S. "...for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" Philippians 2:13 (ESV)
O. Why do I ever question what is happening in my life? If I believe that the Bible is God's word of instruction for me, a word of guidance and wisdom, than I will believe this verse and apply it to my life. But the struggle to make sense of things many times drives people to seek their own way to resolve and deal with life. I must be a Christian who stand firm on God's word and I must be a person who sees the good work of God in my life. It is God who has created me and saved me through the blood of Jesus Christ and it is God who directs my life daily...for HIS will and to accomplish HIS will and to bring HIM good pleasure. What will it take for me to wake up to this on a daily basis. Yes, I see it sometimes, but I do have concerns that are purely from me that take over my mind and life. I don't like this and I need to be a person who puts full and complete trust in the ways of God in my life.
A. Once again I come to the application part of reading the scriptures and it is all about surrender. Surrendering my life on a daily basis to the will and plan of God. When will I get to the point of completely trusting God? When will I give up striving and give in to God's good and perfect will and plan for my life? It is once again about surrender.
P. "Lord Jesus, you know my heart and desire to surrender to you, daily, completely and always. Continue to mold me into the person you want me to be. I love you, Lord. Amen."
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The Main Thing
S. "But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (NLT)
O. This is a popular story in the scriptures. Mary and Martha are expecting a visit from Jesus and Martha starts getting things ready...cooking, cleaning and more. When Jesus arrives, even though preparations are not complete, Mary sits at the feet of Jesus and soaks in time with him. Martha is upset and asks Jesus to get Mary back to work...and then the verse above.
After having back surgery earlier this summer, I have not been able to work in the yard. The weeds in our landscaping and as big as our shrubs. I have to walk by this every day and it really bothers me...but I am learning that this something that doesn't matter in the long run.
At times in ministry, I can get so caught up in the details of doing things for God that I don't spend the time focused on my relationship with Jesus. Here is the deal...there will always be something to do, but the doing of things for doing sake is not the best thing. One day we will be judged on what we did the God's son Jesus. Did I really get to know him? Did I make my relationship with him a priority? Jesus said that what she had chosen would never been taken away from her. So the question is this...will I spend time on things that matter or don't matter.
A. I will continue to see things that are important in my relationship with Jesus. I will focus my life on my relationship with Jesus Christ.
P. "Lord Jesus, I want to know you more...I open my life to my relationship with you. I love you, Jesus."
O. This is a popular story in the scriptures. Mary and Martha are expecting a visit from Jesus and Martha starts getting things ready...cooking, cleaning and more. When Jesus arrives, even though preparations are not complete, Mary sits at the feet of Jesus and soaks in time with him. Martha is upset and asks Jesus to get Mary back to work...and then the verse above.
After having back surgery earlier this summer, I have not been able to work in the yard. The weeds in our landscaping and as big as our shrubs. I have to walk by this every day and it really bothers me...but I am learning that this something that doesn't matter in the long run.
At times in ministry, I can get so caught up in the details of doing things for God that I don't spend the time focused on my relationship with Jesus. Here is the deal...there will always be something to do, but the doing of things for doing sake is not the best thing. One day we will be judged on what we did the God's son Jesus. Did I really get to know him? Did I make my relationship with him a priority? Jesus said that what she had chosen would never been taken away from her. So the question is this...will I spend time on things that matter or don't matter.
A. I will continue to see things that are important in my relationship with Jesus. I will focus my life on my relationship with Jesus Christ.
P. "Lord Jesus, I want to know you more...I open my life to my relationship with you. I love you, Jesus."
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Following Jesus' Plan
S. "And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. " Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)
O. There is a cost in following Jesus. We cannot be the same and continue to follow him. A person who has never given their life over the Jesus Christ will have to make a change...I will say it again, you cannot stay the same and follow Jesus. This saying is true for me today. Daily, I have to make a choice to surrender my life to Jesus, to allow His love and grace to live in me and work through me. Daily I have to deny my own selfish desires and wants and give into his plan for my life. I might not like what that is like, I might have different ideas about what to do in my life, but the key to complete and total surrender is looking at what the Lord wants in my life and not me. The formula is simple...if I want to live, I deny myself...for when I lose my life, I will save it in my relationship with Jesus.
