with in a man, that is what defiles a man.
APPLICATION:
Jesus here is trying to make a point that it’s not what a man eats, but what comes out of his heart that can defile him. That the Pharisees were so wrapped up in trying to gain their salvation through their actions, that their hearts were not with and following the Lord. It’s not my place to tell someone that they don’t have to eat “unclean meats” anymore, even though I have been attacked because I have. Paul told us in Romans that if one of us eats unclean meat and the other does not wish to do that, that we are not to argue over such things because our salvation does not come through the law but through the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus is telling us, “What goes into us is not what makes us good and bad, it’s our heart and what comes out of our heart that makes us do good or evil.” I am to get my heart straight with God, and turn it to him so that it can pour out love and compassion, not anger, hate, lust, etc towards my neighbor.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, I pray that you train my heart to bring out your goodness through me so that I may become your instrument not the instrument of the world. Thank you so much dearest Jesus for you example of a clean heart by the love you showed us in your death, burial, and resurrection, giving your self as a sacrificial lamb for the forgiveness of our sins. Thank you Lord for giving me a loving heart and continue to teach me how to use it for your benefit. I pray in your name. Amen
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“The Greatest of the Three”
SCRIPTURE: I Corinthians 13:13
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
OBSERVATION:
The greatest of faith, hope, and love is love.
APPLICATION:
I Corinthians 13 has to be my all time favorite chapter in the Bible. It’s my favorite because this chapter gives the very definition of what love is, patient, kind, without envy, not boastful or proud, not rude, not self-seeking, slow to anger, doesn’t keep track of wrongs done to it, is not happy about evil but is happy in the truth. It always protects, hopes, trusts, and perseveres. It never fails. In verse 13 there are three things we are to walk in faith, hope, and love. We need to have hope in the blessings to come and in turn that hope helps us with and strengthens our faith in Jesus Christ. But without love it is impossible to be the Christian God wants you to be. The definitions of love above is the very love that God showed us by freely and willingly giving up his son to die so that we may live. Jesus volunteered to die the death that was due mankind for their sins. This “agape” love is impossible for us to accomplish by our own power, but by allowing God and his love to flow through us we can share his love to the world. This love is not forced but is extended freely to those who have received and accepted. Once you wrap your arms on this kind of love you will feel the warm embrace of our loving savior. I have accepted this kind of love and I hope and have faith that others will to. I would absolutely love that.
PRAYER:
Lord I thank you for giving me this kind of love. Lord I do fall short of your definition of love. Sometimes I am not so kind or patient. Some times I can be boastful or proud. Sometimes I am rude, quick to anger and only think about myself. I have kept track of wrongs done to me instead of forgiving others. Lord forgive me of these times when I fall short of spreading to others the love you have shown me. Teach me and train me to walk in your love. Help me learn the kind of love needed to love others. Thank you for answering my prayer and providing me with the courage and knowledge to learn your kind of selfless love. I pray in your holy and loving name. Amen
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“Lord, Help My Unbelief”
SCRIPTURE: Mark 9:17-24
17 Then one of the crowd answered and said, "Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. 18 "And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not." 19 He answered him and said, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me." 20 Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. 21 So He asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. 22 "And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." 23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"
OBSERVATION:
A man brought his son to Jesus to cleanse him of a mute spirit. He told Jesus that he brought his son to Jesus’ disciples but they could not drive him out. Jesus got on to them say, “You faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring the boy to me?” When the boy was brought to Jesus, he immediately went into convulsions falling on the ground and foaming at the mouth.
Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” and the father replied “Since childhood and that the spirit would often throw the boy into the fire or water to kill him. If you can do anything, please help.” Jesus told the father, “If you can believe all things are possible to him who believes.” The father immediately said in tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
APPLICATION:
What did the father mean by I believe, help my unbelief. The father obviously believed in the power of Jesus but just like so many of us, doubt creeps into us asking things such as is this really possible for God to handle or can God actually take care of us, or can God actually heal me or my family? When we start to doubt our believe and faith in Jesus Christ can begin to waiver and we loose focus. I feel like this father at times. I do believe in the power of Jesus and his love for us but often doubt and unbelief try to creep into my heart, making my faith not quite as effective. I pray for conviction when those times of unbelief try to enter my heart that I immediately cry out as this father did, saying Lord help me with this unbelief that is trying to enter my heart so that I can focus on the belief in your power.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you again for this opportunity to read your word and to learn an important lesson from it. Lord you know there are times in my heart that doubt and unbelief have crept into my heart. Lord I thank you for giving me the courage and strength to take those times and turn them around to turn them into belief and blessings. Lord make me your servant so that I may be a better servant to others and teach them of your love. Thank you Lord for blessing my life with you love and glory. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to freely worship you. I pray in your holy name. Amen.
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“Giving Your All”
SCRIPTURE: Mark 12:41-44
41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 "for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."
OBSERVATION:
When Jesus was watching people put their money into the treasury he noticed the rich put in a lot but one poor widow put in all she had. Jesus told his disciples that the poor woman has put in more than the rich because she gave all that she had but the gave out of there abundance.
APPLICATION:
We are to take a good lesson out of this. We are to give our all when serving God. I take out of this story not just that we are to be selfless when giving back to Jesus, but I also see that we should hand over our lives completely to Jesus and place everything in his care and not worry about what tomorrow will bring. We can have much and be close to God but until we are ready to give everything to him and put him first we can’t effectively live in him and him in us.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for this lesson you have given me in giving all to you. I give all I have into your capable hands. Help me use these things you have provided to serve you. Lord I thank you for the many blessings that you have provided for my family. Lord continually give me the conviction and courage to deal with the countless blessings that you have provided to me. Thank You for loving and caring for me and my family. I pray this in your most wonderful and holy name. Amen
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“Your Mighty Works and Deeds”
SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 3:24
24 'O Lord God, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your mighty hand, for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do anything like Your works and Your mighty deeds?
OBSERVATION:
You, Lord have started to show your servant how great and mighty you are. What god is there who can do anything like your mighty works and deeds?
APPLICATION:
They Lord is truly showing how mighty and great he is in my life right now. He has shown me time and time again how much he cares for me ever since I broke my leg. He has shown me how he is going to provide for me and my family’s needs and has not failed in his promise to provide for us. There truly is no other god but the Lord our God.
PRAYER:
Lord, you truly are mighty and powerful and your works and deeds are great. You have blessed me and my family in this time of need and we have trusted in you to take care of us. We are very grateful and thankful for what you have done for us even when it seems that things are going to be a little tight to handle. Thank You so much for your blessings and your continued care and provision for our everyday needs. I pray this in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Asleep In
SCRIPTURE: Mark 14:32-42
32 Then they came to a place which was named
OBSERVATION:
Jesus and his disciples went to
APPLICATION:
Sometimes Jesus has told me to walk with him and to wait on him, but just like the disciples I fell asleep, failed to see the work that Jesus did in my life and he had to wake me up and tell me to keep watch and pray so that I will not be tempted. I need to keep my soul awake and my eyes out for what Jesus I doing in my life so that when temptation comes, I will not fall into the hands of the world but into the loving arms of Jesus.
PRAYER:
Lord, Jesus I pray that I stay awake to see and hear what you have for me. I don’t want to miss what you are doing for me and how you are taking care of me. I love you Jesus and I can not thank you enough for what you have done in my life. I thank you for the love you showed to me on the cross by dying the death that was in store for me. Thank you Lord for giving me the gift of eternal life. I pray this in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Faith Through Law”
SCRIPTURE: Galatians 3:22-29
22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
OBSERVATION:
The scripture says we are all under sin but the promise of Faith in Jesus will be given to those who believe. Before faith we were under the law, the faith would be revealed later. Because of this the law was a teacher to bring us to Jesus so we may be justified by faith. Once faith came we are no longer under the teacher (the law), because we are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For if you are baptized into Christ we are in Christ. There is not Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for we are all one in Jesus Christ. And if you are in Jesus, then you are the children of Abraham and heirs according to the promise God made to Abraham.
APPLICATION:
My salvation comes from my faith in Jesus Christ, but I could not have jumped into that faith until I realized my sin and my sin was revealed to me through the law. I would have known of faith unless I learned of my sin. The law was not created for me to live by but for me to realize how much I need God and trust in him. No one can follow the law to the letter because no one is perfect. At some point I am going to mess up under the law. My faith in Jesus and his sacrifice corrects me when I do wrong. If I choose to follow Jesus in faith I want to obey God which is obeying his law. The law was designed not to condemn me but to train me to trust in God to have faith in him. What can I learn from this. If I have faith in God I want to do what is right. Have faith and God will provide.
PRAYER:
Lord, I have sinned but I know that you have provided my salvation through the blood of your son. Lord I can not go through life without knowing Jesus and the faith I have I know is not where it should be. To many times I have tried to do things on my own and not exercised the faith that is needed to truly live in you and allow you to change me. Lord I pray for the strength to exercise faith in my daily walk. When things are easy and tough teach me to exercise faith in you and your almighty power. Lord I thank you for my family and home. Help me be the spiritual leader, father, and husband I need to be as well as a spiritual guide to those new to you. Thank You for your love. In your Holy name. Amen.
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“Walk In the Spirit”
SCRIPTURE: Galatians 5:24-25
24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
OBSERVATION:
If you are in Christ you have crucified worldly passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit we also walk in the spirit.
APPLICATION:
I have been crucified and I need to stop looking to worldly desires to make me happy. I need to focus more on Jesus and walk in the gift of the Holy Spirit to truly grow in God’s kingdom.
PRAYER:
Thank you Lord Jesus for showing this verse to me. Lord I want to walk with you and overcome the passions of this world. The only way to overcome is to walk in you. Lord I remember that you have told me that when I fall, I will arise because you will be a light in my darkness. Lord I want to focus on your light so I can be led out of the darkness that is in my path. I thank you in your Holy Name. Amen
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“What Will I Sow?”
SCRIPTURE: Galatians 6:7-8
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
OBSERVATION:
Don’t fool yourself, God is not stupid. Whatever I put into things is what I am going to get out of them. If I focus on my physical desires then that is what I will receive but if I focus on the Spirit then I will receive of the Spirit everlasting life.
APPLICATION:
What a powerful scripture! At this crossroads in my life and my struggles I need to choose; am I going to get my pleasures and desires from the things of this world or am I going to rely on Christ Jesus to be my joy and happiness. I have failed lately and focused on my worldly desires instead of relying on Jesus to bring me my joy and peace. I need to turn my focus on Christ so that I may realize my joy and peace that comes with Jesus.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, I ask for your forgiveness and thank you for your salvation. Lord I have failed to look to you for my joy and to take care of mine and my family’s every need. Lord lift me up to do better so that I may be a better servant for you. I thank you for you love and the provisions that you have provide for me in this struggle in my life. Thank you for not giving up on me. I pray in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Not Divided”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. 16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
OBSERVATION:
Paul here pleads saying; “In Jesus Christ name, please do not be divided among each other, but be perfectly joined together as one mind and in the same judgement. I have been told about your by Chloe’s house, that there is disagreements and division between you. Some of you say you are of Paul, or of Apollos, or of Cephas, or of Christ. Is Christ divided? Did I, Paul, die on the cross for you or were you baptized in my name. I am glad that I only baptized Crispus, Gaius and Stephanas (that’s all I can recall that I baptized), so people can not say that I have baptized you in my name. I was not sent by Jesus Christ to baptize you, but to preach the gospel, not with my own words because by my words the message of the cross would not be effective. The saving message of the cross is foolishness to those who have not accepted the saving grace of Jesus, but to those of us who have accepted Jesus it is the power of God.”
APPLICATION:
This is a profound description of many
churches today. Many denominations, or
dividers or divisions as I like to call them, believe that you are not truly
saved unless you are Baptist, Church of Christ, Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic,
Seventh Day Adventist, etc, etc you fill in the blank. Yes they teach the cross but only how it
applies to their beliefs or traditions and think that everybody else is
wrong. They try so hard to follow the
letter of the law, or their interpretation, that they fail to look at the cross,
letting Jesus truly into their heart to change their lives and worship with
their brothers and sisters. I know
because I was brought up that way. I was
brought up in the “
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for showing me my flaws and convicting me to allow you into my heart. Lord I don’t want to be known for where I worship but for who I worship and who is in me. Thank you Lord for allowing me to live in a country where I can freely worship you. I love you Lord and thank you for loving me so much that you were willing to give your son on the cross to die my death so that I may live. I am not perfect but I know through your son’s death that I am the very righteousness of God. Thank you Lord for your saving grace, your love for me, and the care you have given me.
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“Faith By God’s Power”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 2:4-5
4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
OBSERVATION:
Paul’s preaching and speaking was not by his wisdom, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, and he says that our faith should not be by mans wisdom but in the power of God.
APPLICATION:
This is speaking to me today because one of my faults in my walk with God is that I try to practice faith and teaching by my own strength and power rather than trusting in God and drawing on his strength. I need to let go of my stubbornness and trust in God for the strength to speak to others about Christ as well as to have the faith needed to walk with God.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for teaching me to be more trusting of you. Lord I have fallen short of letting you take control and I know that I can only know you when I use the faith you have taught me through your Son, Jesus. I need to live in this faith more often and I know and am thankful that you are going to provide for me. You are going to show me how to live in faith and how to bring the message of your gospel to others. Thank you for caring for me. I pray in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“My Wisdom Is Foolishness”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 3:18-20
18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness"; 20 and again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile."
OBSERVATION:
Do not deceive yourself. If you think you are wise, become foolish so that you may become truly wise. To God, the so-called “wisdom or wise” in this world are actually foolish, for it is written that, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness.” In other words the Lord knows what I “wise” person is thinking and that those thoughts are futile.
APPLICATION:
Today was kind of difficult to decide what to write about because all four chapters were packed full of things that touched my heart. These three verses, however, really spoke to me. They made me realize that many times I have depended on my own wisdom, or the so-called “wisdom” of the world, to influence decisions that I have made. God has granted me wisdom but it’s not my wisdom, it is the wisdom that comes from walking with him. When I think I have the answer I need to humble myself and realize I don’t know how to deal with everything, but God does and he will grant me the wisdom needed in every situation if I just listen and trust in him.
PRAYER:
Lord, you have filled today with many things to learn from and grow from. You have truly shown me Your wisdom, the wisdom of Your Holy Word. Lord, I pray for the wisdom, not to just make a better life for myself, but the wisdom to be the Christian man, husband and father you want me to be. The wisdom to understand your word and how to apply it to my life and the teaching of others. Sometimes I won’t know or understand what you are saying to me. It’s in those times that I must humble myself and just know that you will give me the wisdom to understand when I step back and listen to what you are saying. Thank You so much for giving me your wisdom. I pray in Your Holy Name. Amen.
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“A Strange Command”
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 6:2-5
2 And the Lord said to Joshua: "See! I
have given
OBSERVATION:
The Lord gave a commandment to Joshua
saying, “I have given all of
APPLICATION:
If you have ever served in the military, you
know that trying to take over a fortified location takes planning, courage,
serious fighting, luck, and blood shed on both sides. So I imagine that when the Lord gave
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for showing me yet again
how I need to practice more faith in my life.
Lord you have taken care of me despite my downfalls. Lord I want to practice my faith in you but I
let worldly problems get in my way and I think I need to take over. I can not tear down any walls that way. I can only tear down the walls of my
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“A Little Leaven”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 5:6-8
6 Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
OBSERVATION:
A little bit of yeast gets into the whole lump of dough causing it to rise. Therefore get rid of the old yeast and put in some new yeast, for you truly are without yeast. Christ, who is our Passover, sacrificed himself for us. Let’s keep the feast, not with the old yeast or the yeast of evil but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
APPLICATION:
I have been known to allow the bad yeast to enter into my heart causing it to fill my life. Even after I accepted Christ I didn’t fully allow the good yeast of Jesus Christ fill my heart. I have been mean to people, unforgiving, unloving, and full of lust in my heart. I need to make a new loaf of bread and put the yeast of Jesus Christ in my heart to create a new, loving and truthful loaf of bread into my heart.
PRAYER:
Lord, place the yeast of your love into my heart. Lord your yeast is going to rise up and leaven my heart to create a whole new loaf full of you. Lord thank you for changing my heart and forgiving me of my sins. Lord, thank you for taking care of me and for your grace. Amen.
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“We Are Not Our Own”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 6:15-20
15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For "the two," He says, "shall become one flesh." 17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
OBSERVATION:
Don’t you know that your body one with Christ? Would I take Christ and make him sleep with a prostitute. Definitely not! Don’t you know that if you sleep with a prostitute you are one flesh with her? “For the two,” the Lord says, “shall be one flesh.” If you are joined with the Lord you are one with Him in Spirit. Run away from sexual impurity. Every sin a man does is outside his body, but if you are sexually immoral you sin against you own body. Don’t you know that your body is where the Holy Spirit dwells in you, which was given to you by God, that you are not your own? You were bought by Jesus Christ, the price that God paid for you; so glorify God in your body and spirit, which belong to God.
APPLICATION:
Sexual immorality is addictive. I should know because I fell into being addicted to pornography and found my self just seeing a woman and lusting after imagining what I could do to her in bed. God has delivered me from this so that my focus of lust is for my wife only and I praise God for that. I do find that Satan is still attacking me but this verse is my shield reminding me that I belong to God and I want to live with him in spirit. It’s not easy but I know that with God guiding me I will defeat the temptations of Satan.
PRAYER:
Lord I thank you for deliverance from my immorality. Thank you for saving me and helping me. You have loved me so much and even when I have fallen your gentle voice and strong arms have picked me up, dusted me off and whispered to me “Do it again, I love you!” I love to here your voice lifting me up. Thank you also for surrounding me with people who help me keep my focus on you. I pray in your Name. Amen.
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“Know It All!”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 8:2,3
2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.
OBSERVATION:
If anybody thinks that he knows anything, he doesn’t know as much as he thinks he does. But if he loves God, God knows that person.
APPLICATION:
You know today has been a really rough day. I thought I had the answers to a lot of the problems I am facing while I am out of work with this injury. I found out I didn’t have it all figured out and that allowed Satan to slip in because now I am not receiving my benefits that I thought I was and I have no income coming in and I am still going to be out about 4 more weeks. I humble myself now before God and admit that I don’t know anything by my own power. I do love God however and I know that he will take care of me.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, this problem that developed today is not my problem to handle but yours. Lord you told me in Micah to wait in the darkness for your light and I intend to do just that. Also Lord I realize that I have made some mistake involving the gifts that you have given me and I repent of that. Lord I thank you for resolving this problem and getting me back on the straight and narrow. Lord today when I received that call, my heart was suddenly filled with doubt and unbelief. Lord I had no reason t doubt you, I thought that I had all the answers but I quickly found out that I have been acting the fool. I thank you for forgiving me and I now pray for continued strength, your strength that will guide me through this tough time. Lord you are all powerful and I give this struggle into your more than capable hands. I pray this in your name. Amen
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“Not Independent”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 11:11,12
11 In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.
OBSERVATION:
A woman is not separate from man nor a man separate from a woman. A woman came from a man but every man since has come from a woman. The most important thing to remember is that everything comes from God.
APPLICATION:
These verses are good example of what a marriage should be like. Yes a man is in charge of the household but the man and woman are not to be independent of each other. They are supposed to be as one person. To many couples lose sight of the fact that while the man is responsible for the overall care of the family, the woman is the backbone of the family. The man should not say it is my way or the highway but should they both should come together as one unit to make things easier to overcome. Remember that the two working in unison are much stronger that two individual people. My wife completes me and it is the Lord’s purpose for us to be as one. She is a wonderful woman and God has truly blessed me through her. Yes I am responsible for the family but that doesn’t mean that I make all the decisions and that she has no say. If I did that we would be in dire straights right now that we would have probably been divorced a long time ago. Where I am weak she is strong and where she is weak I am strong. Sometimes I lose sight of that and that ignorant “male ego” steps in. I need to listen to the one that God blessed me with and we work together more often. It is true that everything is of God and my wife is one of the greatest blessings that he has bestowed on my life.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for the beautiful woman that you placed in my life. I pray that you bless us with the wisdom and determination to follow you and to come together as one. Help us pray, study, work, and play as a single being. You have truly blessed our marriage. I pray that you give me strength, courage and wisdom to be a Christian leader, husband and friend to her. I want to lead my family in my ways. I also pray that you bless our children and that you show them your love for them not only through us and others but through them having a personal relationship with you. I pray that you work through us to teach them to look to you in all things both good and bad. Thank you for blessing my wife and I in our marriage and our walk with you together. I pray this in your Holy Name, Amen.
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“Different Talents, But One God”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
OBSERVATION:
There is one spirit, but many kinds of gifts of the spirits. The Lord is the same, but different kinds of service to him. There are different kinds of working, but God works all of the different works in all men.
APPLICATION:
All of us have gifts from God. Not everyone can evangelize, but there are many ways to do the work of the Lord. Some can teach a class, others by helping, others by encouraging, working in the office or setting things up for an event. As for me, the Lord has blessed me by giving me the heart to listen, encourage, and lend a helping hand to others. I just need to practice these gifts more often.
PRAYER:
Lord, I pray that I am used to help others see your love. I pray that I learn to use my strengths more often and to your glory. I also thank you for helping me in the situation with my workers comp benefits. I thank you for giving me the strength to exercise my faith and to see your works manifest. I praise you in the highest Lord and thank you for your love. I pray this in your holy name. Amen
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“Without Love”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
OBSERVATION:
If I was to speak in tongues both of a man and an angel, but I don’t have love, I am just making noise like a gong or a cymbal. If my gift is one of being able to prophecy, able to understand all mysteries and having great knowledge, even faith that can move mountains but have no love, I am nothing. If I give all of my possessions to the poor and surrender my life for them, but have no love, I gain nothing.
APPLICATION:
This spoke to my heart because it shows me how very important love is. I can do the greatest things or be the greatest, kindest person in the world but if I don’t do so in love, I am nothing. I can’t tell others about the gospel of Jesus and his love for us unless I act in love also. Sometimes my personal feelings get in the way of truly loving people and I do good things for personal reasons. I am not showing God’s kind of love when I am selfish like that. I need to practice showing God’s love more often.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me show others your love. I sometimes do good things for others but I do it for my own gain and not yours. Forgive me of this selfishness and bring me up to show others your love. I don’t want to teach others about your love for me when I can’t even show them what that love is truly about. Thank you Lord for your saving grace and love for me now let me show that love to others. I pray this in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Think Like An Adult”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 14:20
20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.
OBSERVATION:
Do not think like a child. When it comes to evil be like an innocent baby, but when it comes to the way you think, think like an adult.
APPLICATION:
To many times I don’t think things through when it comes to right and wrong. Sometimes my reasoning is like what a child’s would be, impulsive, not looking at the whole picture or just plain doing something for my own selfish gain or gratification. I do it without God. God does not want me to think like that, he wants me to use the wisdom he gave me to make those decisions from right and wrong. He wants me to turn to him in everything I do and say, not just be impulsive. If I am being impulsive and not letting God guide me I am not doing it for his glory but mine, when I wait and let God’s wisdom guide my thoughts it turns out for his glory which is what I truly want.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you that you know just what to say to me. Lord thank you for sending this verse to me today. I know that I need to stop thinking like a child and let your wisdom be my guide. You are to rule my thinking Lord, then my walk with you will be more beneficial and more able to walk in you. I pray in you Holy Name. Amen.