A. Sometimes things don't go the way that I think they should be going. When this happens, I get frustrated and upset with the way life is being played out. I guess the best thing for me to do is accept what comes my way, whether I like it or not, and live my life in the fullest way possible as the Lord directs my life.
P. "Lord Jesus, at times I find it hard to surrender my desires...but today I want to lay them at your feet and allow your hand to guide my life. I accept your strength and grace to lay my life down and follow your ways. I accept your peace in the process of surrender. Thanks for caring about my life and all that is going on inside me. I love you. Amen!"
O. There is a cost in following Jesus. We cannot be the same and continue to follow him. A person who has never given their life over the Jesus Christ will have to make a change...I will say it again, you cannot stay the same and follow Jesus. This saying is true for me today. Daily, I have to make a choice to surrender my life to Jesus, to allow His love and grace to live in me and work through me. Daily I have to deny my own selfish desires and wants and give into his plan for my life. I might not like what that is like, I might have different ideas about what to do in my life, but the key to complete and total surrender is looking at what the Lord wants in my life and not me. The formula is simple...if I want to live, I deny myself...for when I lose my life, I will save it in my relationship with Jesus.
A. Sometimes things don't go the way that I think they should be going. When this happens, I get frustrated and upset with the way life is being played out. I guess the best thing for me to do is accept what comes my way, whether I like it or not, and live my life in the fullest way possible as the Lord directs my life.
P. "Lord Jesus, at times I find it hard to surrender my desires...but today I want to lay them at your feet and allow your hand to guide my life. I accept your strength and grace to lay my life down and follow your ways. I accept your peace in the process of surrender. Thanks for caring about my life and all that is going on inside me. I love you. Amen!"
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Love through Serving One Another
S. "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Galatians 5:13 (ESV)
O. This verse was very convicting for me today. To many times, I have been too focused on my own things, my own problems, my own desires. But the scripture says that I am to use my freedom of Christ...not for me, but for others. Not to promote my own wants and desires, but to love others. This takes a great deal of focus and energy. It takes a great deal of honesty and humility. That involves serving others and loving them with the love that God has given to us. This is basic in our Christian life. We must serve each other in love. Enough said...I just need to do it!
A. As a result of my understanding of the scriptures, I will apply the truth of scripture by living with humility under God's mighty hand.
P. "Lord Jesus, I want to be a person who loves others and serves them with humility. I surrender myself to you today and every day. I love you!" Amen
O. This verse was very convicting for me today. To many times, I have been too focused on my own things, my own problems, my own desires. But the scripture says that I am to use my freedom of Christ...not for me, but for others. Not to promote my own wants and desires, but to love others. This takes a great deal of focus and energy. It takes a great deal of honesty and humility. That involves serving others and loving them with the love that God has given to us. This is basic in our Christian life. We must serve each other in love. Enough said...I just need to do it!
A. As a result of my understanding of the scriptures, I will apply the truth of scripture by living with humility under God's mighty hand.
P. "Lord Jesus, I want to be a person who loves others and serves them with humility. I surrender myself to you today and every day. I love you!" Amen
Monday, July 27, 2009
Living with Consistency
S. "The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray." Galatians 2:13 (NIV)
O. Hypocrisy is one of the greatest enemies of the church. It has caused more people to turn away from the church as they see the inconsistency of Christians. In this section of scripture, Paul is calling Cephas to own up to his roll in leading people astray. He was saying one thing and living another. He even drew the entire church into the charade of hypocrisy. His inconsistent living was pulling others down.
As a Christian, I must examine every part of my life. I must look at every action in my Christian life and make sure it is consistent with the character of Jesus Christ. We are called to be like Christ and lead others into a consisteny, vibrate relationship with God through his son Jesus Christ. That can only happen if we see the whole person...the consistent person who lives what they say.
A. Be consistent to my family and church. Be a real Christian to everyone around me. Be held accountable for these actions.
P. "Lord Jesus, I want to be person who leads others to you. I want my life to reflection your life to the world. As I surrender my life to you, give me wisdom and discernment to live consistently before the world. I love you, Amen!"
O. Hypocrisy is one of the greatest enemies of the church. It has caused more people to turn away from the church as they see the inconsistency of Christians. In this section of scripture, Paul is calling Cephas to own up to his roll in leading people astray. He was saying one thing and living another. He even drew the entire church into the charade of hypocrisy. His inconsistent living was pulling others down.
As a Christian, I must examine every part of my life. I must look at every action in my Christian life and make sure it is consistent with the character of Jesus Christ. We are called to be like Christ and lead others into a consisteny, vibrate relationship with God through his son Jesus Christ. That can only happen if we see the whole person...the consistent person who lives what they say.
A. Be consistent to my family and church. Be a real Christian to everyone around me. Be held accountable for these actions.
P. "Lord Jesus, I want to be person who leads others to you. I want my life to reflection your life to the world. As I surrender my life to you, give me wisdom and discernment to live consistently before the world. I love you, Amen!"
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Being Faithful
S. "Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before or after his time. He remained faithful to the LORD in everything, and he carefully obeyed all the commands the LORD had given Moses." 2 Kings 18:5-6 (NLT)
O. I love these words about Hezekiah. The was faithful to God and brought deep reforms to the people of Judah. I was pondering the change that had to take place when he brought these reforms. People were stuck in their plays that were not pleasing to God. They were worshiping idols and useless gods. They had to do an "about face" when Hezekiah called on them to turn back to God. Isn't that the way it is for so many people in our world today. They have to turn away from evil and harmful habits and ways so their lives can begin to honor God. And after we turn we are called to remain faithful...faithful to a God how has demonstrated faithfulness to us in so many ways.
A. I want to be a person who remains faithful to God. Who looks to God for strength and direction...who seeks God above the pleasures of this world.
P. "Lord Jesus, Thanks for your incredible faithfulness to me. I want to keep my eyes on you and remain faithful to your call and honor your Son Jesus Christ. I want to call others to remain faithful in their lives as well. Plant that message in me that I might bring it forward always. I love you. Amen"
O. I love these words about Hezekiah. The was faithful to God and brought deep reforms to the people of Judah. I was pondering the change that had to take place when he brought these reforms. People were stuck in their plays that were not pleasing to God. They were worshiping idols and useless gods. They had to do an "about face" when Hezekiah called on them to turn back to God. Isn't that the way it is for so many people in our world today. They have to turn away from evil and harmful habits and ways so their lives can begin to honor God. And after we turn we are called to remain faithful...faithful to a God how has demonstrated faithfulness to us in so many ways.
A. I want to be a person who remains faithful to God. Who looks to God for strength and direction...who seeks God above the pleasures of this world.
P. "Lord Jesus, Thanks for your incredible faithfulness to me. I want to keep my eyes on you and remain faithful to your call and honor your Son Jesus Christ. I want to call others to remain faithful in their lives as well. Plant that message in me that I might bring it forward always. I love you. Amen"
Monday, July 20, 2009
Love is the Key
S. “If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal….If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1, 3 (NLT)
O. This scripture was really lived out for me today. I just can’t explain all that happened today in the villages that we visited in the Dominican Republic. We were literally the hands and feet of God to all those whom we were able to see. We carry a timeless message of true and hope…and most important, we carry the love of Jesus Christ to them. Without love, we would really be useless. But with love in our heart and in our eyes and in our arms and in our feet…we are able to share Jesus with them. In the simple giving of a bag of food, or Frisbee or simple crown to let them know that they are royalty in God’s eyes…we give love. What an awesome experience to be part of this summer. I am thankful for God’s plan and purpose in being here.
A. How simple love is to give. I must make a practice of loving others unconditionally. How easy it is to build people up in God. I must continue to encourage the love and blessing of others as we go in the name of Jesus. I must lead our congregation to love and give and serve unconditionally in the name of Jesus.
P. “Lord Jesus, thank you the awesome experience of being here in the Dominican Republic. Thanks for filling me with your love that I can give to others. I love you. Amen”.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
I'm Still Here!
Just a quick note to let you know that I haven't gotten to blog. I have been extremely busy the past few days...just keeping up with my reading has been a struggle. I will try to blog later this evening, but wanted to let you know that I was still here!
I will be offline from July 18-25...traveling to the Dominican Republic with a mission team from our church. I will post some updates the church's website...www.pearidgebaptist.com
Have a blessed week in the Lord!