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“Without The Resurrection”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 15:12-19
12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
OBSERVATION:
If we preach that Christ has risen from the dead, how can anyone possibly say that the dead can’t be raised to life. If the dead can’t be raised to life, then not even Christ could have been raised. And if Christ has not been raised from the dead, our faith and teaching is useless. Even more we are to be considered liars about God, for we have said that God raised Christ from the dead, but he couldn’t have raised Christ from the dead if we do not believe that the dead can be raised. If the dead cannot be raised, then Christ could not have risen either. And if indeed Christ has not been raised then our faith is useless because you are still in your sins. So then all those believers of Christ that have passed away from this world are lost to sin as well. If we only have hope in Christ in this one life, not the resurrected life, then before all mankind we are truly pitiful.
APPLICATION:
The death of Jesus is indeed important but the resurrection is where our faith comes from because the resurrection from death is how our sins were defeated, not just the death on the cross. Satan has control over us in death but after we have died to our sins, God raises us up free of sin and death no longer has control over us. When Jesus died Satan indeed felt that he had won, but God said after 3 days that is enough, the debt has been paid for all sins and he raised Jesus up from that debt clean and new. This is how our salvation comes. When we put our faith in Jesus we have put our sins on Christ and the cross and our debt is paid then we are washed clean when we rise up with him out of that debt. If Jesus had just died, our sins would have died but there would have been no cleansing and saving from those sins just that the punishment was paid. I need to remind myself constantly about what the resurrection truly means. I died with Christ but I was also raised back to life, back to the loving arms of the father clean and new and free from sin no matter how far I feel I have fallen. Who would want to stand on a faith that just leads to death. I don’t and that is why I am glad that faith in God leads to life. Living by my faith in Christ means I am clean and alive not dead to my sins any longer.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for the resurrection for without the resurrection I would not be clean and free from my sin now and I would have no ground for my faith to stand on. Who would want to stand on a faith that just leads to death. I am grateful that I follow You, the God that leads us to life. Thank you for that life or Lord. I pray in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Christ Said Yes”
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 1:18-22
18 But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." 20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
OBSERVATION:
As certain God’s faithfulness exists, the message we teach to you is not “Yes” and “No”. Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God, who me Paul, Silas and Timothy preach to you about, doesn’t say “Yes” and “No”, but he has always “Yes.” No matter how many promises God has made to us, the answer to them all is “Yes” in Jesus Christ. So through Jesus we say “Amen” to the Glory of God. God is the one who makes us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, placed his seal of ownership on us, and placed his spirit in our hearts, so that what is to come is guaranteed.
APPLICATION:
Today’s reading was packed full of things that I learned, Glory to God. In Sunday services, our pastor has been teaching us that this time of the year, the 6 weeks before Easter, Christians promise say “No” to something (i.e. chocolate, TV, certain foods, etc), to prepare our hearts for Easter. But his focus on his teachings has not been saying “No” but saying “Yes” to God. Jesus Christ said, “Yes” for all of us. When God sent him to be beaten and broken for us, He said, “Yes.” When he was laid out on the cross and his hands and feet were pierced by the nails for us, He said, “Yes.” When he breathed his last and died, He said, “Yes.” When for 3 days and 3 nights, his spirit was separated from God, suffering our eternal death for our sins, He said, “Yes.” When he was raised from the dead, washed clean and new free from death and our sins washed clean, He said a resounding, “Yes.” When he ascended to heaven to sit and reign with his father, He said, “Yes.” And when we place our faith in him, and what he did for us, he accepts us into his arms, and says, “Yes, you may sit with me my brother or sister. You are saved.” Jesus could have said, “No” at anytime saving himself from this pain but he chose to say “Yes” and save us. The least I could do is say “Yes” to him, since he went through all of that for me.
PRAYER:
Lord, I want to say “Yes” to you. Lord, I ask for your forgiveness for the lustful thoughts that have been in my heart lately. Thank you now for that forgiveness because you have said “Yes” I will die your death for you. Lord teach me, through your Word and Holy Spirit, how to continually have the strength, wisdom, courage, and perseverance to say, “Yes” to you. Help me teach others how to say “Yes” to you so that they may be saved. Thank you for that salvation. I pray in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“God Provides What We Need”
SCRIPTURE: Judges 15:13-15
14 As he approached Lehi, the Philistines came toward him shouting. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power. The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands. 15 Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand men.
OBSERVATION:
The Philistines were angry with Samson and
the people of
APPLICATION:
This is a great story of the strength of Samson and how God blessed him. But what I also see is how that God provided for Samson in his time of need. I don’t find it convenient that the donkey just happened to be there. I see that God led that donkey to that very spot for it to die so that it could be used as tool to help Samson and his time of need. Sometimes God puts something in place for me to use but I am just to busy to notice it. I need to keep an eye out for those opportunities that God provides for me to use.
PRAYER:
Lord, I pray in thanksgiving for your forgiveness. Lord at times I know I tell myself I am to busy to look for you and the things that you have set up for me. Lord open my eyes to your help and guidance. Lord I also pray that I see your works today. Lord I want to see how your loving power works in my life today and I pray that my senses are open to them no matter how small. Thank You for blessing me and my family. I pray in you Holy Name. Amen.
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“My Confidence and Competence”
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 3:4-6
4 Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant-not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
OBSERVATION:
Our confidence is through Christ before God. Our competence does not come from ourselves but it comes from God. We are competent because he has made us competent as ministers of his new covenant. Not competent of the letter of the law but of the spirit; for the letter brings death but through the spirit we live.
APPLICATION:
I have placed to much confidence in myself and not let my confidence be because of God. God is the only one who can give me the confidence and competence to live this daily life. I need to focus more on what God can provide so I can live in the Spirit.
PRAYER:
Lord, I pray for the confidence and the competence to make it through the turbulent waters of life; a life as a husband, father, friend but most of all a servant. Lord only you can raise me and give me the confidence needed to live in you. I can not live in you by my own works but by giving control over to you and you alone. Thank you for what you have taught me today. I pray this in your holy name. Amen.
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“Unseen Not Seen”
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 4:18
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
OBSERVATION:
Do not look at what we see, but what we can not see. What we see is temporary, but what is unseen is everlasting.
APPLICATION:
To many times I focus on what is happening to me in the world, what I can see. I need to continue to remind myself that God is who my focus needs to be on. Nothing in this world can give me happiness but God gives me my happiness and he uses things of this world to help me. This world doesn’t help me, God is the only who can help me. I especially need to set an example for my kids who are trying to discover themselves and I want to teach them to look to you.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for being with me and helping me and my family especially right now in these turbulent waters. Lord I want to lift up my kids to you now especially Porsche. They are struggling for identity and Lord I pray that they find their identity in you. Lord help them focus on what is unseen not seen. I pray this in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“God’s Still There”
SCRIPTURE: Ruth 1:19-21
19 So the two women went on until they came
to
OBSERVATION
When Naomi and Ruth came into
APPLICATION:
When I read this, I don’t see a woman who is mad at God or blaming him but is accepting the situation for what it is and acknowledging that God is involved in it. I see a woman that is admitting that God is still with her even though things are not going well for her. I need to be more like Naomi in that I am currently going through a difficult time but God is still there. He has not left me. With my situation of being unable to work right now I need to still realize that God is indeed still there.
PRAYER:
Lord, you are indeed still there. Lord I am not perfect, I am not right, I am struggling and can’t see how things are going to get better, but Lord you are still there. When I don’t see how ends are going to meet, your still there. When I am sick, you are still there. When I am rich and everything going beautiful, you are still there. You are there in every aspect of your life, Lord and I thank you for that. Lord I also want to take the time right now to thank you for the people you are bringing into my life to learn from and encourage me. Thank you for the love You have shown to me through them. I pray in your Holy Name, Amen.
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“Proper Association”
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 6:14-16
14 Do not be yoked together with
unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what
fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between
Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16
What agreement is there between the
OBSERVATION:
Do not associate with unbelievers. What does good and evil have in common? Can light fellowship with darkness? Is harmony possible between Christ and other
gods. What does a believer have in
common with an unbeliever? Is there an
agreement between the
APPLICATION:
As I mentioned yesterday in my prayer I was thankful that God has been bringing a flood of good Christian brothers and sisters into my life recently. They have encouraged me and lifted me up in prayer in this hard time in mine and my family’s life. I have learned a lot from them recently and have come to a greater understanding of what truly trusting in God means. I have in the past tried to associate and have close relationship both with Christians and non-Christians trying to befriend everyone. My walk was hindered and still struggles at times because to many ways of the world has entered into my thinking and God had a tendency to be pushed aside. It is easier for the bad to corrupt the good than for them to accept a relationship through Jesus Christ. What I can and need to do more is to associate less with the unbelievers and focus more on the believers that God has been putting in my life. I can’t avoid unbelievers all together, but I can choose more wisely how I associate with them and maybe they will see more of Christ in me because of my closeness with my brothers in sister in Christ and want to now how they can be a part of God’s loving family.
PRAYER:
Lord, I find so fascinating how you touched on my heart yesterday to be thankful for those individuals you have sent my way to lift me up in encouragement and prayer and how they have helped keep my focus on you. Then today, I read these verses and they just blended in so well with how my train of thought ended in my prayer yesterday. Lord I want to continue to be thankful for these people that you have sent into my life to be a witness and a guide to me. Some have been faithful Christians for a long time and some are babes in Christ but you have given me an open heart to learn from every single one of them. Lord, I can’t wait to see the surprises that you have in store for me today and I can’t wait to see your works manifest themselves in mine, my family’s and others lives today. I pray that the flood gates of my dear brothers and sisters remain open so that we can all come together as one body to better serve you. I pray in your Holy Name, Amen.
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“Blessing From A Difficult Gift”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Sam 1:10-28; 1 Sam 2:18-21
1 Sam 1:10-28
10 In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much
and prayed to the LORD. 11 And she made a vow, saying, "O LORD Almighty,
if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not
forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for
all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head." 12 As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli
observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were
moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to
her, "How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine." 15 "Not so, my lord," Hannah
replied, "I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking
wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. 16 Do not take your
servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish
and grief." 17 Eli answered,
"Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of
him." 18 She said, "May your
servant find favor in your eyes." Then she went her way and ate something,
and her face was no longer downcast. 19
Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the LORD and then went
back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah lay with Hannah his wife, and the LORD
remembered her. 20 So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to
a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the LORD for
him." 21 When the man Elkanah went
up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill
his vow, 22 Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, "After the boy is
weaned, I will take him and present him before the LORD, and he will live there
always." 23 "Do what seems
best to you," Elkanah her husband told her. "Stay here until you have
weaned him; only may the LORD make good his word." So the woman stayed at
home and nursed her son until she had weaned him. 24 After he was weaned, she took the boy
with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour
and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD at
1 Sam 2:18-21
18 But Samuel was ministering before the LORD-a boy wearing a linen ephod. 19 Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice. 20 Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, "May the LORD give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the LORD." Then they would go home. 21 And the LORD was gracious to Hannah; she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.
OBSERVATION:
Hannah was distress because she was not able
to have children. She went to the temple
and prayed to God, “Please have mercy on me, who serves you, in my distress
because I can not have children. Please
give me a son and I will give him back to you for his entire life and I will
not shave his head.” She was praying
with such intensity, in her heart, that her mouth was moving but no words were
coming out and a priest named Eli noticed this and thought that she was
drunk. Eli said, “How long are going to
be drunk? Get rid of you wine.” Hannah
replied, “I am deeply troubled. I have
not been drinking, I have been pouring out my soul the Lord. Please don’t think I am an evil woman. I have been praying in distress.” Eli told her, “Go in peace and may God grant
you what you have prayed for.” She
replied, “May I, your servant, find your favor.” Then she left and got something to eat and
she was no longer distressed. The next
day she and her husband, Elkanah, got up and left for home. The slept together and she became pregnant
and she gave birth to a son and she name him Samuel, because “The Lord answered
her prayer.” When her husband went up to
give the yearly offering, Hannah did not go but told him, “After I am done
nursing the boy, I will take him and
present him to God.” And he told her,
“Do what feel is right. Stay her until
he no longer nurses, then” So when the
boy was no longer nursing, even though he was young, she took him and may the
Lord keep his word to you.” After the
boy no longer nursed, she took her son, a 3 year old bull, flour, and a skin of
wine and brought him to God in
Samuel, as he grew was ministering to the Lord wearing a linen ephod. Every year his mother would made him a little robe and took it to him when she and her husband went up for the yearly sacrifice. Eli, would bless Elkanah and Hannah saying, “May the Lord give you more children to replace the one she prayed for and gave to the Lord.” And the Lord was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. In the meantime, Samuel grew up in the presence of God.
APPLICATION:
What an amazing story of faith in God and of giving to God. I imagine that Hannah struggled in some way with the fact that now she finally had a child and would not want to give him up for anything, but her walk with and promise to God was much more important to her. I imagine that she loved her son dearly, but her promise to God was more important for she knew that God would bless her for keeping her end of the deal. She did and God did indeed bless her with more children. I take a couple of lessons out of this story. First I see that she put her faith in the prayer she prayed and God answered her prayer. Second I see a woman that gave back to God, most likely her own pain, and he blessed her greatly. I’ve learned that putting my faith in God is how our prayers are answered and that God truly does bless those who give to him willingly from their heart.
PRAYER:
Lord I thank you for showing me the error in my prayers and giving and convicting me to do better in these aspects of my life. Lord I lift up my wife to you now. She is having a hard time with things and has not been feeling very good lately. Look after her and provide healing for her. Also Lord lift up my kids to you. Open their eyes so they can see your majesty and the love you have for them. Help me be the loving and Christ filled role model that they need in their lives so that they may learn to look on your glorious face. I pray in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Sowing”
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 9:6
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
OBSERVATION:
Remember that if you spread little seed you will harvest little, but if you spread a great amount of seed you will harvest much.
APPLICATION:
In class we are talking about the fruit on
our tree and we have been asked to analyze how much fruit I am producing in the
PRAYER:
Lord, I need to produce more fruit in you kingdom, starting with my own family. Lord, I have a fear of what people will think of me and I am more worried about what they think and I need strength in this aspect of my life. Lord, show me my talents and how they can best be used to your glory. Thank you for showing me my faults and where I need to correct them. Build me up Lord and may these branches grow so that you will can be done. I pray this your name. Amen
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“Seeking Good”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 10:24
24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
OBSERVATION:
No one should look for the good in himself, but the good in others
APPLICATION:
I have a tendency to look at myself and see what good I am doing instead of looking at those around me and how the good in them working. Especially when it comes to my own family. I need to recognize the good in my own kids and make sure they know that they are good and God is working in them.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you again for opening my eyes to my faults. Lord to many times I have tried to take notice of what you are doing in me and not noticing the works you are doing others lives. My focus is not on myself but on you and I thank you for convicting me and correcting me. I pray this in your name. Amen
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“Prayer For Others”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 12:22-23
22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.
OBSERVATION:
For the sake of the name of the Lord, he will not reject his people, because He was pleased to make you his own. As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by not praying for you. And I will teach you what is good and right.
APPLICATION:
This verse spoke to me. It spoke to me on how I when I pray I sometimes focus on my own needs instead of praying for others. God wants me to pray for others. What kind of Christian would I be if I just focused on my own needs. I praise the Lord for what he has done and he has answered my needs, but I seem to focus on my own needs instead of others needs.
PRAYER:
Lord, I send this prayer to you now thanking you for showing me how to improve my walk with you. Yes I need to send you my needs in prayer but I also need to send the needs of others up to you. I pray for those especially Lord who do not know you. May they find your loving smile and open arms. I also pray for my parents and the help they are needing right now. They are in some financial struggles right now and need your guidance. I thank you for helping them. I pray this in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“When I’m Weak, I’m Strong”
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
OBSERVATION:
Jesus said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Because of this, I will proudly speak out gladly concerning my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ my dwell in me. That’s why I am happy in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and any difficulties. Because in my weakness, I am strong.
APPLICATION:
What a powerful message, that Christ power comes in our weakness. In those times I am tempted I need to remind myself the Jesus’ power has made me strong. Because of this I can face all the difficulties that are in this world.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank You for showing me my weaknesses and by the power of your dear Son, Jesus Christ, I am strong in that weakness. I am not strong by my own power but by the power of Jesus. His strength overshadows whatever weaknesses I may have and teaches me. Thank You for that power and thank you for the sufficient grace that is more than enough for me. I pray this in Your Holy Name. Amen.
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April 14, 2006
Title
SCRIPTURE:
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“The Heart Of The Matter”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 16:6-7
6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD." 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
OBSERVATION:
When Jesse and his sons arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “This is definitely the one the Lord wants me to anoint.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not assume he is the one based on his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at a mans appearance to determine his worth like people do, but the Lord looks at his heart.”
APPLICATION:
I had a really busy day yesterday. So much has been happening and Satan has been attacking people and groups that I care about. Much of this attack is people judging some of my friends based on their looks or their past, but I know God does not look at these and these friends have a good heart and are following God. I have however recently found myself guilty of judging others based on their outward appearance. God has not judged me based on my looks, but has looked at my heart to judge me. Who am I to assume someone is good or evil just by the way they look. God looks and changes their heart, I should look at their heart as well.
PRAYER:
Lord, I pray that you continue to show me that I need to look at others by their heart not by their physical appearance. Lord I have met many people that look like they are bad people but learn by getting to know them that they are truly on fire for you. Continue Lord to convict me when I err in my judgement. Lord, You provided salvation for the entire world, not just a select few and their heart is what makes them right with you. I pray for continued strength in my heart staying focused and hungry for you. Lord, I pray this in Your Holy Name. Amen.
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“It Is Written”
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 4:5-7
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" 7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
OBSERVATION:
When the devil was tempting Jesus, he took him to the highest spot of the temple and said, “If you are indeed the Son of God, jump. For it is written: “The angels will be commanded to help you and they will not let you strike even your foot on the ground.” Jesus responded to him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put God to the test.’”
APPLICATION:
These verses show me that the devil knows the Word of God. He knows it even better than most people do and he can quote it. I need to continue to guard myself because many people can try to confuse me with scripture trying to lead me astray. When in doubt, I need to read it for myself and let God be the one to open my heart to what his word is truly saying. Also I need to also continue to surround myself with people who are wise by the Spirit of God to help me when I have questions concerning God’s Word.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for you continued blessings in mine and my families life. I thank you for reminding me to come to You and let You be the teacher when it comes to Your Word. I pray for Your continued blessings and opportunities to read and understand Your Word and giving me the wisdom to know when I am trying to be deceived by the tricks of the devil. I also want to lift up Harley to You and I pray that You open her eyes to Your loving grace and the salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ so that she may accept Christ into her heart and receive the gift of he Holy Spirit. I know I can’t force her but I want to be the encouraging and steady voice in hear life. I pray this in Your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Ask, Seek and Knock”
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 7:7-8
7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
OBSERVATION:
Ask and he will give it to you, look for him and you will find him; knock and he will open the door for you. Because everyone that asks of God, receives, when the look for him they will find him and when they knock at the door, he will open it for them.
APPLICATION:
This is very important to our Christian walk. You can’t know God until you look for him, you can not receive what God has in store for you unless you ask him in faith, believing that you have received and he will not open those doors for you unless you knock on them asking to enter. God gives you a free will and you can choose not to accept him and miss out on what he has for you or you can choose to ask, seek and knock, making that conscious effort to look for him and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and what he has in store for you. As for me I choose to ask, seek and knock because I want what God has for me.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for letting me seek you out, knock on that door, and ask of you for you wisdom and guidance. Lord you have blessed me, not with earthly riches but with the riches of the Holy Spirit. Lord this time in my life is a storm and things are not going exactly as I planned but Lord, I am going to continue to praise you in this storm and I am going to continue to ask, seek and knock and I know without ending that you are going to answer, let me find you, and open the door to you love. I pray this in your Holy Name. Amen
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“Great Faith”
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 8:8-10
8 The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
10 When Jesus heard this, he was astonished
and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found
anyone in
OBSERVATION:
Jesus was surprised when the centurion, after Jesus told him that he would go and heal his servant, said to Jesus that, “I am not worthy to have you in my house, but just say so and my servant will be healed. Because I understand what authority is ( and understand where your authority comes from)because I am under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell them what to do and they do it.” Jesus said he couldn’t find anyone in all of Isreal with such great faith.
APPLICATION:
It takes a lot of effort to believe in Jesus. I mean I have never personally met the man face to face but I do believe that he was God became man, died on the cross for my sins, was raised again 3 days later, and ascended into heaven and reigns on the right hand of his father. It takes a lot of faith to believe in Christ when I didn’t actually see all the events that happened. I would just like to have ¼ of the faith that the centurion had because the centurion knew that Jesus authority came from God and he trusted God to take care of his need, despite the anguish he was feeling over his servant. I need to practice more and more to live in this kind of faith.
PRAYER:
Lord, I pray that You teach me how to operate in this kind of faith. I want to learn how to put my utmost faith in You just as the centurion put his faith in Jesus. He believed he had already received and his servant was healed. Lord, thank You for putting into my heart the knowledge and strength it is going to take to put my faith in you. I pray this in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“He Came For The Sinners”
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 9:10-13
10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
OBSERVATION:
While Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, the tax collectors and “sinners” were also eating with Jesus and the disciples. The Pharisees noticed this and the asked the disciples, “Why does Jesus eat with the tax collectors and “sinners?” When Jesus hear this, he said, “The people who are healthy need do not need a doctor, the sick is the one who needs a doctor. Go and learn what this means; ‘I want mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come for those who are righteous, but sinners.”
APPLICATION:
Jesus did not condemn, like the Pharasisees, those who were sinners but he came to save them. Jesus is not wanting me to condemn sinners but to embrace them, help them, and teach them about what Jesus did for them. I to was a sinner, but because what Jesus did for me on the cross then three days later, I was made his very righteousness, the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Jesus wants me to share that with others who do not know him.
PRAYER:
Lord, Thank You for lifting me up and giving me the strength to go out into the world and teach others of you unfailing love. Lord you came for those who are sinners, which we all are and you saved us from sin to become your very righteousness. Lord, You gave us the perfect gift, the gift of eternal life through the death, burial, and resurrection of Your dear Son. Nothing else comes close to that and I can not thank You enough for that gift. I pray this in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Childlike”
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 11:25
25 At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
OBSERVATION:
Jesus said, “Thank You Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because your truth has not been revealed to those who consider themselves wise and intelligent, but you have revealed the truth to the ones who are childlike.
APPLICATION:
The ones in this earth who consider themselves wise and intelligent and think they have it all figured out, are not the ones who will truly understand the truth and plan of salvation God has provided for us. This verse is very humbling to me because at times I seem to think I have it all figured out and know everything there is to know about what God’s truth is and then He puts me in my place. I will only truly be able to here and see what God has in store for me if look to him as if I were a child, because that is what I am, a chlild, His child and just like a child I have to grow and learn continually. My wisdom in the kingdom doesn’t come from the world but from living with the Father.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank You for touching my heart today and showing me how that I don’t indeed know it all. Lord, You are in charge of this vessel and I want to look to You, like a child. Like my own children look up to me for guidance and encouragement. I thank You for what You do for me in these verses I read daily. I thank You for revealing to me the truth of Your golspel and the plan of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. I pray this prayer in You awesome name. Amen.
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“Unpardonable”
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 12:30-32
30 "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. 31 And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
OBSERVATION:
“If you are not for Me, then you oppose Me, and if you’re not working with Me then you are working against Me. I tell you that every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but if you do so to the Holy Spirit you will not receive forgiveness. Anyone who blasphemes, against me, the Son of Man, can be forgiven, but you will never be forgiven in you blaspheme the Holy Spirit, either in this world or the world to come.
APPLICATION:
This is why sin is very dangerous and why we should seek forgiveness from God for our sins. Once we accept the saving power of Jesus and the Cross we are forgiven and made new. Sin no longer has a death hold on us. Even when we sin after accepting Jesus, we just need to recognize that we have sinned and repent. The dangerous part of sin is that if we willing continue to live in known habitual sin, it can begin to harden our heart. If we continue to let our heart be hardened it can become so hard that we no longer accept Christ and his salvation and actually rebuke God. God is not going to give us up without a fight though. He will bring various things in our path to let us see the life we are living in and give us the chance to turn and repent and receive forgiveness. It takes an awful lot to commit the unpardonable sin which is why I am glad I have decided to not go the route of denying and rebuking the one who provided my salvation and eternal life.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for the studying of your word that I have done today. You Lord have revealed more of your love for us. Lord I want to walk with you and a lasting relationship with you. I don’t want to commit the unpardonable sin and deny who you are, the Lord of Heaven and of earth. I also know Lord that I begin to fade you are not going to just let me go without a fight and you are going to put things in my path to get me to turn back to you and I want to praise you for that love you freely give to me. Thank You Lord for all that you do. I pray in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Even Through Stuggles”
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 14:6-14
6 On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much 7 that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." 9 The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted 10 and had John beheaded in the prison. 11 His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. 12 John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. 13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
OBSERVATION:
Herod’s daughter danced for him and his guests on his birthday, and it pleased him greatly. It pleased him so much that he promised here whatever she wanted and at her mother’s request she said she wanted the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Even though the king was upset about this, he didn’t want to look foolish to his guest for breaking a promise, so he ordered this to be done and the daughter took the head and presented it to her mother. Then John’s disciples came and took the body and buried it. Then they told Jesus the news and after hearing this, Jesus got in a boat by himself and went to a solitary place. When the crowds heard this, they traveled by land from many towns and when Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on the people and healed their sick.
APPLICATION:
Jesus’ cousin John the Baptist had just been put to death and Jesus is obviously upset because he withdraws alone to a place alone. Here’s what I find amazing about this story, that despite his grieving over John’s death when he came back to land and found all those people he had compassion toward them and healed their sick. You also discover in the later verses he fed the 5,000. Jesus was a man, with all of mans’ feelings and emotions, but he chose to control his emotions and continued to do the will of his father. He could have very easily let himself be drug down by this tragedy but he didn’t. He did this another time, when he died on the cross. He didn’t want to do it but he did it because that was the father’s will. Things may happen to me, but God still wants me to do his will not matter what is going on around me. Jesus chose to do God’s will, I also need to follow Jesus’ example and chose to do God’s will.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank You for providing the insight to this uplifting verse. Lord I want to follow this example and do your will. Lord, things don’t always work out and things can go very badly and even hurt, but you still want me to do Your will. Give me the strength to do your will even when the world is coming down on me. I pray this in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Greatest In The Kingdom”
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 18:1-4
18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
OBSERVATION:
The disciples asked Jesus, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus called a child over to him and had him stand with them. Jesus the said, “The truth is unless you change inside and have the heart of a child, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. So whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
APPLICATION:
My heart lately has not been humbling but has been focused on myself instead of God. I need to bring myself to God with the heart of a child because I want to see my father in heaven.
PRAYER:
Lord I humbly come to you wanting to know you. To many times lately I have been letting the things of this world drag me down and upset me greatly. I have not been humbling myself to you and I want to change that and come to you like a child. Teach me to have that childlike heart and help me teach my family the same. Let me learn from my own children and see how they view me from their eyes so that I may better know how to approach you and how to better serve and train them in your word. I also want to say thank You for letting me see Jeremiah again and I pray for his continued safety on the road. Bless him Lord and love him as you have loved me. I pray this in your Holy Name. Amen
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“Hidden Under The Table”
SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 9:6-11
6 When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor. David said, "Mephibosheth!" "Your servant," he replied. 7 "Don't be afraid," David said to him, "for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table." 8 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, "What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?" 9 Then the king summoned Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, "I have given your master's grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. 10 You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your master's grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table." (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) 11 Then Ziba said to the king, "Your servant will do whatever my lord the king commands his servant to do." So Mephibosheth ate at David's table like one of the king's sons.
OBSERVATION:
Mephibosheth (who was deformed and crippled at the feet), the son Jonathan (who was David’s close friend), the son of Saul. When he came and appeared before David he bowed to David saying, “I am you servant.” But David told him, “Don’t be afraid of me, because I promised your father I would show him kindness, since you are his son, I will show you the kindness that was meant for him. I am giving back to you everything that belonged to your grandfather, Saul and you will forever live with me at my palace. Mephibosheth fell to the ground saying, “Why would you show me, a dead dog, such kindness?” Then David summoned Ziba, Saul’s servant who told him about Mephibosheth, and told him, “I have given the land belonging to Saul to Mephibosheth and you will work it for him and bring him the produce of the land and he will live with me here.” Ziba replied, “I will do all that you have commanded.” And from that time on Mephibosheth lived with David in the palace and ate with him as if he was his own son.
APPLICATION:
This is great example of God’s promise to us. Just like David made a promise to Jonathan and he extended that promise to his son after Jonathan’s death, God has promised us everlasting life with him. Just like David, God has said we will be living with him and dining at his table. David didn’t care the crippling problem with Mephibosheth’s legs and he didn’t let that cloud his judgement and the promise he made, neither does God care what defects we have. He still wants us to be with him no matter what. I need to remind myself of this on a daily basis and use this as an example of what God’s love means to me. Remember that when you are seated at the table, no one can see your legs.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for this time and I want to thank you so much for getting me back to work. Things have been a bit rough today but I know that you are going to provide. Lord, You are awesome and you are amazing. I thank You for not judging me based on my problems but you love me unconditionally and you proved that by sending your son to die for us all. Lord, I thank You for inviting me to your table and I can’t wait to see the feast that you have in store. Lord, bless my wife and kids while I get back to work and guide me as I start driving again. Lord, you are the pilot of this ship and I am just along for the ride. I pray this in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Silencing The Crowd”
SCRIPTURE: Matt 22:41-46
41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" "The son of David," they replied. 43 He said to them, "How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him 'Lord'? For he says, 44 "'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies under your feet." ' 45 If then David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?" 46 No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.
OBSERVATION:
Jesus asked the Pharisees while they were gathered, “What about the Christ? Who’s son is he?” They replied, “The son of David.” Jesus told them, “How can David, who was speaking by the Spirit, call him ‘Lord’? He said “’The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand till I put your enemies under your feet.”’ If David calls him ‘Lord’, how can he be his son?” No one could say a word after that, and from that day no one dared ask him another question?
APPLICATION:
Here the Pharisees had the chance to finally get it right and they bombed. They had the chance remember the words of the prophets that Christ is the Son of God but they allowed their hearts to be deceived and were to wrapped up in their religion to remember what the prophets and David said to them. Jesus is descendant of David but he is the Son of God. I need to give myself a constant reminder of this so that I don’t fall into the same trap and become to wrapped up myself instead of wrapped up in God.
PRAYER:
Lord, Thank You for the wonderful rest last night and I thank you for this verse this morning. I know you are going to pour out your blessings on me and deliver me from my troubles and struggles. You Lord, through your Son, are going to make me your beacon into your world. I pray this in Your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Look At My Religion!”
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 23:25-26
25 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
OBSERVATION:
How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are very careful to make sure the outside of the cup and dish, but on the inside you are dirty, full of greed and self-indulgence. You are so blind, Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish and then the outside will become clean, too.
APPLICATION:
Chapter 23 is a chapter that is focused on the evil of the Pharisees, Sadducees and others who are full of “religion”. Several times he says to them “Woe to you.” or another way to put it is, “How terrible it will be for you.” Jesus was not nice about it when he said it. The last time I checked, calling someone hypocrites many times, whitewashed tombs full of dead men’s bones, or broods of snakes and vipers were not terms of endearment. He got right in the face of their “religious” ways and opened their hearts up for everyone to see. They were more worried about looking “religious” and making themselves look and feel important instead of living a life with God in their hearts, minds, and souls. My question to myself is, “What category do I fall into? Do I try and look ‘religious’ but on the inside full of malice, deceit and evil thoughts or am letting God clean me up on the inside so that I will be clean on the outside?” Unfortunately to many times, I have been like a Pharisee worried about how my “religion” looks instead of letting God clean me inside and letting him worry about how clean I am on the outside.
PRAYER:
Lord, today’s readings were packed full of good and insightfull teachings and I have learned much. Lord, I thank You for touching my heart with Your word and shown me the error of my ways. Lord, I want you to clean me on the inside so that the outside will be clean as well. Lord I don’t want to live “religious” I want to be a witness to You in love and understanding, just as You have loved and cared for me. I also lift up my situation with the truck and the problems it is having. Lord, You are going to provide and You will take care of me and the family. Lord I commit this truck to You for Your blessings placing You in the pilots seat. I am just a vessel for your service. I pray this in Your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Deception”
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24:4-5
4 Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.
OBSERVATION:
Jesus said: “Be careful so that no one will fool or trick you. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will fool and trick many.
APPLICATION:
There are many out there who don’t have a relationship with Jesus and go out and telling people about Jesus and are tricking many with false preaching and teaching. People are teaching things and saying things to turn us away from the truth of Jesus Christ claiming that they have the only truth about Jesus and many are falling astray. I not only need to be careful for myself but tell the truth of Jesus to others but do this not of my own accord but with the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER:
Lord, You know how I am under attack. I do want to thank You for being with me yesterday. Yesterday was a victory in my life and in Your kingdom. I felt Your presence and hedge of protection on me and I was able to successfully, by Your might, resist the temptations of the devil. Lord, I know that many are out there saying they are doing things in Your name, but are trying to lead the sheep astray. Lord, I want to here Your voice and know Your voice so that I am not easily distracted. Lord, You are an awesome God. Lord You know the bind me and my family are in right now and I humble myself to You and I admit that my faith is wavering right now. I want the peace in my heart that comes from letting You have total control of the situation we are in. Lord, I want they peace that comes from just hopping up in Your loving arms. Lord, I do believe in You but now I bring my unbelief to You. Lord, help me with my unbelief right now. I want to be Your vessel but I don’t know how. Lord, I thank You for showing me how to be Your vessel. I also thank You for providing for me in this great time of need. Lord, this is Your problem to deal with not mine and I want to fully hand it over to You. Lord, I pray this in Your Holy Name. Amen
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“Trusting In Him”
SCRIPTURE: Ps 32:10
10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.
OBSERVATION:
The wicked have many woes, but the man who puts his trust in the Lord, will be surrounded by the Lord’s unfailing love.
APPLICATION:
This verse really spoke to me but it took a couple of times of reading Psalm 32 to see it. It didn’t just jump out at me immediately. I feel this verse was sent for me for a time such as this. I prayed earlier today for the strength to release control to God in my famlies financial situation for the next couple of weeks. I was focused on all the negative feelings I was getting and I was being drowned by my desperation. I was failing to just trust in God. I have been through this before, but never away from family and friends like I am now. No one right by my side to encourage me to keep my eyes on the prize. The only one that is with me right now is God and that is more than enough. I just need to realize this and find myself at peace with it.
PRAYER:
Lord, give me the resolve to put my whole trust in You especially right now in this time of need. You have told us Lord that You will not put anything on us greater than we can bear. Lord, I can’t bear the burden of this worry and I am now giving it to you. Lord, you have a problem here and I am going to let you deal with it. Lord, I also lift up my wife to you and her frustrations with the upcoming trip. Lord I feel this could be a good time for her to be able to bring Christ into the life of her sisters and mother. Lord I pray that she makes it home this summer and that she be a light into her family’s life. Lord she is under attack right now and I pray for Your hedge of protection to surround her and the kids. I also Lord lift her up and her Sims playing. I am glad she enjoys it but I feel she could better use her time. Lord I pray that you grant her wisdom at this time so that she may make the right decisions. I pray this in your most Holy Name. Amen.
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“Just Like Peter”
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:69-75
69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. "You also were with Jesus of Galilee," she said. 70 But he denied it before them all. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said.
71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there, "This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth." 72 He denied it again, with an oath: "I don't know the man!" 73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, "Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away." 74 Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
OBSERVATION:
This is a very well known story. Jesus had previously told Peter he would deny
him 3 times but Peter said if it meant he would die he wouldn’t leave
Jesus. Later while Peter was in the
APPLICATION:
This very well known story has really spoken to my heart today. To many times I have not been willing to stand up and say that I know Jesus. To many times the opportunity was given to me to tell others of his love and I have refused to do it. To many times I was just like Peter. I don’t want to deny Christ because he is Lord,
PRAYER:
Lord, give me the strength to not turn away from you. Lord, you are awesome and amazaing. Take this denying spirit from me and replace it with your Holy Spirit. Lord, you are Christ the King and you do reign on the throne in heaven. I am your servant and I know you will provide me the strength I need to do your will. I pray this in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Unlimited Access”
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:50-51
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.
OBSERVATION:
Jesus cried out in a loud voice, then he died. At that moment the curtain in the temple was torn in half from the top to the bottom. There was an earthquake and the rocks also split.
APPLICATION:
When Jesus died, the curtain in the temple tore. This was not a small curtain. It was very large and heavy and for it to just tear would take a great feat of strength. That curtain restricted access to God. Only the high priest was allowed to go past that curtain, and he was only allowed to do that once per year to atone for the sins of the people. When Jesus died, he became the high priest or the doorway to God for all of us and this is not a closed door, it is always open to the father. We no longer have to have someone mediate for us when we approach God. We have immediate access to the father through the blood of his son. God loved us so much, he wants us to have a relationship with him and you can’t have a relationship through closed doors.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank You for what Your Son did on the cross. He became the High Priest for us to have continual access to your loving arms. I am thankful that I don’t have to go through someone else for you to hear my prayers. I can call on You anytime and You are there for me. I thank You for loving me enough to sacrifice Your dear Son. I take the time now to praise You for my salvation. For the work of love You gave to all who are willing to accept Your Son Jesus. I pray this in Your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Cast Your Cares”
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 55:22
22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
OBSERVATION:
Let God take control of your worries and problems and he will take care of your needs; he never lets the righteous fall.
APPLICATION:
This is something that I am still working on. I have had successes in the past so I know that when I put my faith in God he does provide. Lately I have not been doing this and I have been listening to what Satan is putting into my head and I have been fully of worry and strife over my family’s present situation. I need to just give this to the Lord and sit and wait for his in this darkeness.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank You for taking care of me. Lord, I know that I have not operated in faith during this difficult time. Lord I can not see the end and how things are going to manifest but I am handing this over to you and your capable might. Lord, I am going to operate my faith and I know for a fact You will prosper me even though the world says no I won’t. I pray this in Your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Rule With Righteousness”
SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 23:2-4
2 "The Spirit of the LORD spoke through
me; his word was on my tongue. 3 The God
of
the Rock of Israel said to me: 'When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God,
4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.'
OBSERVATION:
The Holy Spirit spoke his words through me; his word was formed by my tongue. God, the Rock of Israel spoke to me: “When a person rules over others in righteousness, in the reverential fear of God, he is like the morning sunrise on a morning without a cloud in the sky, like the sun shining after it rains, bringing grass from the earth.”
APPLICATION:
God has put me in charge to rule over my family. God is telling me here that I need to rule over them in righteousness and do so submitting myself to Him. This will be a beautiful blessing to my family if I am to do this and truly God’s light will shine through to them so that they may see his glory.
PRAYER:
Lord in heaven. First Lord I want to thank You for all that you are doing in my life. Yes I am struggling in many ways but Lord I am determined to release my faith, believing that I will have and will be provided for. Lord, I have faded in my faith but I am putting you in charge and you are going to mold me into the person that you will for me to be. Lord, I know I can do this with you standing beside me. I want to rule over my family with the same love that You have shown me. Continue to teach me through your word. When your voice speaks to me let me tremble with awe and receive your words with a humble heart. Release me into this world to shine Your light into it. Lord, I give to you this cold and the muscle pain in my back. You have healed me and I know that it will get better. Thank You Lord for all that you do. Amen.
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“Example Of A Father”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12
10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
OBSERVATION:
All of you are witnesses, as well as God, that we were pure, honest and without fault when we were there with all you believers. We dealt with all of you as a father would deal with his own kids. We encouraged, comforted, and urged you to live a life that God would consider worthy. For He called you into his kingdom and into his glory.
APPLICATION:
Yes Paul here is talking to the Thessalonians telling them how he behaved when he was among him. When I look at this verse though I see that God is showing me what kind of father I am supposed to be. I need to encourage my kids to do the right things, comfort them and let them know that God loves them even in the discomfort, and urge them to live a life trusting in God. I need to extend the love that God has shown me.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank You for showing me how to bring up my children. You have blessed me with some beautiful and wonderful kids but I have failed to bring them up in Your love. I am correcting that but I need to practice the patience it takes to do that. I draw on Your strength to learn how to bless, encourage, comfort, and show them how to grow up looking to You and to live in Your love. I need to set the example to them and I thank You for changing my heart to do just that. I pray this in Your Holy Name. Amen
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“Faith Report Card”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 3:5
5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.
OBSERVATION:
When I could no longer wait, I sent to find out about your faith in these tough times. I was afraid that Satan may have tempted you in some way and our efforts on your behalf might have been useless.
APPLICATION:
Paul was away from the Thessalonians and had sent Timothy to see to them while Paul was imprisoned and to see how they were responding to the news of his imprisonment. He was afraid that their faith would have waivered because he wasn’t there to help lift them up in their faith. But he found out that their faith was strong and he really looked forward to the time when he could be with them again. Satan tries to tempt me and my faith does waiver. I look at this letter though and I see Paul writing to me. If Timothy were to show up to find out how my faith was doing, what would he go back and report to Paul?
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for revealing to me the glory of Your Word. Lord, Satan is tempting me from all fronts and my faith has been fading. Lord I look to You the creator of all things and I want to renew my faith to You through Your Son Jesus. Lord, You are the reason I am here and You have a purpose for my life. Satan is trying to tell me otherwise, but I exercise my faith in Your ability to provide form my every need. Lord I exercise my faith in Your ability to delivery me from any temptation that Satan and his minions through my way because Your strength is my strength to draw on. Thank You for providing the strength for my faith. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and savior. Amen
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“Pray Continually”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
OBSERVATION:
Always be full of joy; pray all the time, give thanks not matter the situation, because the is what God’s will is for you in Jesus Christ.
APPLICATION:
I find it pretty neat how this verse comes up on a day that I was very definitely walking with God. Today I was praying continually. Whenever something popped into my head that needed pray. I just went to God in pray, whether it was for thanksgiving, pray for some need, prayer for someone, or just to say, “I love you God.” It was wonderful. One of those times even lasted an hour and a half. I have never prayed that long before. It just kept on coming out. Today was a true day of fellowship with God and I look forward to continuing that.
PRAYER:
Lord, I just want to say that today has been a wonderful day walking and talking with You. Lord, I love You and all that You do for me and my family. Lord, You are amazing. I never even dreamed that I could feel this close to You today. Today was a really big triumph in my life. I truly felt Your presence with me and am truly looking forward to tomorrow. Lord, I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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“Holy vs. Impure”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8
7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.
OBSERVATION:
God has called us to be holy, not live an impute life. Anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not rejecting man but God. The God that gives you the Holy Spirit.
APPLICATION:
God has not called me to live an impure life. If I am truly following him, I’m not to live a life of lust and immorality. I can’t receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit if I choose to live that way. I would be living a lie if I said, “I follow God!” but I live a life not pleasing to him. I don’t want to reject God but accept God. I have been guilty of living with lust in my heart especially when it comes to pornography. I have actually worshiped God and then a few minutes later lusted after sexual images. That is not how I want to worship the One who gave all to save me. That is not showing God the love he deserves.
PRAYER:
Lord, I want to thank You for this verse that I have read today. Lord, I want to worship You, not reject You. I want to live in You, not apart from You. I want the gifts of the Holy Spirit and I can’t if I don’t live the life You want me to live. I can’t live that life of my own accord, I have to let You in to be the pilot of my life so that I can truly accept you and live by your rules. Lord, I thank You for the blessings that You have poured out in my life. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son who died for me. Amen.
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“A Father’s Wisdom To His Son”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Kings 2:1-4
2:1 When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 2 "I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, show yourself a man, 3 and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go, 4 and that the LORD may keep his promise to me: 'If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.'
OBSERVATION:
When King David was about to die, he said to
his son Solomon. “I am about to
die. Be strong, be a man and do what the
Lord tells you to do. Walk with God in
his way. Keep all his laws, commands,
regulations and requirements that were written by Moses, so that you will
prosper in everything you do and wherever you go. If you do this, then the Lord will keep his
promise to me, ‘If your descendants live right and walk in faith with me with
all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of
APPLICATION:
David passed this wisdom on to his son Solomon in his time of death just like many fathers pass things onto their children. This wisdom though speaks to the heart of all of us who strive to follow the Lord. We are to walk with God in faith, with all our heart and soul. If we do the Lord will prosper us. If we do we will want to keep his commandments and his laws. If we do we to are given a promise that he will take care of our every need. Sometimes I struggle with this. I try to help God instead of acting in faith. I walk with him but not always in faith, sometimes I try to do it by my own rules and I fall. These verse I don’t treat as David talking to Solomon but my Father God, talking to his son, me.
PRAYER:
Lord, I want to walk with You in faith with all my mind, heart, body and soul. Lord I want to receive the promises You have made to me through Your dear Son, Jesus Christ. I want to sit with You in heaven and bask in the glory of Your love and peace. Lord, I can only accomplish this by humbling myself and admitting when I have done wrong so that You can lift me up in correction, in loving correction, so that I may continue to walk with You. Lord, the last couple of days I have been enjoying walking with you in spirit and love, but last night I failed to look to You during Satan’s temptations and I failed and fell. Lord I have already seeked You in forgiveness and I know by faith that I have been forgiven of that sin. Lord, I thank You for that forgiveness and I am looking forward to continue that walk with You. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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“God Is Merciful”
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 78:31-39
31 God's anger rose against them; he put to
death the sturdiest among them, cutting down the young men of
OBSERVATION:
God became angry with
APPLICATION:
This is a wonderful example of how forgiving
God is. Despite all the strife that
PRAYER:
Lord,
I thank you so much for all that you have done and especially what was
done on the cross. Lord, you are patient
and loving. This scripture proves
that.
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“Protection”
SCRIPTURE: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3
3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
OBSERVATION:
In conclusion my brothers, pray for us so we may spread the message of the Lord quickly and with honor, just as we had done with you. Also pray that we will be delivered from evil men, for not everyone believes and has faith. But we know that God is faithful and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
APPLICATION:
This something I need to ask of others; to pray for protection from evil and evil people. When I am on the road, I am by myself and it is difficult to surround myself with people who will pray for me. When I am out here it is just me and God. I have a tendency not to keep my focus on God and that is when I fall into temptation. I also need to ask of others to pray for me so that I may spread the word of God quickly and with honor. I need work in these areas and I know that God will provide.