I will be offline from July 18-25...traveling to the Dominican Republic with a mission team from our church. I will post some updates the church's website...www.pearidgebaptist.com
Have a blessed week in the Lord!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Two Faced
S. The leading priests picked up the coins. “It wouldn’t be right to put this money in the Temple treasury,” they said, “since it was payment for murder.” Matthew 27:6 (NLT)
O. This verse is very sad. Judas had accepted 30 pieces of silver in return for turning Jesus over to the Jewish authorities. But when it headed in a direction that Judas didn't like, he went and asked why they were condemning Jesus to death. Realizing what he had done, he throw the money back to them and in remorse went and hanged himself. The leading priests are the ones that amaze me in this story...the collect the money and say it is "against their law" to put the money back in the temple treasure because it was given for payment of murder! Why is it okay to pay for murder with money "from" the treasury and not put it back there?
First of all, it was God's plan for Jesus to be betrayed and eventually die on the cross...nothing could have stopped that from happening...and for my spiritual life, I am eternally grateful. My concern is the inconsistency of the actions of the priest. They are two faced...on one side they can pay for murder for their good, and on the other they can't accept the returned money. I question is this...how many inconsistencies are found in my life? I don't want to be a person...a pastor who lives in the realm of the inconsistent. I want to keep my life above reproach and focused on the truth of God in my life and my ministry. I want to lead a church that sees the important of living a consistent life before our community.
A. Again, this comes to a point of examination for me. I need to look hard at my life and find the inconsistencies that plague my life and ministry.
P. "Lord Jesus, you are the model of consistency. They kept the focus of your life on the things of God. I pray once again that you will examine my life and humble me where needed to allow my life to be truthful and consistent. Thanks for your presence in my life today. I love You. Amen."
O. This verse is very sad. Judas had accepted 30 pieces of silver in return for turning Jesus over to the Jewish authorities. But when it headed in a direction that Judas didn't like, he went and asked why they were condemning Jesus to death. Realizing what he had done, he throw the money back to them and in remorse went and hanged himself. The leading priests are the ones that amaze me in this story...the collect the money and say it is "against their law" to put the money back in the temple treasure because it was given for payment of murder! Why is it okay to pay for murder with money "from" the treasury and not put it back there?
First of all, it was God's plan for Jesus to be betrayed and eventually die on the cross...nothing could have stopped that from happening...and for my spiritual life, I am eternally grateful. My concern is the inconsistency of the actions of the priest. They are two faced...on one side they can pay for murder for their good, and on the other they can't accept the returned money. I question is this...how many inconsistencies are found in my life? I don't want to be a person...a pastor who lives in the realm of the inconsistent. I want to keep my life above reproach and focused on the truth of God in my life and my ministry. I want to lead a church that sees the important of living a consistent life before our community.
A. Again, this comes to a point of examination for me. I need to look hard at my life and find the inconsistencies that plague my life and ministry.
P. "Lord Jesus, you are the model of consistency. They kept the focus of your life on the things of God. I pray once again that you will examine my life and humble me where needed to allow my life to be truthful and consistent. Thanks for your presence in my life today. I love You. Amen."
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Not What I Want to Do
S. "I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time." Romans 7:19-20 (TMSG)
O. This verse has always haunted me. Why is it that I don't do the right things sometimes. I know that I mean to do good...I want to do good, but I can't seem to get it all straightened out. And in the process, I get really confused with what is happening and frustrated with myself. Why does this happen? Paul is very quick to give the reason. It is not me, but the sin in my life. So the question for me is related to the sin. What is it that I need to straighten up in my life? What sin do I need to confession to the Lord and give back to him. He has already paid the price for my sin, so why do I choose to hang onto it?
A. I really need to take some time and examine my life deeply to find what core issues and sins I need to rid my life of. I don't want to do any wrong...I want to life at peace with God and with those around me.
P. "Lord Jesus, thank you for dying for my sins. Break me that I might be filled with you forgiveness and love each day. I accept your mercy and grace today and ask that I be filled with all goodness that is in you. I love you. Amen"
O. This verse has always haunted me. Why is it that I don't do the right things sometimes. I know that I mean to do good...I want to do good, but I can't seem to get it all straightened out. And in the process, I get really confused with what is happening and frustrated with myself. Why does this happen? Paul is very quick to give the reason. It is not me, but the sin in my life. So the question for me is related to the sin. What is it that I need to straighten up in my life? What sin do I need to confession to the Lord and give back to him. He has already paid the price for my sin, so why do I choose to hang onto it?