PRAYER:
Lord, as I have traveled today and seen the
beautiful land that you have created it makes me realize just how wonderful and
powerful you are. And how I can go
through life and not share that power and wonder with others is beyond me. Lord, I ask for strength, wisdom, and honor
in delivering your message to the world.
Lord I also ask for protection from evil people and things. Lately I have failed you in that aspect and I
humbly ask not only for forgiveness but the strength by your Name to resist the
devil and his attacks on my life. I
thank you for taking care of me and my family in this tough time. I know that you are going to provide for Sara
and the kids so that she may visity her family in
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“Inward/Outward”
SCRIPTURE: Romans 2:28-29
28 A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.
OBSERVATION:
You are not a true Jew just because you were born that way, or because you have been physically circumcised No a true Jew is one who’s heart is right with God, and his circumcision is not one of your physical flesh but one of your heart. Whoever has a change on the inside receives praises from God not men.
APPLICATION:
In the Duane Sheriff series I am currently listening to titled “Are You Limiting God?” He is saying you can be limiting God by what’s in your heart. If your heart is not focused on God and his goodness, you can not prosper in the kingdom. If your heart is full of lust, you will produce lust. If it is not filled with anything other than God you will produce whatever your heart is full of. These verses are saying the same that when our hearts are full of God will we receive his praises. If my heart is full of the world, I will be receiving the praises of the world, and that has not gotten me very far. I need to fill my heart with God to prosper on this earth and in his kingdom.
PRAYER:
Lord, you know the situation I am currently in. I have failed to put my heart in you. I have let this stressful financial time take control. Lord, I realize that I made some mistakes with my money and I need better stewardship involving my finances. Lord, I need to fill my heart with you so that I can learn how to manage my finances better. When I do that I will see your glory manifest in my and my family’s life. Lord, I want to thank you for helping me through this tough time and no matter what I am going to choose to praise you even when I am tormented by these problems and not knowing what lies ahead tomorrow. Lord, I know that you are going to grant me the wisdom I need to handle this situation like a good Christian should. You have delivered us from this problem already and you are going to provide the means out of this time. Lord, I am going to operate in faith in this situation. Lord, this is your problem to handle and to take care of. I leave it in your capable hands and when I start to interfere, I know that you are going to convict my heart to just trust in you. I pray this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord and savior. Amen.
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“Fallen Short”
SCRIPTURE: Romans 3:23-24
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
OBSERVATION:
All of us have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. God in his grace, however, has declared us not guilty and he did this by his Son Jesus Christ because he died for our sins and has taken away our sins.
APPLICATION:
No matter what I do I know that I will always fall short of God’s wonderful glory because of my sin. My very nature is a sin nature through the world, but God has taken away that sin from me through his Son and now I am the very nature of God. I no longer fall short of His glory because of what his Son did for me on the cross. I need to live in this realization more often that I have been washed clean by the blood of Jesus.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you so much for what you did for me on the cross for your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord I want to live in your presence and to walk with you. Lord I want to also thank you for providing for me and my family in this time of trial and struggle. Lord thank you for lifting me up and taking care of this problem. Only you can take care of this problem and only you can provide for our every need when we have nothing. Only by your power are these things possible. In the name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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“Before Or After”
SCRIPTURE: Romans 4:9-10
9 Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness. 10 Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before!
OBSERVATION:
Is being blessd only for the Jews, or is it also for the Gentiles? It is preached that Abraham is declared righteous based on his faith. But how did his faith help him? Was he declared righteous before of after he was circumcised? God accepted him and made him righteous first and then he was circumcised.
APPLICATION:
My outward expression and just my believing in God is not what brings me righteousness with God. My walking right with God comes from faith. When I trust God in faith be makes me right and then I express my willingness to follow him. My showing my willingness, ie baptism, is not what makes me righteous but exercising my faith brings my righteousness.
PRAYER:
Lord, I need to exercise myself in faith to you more often. Lord, to many times I don’t operate in faith, believing that you have given me my needs even when I have not yet received it. Lord I have not allowed you to call things that are not as though they were in my life. You have greatness planned for me but I can’t release that greatness by my own works. I have to reach out in faith in you and let you release that greatness in my life. In the name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ, I pray this prayer. Amen.
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“Slaves”
SCRIPTURE: Romans 6:16-18
16 Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey-whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
OBSERVATION:
If you give yourself in obedience to someone as a slave, don’t you know you are a slave to that person you obey whether it is in sin or obedience. Sin leads to death and obedience leads to righteousness. Thank God that even though you used to be a slave to sin, you obeyed the teachings of God with all your heart. You are now free from sin and are now slaves to God in righteousness.
APPLICATION:
I have read the Bible many times through and you know that I have never taken notice of this. I am still a slave but if I chose to obey God I am a slave no longer to my sin but to the righteousness that God gives. I need to realize this more often. Just because I am free from the slavery of sin and I am saved, it doesn’t mean I can just go out and do what I want, because then I won’t be obedient and will not be a willing slave to God through righteousness. I can’t receive righteousness through my own works but by being obedient to God. I am not a slave bound with chains, I can leave anytime I want but I choose to remain a slave because only God can take care of me this well.
PRAYER:
Lord, I am your slave and I want to be your slave by righteousness. I can be stubborn though and do some pretty stupid stuff by not submitting to your will. Lord forgive me and strengthen me in these times of temptation. Lord, I thank you for taking care of my needs in the problems I was having with my pay. Lord, I know that you are going to provide and I thank you so much for what you are doing. Thank you for giving me the chance to see my family tomorrow. I thank you for that answered prayer. I guess I just asked and rested in that and didn’t even think about it. I had to remind myself that I had actually prayed about that very thing. Lord, thank you for giving me peace in that prayer, peace to the point that I wasn’t even worried about if this was going to happen or not. It did and I am so very thankful for that. Lord, I pray for a hedge of protection around my family as they start their trip tomorrow. Keep them safe and sound. It is going to be a long trip and I know that you will take care of them. Thank you for all that you are doing in our lives. Amen.
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“Reacting In Foolishness”
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 1:7
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
OBSERVATION:
To fear the Lord is where knowledge starts. A fool despises wisdom and discipline.
APPLICATION:
I already do fear God and I receive knowledge from God every day on the trials of life. My problem is I act pretty foolish from time and am not willing to receive the discipline that God sends my way. I have read the word, understood it, and received knowledge from it then turned right around and did just the opposite of what God placed in my heart. That is very foolish. If I really wish to prosper in the Kingdom, I need to stop being so foolish.
PRAYER:
Lord, I wish to first of all say thank you for taking care of my family and our financial needs. I was very foolish for having any doubt that you could provide. Lord, I come to you asking that the knowledge that I receive through your word is used to better my life and I learn through your word to not be so foolish and practice the word that you place in my heart. I know that I need work and that you are working on my heart. I pray that I accept that change in my heart that you have placed in me to better my life and to better serve you. In the name of your Son. Amen.
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“Powerful Love”
SCRIPTURE: Romans 8:38-39
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
OBSERVATION:
I am sure, without a shadow of a doubt that nothing, not even death or life, angels or demons, the present and the future, any powers, height or depth or anything else that is in all creation, nothing will come between us and God’s love that is in Jesus Christ.
APPLICATION:
Man this was very powerful. Absolutely nothing will come between me and God’s love. No matter what stupid stuff I may do, God will always love me. How can anyone truly be against me when I have this kind of love to hold on to.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for this love, I thank you for loving me and not letting anything get in the way of that love. Lord that is so awesome that you love us that much. Thank you for being with me today and I know that you are going to be with me tomorrow as well. I love you Lord. Amen
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“The Wise”
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 9:7-9
7 "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. 8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. 9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
OBSERVATION:
If you correct a mocker he will insult you; if you rebuke a wicked man, he will hurt you. Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you for it, but a wise person accepts correction and rebuke and loves you for it. Give a wise man instruction and he will become wiser; teach a righteous man and he will learn even more.
APPLICATION:
Who am I going to be? I am choosing to be the wise one because I want to learn more. I have chosen to accept the responsibilities of my actions and am willing to accept correction. I want to be a wise person especially when it comes to the leading of my family.
PRAYER:
Lord, I want to take the time to thank you for the wisdom you have given me. Lord, I also know that sometimes I have not acted in wisdom and have failed to gain the knowledge that I should have received. Lord, I want to act in wisdom and learn more of what you have in store for me and what your plan for me is. Thank you in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Pride or Humility”
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 11:2
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
OBSERVATION:
Pride leads to disgrace but a humble heart leads to wisdom
APPLICATION:
God is telling me heart that when my focus is on me both in the good and the bad (“I” did this or Woe is “me”), I am acting in pride and it will bring me down. If I just humble myself and bring my struggles and success to him, I am acting in wisdom and God will can be done in my life.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for humbling my heart. Lord, your word touches my soul and shows me where I need to make improvements and I thank you for that. You have blessed me but I know that you have even more in store for me, but I am bringing myself down by not humbling myself to you. Thank you for showing me my pride and correcting me in this aspect of my life. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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“Hope”
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 14:19
19 Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
OBSERVATION:
Evil people, will bow before those who are good, and the wicked will also bow down at the gates of the righteous.
APPLICATION:
This gives me hope because of what Jesus did for me. I know that I have been made right by my faith in Jesus Christ and that after reading this it gives me joy and hope for the future to know that I am on the side of good and righteousness and that the evil and wicked will be made to bow down when Jesus returns. I know what the end is and that brings joy to my life.
PRAYER:
Lord I want to say thank you for the knowledge that evil will bow down before good and the wicked to righteousness and that gives me hope in you for the future to come. Hope that comes from your love and grace. I thank you so much for all that you have done for me and my family and the wisdom that is coming from studying your word. I also thank you for the strength last night in resisting the temptation of the lust of my heart. Thank you so much for loving me. I pray this in your name. Amen.
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“Joy and Patience”
SCRIPTURE: Romans 12:12
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
OBSERVATION:
Have hope and be joyful in it, during hard times show patience, being faithful prayer.
APPLICATION:
God wants me to be joyful and patient during hard times and good, maintaining my faith through prayer to the father. I need to do this more often. I have really been struggling lately with the lust in my heart. And I know that God will deliver me from this bondage. I want to and will remain ever joyful in this time of trial.
PRAYER:
Lord, I pray for guidance and strength in this struggle in my life. I look to you for deliverance from this lustful heart. The only thing I lust for is for you my God and the love you provide and the lust I have for my wife. Lord deliver me from this trying time like I know only you can do and bind Satan in this lust I have in my heart. I thank you Lord for all that you do for me even though I am not always faithful. I fall and you lift me up and continue to love me. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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“My Wife”
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 21:19
19 Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.
OBSERVATION:
It is better for a man to live in the desert than to live with a wife that always wants to fight and is mean spirited.
APPLICATION:
I feel so blessed that I have such a wonderful wife to cherish and to hold. This verse does hold true in my life because my wife and I were kind of at each others throats and many times I did want to just live somewhere else. But instead of giving up we worked things out and while we may still disagree we realize how to sacrifice ourselves to each other and most importantly we know how to forgive each other. She has grown up so much in God and is a wonderful kind woman and I am so lucky to have her as my wife.
PRAYER:
Lord, I want to thank you for the blessing you have given me in a wonderful woman. You blessed me with a woman that I love very much and I know that she loves me. You have truly blessed our marriage and we are growing together in a walk with you. You are amazing to put to totally different people together and yet become the best of friends not just lovers. She completes me and I thank you for making her a part of my life. Amen.
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“Dusting Me Off”
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 24:16
16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
OBSERVATION:
Even though a man of God falls down 7 times, he gets back up again. The wicked are brought down by tragedy.
APPLICATION:
I have fallen down but this gives me hope that even though I fall many times, because of the power of God I will get back up again. My father will lift me up dust me off and tell me to “Do it again.” I am nowhere near perfect but I continue to get up and dust myself off.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for picking me up when I fall. Lord, you look after me and lift me up. You are the rock and the foundation of my life. Lord, I thank you so much for lifting me up in strife and when I fall. You love me so much by not letting me stay down. Thank you for all that you do. Amen.
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“Accept One Another”
SCRIPTURE: Romans 15:7
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
OBSERVATION:
In order to bring praise to God, you should accept each other just as Jesus Christ accepted you.
APPLICATION:
God wants me to accept everyone just like Jesus accepted me. I can’t bring praise to God if I don’t accept my brother. Jesus accepted me for who I am and I should do the same to others.
PRAYER:
Lord, I want to be accepting of others. I want to be able to serve you better through the acceptance of those around me. Lord, I thank you for giving me that chance the other day to put acceptance into practice when I talked to Scott about your love for him. Thank you for giving me the wisdom and courage to share your word with him. I lift him up to your graces and I pray that his heart be opened to the love you want to give him. Amen.
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“Trusting In God’s Provision”
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 30:7-9
7 "Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: 8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. 9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
OBSERVATION:
Lord, I beg two things of you before I die. Help me to never tell a lie and give me neither riches or poverty! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. If I have to much and am rich, I may deny you and ask, “Who is the Lord?” and if I am poor I might steal and insult your name.
APPLICATION:
Oh what a heart the writer of this proverb had. He looked to God to take care of his needs and just his needs. He didn’t want wealth or poverty because to much of either one could harden his heart and drive him away from God and he didn’t want that. He just depended on God to provide what he needed to survive. No more, no less. The writer can live worry free now because of his faith in God. The neat thing is, is that he never says he doesn’t want to prosper, because God wants to prosper us, it just is an act of faith and trusing in God. I can take a lot out of that and just trust that God is going to take care of my needs and just depend on him in all things.
PRAYER:
Lord, I have learned a lot from this proverb and you have revealed to me to just trust in you to provide for my every day need and not worry about what tomorrow may bring. God this is your way of showing me how to strengthen my faith in you and I want to say thank you for revealing this truth to me. I thank you so much for what you have done and what you are going to do. Lord, I want to prosper but not by my own way but trusting in you to prosper us. Lord, I step out in faith and joy, father in heaven. Lord, I thank you for this day and just trust in you to get me home for my appointment even if I have to reschedule. Thank you Lord. Amen.
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“Two Are Better Than One”
SCRIPTURE: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
OBSERVATION:
Two are better than one, because in their work they produce much. If one falls, his friend can help him get back up. But if one falls down and he has no one to help him get back up, it is a pity.
APPLICATION:
I am so thankful that I have friends to help me when I am down. To help lift me up and keep my focus on God when things aren’t going well and that I can count on to pray for me in all things. God blesses us through good Christian friends who can lift us up when we are down.
PRAYER:
Lord, I want to thank you for those individuals you have surrounded me with that can lift me up when I fall. Like my parents, Sara, Shane, Brian, Dave and many others at church who have prayed over me and cried with me, lifted me up and shined your light in my darkness to light the way to you. People who have helped keep my focus on you no matter the situation. Thank you for friends such as these. Amen.
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“The Gospel In Love”
SCRIPTURE: Philippians 1:15-16
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
OBSERVATION:
Some people preach the gospel being full of jealousy and by a competitive nature, but others in goodwill. These that preach in goodwill do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
APPLICATION:
Two things I see in this. First, God wants me listen to those who spread the gospel in love not out of a selfish heart and second I am to in turn spread the gospel to others in love, and stand up for the gospel in love as well.
PRAYER:
Lord, I want to thank you for today. Lord, you have lifted me up and loved me in my struggles this weekend. I thank you for the forgiveness and love you have shown me and the helping hand in lifting me up. Lord, I want to preach your gospel in love to others. You have shown me the talents I have to do this very thing and I now need to act on those talents and use them for your glory. I accept the training you are and are going to give me in spreading you gospel in love. Amen.
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“Glorious Reward”
SCRIPTURE: Philippians 3:20-21
20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
OBSERVATION:
We are citizens in heaven. We eagerly await the return of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. By his power, which gives him the ability to bring all things under his control, he will change us from the bodies we are in now to a body like his glorious body.
APPLICATION:
I read a verse like the one above and all I can do is rejoice. I rejoice because I know that one day I will be with Jesus in heaven and he is going to transform this earthly body into something so beautiful and I will join him on high. I can rejoice in this because I know I have earned my salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. If I can rejoice so should others because they can have the same thing too if they accept Jesus and God is using me to tell people just that, in love of course.
PRAYER:
Lord, I just want to take the time to say thank you today for all that you have done for me. Today has been a wonderful day, a day that I have been able to bask in your glorious light. Lord, you have done so many things for me and I thank you for how you have interceded on my behalf to provide for my every need. Thank you for using me to tell others about how much you truly love them. Lord especially when it comes to Scott. I pray Lord that his eyes were reopened to you and how that you truly do love him. He told me he had accepted you some time ago and I believe him and I hope that I was a light to him that showed him that no matter what you still love him. Lord, continue to use me out here on the road and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for me tomorrow. Amen.
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“God’s Employee”
SCRIPTURE: Colossians 3:23
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
OBSERVATION:
No matter what you are doing, do it with you whole heart since you are working for the Lord and not men.
APPLICATION:
I know that I am supposed to work hard and with all that I have because I am working for God. When I am driving this truck, I am driving for God. I need to show that in how I do things so that others see I am working for God. I should give God praise in all I do because after all I am working for him.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for today. It has been a good day and a lot has happened but I was able to work for you today. Lord I thank you for the job that I have. You have given me a talent and you are showing me how to better use that talent for you. Thank you Lord and I know you are going to give me a good day tomorrow to. Amen
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“A Patient Man”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 1:15-16
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.
OBSERVATION:
Here is something that deserves your full attention: Jesus Christ came to this world to save sinners. I, Paul was the worst of these sinners. Jesus showed me mercy despite my despicable sin so that in me, the worst of the sinners, Jesus shows how patient he is and he uses this as an example for those who believe in him and have eternal life.
APPLICATION:
These verses really struck my heart. I know a mess up and have done some pretty stupid stuff, but Paul here says that he was the worst of the sinners. And he was absolutely correct because he was responsible for imprisoning and killing many Christians, however Jesus changed his heart and he was forgiven. If Paul can be forgiven and saved by faith and his heart changed by the power of Jesus, so can I also be forgiven, act on my faith and let Jesus change my heart. I know that Jesus can be and is patient with me and is helping me to blossom.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for showing me that you are a patient God. You are slowly changing my heart to better serve you. I thank you for revealing your word to me and showing me that despite my mistakes and sins, your patience is such you can forgive me and still call me your child. Lord, thank you for the trips that I have been doing. Things have been going well and I have been really enjoying my time out on the road just living with you. Continue to pour out your Spirit on me so that I may become wise and gain a better understanding of your will in my life. By the power of your name. Amen.
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“The Mediator”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 2:5-6
5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men-the testimony given in its proper time.
OBSERVATION:
There is only one God and the only one who goes to God on our behalf is Jesus Christ. He became the payment for the sins of everyone. The testimony at the right time.
APPLICATION:
Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father. Jesus died for us and became the doorway to God. A physical example of this is in the old testament the High Priest was the one who atoned for all of Israel’s sins by going into the Most Holy Place of the temple once a year. This area was closed off by a large curtain. No one else could go directly to God. When Jesus died that curtain was torn showing us that we all now have access to God through the blood of Jesus, the new high priest. We now have complete access to God and we can come to him at any time.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus I thank you for becoming the doorway to the father on our behalf. I am so happy that I don’t have to go to anyone else to talk to the father that I can bring anything to him freely because of what you did for me on the cross. You opened the way for us and by our faith can we act on that and walk through you, the open door. Lord, I thank you that you have continued to bless me this week and thank you for keeping me safe today. Be with me tomorrow as I continue this trip. I thank you for all that you do. Amen.
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“Everything Is Good”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 4:4-5
4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
OBSERVATION:
Everything that God has created is good and do not reject it if you receive it with thanks, because it is made good or holy by the word of God and prayer.
APPLICATION:
Paul was talking here specifically about food and how false teachers were teaching you are not to eat of certain things but there is something I see more important here. I am to accept that all things are good because God created them and I should receive them with a thankful heart.
PRAYER:
You have truly made all things good, Lord. I am thankful for all things you have given me. Lord, my situation may not be good but I am going to give thanks to you in those situations. Lord, sometimes I don’t feel like it but I know that it is for my own good to keep my focus on you and have a thankful heart. I can’t get down when I am looking to you. I am thankful to you because even in those bad times, you will bring good things out of them. Thank you Lord, Amen.
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“Hard Working Employee”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 6:1-2
6:1 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them. These are the things you are to teach and urge on them.
OBSERVATION:
If you are a slave to someone, you should treat them with full respect so God’s name and teaching will not be shamed. If your master is a Christian, don’t show disrespect and not work for them very hard. In fact you are to work even harder for them because you are helping for another believer.
APPLICATION:
Here Paul is telling us if you are a slave you are to work hard and honestly for your master so God’s name will be known. Slavery here is not being condoned, he is just simply saying you are to work diligently for your master because you are a Christian. We are not slaves today but I do work and I am to work hard for my employer. I am to show them the love of God through my hard, honest and diligent work I do for them.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you that one of my gifts you have given me is a drive to do the best I can and work hard not matter what my job is. You have given me the gift of making sure my employer knows that they can trust me to get the job done right and honestly. Therefore I have been able to do well and succeed in all the jobs I have worked for. I thank you for the spirit of diligence that you have given me and I enjoy working not only for my employers but you as well and I know that my employers enjoy it also. I pray this in your name. Amen.
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“Running Away”
SCRIPTURE: Jonah 4:1-4
1 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. 2 He prayed to the LORD, "O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live." 4 But the LORD replied, "Have you any right to be angry?"
OBSERVATION:
Jonah became very angry and the prayed to God, “O Lord, when I was at home, didn’t I say that the reason I didn’t want to go to Ninevah and I quickly fled to Tarshish is because I know that you are a compassionate, slow to anger and a loving God full of grace. A God who holds back judgement. Lord, just allow me to die, because I would rather die than live.” But the Lord replied, “Do you have a right to be angry?”
APPLICATION:
You know, I have read the story of Jonah many times and it never really hit me why Jonah was being defiant in following God’s orders. I never really thought about it. I just thought that it was because it was an evil place and he was scared. But here it tells why, Ninevah was an evil place and Jonah new God so well that he knew that if they repented that God would show them mercy and Jonah would have rather seen them destroyed that repent. He knew God is a loving God and that he shows mercy to those who repent and calls on him. Jonah didn’t want Ninevah to repent, he wanted to see them fall to God’s wrath. Then it hit me. Do I sometimes run from God and not tell others about God’s love for them because deep down I want to see them get what they deserve. It has really opened my eyes to where I really need to work out this issue in my life.
PRAYER:
Lord, you have revealed to me today one of the major set backs that I have in your kingdom. Lord, many times I have been reluctant to tell others of your love because they may have done me wrong or they have done something so vile and evil that I want them to see them suffer from your wrath. I can’t believe my eyes have been opened to the truth that you want people to repent and turn to you and you want to love them. I need to quit being so selfish and tell others of your love despite my feelings on the issue. Help me in this aspect of my life and show me how to love them like you love them. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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“God Breathed”
SCRIPTURE: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
OBSERVATION:
The whole gospel is breathed by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that all who believe, trust and follow God will be completely ready for every good work.
APPLICATION:
While I do these journal entries I am reading many verses. Many times I don’t know what God is saying in the verses or I don’t understand entirely what is going on. The important thing to do is to keep on reading the word over and over again because God has breathed life into his word and the only way I can understand then use the word for his glory is to continually get in the word.
PRAYER:
Lord, your word is amazing and awesome. Lord, you have blessed me through your word and I have gained much in the way of understanding and teaching your word to others. Lord, I am learning more and more each day how your word affects my life and existence and how I can use it to better serve you. Thank you for your word and continue to enlighten me through your word. Amen.
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“Teach Me, Lord”
SCRIPTURE: Ps 86:11
11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
OBSERVATION:
Lord, teach me and show me the way that you do things so that I may live according to your truth. Give me a heart of purity so that I may honor you.
APPLICATION:
I love the Psalms because they are so full of passion. Here David is asking for the Lord to teach him his ways. In other words teach me how to live in you and walk in the truth that is your love. This is so powerful to me because I want to know how God wants me to live. I want to learn from God and how he wants me to live and what he has in store for me. To know God is to know truth and the only way to know God is to learn from him. God has shown me many things but I know there is still more he wants to teach me.
PRAYER:
Lord, I want to learn from you. You have taught me so much through your word but I know there is still more to know in your word and I want to learn from your word so that I can know your truth. Your truth is life Lord and I want the kind of life that comes from living in you. I can’t do this by any other means that to open myself to you and the lessons that you have in store for me. I thank you for what you have taught me and for what you are going to teach me. Lord, you are the only truth in a world full of lies and I want to know you and your truth and you only. Amen.
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“They Shall Be Created”
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 104:30
30 When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth.
OBSERVATION:
When God sends his spirit, new life is born and it will replenish the earth.
APPLICATION:
In this part of Psalm, the psalmist is talking about creation and God bring life to the animals and how that they depend so much on him. But there is also so much more here. I not only see the physical but the spiritual as well. When God sends his spirit into us we are created a new being through Christ Jesus and through our new man we will go out and spread the word of his love replenishing the earth filling it with his love. I am a newly created being through the blood of Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit. I need to go out and replenish the earth with truth of God’s love.
PRAYER:
Lord, you have given me the gift of the Holy Spirit and made me a new man by that gift, now use me to go into the earth and share your love. Use my talents to better your kingdom and I pray that you use me as a vessel for your glory. Thank you for the day I had today and getting me home to see my family. I love to see how you work. Thank you God for all you do. In the name of your dear son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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“Return To The Lord”
SCRIPTURE: Hosea 6:1
"Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.
OBSERVATION:
Return to God. He will heal us even though he tore us down. He will bind up our wounds even though he injured us.
APPLICATION:
I see here that God disciplines those he loves. I see here even though God may discipline me he will then pick me up and take care of me as long as I return to him. Sometimes I turn from him in my strife instead of turning to him. God takes care of me and I praise him for that.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for when you discipline me because it shows me that I am nothing without you. Lord, you have done so much for me and I thank you for this time, I got to spend some good time with my family and I am also getting to spend some good time with my oldest child. I have been looking forward to this Lord, and you have really answered my prayer. Now Lord I pray that you give me the wisdom I need to teach her the ways of your heart. Amen.
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“The High Priest”
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 4:15-16
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
OBSERVATION:
We have a high priest but he is not a man who is of a sinful nature like us, but we have one that is without sin because he was tempted just like we were but never fell into that temptation. Because we have this high priest we can confidently approach God’s throne of grace, so that we may receive his mercy and receive his grace to help us in times of need.
APPLICATION:
Jesus is the High Priest. I was talking to someone about Jesus and his love and explained the new covenant with him about how we no longer have to have another man stand between us and God, to talk to God on our behalf because Jesus tore the barrier down between man and God. My way to God does not have to go through man, because man is flawed, but Jesus is perfect. To know the father all I have to do is accept and know the Son. Jesus stood on my behalf and atoned for my sins. No earthly priest can do that for me. I don’t need to look to priests or my pastor to get to God, I need to look to Jesus to know God. These people can help me but they can’t get me to God, only Jesus can do that.
PRAYER:
Lord, your Son, Jesus, came to this earth as a man and became sin for me allowing him self, in love, to die the death that was due me. Jesus then rose, ascended and spread his blood on the mercy seat, as the High Priest did on the day of atonement, and now reigns with in heaven and earth. Because of this I can be assured of your love by my faith in Jesus Christ. Lord, times have been tough but you have never left or forsaken me, while at times I have walked away from you, but Lord you brought me back to you. I thank you for the love that you have shown me and I thank you Jesus for the death you died for me. By my faith and the grace that you have freely given me I have died with you, was buried with you, rose with you, ascended with you and reign with you. Lord, you are my brother, my savior and we have the same father. I come to you God for uplifting love and grace. You lift me up in my time of pain and struggle and that is why I know that I can count on you in all things. You have shown me time and again how much you truly love me and I thank you for that love. By the name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for me on the cross. Amen
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“Meat Not Milk”
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 5:13-14
13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
OBSERVATION:
A new Christian is immature and does not understand what the word of God is saying and can’t tell easily the difference between good and evil and need guidance, similar to a baby who can only drink milk. Adults are mature and eat solid food and in the kingdom the mature have an understanding of the word of God and can tell the difference between good and evil.
APPLICATION:
I don’t want to be an infant I want to eat
the meat that God has on the table for me.
In order to grow in the spirit I need to get in the word of God. I want to be mature in the
PRAYER:
Lord, be with me and feed me the meat at your table. I want to have a greater understanding of what you have in store for me. Lord, you have blessed me and I want to grow in a continuing knowledge of your word. Lord, also help me to teach my daughter your ways and help her in a greater understanding of your love for her. Amen.
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“A New Covenant”
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 8:7-13
7 For if there had been nothing wrong with
that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God
found fault with the people and said:
"The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the
house of
OBSERVATION:
If there was nothing wrong with the first
covenant, then a new covenant would not have to been made. But God found fault with the people and
said; “The time is coming when I will
make a new covenant with
APPLICATION:
This covenant is first seen in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and it is among one of my favorite Bible verses. Many don’t know what the new covenant means. They know they are forgiven and saved but they don’t know the terms of the new covenant. The terms of this covenant are very easy. Unlike the old covenant, where God said I will do this if you will do that. Doing this certain things required certain sacrifices to atone for those sins. Faith was involved in atonement but according to the old covenant certain sins could not be atoned for such as murder or adultery. But the new covenant never says I will do this if you do that, it says “I will, I will, I will, I will.” And we get in on this covenant by faith. Our faith in the blood of Jesus and the sacrifice he became on our behalf. That is all we have to do. I have done that and I am reaping the rewards of this covenant. I know God lives in me especially everytime I read his word and he reveals new things to me. There is another thing I find interesting. In the time of King David, Jeremiah hadn’t written this new covenant yet, but David put faith in the covenant in Jesus to come and placed his faith in that and he was forgiven of 2 of the sins of adultery and murder, involving Bath-sheba and Uriah. There was a consequence which was the death of the child from that affair but he was even promised he would see the child in the end. David placed faith in the Christ and new covenant to come and was offered the gifts of this covenant. God’s forgiveness is amazing and I am so happy that I am a part of this new covenant.
PRAYER:
Lord, you are an awesome God and to be praised. You gave us a covenant that we can not be broken by man. The only way it could be broken is if you decided to break it but you won’t do that because you are a God of your word, a God who keeps his covenants. You are a God who can not lie and you have given us a promise in this covenant and I accept this covenant by faith Lord, Abraham walked in faith, David walked in faith, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Elijah, Elisha, Daniel, and many others got in on this by faith before the covenant was finalized by the blood of your son. Lord, I thank you for the power you have in this covenant and I can’t wait until the day I will see your glory in heaven. Lord, you are amazing and loving and I am so overwhelmed by the love you give me. In the name of your dear son, who died for my sins. Amen.
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“What Is Faith?”
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 11:1
11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
OBSERVATION:
Faith is believing in what we have hope for and believing in what we do not see.
APPLICATION:
This is the perfect definition of what faith is. In Hebrews 11 it tells what faith is. It says the words “By faith” 22 times and gives several examples of how various heroes of the Bible reacted in faith. Acting in faith is not easy. To walk with God you have to walk by faith. We all act in faith, even those who do not believe in God act in faith. It takes great faith to believe in God, but if you think about it, it also takes great faith to not believe in God. Many people believe in things that they can’t see. Have you ever seen an atom, no but you know it is there. Did you actually see the men walk on the moon. On TV yes but if you believe everything on TV then you need some help. I’m not saying they don’t exist or didn’t happen but that people believe in things they can’t see. The important thing is to have faith in God. Thomas believed that Jesus had risen from the dead only after he saw him with his own eyes and Jesus replied, “You have believed since you have seen. Blessed are those who believe yet have not seen.” I have not seen Jesus, I didn’t see him die, but I know he did. I didn’t see him buried, but I know he was buried. I didn’t see him raised from the dead, but I know he rose. I didn’t see him ascend into heaven, but I know he ascended to heaven. I know that Jesus lives but I can’t see him in the flesh. I chose to believe in what I can’t see. Others may think I am nuts but like I said, they also act on faith in their unbelief.
PRAYER:
Lord, I think you for teaching me how to act in faith. You have given me many examples of how to act in faith. Lord, I can’t walk with you without my faith, the faith you have taught me. Lord, I believe and know that you provide for our every needs and that you answer my prayers. Lord, I know that you know what is best for me and my family so I place myself into your hands. Lord, thank you for being with me and saving me through your death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and reigning on the throne in heaven. You have provided a way to the father through your blood and I put my trust and faith in that. I pray this in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“God Must Truly Love Me”
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 12:5-6
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
OBSERVATION:
Do not take it for granted when God disciplines us, and do not think the despises you when you corrects you. We are disciplined by God because he loves us and we will know we are his children because he disciplines us.
APPLICATION:
Some times I feel like a favored child of God. I know God loves me because he does discipline me. When I was growing up, my dad would discipline me when I made a mistake and he would use that famous line, “Son, this hurts me more than it hurts you!” Of course at the time I was saying to myself, “Yeah right, what do you know your not on the receiving end of it.” It wasn’t until I had my own kids that I realized what my dad meant by this. God doesn’t wish that we suffer, but as the verses say, God disciplines those he loves. It goes on later to describe in the following verses about how a father loves his children through discipline and how it is a tool to teach them. I can’t learn unless I make mistakes and my father offers consequences to my actions. When I mess up, I need to fess up and take what is due me because I know he loves me and that there are greater things to come from my mistake.
PRAYER:
Lord, I want to say thank you for showing me the error of my ways and teaching me through the discipline you provide. Lord, you love me and are not willing that I should fall away. I thank you for teaching me how to be humble and admit a mistake. You also give me strength to suffer through the tough times due to those mistakes. I am only human Lord, but you have made me perfect through the blood of your dear son. Amen.
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“Who Am I Entertaining?”
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 13:2
2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
OBSERVATION:
Be kind to people you don’t know, because you never know if you are being kind to an angel or not.
APPLICATION:
God wants me to be kind to everyone I meet. I never know what God has in store are who I might be talking to. I never know if I may be kind to an angel or not. Why would I want to be cruel to someone because it can come back on me.
PRAYER:
Lord, teach me to treat others with love, your love. I thank you for what you are doing and showing me on how to deal with others. Lord, I thank you for all that you have done and all that you are doing in my life. I have learned so muc through your word and have been filled with your love and grace. Amen.
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“The Tongue”
SCRIPTURE: James 3:9-10
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
OBSERVATION:
Our tongue can be used to praise God or used to talk evil about others, who have, just like me, been made in God’s likeness. Out of our mouth come praises and cursing. This is not the way it is supposed to be.
APPLICATION:
I need to use caution on how I speak to others. Sometimes my mouth begins moving before I have shifted my brain into the right gear. God is dealing with me here to use my tongue to send praises to him, not to bring curses down on others.
PRAYER:
Lord, work with me on this issue. I have made improvements by your blessings but I know that I still need some work. I turn my heart to you to help with this problem. Thank you for the safe day I have had. I am pretty tired but you got me here safe. Amen.
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“Back To The Truth”
SCRIPTURE: James 5:19-20
19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
OBSERVATION:
My brothers in Christ, if one of you was to turn away from God’s truth and a brother brings you back, remember that, whoever turns a sinner from his mistakes will save him from death and cover over a great many sins.
APPLICATION:
I am to be a light to my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am to bring it to their attention when they are falling away from the truth of God. I am to hold them accountable to the truth of God’s love and they are to hold me accountable. I don’t want my brothers and sisters in Christ to fall away into death, but to live in the life of Jesus Christ. Not just my brothers and sisters but the lost as well.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me be a vessel to uplift and help my brothers and sisters when they fall. Help me be that loving light to them and help guide them back to the path of your righteousness. Lord, I want to be you vessel because I know how your love has redeemed them and saved them from death. Help me be that light to lead others to you or back to you. Amen.
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“His
SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 2:9
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
OBSERVATION:
God has chosen us, we are his priest, his holy nation, and we belong to him so that we will praise him, the one who brought us out of darkness into his glorious light.
APPLICATION:
God has made me his chosen one, a priest to teach his word and I am a citizen of his holy nation. I belong to him and he has brought me out of darkness into his light. The lord wants me to go out and teach others of his sacrifice and love for them. As a citizen of his nation he wants me to help bring others to his nation so that others do not have to live in darkness but everlasting light and life.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for your love and glory and making me a part of you nation, though the blood of your son Jesus Christ. Lord continue to help me grow in wisdom and courage so that I may glorify your kingdom. Lord, I praise you for all that you have done in my life and I pray and hope for those continued blessings. Lord, you have in your capable hands the problems we are having with the house right now. You are going to give us wisdom to handle the situation we are involved in. God you are blessed and full of blessings and I want to live in your wisdom and blessing. Lord, I am not without any need because you love me and provide for me. Open my eyes and my heart to your glory and wisdom so I may see the surprises you have in store. Amen.
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“For His Own Sake”
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 43:25
25 "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
OBSERVATION:
I (God) am the one who blots out your sins for my own sake and will never remember them again.
APPLICATION:
This verse really struck me today. I have read in the new covenant where God says he will remember our sins no more, but here he says, “for my own sake.” What I take from this is that God chooses not to remember our sins because he loves us so much he doesn’t want to bring his anger on us.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for this verse today and how for your benefit you choose to not remember our sins because you loves us so much and you don’t want to bring your anger out on us. Lord, I lift up praise to you for the love you show me and my family. I pray and know that you are going to get me home tomorrow and that things are going to go well this weekend. Lord, I thank you for you many blessings and for the many great things you have done. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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“The Day Is Coming”
SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 3:10-12
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. ……………….
OBSERVATION:
When the Lord returns to earth, it will be a total surprise like when a thief comes and sneaks in. The heavens will disappear with a great noise, and everything will be destroyed by fire and laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed, what kind of person should you be? You should lives that are pleasing to God. Lives that are righteous and holy as you wait and look forward to the day God returns and the speed in which it is coming.
APPLICATION:
I don’t know when God is going to return. God has told me here I am not going to know. All I need to know is that he is returning and I need to live my life to the fullest waiting for the day he does return. I don’t need to concern myself about when my time on earth is going to end or when the earth it self will end, I just need to live in the presence of God now and do his will now and not worry about when that time will come, because when it does come it will be a surprise in the fact it will happen suddenly but not a surprise in the fact that my soul, spirit, and body is to be ready now.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for this reading today and how I should not worry about when the end of the world comes but I need to just trust and live in you. Lord, I thank you for the blood that was shed for me on the cross and the pain you suffered for me. I want to everyday put faith into works just believing and trusting in the salvation that you have provided for me. Lord, I thank you for the blessings you have given me and all that you have done for me. I want to live a life that is fully in you and I know that I need to change things for the better but you are working in me and strengthening me for your glory Lord and I thank you for that. I want to receive your teachings through prayer, your word, your discipline and others around me. I want to show others your love for them. I also want to lift up the pilgrims of the Emmaus walk #62 to you and I hope and pray they are basking in your love this weekend. I love you Lord, and I know you love me. Amen.
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“Jesus Must Be Greater”
SCRIPTURE: John 3:30
30 He must become greater; I must become less.
OBSERVATION:
Jesus and his ways must become the primary focus and my way of doing things must become less and give way to Jesus.
APPLICATION:
Such a small verse is really powerful. God spoke to my heart and told me that my primary problem is that I put myself and my needs before Him. In order for me to truly grow and to triumph I must constantly make Jesus the greater aspect of my life and my wants, needs, and ways of doing things must be less. God is going to take care of my every need but in order to do that and be successful in the kingdom, Jesus has to be my main focus, not myself.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for this verse today. It really touched me and made me realize where I have been falling short. I admit that I have not put you as the greater in my life. I have placed myself on a higher level than you, while I still loved you I can’t live in you unless I put my ways aside and let you take over. Thank you for this insight, I pray this in your Holy Name. Amen.
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“Spirit and Truth”
SCRIPTURE: John 4:23-24
23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
OBSERVATION:
The true worshipers of God will do so both in spirit and in truth because those are the kind of worshipers that the Lord wants because God is spirit and you must worship him in spirit and truth.
APPLICATION:
I am not to relate or worship God as a physical father but I am supposed to worship God as a spiritual father. God is not a man he is spirit and I am to relate to him in the spirit. He is my father but he is my spiritual and heavenly father and I am to relate to him in truth and spirit.
PRAYER:
Lord, I pour my spirit out to you and I worship you. Lord, lift my spirit up and join it to your spirit so I may live in your truth. Lord, teach me how to worship you in spirit so I may grow in the truth of your love. Amen.
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“Always Working”
SCRIPTURE: John 5:16-17
16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him. 17 Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working."
OBSERVATION:
Because Jesus was healing people on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted or attacked him. Jesus said to them, “My Father continues to work every day, even today, and I, am working also doing my father’s business.”
APPLICATION:
Jesus told me here that he is always working for me. God is always working for me and on me. God constantly takes care of me and looks after me. He is always working on those who do and don’t call out on him. We are to take time to worship him but he also wants us to work for him, ministering to the world.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for giving me a working spirit. You have blessed me with the ability to work and work hard. You have also given me the ability to work for you and use my talents to bless you. Lord, I want to bless you and to just say I love you and thank you for all things you have given me. And when things don’t go well, I know that you are with me working on the situation and guiding me out of that dark time. Amen.
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“Feeding the 5,000 Plus Some”
SCRIPTURE: John 6:5-13
5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" 8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, 9 "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?" 10 Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. 12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
OBSERVATION:
Jesus saw a great crowd coming toward him, so he said to Phillip, “Where are we going to buy enough bread for these people to eat?” He asked this because he wanted to test Phillip because Jesus already new what he was going to do. Phillip said, “Eight months wages could not buy enough bread for everyone to eat.” Andrew, who was Simon Peter’s brother, said, “Here is a boy with 5 loaves of bread and two fish, but this won’t feed everybody.” Jesus told the disciples to have everyone sit down and about 5,000 men sat down ,then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and gave it to those who were seated and they ate all they wanted. He did the same with the fish. After everyone had eaten all they wanted and were full, he then told his disciples, “Pick up all the left over pieces. Do not waste anything.” So they gathered the leftovers and they filled up twelve baskets full of the 5 loves of bread.
APPLICATION:
A couple of things jump out at me in this very well known story. One is that Jesus, asked Phillip where they were going to buy enough bread for the people to eat already knowing what he was going to do. He was doing this to test Phillip’s faith in him. The other thing is that when the disciples were told by Jesus to pick up the leftovers, he also said, “Do not let anything go to waste.” God spoke to my heart in these two instances. First of all they were things that I haven’t noticed before, seems to happen a lot. Jesus knows what he is going to do in our lives, but Jesus is asking me, “How is this problem going to be taken care?” already knowing how he is going to take care of the problem. The question is, am I going to act in faith, and answer the Lord with, “I don’t know but I trust in you to take care of the problem.” And the when the disciples were told to gather the leftovers together and do not waste anything, that Jesus was telling me, to go out and gather the lost, tell them about me. Don’t waste an opportunity or time and don’t leave any of them behind. Put the two together and it shows me that I need to exercise more faith and trust that God will give the strength, courage, and wisdom to tell others about Jesus Christ and that he doesn’t want anyone left behind.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for the lesson you have taught me in this miracle. Lord, I pray for wisdom, strength, and courage to tell others of your love. You want me to gather your sheep together and like a good shepherd you want me to not leave anyone behind. Thank you for giving me the wisdom to know what to say, and the strength and courage to spread the news of Jesus to others. Thank you Lord for blessing me. Amen.
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“Judging”
SCRIPTURE: John 8:12-20
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." 13 The Pharisees challenged him, "Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid." 14 Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16 But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. 18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me." 19 Then they asked him, "Where is your father?"
"You do not know me or my Father," Jesus replied. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also." 20 He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his time had not yet come.
OBSERVATION:
Jesus spoke to the people once again and said, “I am the light in the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The Pharisees challenged him saying, “Your testimony is not valid because you are appearing as your own witness.” Jesus answered them, “My testimony is valid, even if I testify on my behalf, because I know where I came from and where I am going. You, however, do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards, I pass judgment on nobody. If I do judge, my judgments are right, because I am not alone. I stand with my father, who sent me. It is written in your own law that the testimony of two men is valid. I testify for myself. My other witness is my father, who sent me.” The Pharisees then asked him, “Where is your father?” Jesus replied, “You do not know my father. If you knew me, you would then also know my father.” Jesus spoke these words while teaching in the temple near where the offerings were put. No one seized him however, because his time had not yet come.
APPLICATION:
The reason this one struck my heart is that Jesus said to them that they judge by human standards and then he goes on to say that he does judge, but he doesn’t do it alone. God the father is his other witness. I can’t count how many times I have been talking to people and when we are talking on a subject and I mention that what the word of God says or I stand against something, for example homosexuality. I will tell the person that, “I have a relative that is a professed lesbian and I have people that I know and care about that practice homosexuality. I tell them that I love them and care about them, but I don’t and can’t accept the lifestyle you want to live in. I love you but, not what you are doing. God calls it an abomination. I don’t accept fornication or adultery either. If that is what you want to do you can, but don’t expect me to accept it and don’t try and tell my kids that it is an ok, because it isn’t.” You know every time, without exception, that person I am talking to tells me, “Well your passing judgment on them and you shouldn’t judge.” I have news for you. When you say that, you are guilty of judging, because you just judged me for judging. I am to judge between right and wrong, moral and immoral. God has given me the responsibility to raise my kids and to teach them what is right and wrong. You know what the funny things is. That relative and friends I know that practice homosexuality and lesbianism have never once gotten upset with me or shunned me or put me down. Why? Because I love them the way Christ wants me to love them. I don’t condone what they are doing but I do care for them and love them despite what they are doing in their life. I am not even close to being perfect. I do some stupid things, but because of Jesus and the blood he shed and my faith in the cross, I am delivered from that sin and no longer live in it or choose to practice it. I slip up but I repent and turn away from that sin. God loves me, he doesn’t love my sin. I chose to let Jesus take care of my sin and I give it to him.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for letting me be bold. Lord, I thank you over these last couple of days I have been able to stand up with you and be bold for you. Lord, you have given me so much and these last couple of days you have truly blessed me. I have felt Jesus standing next to me and strengthening me so that I am not focused on the pleasures and things of this world, but my pleasure and happiness comes from knowing you better. Thank you for standing with me Lord, I pray this in the name of your son Jesus Christ. Amen.
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“The Shepherd’s Gate”
SCRIPTURE: John 10:7-10
7 Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
OBSERVATION:
Jesus said, “I am telling you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. Everyone who came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep will not to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will receive salvation. He will come in and go out, and find green grass to graze on. The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy you, but I have come so you may live and live life to the fullest.”
APPLICATION:
Jesus is the truth and the life and he is bringing life to me. I need to listen to his voice. Satan comes in to take away from me. He comes to try and bring me down. He comes to steal, kill and destroy my life. But Jesus has brought life and I will depend on him. Satan has no power over me except the power that I give him and I refuse to give Satan place. Satan is not going to have place in my life because my life is filled with Christ. Jesus continues to call out to me the way a shepherd does to the sheep and I need to listen.
PRAYER:
Lord, I listen to your voice. You have been with me and walked with me and stood with me the last couple of days and I have felt your presence. You are continuing to bring deliverance from the lust of my flesh and turning my eyes from lustful things. God thank you for the shepherd you sent to us to guide us to your pastures. Lord, I thank you for blessing me and I want to and have a longing to continue to praise you. God thank you and bless you for saving me. Amen.
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“Jesus’ Humanity”
SCRIPTURE: John 11:35 “35 Jesus wept.”
OBSERVATION:
Jesus was overcome with grief and he cried for his friend Lazarus.
APPLICATION:
Two simple words. The shortest verse in the Bible, and yet one of the most powerful. Jesus could have saved Lazarus from death, but he chose not to so that when he raised him from the dead, others may believe. He chose not to heal him, even to his own pain. Jesus loved Lazarus and these two words speak into the human that Jesus was. He was a man, very man, really man. Jesus laughed, he got angry and he cried. He had all the emotions that we have and he freely expressed them. While this is not the only time we see that Jesus grieved, but these two words are probably the most powerful. Jesus delayed coming to Lazarus’ aid to his own hurt, just like the Father gave his son to die for us, even to his own hurt. Just like with Lazarus, Jesus weeps over us but, by the his blood he washed away our sins. We died with him, but when he arose, we arose with him. He raised us from the dead just like he did Lazarus. These two words have always shown me who Jesus really was and what he did for me.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for opening my eyes to this verse. By your son’s blood, we were raised from the dead, just like Lazarus. And you do weep for those who do not look to you, but you rejoice when we decide to follow you. Lord, I want to thank you for the day that I have had today. You have truly blessed me today. You are continually with me and I thank you for that. I thank you for allowing me to win the contest because I know that you want to provide. Amen.
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“Not His Words”
SCRIPTURE: John 12:49-50
49 For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."
OBSERVATION:
Jesus did not speak his own words, but he spoke the words that hi s Father, God, told him to say and how to say it. Jesus knew that by following God’s commands, it leads to eternal life. Anytime Jesus said something, it was what God wanted him to say.
APPLICATION:
What does this mean for me. It shows me that Jesus was and is doing his father will. I can know what God has in store for me and what he wants of me just by reading his word. And as John 1 says, That Jesus, the Word, became flesh. He not only spoke the word of God, but he is the word of God. Jesus did what the fathers said right to the end and because of this, we have eternal life. I owe God my life for such an obedient son and Jesus is the model on how to relate to the father.
PRAYER;
Lord, I thank you this evening for these verses I have read today. Lord, your Word is truth, Jesus is truth. I thank you for the Word, your Son who came to save us. Lord, I am saved and have eternal life because of the truth of the Word, the truth of Jesus Christ. Your son. Thank you Lord. Amen.
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“Accepting Jesus Is Accepting God”
SCRIPTURE: John 13:20
20 I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me."
OBSERVATION:
If you accept anyone who Jesus sends to us, you accept Jesus. If you accept Jesus, then you accept God, who is the one that sent Jesus to us.
APPLICATION:
Such power in these words. Yet again this shows the authority of Jesus and that Jesus is the only way to get to God. If I accept Jesus then I accept God. If I accept the Son then I accept the Father. It’s a two in one deal. Sort of like buy one get one free, except that they are both free. We don’t have to pay anything because Jesus paid it for us. I am so thankful for what Jesus did so that we can be with the Father.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for all the things that I have been learning today and what you have shown me in this verse. Lord, your son, Jesus is the only way to you and I accept him so I know that I am accepted by you. I do accept you as my father and I know that you are providing for my every need. Thank you for keeping me safe today and blessing me today. I know that tomorrow will be a wonderful day to continue to worship you. By the name of Jesus Christ, who I accept as my Lord and Savior. Amen.
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“We Are Not Of This World”
SCRIPTURE: John 17:13-19
13 "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
OBSERVATION:
During his prayer, Jesus prayed, “I am coming home to you now. While I am still here, though, I have said these things so that they may be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. The world hates them for it because they are now not of this world just like I am not of this world. I do not pray that you remove them from this world but that you protect them from Satan and his evil ways. They are not part of this world any more than I am a part of it. May them pure and holy by your truth for your word is truth. Just like you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. It is because of them that I make myself pure and holy so that they too may be pure and holy.”
APPLICATION:
I know that Jesus is home with the father but what stuck me in these verses was that how Jesus said, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. And at first I didn’t quite grasp what that meant, but when I read through the chapter again, the Holy Spirit spoke to me. Since we have accepted Christ and because of what he did on the cross, we are not bound by the sins of this world, just like Jesus was not bound by the sins of the world because he was perfect. Because of the cross, we are not bound by sin and we are made like Jesus; pure, holy and perfect in the eyes of God.
PRAYER:
Thank you Lord for loving me and forgiving me. Thank you for making me pure, holy and perfect by the blood of Jesus. I am not perfect after the flesh, but I am made perfect by the blood of Jesus, because I am no longer of this world. Lord, I thank you so much for the absolutely awesome day that I have had today. You have truly blessed me and the Holy Spirit has poured out it’s power in my heart. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ who died for me and the world. Amen.
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“One To Die For All”
SCRIPTURE: John 18:12-14
12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13 and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.
OBSERVATION:
Jesus was arrested and was presented to Annas first. Annas was the father-in-law Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.
APPLICATION:
Here it was said that Caiaphas advised the Jews that it would be better if Jesus died for the people. He didn’t know how right he was. His intent was to put a stop to the people following Jesus, but it was indeed better for one man to die for the people because by the death of that one man brought redemption, salvation, and freedom to every person who believes in Jesus.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for your son Jesus, who died for me. Lord, you have saved us by the life giving blood. I am glad that you loved us enough to let Jesus die on the cross and Jesus I am glad you loved us enough to give yourself for us. You died for all of us and I for one am very grateful, because without what you did for me, I could never be with my father in heaven. Amen.
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“Love Your Brother”
SCRIPTURE: 1 John 3:9-10
9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
OBSERVATION:
Since you are born of God, you will not continue to sit, because God lives in you; you can not go on sinning because you have been born of God. This is how we tell the difference between the children of God and the children of the devil. Anyone who does not do what is right, is not God’s child; neither is anyone who does not love his brother.
APPLICATION:
God has called me to love my brother because I am born of him. I am to love people even though they may hurt me. How do I love people? Through prayer, helping them, be quick to forgive and quick to repent. Do not hold anything over them. Be patient and kind both in speech and actions.
PRAYER:
Lord, I love you and praise you for giving me the example on how to love my brother. Lord, you loved me enough to lay your life down for me. I need to be willing to lay myself down to help my brother. Lord, I praise you in all that you have done for me and I pray for continued strength in working on my loving heart. Amen
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“Testing Someone From God”
SCRIPTURE: 1 John 4:1-6
4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. 4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
OBSERVATION:
How do we know if someone is speaking with the spirit because not everyone who says they are from God is actually from God, some are false prophets. We are to test them. But how are we to test them. If they acknowledge that Jesus is God who became flesh and that he is from God then we know that he is from God, but if he does not acknowledge that Jesus is God made flesh and that he is from God then he is not from God but from the spirit of the antichrist. We are from God and greater is God in us that the gods of the world. People of the world do not speak of God but speak of worldly things. Also if they are from God then they will listen to us, who are of God. If they are not of God then they will not listen to us and the things of God.
APPLICATION:
Sometimes it can be confusing and hard to determine if someone that I am talking to is someone from God. They may claim that they are from God but are they truly from God. Here, John shows us how to discern if someone is from God or from the world. It is actually pretty simple. If they admit the validity that Jesus is God made flesh and that he comes from God then that person is from God, if they don’t they are from the world. I have found at times though that even people of the world say they acknowledge that Jesus is God in the flesh, but find out later that they are actually of this world. How can I go further to acknowledge whether they are from God. I remember doing a study on how to know if I am hearing God or not and how to test a message from God because sometimes I think I heard God but I am not sure if it is from God or the devil and I don’t want to be deceived. I can see that this can also apply to deciphering if a person is from God. First of all is what the person is telling me or asking me to do violating the scriptures or kingdom principles? The only way I will know that is by getting into God’s word. Second, is what they saying or telling me to do going to hurt me, my family, the church, or someone else. Third, will what they are saying pass sound counsel? In other words, I need to take this to someone else who is wise in God and see if this person is of God or is the person I am relating to surrounded by Godly counsel. Finally, I need to rest in God an look for confirmation from God. I can go back to the scripture above and apply it to see if this person is of God.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for the insight that you have given me involving test someone who claims to be from God. Lord, there are so many people out there today that are of the spirit of antichrist and it can be confusing for a believer to know whether or not they are from you. I am so thankful that you have provided ways for me to test their heart. I thank you that you have given me wisdom in this area and I am growing in this. I thank you for what you have done in me Lord. Amen
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“God’s Word Is His Bond”
SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 33:17-21
17 For this is what the LORD says: 'David will never fail to have a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel, 18 nor will the priests, who are Levites, ever fail to have a man to stand before me continually to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings and to present sacrifices.'" 19 The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 20 "This is what the LORD says: 'If you can break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that day and night no longer come at their appointed time, 21 then my covenant with David my servant--and my covenant with the Levites who are priests ministering before me--can be broken and David will no longer have a descendant to reign on his throne.
OBSERVATION:
The Lord told Jeremiah that there will
always be someone from the family of David to sit on the throne of
APPLICATION:
Some may say that stuff like this proves
that the Bible is contradicting and false because there is no longer a ruler
over Israel today that is from the descendants of David and the priests no
longer offer sacrifices to God, so how can the Bible be true and that it is
proof that God does break his covenants.
If they would take the time to really read the Bible, then they would
know that this covenant is still holding true today. The nation of
PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for the revelation you have shown me in the scripture and how that while there is no longer a earthly king over Israel and earthly priests to offer sacrifices to you, there is a king over the nation of Israel and a priest that we can go to that has already offered a sacrifice once and for all, Jesus Christ. I am so happy that while I have sinned that because of my faith in Jesus, I am forgiven and that he rules over me a citizen of your Holy nation. Amen.
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“False Teachings”
SCRIPTURE: 2 John 7
7 Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.
OBSERVATION:
There are many who refuse to believe that Jesus Christ became flesh and walked on the earth as a man. If anyone teaches this to you, they are deceiving you and live in the spirit of antichrist.
APPLICATION:
I need to be really cautious about who I listen to when it comes to Biblical teaching. Not everyone is telling me the truth. I have actually met people who actually claim to be Christians but do not believe that Jesus was a man or that Jesus didn’t actually die on the cross but that he slipped into a coma and then woke again in 3 days. I don’t know how someone can read the verses for themselves, claim to be a Christian and not believe what the Bible says about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
PRAYER:
Lord I lift up praise to you in revealing yet more of your word to me. Lord, I want to lift up a prayer for help for my lovely wife. I pray that she find peace in you and that her eyes and heart are opened to how much you truly loves you. She is a wonderful woman and I thank you daily for her in my life. I pray that you grant us wisdom to decide what to do involving the issues we are going through together. God I thank you for bringing her in my life. You have truly blessed me. Amen
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“Blessings and Happiness”
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 144:15
15 Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.
OBSERVATION:
Happy is the person who lives in the truth; happy is the person whose God is the Lord.
APPLICATION:
Where does my happiness come from? My possessions? My wife? My kids? Money? According to this verse the person who has God as their Lord is the one who is happy. I shouldn’t look to things in the world to make me happy, my Lord and my God is the source of my happiness. He can use these things to bring fulfillment and happiness to me, but I shouldn’t worship them and look to them as the source for my happiness. I should look to God for my happiness.
PRAYER:
Lord, I look to you for my total fulfillment and happiness. Lord, you have blessed me with much, a beautiful wife, 4 wonderful kids, a good steady job, a home, food on our table and you use these to bring fulfillment and happiness to me. I am not truly happy though unless I choose to follow you. Lord, you are my God and you bring me happiness and I thank you for the things that you have done to bring happiness in my life. Amen.
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“Who Does He Love?”
SCRIPTURE: Revelation 3:8-10
8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars-I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.
OBSERVATION:
Because of the deeds of the
APPLICATION:
Today was pretty rough deciding what to
write about because on one hand I read Ezekial chapter 4-7 which talk about
God’s anger against
PRAYER:
Lord, I pray for continued wisdom, such as the wisdom you have shown me in your word today. Lord, I have not followed you completely, but I am a work in progress. Lord, I want to be your vessel. You are the potter and you are molding me to be a powerful witness in your kingdom. I know that there are some things that I still have to work through and I am not bold enough or seemingly brave enough, but Lord, you are molding me and forming me to work for your kingdom. God, thank you for all that you have done and help me to be a better servant. I want to gain wisdom and with the wisdom I want to gain understanding and knowledge. Amen.
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“Continual Worship”
SCRIPTURE: Revelation 4:6-11
6 Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
OBSERVATION:
John sees before the throne of God the four cherubim angels that were described in Ezekiel’s visions and they are continually sending praises, glory and honor to God. Every time they would give praises the 24 elders would also fall down, lay down their crowns at the throne and worship God saying, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory, honor and power because you have created everything and by your will they were created and have their being.”
APPLICATION:
Much of the book of Revelation can be confusing to me because I still don’t have a good understanding of much of the Bible although I am learning more and more. Here in chapter 4 however I get a sense of a slap in the face it is so easy to understand. I am to continually and in all things give praise to God because he alone is responsible for creating all things and has given every living thing life. God is to be praised. I need to learn to praise God even in my troubles and mistakes because while I may have messed up he is still sovereign and he can bring his glory out of my mistakes.
PRAYER:
Lord, I know that I need to work on this aspect of my life of continual praise and worship. Lord, I need to practice and learn how to praise you in all things. Lord, you are to be praised because you have created all things. Lord I owe you my very existence and I need to spend time always in praise and worship to you. Amen.
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“A Beautiful Picture”
SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 16:8-14
8 "'Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign LORD, and you became mine. 9 "'I bathed you with water and washed the blood from you and put ointments on you. 10 I clothed you with an embroidered dress and put leather sandals on you. I dressed you in fine linen and covered you with costly garments. 11 I adorned you with jewelry: I put bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your neck, 12 and I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. 13 So you were adorned with gold and silver; your clothes were of fine linen and costly fabric and embroidered cloth. Your food was fine flour, honey and olive oil. You became very beautiful and rose to be a queen. 14 And your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, because the splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign LORD.
OBSERVATION:
Here in the 16th chapter of Ezekiel it is mainly talking about how Israel gave themselves over to pagan religions and worshiped other gods, or as it is put “prostituted themselves” to other gods. But here in the beginning of the chapter it shows of God picking them up and joining himself to them as a husband joins himself to his wife. It tells how he embraced them a called them his own. He cleaned them by giving them a way to atone for their sins, he blessed them with riches and made them beautiful and they became famous in the land because God was with them and everyone was able to see that. I think this is an absolutely beautiful demonstration of how much God loves us today. When we accept his salvation through Jesus’ blood, we are covered by him, wrapped in his arms and he calls us his own.
APPLICATION:
When I accepted Christ, God made me his. He lifted me up and wrapped me in his arms and called me his. How many times though have I played the harlot and worshipped or depended on the world, other than God. I have worshipped money, my time, my possessions. I have failed in the past but here is the cool thing. The Holy Spirit, which is what God dressed me in, convicts my heart when I fall away and that brings me to repentance for when I hurt God. He then forgives me and holds on to me again. Whenever I fall, God picks me up and wraps me up in the Holy Spirit and still calls me his because of His son Jesus. I need to repent when I fall because I don’t want to fall away and not live in the arms of the Father. These verses are to be a reminder of the glory that comes from living in God and he in me.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for the knowledge that you have shown me in these passages. I thank you for giving me insight on understanding what you are showing me here. Lord, you have wrapped me up in the clothing of the Holy Spirit and in the arms of your forgiveness. Thank you Lord, and I pray that you continue to help me with a repentant heart so that I may continue to love and grow in your arms and heart. Protect me from the wiles of Satan so that I won’t play the harlot any longer. I am beautiful because you have made me that way. Amen
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“Fear Is Wisdom”
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 111:10
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.
OBSERVATION:
Wisdom comes from reverencing God or fearing God. By submitting, praising, and worshiping him you can gain wisdom, his wisdom, as well as understanding.
APPLICATION:
I listened to a study on wisdom and gained knowledge and understanding from that study. When I actively submit myself to God’s mercy and grace and gain his kind of wisdom. With that wisdom comes knowledge and understanding of his word and the things of this world.
PRAYER:
I want to continue to gain wisdom in your word, Lord. I give myself over to you to guide and teach me. Grant me the wisdom to understand the things of this world and the things of your kingdom. With the wisdom Lord, you will show me how to be a better husband, father, steward, servant and so many other things in your kingdom. Thank you for the wisdom you have already shown me and for the wisdom I will be receiving. Amen.
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“Am I Ready To Judge?”
SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 22:1-5
22:1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Son of man, will you judge her? Will you judge this city of bloodshed? Then confront her with all her detestable practices 3 and say: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O city that brings on herself doom by shedding blood in her midst and defiles herself by making idols, 4 you have become guilty because of the blood you have shed and have become defiled by the idols you have made. You have brought your days to a close, and the end of your years has come. Therefore I will make you an object of scorn to the nations and a laughingstock to all the countries. 5 Those who are near and those who are far away will mock you, O infamous city, full of turmoil.
OBSERVATION:
God is asking Ezekiel if he is ready to
judge
APPLICATION:
I have a few times been talking to someone about Christ and the repenting of sins, and they have taken to the subject of homosexuality for instance. First of all I tell them that homosexuality is wrong and an abomination in the site of God. I also tell them so is fornication and adultery and any sexual perversion. I tell them about how I have a relative and a friend that are homosexual or bisexual and that I tell them that I care about them but don’t expect me to accept what you are doing as right or moral and that God says it is an abomination. If that is what you want to do that is between you and God. Also I don’t want them to tell my children that it is acceptable and ok because I will not tolerate it. And every single one of those people I have talked to, without exception, has said to me, “Well you are just judging them,” or “You shouldn’t judge them like that,” or “The Bible tells us we are not to judge.” Well let me bust their bubbles right now, and I tell them this, “You just judged me for judging.”
I am not to pass judgment by condemning them, but I am to judge. Yes there are many verse that talk about judging you neighbor and we shouldn’t judge with the intent to condemn or pass judgement. But how are we to know what is right or wrong, good or evil, moral or immoral, righteous or unrighteous if we do not use sound judgement. One of the pillars of wisdom is judging, Prov 1:3 “To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity;”. Jesus does tell us to judge what is right and we should judge justly seeking to please God not ourselves just like Jesus did, “Luke 12:57 "Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right?” John 5:30 “By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” According to Peter and John in Acts 4:19, that when we judge is it right by God’s ways and who we should obey, “But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God.” Paul tells us we are judges in 1 Corinthians 6:1-6, “If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! 5 I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? 6 But instead, one brother goes to law against another-and this in front of unbelievers!” Jesus, in Matthew 7:1-5, does teach us though to be careful how we judge because we will be judged back and that we need to look at ourselves and judge our own selves too, “7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Once again I have to ask my self and others, how can you say we shouldn’t judge because we need to decipher what is right/wrong, good/evil, just/unjust, moral/immoral, etc, etc. Yes people could come up with several other verses to dispute the fact that we are not to judge others but when I see for myself what is happening to a world that is not willing to judge and discern the good from the bad, I need to step up and judge, using God’s wise judgment, and protect myself and the ones I love from Satan. I am clearly not to judge with condemnation, but love. I also know that there are many other verses that I didn’t even get to that illustrate good, Godly judgment executed.
I say to my relative and friend that what you are doing is wrong, but repent and turn to God because I love you and God loves you. I judge in order to tell my kids or friends that what they did was wrong, but ask for repentance because God loves you and so do I. I also judge in order to make sure I am doing what God call me to do and I welcome and receive when others come to me and tell me I have sinned and need to repent because they are also judging my actions and walk with God as well. But most of all I can use sound judgment because God is judging my walk with him and has judged my sins and he took care of my sins through his son Jesus Christ, whom he put out his wrath, in judgment, on the cross. I have to listen to the judging voice of God so I can grow in wisdom and strength and to walk in his righteousness. There will be times when I don’t make sound judgment, but God’s love corrects me and puts me back on the path of righteousness through his loving grace.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for this lesson today on using sound judgment. Lord, you have taught me that without learning good righteous judgment, I can’t tell the difference between what is right/wrong, good/evil, immoral/moral, or righteous/unrighteous. I thank you for touching my heart and giving me insight on judging the world around me but doing it with love. I pray that you give me the strength to stand in that righteous judgment so that when time for decision comes, I can make good, sound, wise, and Godly judgment. I thank you for judging me through your son Jesus Christ, on the cross and pouring your wrath out on him instead of me because that shows how much you love me. Jesus I thank you that you loved me enough to give yourself and allow God’s wrath to be poured out on you instead of me. I pray this in your name Jesus Christ. Amen.
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“He Is Worthy Of Praise”
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 48:1
Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain.
OBSERVATION:
God is great and is always worthy of continual praise.
APPLICATION:
I have had a bad couple of days and I have been upset with everything going on around me. I am in constant state of attack right now. I have not been doing the things that have brought me closer to God. I have not been giving him the praise he deserves. Since I haven’t been praising him like I should I have not been able to keep my focus on him and not rested in him. I really needed this verse to show me how I need to keep praising him, even though I may not feel like sending praises to him. I will find rest in him despite the situations if I show my praise him.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for showing me how I am in error in the problems that I have been having. I thank you for showing me that I need to give you praise and that will help me to keep my focus on you. I thank you for all that you have done for me and will continue to do for me. In the name of your dear Son. Amen.
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“He’s Teaching Me Patience”
SCRIPTURE: Lamentations 3:25-26
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
OBSERVATION:
If you hope in the Lord and seek him he will be good to you. It is a good thing to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
APPLICATION:
The Lord is telling me here to be patient and wait for him. Not to wait for my salvation because I have already received that, but just to wait for him, have hope in him and seek him. I have a tendency to be impatient and that is when I usually jump the gun and try to do it myself, try to help God complete his will for my life and I don’t do to well when I do that. I am really bad about this and am often impatient. I need God’s help and strength to persevere through all time both good and bad and sit and wait for him, patiently.
PRAYER:
Lord I pray for strength and patience. Lord, I know that I have a tendency to be impatient an try to do things my own way, in your name. Lord, I need help from you to better follow you. I need to learn patience and I can only do that from following you and placing you first. Thank you Lord for showing me my weakness and where I need to work on things in my life. Amen.
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“He Will Not Change His Mind”
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 110:4
4 The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
OBSERVATION:
God does not go back on his word, he made Jesus a priest for us forever, in the order of Melchizedek
APPLICATION:
I have often gone back on my word to my wife, kids, friends, co-workers and even people I don’t like. Most of the time it is without wanting to, by accident, or by being forgetful. There have been a couple of times I have done it on purpose not taking others feelings into consideration. I am human and I make mistakes. God is not like that though. God has made a promise to us to always be there for us, to always love us, to never turn away from us even when we may turn away from him. I do need to keep my word and use God’s example to better benefit his kingdom.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you so much for the day that I have had and showing me today how you will not and have never gone back on your promise to us. Lord I also want to thank you for letting Shane go on the road with me. May you continue to keep peace between us and so that we can grow closer in your word. Thank you so much for all that you do. By the name of your son Jesus Christ. Amen
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“Telling It To My Children”
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 145:4
4 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.
OBSERVATION:
The mighty acts and the love of God will be spread from generation to generation.
APPLICATION:
I am proud to say that I have been doing a better job of this, however I still have some work to do. As the husband and father of the family I am called to bring the love, truth and acts of God to my children and teach them to teach their children. My parents did this to me and I am called to continue to show and tell the love of God. Sometimes I am not comfortable doing that but I recognize that that is Satan trying to wear me down and redirect my thoughts away from my God and children.
PRAYER:
Lord, you have given me a blessed day and have been able to have fun with you today. I have really had a wonderful day because of my openness to your teachings and word. Lord, I pray for strength and courage to spread you might acts and word to my children and teach them how to love you so that they to may grow in strength and courage to tell their children. Thank you, once again, for the absolutely awesome day that I have had. I also pray and continue to lift up my wife to you Lord. She is really struggling right now and I pray that your love shine through to her and she looks to you for her happiness. Lord I realize that part of that generation is also how I love my wife and help her with her walk with you, which is my responsibility that you have called me to as the spiritual leader of the house. God you are amazing and awesome and your love knows no end. Thank you for the unconditional love that only you can provide. Amen.
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“Treasures Of The Heart”
SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:19 & 51
19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
51 Then he went down to
OBSERVATION:
Mary remembered the things that went on in her son, Jesus, life as he was growing up. Both when the shepherds came and saw him as an infant and the praise to the child and her son being obedient to her and Joseph.
APPLICATION:
When it says that Mary treasured these memories in her heart of Jesus, I have to ask myself, why is this pertinent. I see here that Mary had to be asking herself, “Jesus is the savior to come and I believe that but how. How is God going to use Jesus to bring salvation? Why did God choose me with this beautiful gift?” She was probably just so overwhelmed, but also just doing what any mother would do and remember the wonderful things about her child. I think though that these treasured thoughts meant so much more to her after Jesus died and he rose and ascended to be with his father in heaven. She was able to use those precious thoughts stored up over the years to remember who he was and to see how that God blessed Jesus and prepared him for the work he was to do and to remember the boy that she loved so much, and to also see how God used her to benefit his plan and all of mankind. How does this apply to me? How will I look back at my treasured thoughts? Will I see the plan that God unfolded for my life or am I just going to be caught up in myself to not even pay attention to those little treasured thoughts stored up over time.
PRAYER:
Lord, what a powerful word in my heart today. Lord, your love has caused wonderful treasures to be stored up in me over the years. Lord, I pray that I learn to look to those loving treasures that you have placed in my heart to remind me of how much you truly love me and where I would be without you. Lord, I may have messed up over the years but I truly love you and I am looking forward to many more years of treasures built up in my heart. I pray that you show me how to use those treasure to better benefit your kingdom and how that you miraculously used me for your glory. Amen.
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“The Master Of Lies And Deceit”
SCRIPTURE: Luke 4:9-11
9 The devil led him to
OBSERVATION:
Here during the temptation of Jesus, Satan took him to the highest point of the temple and tried to use scripture to tempt Jesus which we know that Jesus did not fall into that temptation.
APPLICATION:
I have to remember that Satan is the master of lies and deceit. I need to remember that Satan is not all powerful like God is but he is a master of trickery and is willing to use any means including the word of God to deceive me.
PRAYER:
Lord, I have had a rough day and I didn’t look to you in my time of strife therefore allowing Satan to fill my thoughts with things that I know are not true. Forgive me Lord for my unbelief and untrust in you. Thank you for your forgiveness and taking care of my family. Amen
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“Good Or Bad Fruit”
SCRIPTURE: Luke 6:43-45
43 "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
OBSERVATION:
A good tree does not produce rotten fruit. Trees are recognized by it’s fruit. You do not pick figs from thornbushes or grapes from briers. A good man does good things out of the good that is in his heart and an evil man does evil things because of the evil that is stored up in his heart. What ever is in a man’s heart is what is going to come out of his mouth.
APPLICATION:
What is coming out of my heart. Well I will tell you that lately my heart has not been full of goodness and joy. I have been frustrated and upset about things, mainly the way my work has been going. My heart was not full of joy because I was focusing on my world around me instead of my God in heaven. I can pray in faith for God to provide but when I am speaking the opposite, that is what is in my heart. I have a lot of work to do in my heart.
PRAYER:
Lord, I pray that you guide me in this matter of my life. The world around me has been dictating my actions. I have not looked to you and have said things and acted in such a way that is not the way you want for me to act. I thank you for helping me in this area of my life and I know you are going to bring strength and wisdom to me so I may better work for you. Amen.
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“Where Is The Kingdom?”
SCRIPTURE: Luke 17:20-21
20 Once, having been asked by the Pharisees
when the
OBSERVATION:
Here Jesus is asked by the Pharisees when
God’s kingdom will come. They were
evidently thinking of a natural kingdom.
Jesus told them that, “God’s kingdom can not be seen with the eye or you
can’t go and say ‘It is over here or over there.’ The
APPLICATION:
Where is God’s kingdom? Well Jesus made it pretty plain, at least to me, that it is in all of us who believe in Jesus. God has already set his kingdom on this earth and I am part of that. Since I am part of the kingdom and it is in me, shouldn’t I start living more and more like the kingdom is truly in me. Shouldn’t I let the King of Kings guide my heart and life. If I am going to be a better steward in God’s Kingdom, I better start listening to the King.
PRAYER:
Lord, I am part of your Kingdom but I have not been a very good occupant. I know that you have forgiven me but I have started walking away from you and failed to listen to your voice. Lord, you are my King and if I am to be a better steward and witness for your Kingdom, I need to humble myself to you more and more and let your law of love that has been written on my heart, shine through. I want people to look at me and see your Kingdom, not for my glory but for yours. Amen.
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“Use What God Gives You”
SCRIPTURE: Luke 19:26
26 "He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.
OBSERVATION:
In this parable of the ten servants, Jesus tells how the one who used what was given to him foolishly, that money was taken from him and given to the one who already had the most. The servants thought that was unfair since he already had a great deal. The king in the parable tells them that whoever has more, or uses what he has wisely, will be given more and whoever uses what he has foolishly, it will be taken away.
APPLICATION:
How am I using what God has given me? Have I been using the gifts, abilities, money, etc that God has blessed me with wisely. I need to really examine how I have been using the things that God has given me charge over and see if I am a wise servant or a foolish servant. I need to do better to strive to be a good servant with all that God has entrusted me with.
PRAYER:
Lord, God in heaven. I want to thank you so much for the awesome day that I have had. I especially want to thank you for last night and being able to worship with an amazing group of your children. I also want to thank you for opening the ears and eyes of my heart today and bring understanding to your word. Thank you Father for blessing me and please grant me wisdom to use wisely the things that you have entrusted me with so I can receive even more of the blessings you are wanting to give to me. Amen.
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“God Will Strengthen Me”
SCRIPTURE: Luke 21:12-15
12 "But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 This will result in your being witnesses to them. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
OBSERVATION:
Jesus told the disciples that they would be persecuted, be put in prison, and will be brought before kings and governors because of his name. This would be their chance to tell them about Jesus and that they should not worry about what to say in their defense because Jesus would give them the words and wisdom that would be so profound that those against them would not be able to respond.
APPLICATION:
God’s grace, his power, his strength are what gave the disciples the courage to face their trials. Jesus said he would give them the power to face their trials. God will also do this for me. I have to act in faith, not worry about what others may say. I have to accept the grace that God has given to me to strengthen me and give me the wisdom to be who he wants me to be and to be a witness of his awesome works.
PRAYER:
Lord, God in heaven. I thank you for showing me that by your grace you will strengthen me and give me wisdom when I need it. Whether it is to resist temptation, or stand up for your word, or to witness to someone the gospel, you will give me the strength and power I need. You will turn my weakness into your strength and make me a better servant. Thank you for what you have revealed to me today. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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“How Am I Supposed To Be?”
SCRIPTURE: Luke 22:24-27
24 Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
OBSERVATION:
The disciples started to argue with each other who was considered the greatest among them. Jesus told them that they are not like the kings of the world who hold that very thing over them and exercise that authority. But the disciples are not like that. He gave the example that the greatest should be like the youngest or the one who is the ruler should be like the servant. A ruler is greater than the servant, but Jesus used himself as an example. He was the greatest at the table but he was with them as a servant.
APPLICATION:
This shows me that in order to be an effective leader, whether it is at home or in another way, I am to know how serve. I can be a more effective leader if I learn how to humble myself and serve others.
PRAYER:
Lord, God, father in heaven. Give me a humble spirit and servant heart. I am a leader in my family and I need to know how to better lead them. What better way Lord to lead than to give them the example of how to serve first. Lord your grace has cleansed me and I pray for courage and strength to face the trials of my daily endeavors. I can not resist temptation by my own power, but I can by your strength and power. Lord make me a vessel for your glory and make me a servant in your kingdom. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ and by his strength and power, I pray this prayer. Amen.
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“Christ Revealed”
SCRIPTURE: Luke 24:28-32
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
OBSERVATION:
These two men who were on the road to Emmaus, met a man on the road to Emmaus. As this man walked with them, they realized that he was very wise man of God. When they came to the town they asked the man to stay with them, and he agreed. It was when the man broke the bread and gave thanks for it that their eyes were open and they realized the man that was talking with them was Jesus, resurrected, just as the scriptures had said would happen. His words truly hit them when he revealed himself to them.
APPLICATION:
What I gain from this is not just that the words of Christ are a consuming fire and burns in our hearts but how that we could be entertaining Jesus or angels at any time and not even know it. How has Jesus revealed himself to me. Have I ever entertained an angel without even knowing it. I very well could have and what I have to ask myself is, “What did I say or do? Was I a witness for Jesus or the world?” I really need to start using more caution and be a better witness for God through his son Jesus Christ.
PRAYER:
Lord, I know that you are going to help me to continue to grow in your word. You have revealed yet again an area of my life that I need to work on. I thank you so much for being with me and showing me where I need to improve, right out of the Bible. Thank you for forgiving me and pouring your grace out on me. Amen.
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“I’m Not Supposed To Know When”
SCRIPTURE: Acts 1:7
7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
OBSERVATION:
We do not know when Jesus will return. Only God the father knows when this will happen.
APPLICATION:
There are many philosophies or teachings about the end of the world. People are trying to tie modern day events to the signs of the end days. While I believe we are in the end days and many of the signs point to that time, I am not caught up or am I to worry about when it comes. The only thing I need to be worried about is am I ready for the second coming. My flesh tells me no because I mess up. But Jesus tells me yes, because I have accepted him as my Lord and Savior and he has already delivered me from my sin. I think I am going to go with what Jesus says.
PRAYER:
Thank you Lord for revealing yet more to me in your word. Lord I look forward to the day when Jesus returns. Help me to listen to you instead of what the world is saying about the end times. I am not worried about the end times because I already know where my place is. Thank you for saving me. Amen
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“Part Of Abraham’s Covenant”
SCRIPTURE: Acts 3:25-26
25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.' 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."
OBSERVATION:
We have received of the covenant God made with Abraham that, “Through his offspring, all the people of the earth will be blessed.” God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you so that we all may be blessed by us turning from our evil ways.
APPLICATION:
Abraham got into a covenant with God by faith. I to am part of the covenant through my faith. I may not be a blood descendant of Abraham, but I do have the faith of Abraham in my heart. I to am in covenant with God through the blood of Jesus Christ. I need to put this faith into practice more and more so that I can continue to grow in the kingdom.
PRAYER:
Lord, teach me how to increase my faith and to walk with you like your friend Abraham did. Lord, I long and strive to walk closer and closer to you. I realize that I mess up but I also realize that you are patient and forgiving. Thank you for your forgiveness and patience because I know I am lost with out you. Amen.
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“In The Power Of The Holy Spirit”
SCRIPTURE: Acts 4:7-13
7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is
"'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
OBSERVATION:
Here Peter and John are brought before the
priests concerning why they had healed a man and by what power or
authority. Peter, who was filled with
the Holy Spirit, spoke to them saying, “Rulers and elders of the people. If you are questioning our act of kindness and
we healed a man who was crippled, then all of you leaders and everyone in
APPLICATION:
What is important for me to look at here is that they were just ordinary, everyday people, just like me. They had no special training or didn’t go to an accredited school to learn the Bible and become ordained preachers. Where did they get this power? Where did they get this courage? Where did they get this wisdom? It was not by their own power but by the power that comes from the grace of God, given to them by the Holy Spirit, through their simple faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They realized and preached that they in and of themselves do not have the power to heal people. They trusted in the Lord and looked to him to provide that power and courage through the Holy Spirit. I can not teach others the good news of the Gospel and speak boldly of the wonders of God, independent of the Grace of God and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I can’t pray for or lay hands on people to be healed if I don’t have faith in the one who brings that strength, power, courage and boldness to me.
PRAYER:
Lord God, your Grace is abounding and I have to release my faith more in you. I am not very good at trusting in you and therefore many times I do not see the fruits that come from stepping out in faith. I can’t draw on the power of your grace if I don’t act in my simple faith. The Holy Spirit can’t give me knowledge and wisdom I need if my faith in you is lacking since without faith I am not letting the Holy Spirit work in me. I know though Lord that you are working on me on this and I thank you for your instruction. I can’t spread the glorious love of your Gospel without you giving me the courage, boldness and utterance. Thank you for showing me, once again, where you are going to work on me. I succumb to your teaching and depend on your grace to strengthen me where I am weak. My abilities do not come from my own power but by yours. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ who became sin for me on the cross and was raised again out of the depths of hell defeating death on my behalf making me his very righteousness by faith. Amen.
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“God Is The Pilot”
SCRIPTURE: Acts 5:33-39
34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
OBSERVATION:
The Pharisee’s were wanting to kill Peter and the other disciples because they were teaching the name of Jesus after they were ordered not to. A highly honored teacher of the law, Gamaliel, stood before the Sanhedrin said to them, “Think about what you are wanting to do to these men. Remember that some time back two different men, Thadeus and Judas the Galilean, both think they were somebody, had many people follow them. They were both killed and their followers fell away and were scattered and we never heard anything else about them. But let me present it to you in this way. Leave these men alone and let them go! If what they are teaching and preaching is by their own power, then they will fail. However, if what they are teaching is from God, you will not be able to stop them. In fact, you will be fighting against the move of God.”
APPLICATION:
You know that this applies to my life as well. I have to ask myself, am I fighting the move of God in my life. I would think so because that is why I fail so much. Am I trying to spread the word of God by my own ability, or am I calling on the name of Jesus and sharing the gospel by his power? To many times I try to follow and do God’s will without the power of God within me and by my own ability. That is why I fail so much. I have had some really good opportunities to share the good news with Jesus and I failed because I was trying to do things my way, not God’s way. If I am to be a witness then I need to do it with God. Then and only then will their be success, because God is with me and I feel sorry for those who try to fight against God.
PRAYER:
Lord, where am I when it comes to my following you? I know it is not where I should be. To many times Lord, I have failed because I am trying to be a Christian, without Christ. Lord, I know by your word and scripture that with you living in me, by the blood of your son, but I am not allowing you access to use me to do great things for your kingdom. I know that is hindering your working in my life. Lord, bring people across my path that I can learn from. People that have you working in their lives that can help me and teach me how to better serve you. Lord, I know that you have great and mighty things in store for me and I thank you for them now. It may take just a few hours or several years to grow and understand how you are working in me, but I am willing to wait. You have already put your plan into effect for my life, I just need to stop taking so-called “short cuts” to your kingdom and just follow your lead. You are the pilot of this ship and I am nothing but the co-pilot, listening and learning from your directions. I praise you for this time of learning and understanding. I submit and humble myself to you for guidance and teaching. I pray this in the name of your dear son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen.
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“Opposing God”
SCRIPTURE: Acts 11:15-17
15 "As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17 So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"
OBSERVATION:
Here Peter is telling the other disciples about his teaching to Cornelius at his home, because the others had got onto him for going into a Gentiles home. In his account, the tells them that while he was speaking the Holy Spirit came on Cornelius and his house just as it had on him and the others. He remembered what Jesus said, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” He then tells them something very powerful, “So if God gave them the same gift that he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?”
APPLICATION:
There are several powerful things in those two verses but the one that gets me the most is Peter asking, “Who was I to think I that I could oppose God?” To many times people try to stop the move of God. I by my own stubbornness, have tried to stop the move of God in my life. I have thought, just as others have thought, that Jesus is not for that person, or this person. He won’t accept them. It’s when I really get into the word of God that he slaps my thoughts back into focus. He has already accepted everyone, he died for everyone. The only thing they have to do is accept it. This is where God can use me to show others the good news of accepting Jesus Christ.
PRAYER:
Lord, use me to show others the love you have for us. Touch my heart and continue to remind me that we are all able to receive your grace by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord. There is good news and it is your son, Jesus Christ, who I now pray in the name of. Amen.
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“Knocking At The Door”
SCRIPTURE: Acts 12:12-15
12 When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13 Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14 When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!" 15 "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel."
OBSERVATION:
Peter had been imprisoned and an angel had rescued him. Many Christians were praying for him in the house of Mary. He knocked on the outer entrance and Rhoda, a servant girl, answered the door. When she heard Peter’s voice, she recognized it, she was very excited, so excited that she ran back inside exclaiming, “Peter is at the door!” The told her, “You are crazy.” She kept on insisting it was him and they said, “It must be an angel.” Of course they found out later it really was him.
APPLICATION:
Isn’t that a typical answer. You are praying for something and when it is answered you doubt the very thing you were praying about. Many times I have asked God for something and when his answer came knocking at the door, I to doubted. Not only do I need to listen for the knock but I need to take the chance to answer because it very well could be God.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you so much for knocking. Now Lord teach me how not only to listen for your knocking but to answer the door, because it very well may be you. To many times Lord I have been to scared to step out and open the door, but you will not steer me wrong. I have nothing to worry about. I pray this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen
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“Praising Even When Beaten”
SCRIPTURE: Acts 16:22-25
22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
OBSERVATION:
Paul and Silas were severely beaten and put into prison. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
APPLICATION:
What have I been through that is causing me to not praise God? I haven’t gone through a tenth of what Paul and Silas had to go through here, but yet they were still praising God. Here it shows that while that in the flesh they were not feeling very well, but in the spirit they were rejoicing and praising God. They have shown the perfect example how to praise God even in times of distress.
PRAYER:
Lord, how do I praise you when times are tough. Many times I do not praise you when trouble strikes at my life. I have a tendency to turn away from you and not to you. Lord, teach me to have a merry heart not matter what this world is doing to me. Teach me how to sing your praises even when the world says that I should be cursing you. Lord, I want to have a merry heart and grow in you. Amen.
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“Funny But Sad”
SCRIPTURE: Acts 19:13-20
13 Some Jews who went around driving out
evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were
demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul
preaches, I command you to come out." 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish
chief priest, were doing this. 15[One day] the evil spirit answered them,
"Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" 16 Then the
man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave
them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. 17 When this became known to the Jews and
Greeks living in
OBSERVATION:
There were some Jews who tried to drive out
evil spirits by speaking the name of Jesus over those who were demon-possessed
by saying, “In the name of Jesus, that Paul preaches about, I command you to
come out!” Sceva, a Jewish chief priest,
had seven sons that were trying to drive out demons by just speaking the name
of Jesus and the evil spirit told them, “I know who Jesus and Paul are, but who
are you?” The man with the evil spirit
the jumped on them and over powered all seven of them and beat them up so bad
that they ran out naked and bleeding. It
scared the Jews and Greeks in
APPLICATION:
I don't know about anyone else, but I actually find this story funny in a spiritual sense(Who says there is no humor in the Bible?). I especially find it funny with the demon-possessed man's response. I like to imagine it was something like, "I know who Jesus is. I know who Paul is. But just who in the hell are you?" This event scared everyone else so bad that it actually brought repentance and brought them to the power of God. I also do feel sorry for these men because of what happened to them, not only because the got beat up but because what they were trying to do, which they were trying to do good, didn't work. I don't wish for anyone to fail in Christ.
The big question here though is, why didn't it work? Many would ask this and say things like, "They were doing this in the name of Jesus!" I look at it this way, yes they were using the name of Jesus but look at this. They said, "In the name of Jesus, who Paul preaches, come out" First of all they were just using the name, "After all Paul drives out demons in the name of this Jesus, we should be able to use this name to." There is more here than just the name. They didn't have faith in the name. They didn't have a relationship with Jesus and therefore were not relating to the Lord in the right manner. There was no faith and no relationship with Jesus, therefore nothing to stand on. How can you receive the grace and power of God if you don't accept what Jesus did for you on the cross and receive your salvation through Christ and exercise your faith in the Lord? Answer: YOU CAN'T! How am I relating to the Lord? Am I just using the name of Jesus to make myself feel good and look good to my fellow "Christians" brothers and sisters or am I exercising my faith and walking with Christ and receiving the grace of God, the power of God, the God who brings his strength out of my weakness.
PRAYER:
Lord, you have revealed more to me on how to relate to you. Just saying your name is not enough if I don’t have faith in that name. I can’t receive your grace unless I exercise my faith in you. Lord, I do trust in you and I know that you are my strength. When and where I am weak, you Lord make me strong by your grace through my faith. Thank you for being with me and blessing me. Amen.
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“That’s Just Like “Religious” People”
SCRIPTURE: Acts 28:1-6
28:1 Once safely on shore, we found out that
the island was called
OBSERVATION:
Once everyone was safely on shore of the
APPLICATION:
I would like to think that the islanders now treating or thinking that Paul was a God, was driving Paul crazy. He didn’t want them to treat him like a god because Paul knew he wasn’t a god but a servant and friend of the true and living God. I imagine that he was probably telling them not to worship him but told them about God.
“Religion” is like that today. Many so-called “Christians” are actually more religious than anything else. They will see a miracle of God or God working in someone else’s life and will worship the person, the event or other things instead of the God who brought about the miracle or event, etc, etc. They try to relate to God horizontally, the way of the world instead of vertical, going to God. I to will sometimes go horizontal and worship things or people blessed by God instead of vertical, through the God who blessed it.
PRAY:
Lord, I thank you that you are with me. Teach not to look to the world but to you the furnisher of the world. Thank you so much for all that you are going to do in my life. Thank you and Amen.
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“Love God; Love People”
SCRIPTURE: Mark 12:28-31
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" 29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
OBSERVATION:
Here Jesus was asked by one of the teachers
of the law, what is the most important commandment? Jesus answered, “Hear this
APPLICATION:
You know I got a call today from my dad explaining to me how that the State Kairos Board pulled Kairos out of the Montford unit and that there is no longer a Kairos team in the Lubbock area, due to the ongoing problems. It got me to thinking how that the motto for Kairos is “Listen, Listen; Love, Love.” What caught my attention is the “Love, Love.” What exactly are they saying here? Love God and Love People, in this case the inmates. This is the very essence of being a Christian. Loving God and Loving people is what it is all about. It is not about some of the stuff we make it out to be. If I want to boil it down to what God wants me to be as a Christian, it is Love Him and Love Others.
PRAYER:
Lord you have truly taught me over the years to love you and love others. Lord, I know I still struggle in this area but you are working on me. You have taught me better how to love my wife and kids better by loving you first. Loving my friends better by loving you first. You have truly blessed me in this and teaching me how to better love others by first loving you. Thank you Lord. Amen
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“As Long As I Live”
SCRIPTURE: Job 27:3-4
3 as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, 4 my lips will not speak wickedness,
and my tongue will utter no deceit.
OBSERVATION:
Job says, “As long as live and the breath of God is in my body, I will not speak wickedness or deception.
APPLICATION:
Job here is in very trying times and his friends are trying to get him to admit that he has sinned and just curse God. But here, Job, even in his pain and agony, has refused to turn away from God. I am not there yet but Job has set the example on how to walk with God even in darkness.
PRAYER:
Lord, you know what is going on in my life and the struggles I am trying to get through. Lord, help me have the strength and faith that Job shows here to walk with you through those problems so that I won’t turn away from you because I do not want to speak or utter wickedness and deceit. Amen.
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“Did Christ Die For Nothing?”
SCRIPTURE: Gal 2:21
21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
OBSERVATION:
Paul says here that he doesn’t put aside the grace of God because if we could be made righteous through the law, then Christ died for nothing and in vain.
APPLICATION:
Where does my righteousness come from? Can I follow the letter of the law and be made righteous. According to Paul here NO I can not. Many times in the New Testament Paul tells us that the law is not what makes us right. The law just reveals my sin, shows me what it is. I can not be made righteous by following the law. It is impossible to follow the law and be saved. If I can follow the law, then why did Jesus need to die. If you broke the law you fell under the curse, the judgment of the law. Jesus died on the cross and suffered the wrath of God on our behalf, freeing us from the curse of the law. Because of this and my faith and acceptance of Jesus, I no longer fall under the curse of the law because that price has already been paid in full. Christ did not die for nothing because this was and is the only way we can be with the father.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, you did die for me and took my curse, my death, my separation from the father. You rose again and now reign in Heaven. You are not dead but alive and I am alive in you through my simple faith. Thank you Jesus for your willingness, in love, to take the curse due me and mankind on the cross. Lord, my faith in you and acceptance of your gift is why I am able to live with the father. Thank you Lord for loving me. Amen
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“Heir To The Promise”
SCRIPTURE: Gal 4:4-7
4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
OBSERVATION:
Paul tells us when the time came, God sent his son Jesus Christ, who was born of a woman, who was born under the law, to redeem those who are under the law, so that we may receive the full rights as his children. Because we are his children, God sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts. This is the Spirit that calls out “Abba, Father” or in other words, “Daddy.” We are no longer slaves under the law, but his child; and since we are his child, God has also made us an heir.
APPLICATION:
How does this apply to me. Well it is pretty simple. Jesus just was born under the law, just as we are. He was born to deliver us from the curse of the the Law so that we may have the full rights as God’s children. Since we are no longer slaves to the law, but we heir to the promises of God. We are his children just as Jesus is his son and we are heir to the same gift that is given to Jesus. We are the very righteousness of Jesus. How do I get in on this, by following the letter of the law. Nope, by faith in Jesus Christ. That is awesome.
PRAYER;
Lord, God I thank you for making me and heir to your promise. I thank you for making me the very righteousness to your son Jesus Christ. Lord, I am glad I am not bound by the curse of the law because your son took that curse on himself on the cross. Amen.
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“Talking The Talk Or Walking The Walk?”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 4:20
20 For the
OBSERVATION:
God’s kingdom is not about talking about his kingdom, but the power of his kingdom.
APPLICATION:
I actually gain a lot out of this passage. It reminds me of when people say, “You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk. I can talk about Jesus and the kingdom all day long and make it sound like I know what I am talking about, but can I walk the walk? I can impress people with what I say but what are they seeing in me? Are they seeing me Walk the talk or just talking? Can I walk the walk? Sure but only by the power of God, by God’s grace through my simple faith. I can not walk the walk by my own power but by the power that comes from God. I don’t just want to talk the talk, but I also strive, by the Grace of God to walk the walk that I talk.
PRAYER:
Lord, I pray that you continue to guide me in walking the walk by your Grace. God you have really blessed me and I love you for it. I know that I need to walk what I am talking and I know that you are going to teach me everyday how to do that better. Amen
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“Who Are We To Associate With?”
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 6:14-16
14 Do not be yoked together with
unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what
fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ
and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What
agreement is there between the
OBSERVATION:
Do not associate with unbelievers because what do the righteous and wicked have in common. Can light and darkness be together? Is there harmony between Christ and other gods? What does a believer and an unbeliever have in common? Does God’s temple have an agreement to share it with other idols? We are the temple of the living God. God said, “I will live with them and walk among them and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
APPLICATION:
Boy can this one be taken out of
context. I have known of people that say
we are not to even speak to anyone who is an unbeliever. That is not what this is saying at all. The fact is we can’t go about our everyday
lives and not run across an unbeliever. It is not even saying that we shouldn’t
befriend them. I mean I have some
friends that are unbelievers, what it is saying is that we are not to fall into
their life style. We are not to let
their beliefs be our beliefs. Verse 16
says it best, that we are the
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you so much for all that you do for me. Lord help me to continue to be a window for your light to shine through. I lift of my unbelieving friends to you Lord that you reveal yourself to them. Thank you for being with me these last few, difficult days. Lord I thank you even in the midst of this storm I am currently in. Praise be to your name, father in heaven. Amen.
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“Strength In My Weakness”
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
OBSERVATION:
Paul had a thorn in his flesh from Satan, he said the keep him from becoming conceited. He asked God three times to remove it from him, but God told him that his grace is all you need that God’s power is made perfect in your weakness. Because of this Paul said he would boast even more in gladness about his weaknesses. Why so that Christ’s power would rest on him. Paul said he delights in his weakness, insults, hard times, persecutions and difficulties. Why? Because when he is weak, then is strong.
APPLICATION:
I have weakness to that my problem is I try to overcome instead of let God’s grace, God’s power be my strength in my weakness. I know what my weaknesses are but am able to overcome them or even step forward in the kingdom because I am not letting the grace of God, be my strength. The Lord told Paul that his grace is sufficient and Paul went through much more than I can even imagine. Paul was a mighty man of God and suffered a great deal, but if God strengthened Paul in his weakness, why do I think that God can’t strengthen me in mine.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for showing this to me and seeing such revelation. Lord, God strengthen me in my weakness. Help me continue to recognize my weakness and then give it to you for you to strengthen. By the blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, who died for me and washed me clean, forgiving me of my sins, who I am made the very righteousness of him and that I exercise my faith in. Amen.
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“The Be-attitudes Not Do-attitudes”
SCRIPTURE: Matt 5:3-12
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
OBSERVATION:
There is really no need to break this down. If you are like these things, you will be blessed.
APPLICATION:
If you have been a Christian for even a short amount of time, you have probably heard of the beatitudes. They are full of traits that make you a blessed person. To many times though, people (and I have been among them) treat them as the do-attitudes. In other words trying to force themselves to “do” these things in order to be blessed. The thing is you can’t do these trait’s, you have to be them or live them. I can’t do them because if I am doing them then I am trying, by my own power, to be a Christian and earn the blessing of God, independent of the grace of God. If I work in the grace of God and walk with him, not independent of him, I will be these things and the blessings of God will come on us without looking for it. I can’t be legalistic and just DO things, I have to BE who God made me to be.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for making me who I am. I do need to work more on being who you want me to be and you have laid out how I am supposed to be. I be anything independent of you. I am nothing with out you teaching and guiding me. Thank you for the day that you have given me today and I am looking forward to making it home tomorrow. Amen.
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“Son Of Man vs. Son Of God”
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 12:30-32
30 "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. 31 And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
OBSERVATION:
Whoever is not for Christ is against Christ, and gather the lost with Christ scatters them. Jesus tells us that “every” sin and blasphemy will be forgiven mankind, except when we blaspheme or curse the Holy Spirit, that will not be forgiven. You can speak an evil word against Jesus, the man, and you will be forgiven, but if you speak evil or the Holy Spirit or a better way to put it is, against God, they will not be forgiven. Either today or in the future.
APPLICATION:
You know this is one of those things that is just so clear to me. Jesus clearly states here that every sin will be forgiven. Of course this is before he was crucified so let me put it another way. Every sin has been forgiven. All except one, refusing to accept God. The confusing part for me is when he said, you can speak against the Son of Man which is Jesus and you will be forgiven. This confuses me because Jesus was God made flesh so if we can’t be forgiven if we speak against the Holy Spirit, which is also God, how could we possibly be forgiven is we speak against Jesus who is also God. When I read through it again it does say the Son of Man, which is Jesus in the flesh. This really actually put it into perspective for me. You can not like Jesus, the man, but remember Jesus is God and the Holy Spirit as well. If I speak evil against him as God, I am sinning a sin that can not be forgiven, because I am speaking out against God. Even though was perfect in the flesh but what he did on the cross and died for me he didn’t just die in the flesh but he died in the spirit, separation from God, suffering this spiritual death for us all and then on the third day being plucked out of that death and being brought back to the father. Denying this is what can not be forgiven. Sinning against the “man” Jesus can be forgiven, but not the diety of Jesus. Because of his death, burial and resurrection, we who accept are saved and when we say we accept it we are saying we accept God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. To deny this part of Jesus and what he did for us, is what can not be forgiven. Does it still confuse me, yeah a little because I have trouble separating Jesus the Man from Jesus as God. The important thing is I accept Jesus and his sacrifice on my behalf therefore I am accepting the Holy Spirit. I know I am saved.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for showing this to me today. I do accept what your Son did for me on the cross. This is a sin that I don’t want to commit. I accept you and your Holy Spirit in my life to mold me and make me into the man that you want me to be. I thank you brother, Jesus, for dying my death for me suffering that separation from the father on my behalf. I thank you for all things. Amen.
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“It Takes Great Faith To Walk On Water”
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 14:25-33
25 During the fourth watch of the night
Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him
walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said,
and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus
immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is
OBSERVATION:
Jesus was walking out the disciples on the water and the disciples thought that he was a ghost. Jesus told them to not be afraid because it was Jesus. Peter said, “If it is you command me to come out to you on the water.” Jesus told him to come and Peter stepped out on the water and walked to Jesus. But when he saw the winds and the waves he became afraid and began to sink, crying out to Jesus to save him. Jesus grabbed him and said, “You of little faith. Why did you doubt?” When they climbed into the boat, the wind died down and everyone in the boat worshiped Jesus saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
APPLICATION:
This is one of the most famous stories in the Bible. It is taught many times that you need to keep your eyes on Jesus, which is true but I find it an excellent story of faith. Peter had to have great faith to step out on that water. It takes great faith to walk on water if you don’t believe it then fill your tub with water and try to walk on the water. Peter had great faith, but when his faith started to waiver and doubt and unbelief started to take over, Peter began to sink. It doesn’t say that he sank but that he began to sink. It was doubt in his heart that caused him to begin to sink. Doubt in his ability, through his faith in Jesus, to do the impossible. When Jesus said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” He didn’t say your faith is little, because like I said before, it takes great faith to walk on the water. He is saying why did you waiver in your faith, why didn’t your faith last but just a short amount of time. Why does my faith waiver? Why do I doubt. Why is my faith great at times and less at other times. Because I let the things in the world control my action and my way of thinking instead of Jesus being my strength.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for giving me this example of waivering faith. Lord, teach me to exercise my faith more in you instead of focusing on the world. God thank you for being with me and the family today. I give thanks to you today for all that you do. Amen.
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“Divorce Is Not An Option”
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 19:3-9
3 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?" 4 "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' 5 and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? 6 So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." 7 "Why then," they asked, "did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?" 8 Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery."
OBSERVATION:
Some Pharisees came to test Jesus, They asked him, “Is it against the law for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you read that in the beginning, God made man and woman, male and female and said ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined with his wife and they will be one flesh’? Because of this they are no longer two but one. Since God has joined them together, man should not separate.” They asked Jesus, “Why did Moses give us a way to divorce, by giving her a certificate and sending her on her way? Jesus answered them, “Moses allowed you to divorce your wives because of the hardness of your hearts. However, it was not that way from the beginning. If anyone divorces his wife, exception being marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
APPLICATION:
I remember when I was growing up in my
teenage years, I would talk to my mom a lot about the girls that I liked and
had an interest in. My parents raised me
to respect, cherish, honor and, when I find that special girl, to love her
without end. But I remember one thing
that she told me the most. “You have to
constantly work on your marriage.
Divorce is not an option, with the exception of either one of you
cheating on the other and even then you should fight to salvage the
marriage. And if I find out that you are
the one that is causing you wife the agony, then I will personally beat you up
the ask question later.” I love and fear
my mother so I didn’t want to incur her wrath.
Over 13 years ago, I married a wonderful and beautiful woman. Because of my love for God and his word, and
my love and respect for my parents, I am committed to making this marriage
work. No matter what. I made a choice to enter this marriage that divorce
is not an option in the first place. I
love her to much to allow the world’s ideas of what relationships should be to
decide how we are to relate and to love one another. Do we disagree or argue and get upset with
each other, of course we do. It is a
normal part and progression of marriage.
But we are one flesh, we are joined together by the true and the living
God. My wife is other half. She completes me and we do everything we an
by the grace of God to be one in everyday life.
God knows the pain of divorce because he divorced natural
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you so much for all that you do in my life. I thank you for setting the example for me on how to love and cherish my wife. I can’t thank you enough for loving me the way I am supposed to love my wife. I pray that you continue to bless her and teach her to grow in you. I pray this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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“The Word Is Alive”
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
OBSERVATION:
The word of God is alive. It is sharper than any sword and penetrates so deep that it divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow and it judges the attitudes and thoughts of our hearts.
APPLICATION:
Since my computer was down, I haven’t been able to do my journal entries. I thank God that it is up and going now and what a powerful verse to start back on. The word of God is indeed alive. It is alive in my heart as a believer in him and his son. The word helps me decipher the trials of everyday life. It teaches me how to walk closer to the father and it shows me the love He has for me.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for providing a way for me to get my computer up and going again. You have really blessed me and my family over the past couple of weeks. I may have been hurting physically or not getting the miles I would like to have, but you have blessed us non the less. My situation may tell me things are not going well, but your word, your living word that lives and resides in my heart is telling me that I am prospering. So I am going to believe that I am prospering, that by your stripes, I am healed. My back may be hurting, but you have said I am healed and I am believing that I am healed. Thank you for being with me and my wife while we were together on the road. I praise you for that time we had together. I thank you for such a beautiful and awesome woman Lord. Amen.
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“What Is Faith?”
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 11:1-2
11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
OBSERVATION:
Faith is believing in what we hope for and for what we can not see. This is what the ancient Bible heroes were commended or known for.
APPLICATION:
The 11th Chapter of Hebrews is full of examples of faith. 23 times the words “By Faith” is listed. Even then not all of the stories of those people who “By Faith” are listed. Some of these heroes of faith are just mentioned by name. The other interesting thing is that all of them are saved and in heaven and all of them were before the new covenant was made. How can that be? They got in on the salvation of the new covenant by faith. The faith in the Christ to come. The faith in the new covenant to come and they are children of the new covenant even though they died long before the new covenant. Now if they can believe and are saved by the new covenant before it was actually put into effect through the blood of Jesus, how come it is so difficult for those of us who are under the new covenant to walk by faith. They believed before it even existed. That is what I call an awesome teaching tool.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for this lesson in faith and the lessons I am learning on faith right now. Lord, it is difficult to believe in the unseen. The world tells us so many different things but I choose to believe in your Son. In your love for us and the new covenant that we currently live under. I believe in you even though I can’t see you in the physical realm but I know that you are there. Thank you Lord for showing me what faith is and how I can use the examples of people such as Enoch, Noah, Moses, Abraham, David, Samuel, Samson, and many other powerful men and women of faith. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to your word Lord and I look forward to many more lessons. Amen.
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“Whistle While You Work”
SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 2:18-19
18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.
OBSERVATION:
As a slave you are to be submissive to your master, not only the ones who are good and kind to you but the ones who are mean. It is a good thing if a man works even under the pain of unjust suffering because his heart is on God.
APPLICATION:
Truckers can be very interesting people, just listen to the CB talk sometime and you will see what I mean. It is full of people who are unhappy with life, wanting to fight someone, anger, strife, putting down others and putting down their company. I work for a very large trucking company and I hear it all the time, from other drivers, of how they are not happy with their Driver Manager or planners, etc, etc. And they are constantly putting down the company. When they ask me how I feel about the company, I tell them that I am fairly pleased with the company even though I realize that it has it’s problems just like every trucking company does. When they give me that “deer in the headlights” look, I tell them that I am happy where I am at because I know how to submit to those over me, which confuses them even more. These drivers do nothing but complain about every aspect of the company. They never have anything nice to say at all. I will admit that there could be some changes that would be better for everyone, but there is no perfect place to work. I tell these drivers if they are that unhappy, they should just find another place that makes them happy to work in which in turn benefits the ones who want to be there. I mean it is very rare, these days, if a driver stays with a company for an extended amount of time. These people spend their times hopping from company to company never happy or satisfied and never staying around for any amount of time because they aren’t getting their own way and then they complain that they never can make any decent living. That is when I explain to them that God is my driving force. I can deal with the woes that this company can throw at me because of God’s grace. Because I take the verse above to heart. I strive to please my supervisors even if they are not so nice to me. This shows God in my heart to them and makes me feel better and you know what, it creates a better and easier work environment. Yes sometimes I am guilty of throwing a fit, but it is usually about the time I am wanting to go home and they are sending me the opposite direction. I really love my job, especially the fact that I am pretty much on my own out here and how that things are constantly changing. I am never in the same place from day to day. It is out here that I can grow closer to God, just God and me. And when things get tough, frustrating or people are trying to discourage me or being mean to me. I am able to stand up with God and face the music no matter how unpleasant. I will say one thing though, I have a wonderful Driver Manager and I really think the world of him. But even if I didn’t I would still do my best for him and I would let God take care of the rest.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for this job that I have and I thank you for the people who are over me. Thank you for giving me a submissive heart so that your light may shine through. I thank you for the times that we have together, just the two of us out here and how that you teach and show me so many great things. Lord, continue to give me a heart that wants to do the best that I can for the company I work for and when I am asked about the company let me say good things about them, instead of focusing on the bad. Amen.
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“Attributes and Progression”
SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 1:5-9
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
OBSERVATION:
To your faith add morality; and to morality add knowledge; and to knowledge add self-discipline; and to self-discipline add perseverance; and to perseverance add godliness; and to godliness add brotherly love; and to brotherly love add love of everyone. If you possess the qualities and continue to increase in them, you will be very effective and productive in your knowledge, wisdom and understanding of Jesus Christ. If you do not have them however, you are blind or at least shortsighted and you have forgotten what Jesus did for you, that you have been cleansed of your sins.
APPLICATION:
Here I have a model of how to progress and grow in Jesus Christ. In order to gain a better understanding I have to apply all of these things and continue to increase in them. I have to have all these things, I can’t have a better understanding of Jesus if I am missing even one of theses things. I mean how can I learn to love everyone if I can’t even love my Christian brother. I can’t even love period if I lack morals. They all work together and together only then can I grow more and more.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you so much for showing me a progression and attributes I need to gain a better understanding of who Jesus is and how you want me to be more and more like him. Lord, one of the aspect that I struggle with the most is persevering through. I often give up but Lord, I now I have better understanding on how to grow in my perseverance and I thank you for showing that to me. Amen.
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“Not Seeing But Believing”
SCRIPTURE: John 20:24-29
24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
OBSERVATION:
Thomas was not with the Disciples when Jesus had appeared the first time. They had told them that they had seen Jesus, but he said to them that, “I will not believe unless I see nail marks in his hands and put my fingers in the holes and put my hand into his side.” A week later while the disciples were in the house again, Jesus appeared before them and said to them, “Peace be with you. Thomas come and put your fingers in the holes in my hands and put your hand in my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus then told him, “You believe because you have seen. Blessed are the ones who believe in me, but have not seen me.”
APPLICATION:
Yes I know that this is Christmas and not Easter but my reading has brought me to this place. The important thing for me he is when Jesus calls me blessed for believing, even though I have not seen him. Now to put a Christmas twist on it, I didn’t see the infant Jesus, born of a virgin either but I do believe in the virgin birth of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. I believe in his miracles, but I didn’t see them, and I believe in the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, but once again, I didn’t see it. Because if this I am called blessed. I know I am blessed to because God has shown me time and time again how truly blessed I am.
PRAYER
Lord, I thank you on this Christmas Eve for the birth of your dear son. Lord, this season is one for giving and you blessed all the world by giving us your son. Lord, I am having my struggles right now but Lord, I am believing that I am blessed now, not when I receive but now even though I can’t see all of the blessings you have poured out on me. Lord, I pray for strength and wisdom in leading this family. Continue to be with me and my family and we ask and pray for your continued blessings. Amen.
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“According To His Will”
SCRIPTURE: 1 John 5:14-15
14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him.
OBSERVATION:
We can have confidence when we come to God, because if we ask anything of God according to his will, he hears us; and if we know that he hears us then we know that we will have whatever we asked of him.
APPLICATION:
I am a firm believer in this. I truly believe that if I ask of God, according to his will, he will give me the desires of my heart. Now there is a catch to this though. I have to pay special attention to this verse because it says, “according to his will”. What does that mean to me? It means that I can ask anything of God but I need to do it according to his will. I can’t just ask God for $1,000,000 and he will just give it to me, if I don’t understand his will when it comes to handling finances his way. I can’t go to him and ask for a divorce because God’s will is for me to stay married to my wife and not get a divorce. I can’t go to God and ask him for things if it not according to his will. How do I know his will? By getting into the Word and it getting into me.
PRAYER:
Lord, I pray that you teach me your will through your will, so that I know what to ask for and how to ask according to your will. I thank you daily for showing and revealing to me your will for my life. I pray that I can continue to listen to you with all my heart and for your continued strength to show me your ways. Amen.