A. I really need to take some time and examine my life deeply to find what core issues and sins I need to rid my life of. I don't want to do any wrong...I want to life at peace with God and with those around me.
P. "Lord Jesus, thank you for dying for my sins. Break me that I might be filled with you forgiveness and love each day. I accept your mercy and grace today and ask that I be filled with all goodness that is in you. I love you. Amen"
Friday, July 10, 2009
Consistent Living
S. "Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples?" Romans 2:21-22 (NLT)
O. These words hit my right in the face today. As a preacher I have been called to live a life above reproach. I need to "practice what I preach." I have said many times, "I was preaching that sermon for me to hear"...and how true that must be each and every time I preach. I need to be living the same life that I am calling each Christian to live. If not, I become the biggest hypocrite in the church. Some would say that this places pressure on me, but I believe it just keeps me humble and surrendered even more to my God.
A. I want to live a life above reproach. I want to be consistent in my life each and every day. I want to be the person that I am asking people to be.
P. "Lord Jesus, I thank you for the life you have called me to live. I love being a pastor and want to serve you with my whole heart. Help me always to live a consistent life before you. I love you. Amen"
O. These words hit my right in the face today. As a preacher I have been called to live a life above reproach. I need to "practice what I preach." I have said many times, "I was preaching that sermon for me to hear"...and how true that must be each and every time I preach. I need to be living the same life that I am calling each Christian to live. If not, I become the biggest hypocrite in the church. Some would say that this places pressure on me, but I believe it just keeps me humble and surrendered even more to my God.
A. I want to live a life above reproach. I want to be consistent in my life each and every day. I want to be the person that I am asking people to be.
P. "Lord Jesus, I thank you for the life you have called me to live. I love being a pastor and want to serve you with my whole heart. Help me always to live a consistent life before you. I love you. Amen"
Faith to Faith
S. "God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: “The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives.” Ignoring God Leads to a Downward Spiral" Romans 1:17 (TMSG)
O. This verse ends, in most translations, "The righteous shall live by faith" I have always believed that this speaks to "living" my life before God. That I would live in the realm of faith in each step of our lives. But in reading this today, I have seen another side of this . My life, spiritual life is only found in God. Life begins in a relationship with God and continues each day with him. I believe that he we want to see good things in our lives...if we want to be directed by God daily, we must allow God to be in control of our lives...we must believe in Him by faith. Faith in God gives us our spiritual life...Faith that grows in us will give us direction and wisdom in the future.
A. Having been made right in the Lord Jesus Christ through receiving his love and forgiveness, I will continue to live my life rightly aligned with Christ at the center. This is living by faith!
P. "Lord Jesus, I want to walk by faith and not by sight. I want you to be in control of my life daily. I love you. Amen"
O. This verse ends, in most translations, "The righteous shall live by faith" I have always believed that this speaks to "living" my life before God. That I would live in the realm of faith in each step of our lives. But in reading this today, I have seen another side of this . My life, spiritual life is only found in God. Life begins in a relationship with God and continues each day with him. I believe that he we want to see good things in our lives...if we want to be directed by God daily, we must allow God to be in control of our lives...we must believe in Him by faith. Faith in God gives us our spiritual life...Faith that grows in us will give us direction and wisdom in the future.
A. Having been made right in the Lord Jesus Christ through receiving his love and forgiveness, I will continue to live my life rightly aligned with Christ at the center. This is living by faith!
P. "Lord Jesus, I want to walk by faith and not by sight. I want you to be in control of my life daily. I love you. Amen"
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Not My Way
S. "But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (Matthew 16: 23, ESV)
O. Jesus had just started teaching about his purpose in suffering in Jerusalem and about all the aw going to happen when he god there. This was a hard lesson for the 12 who have been with him through thick and thin during His ministry. They don't want to believe that he would suffer and ultimately died for them. They were really in a kingdom mindset yet either. Jesus called this type of belief and attitude to be from Satan!
Mainly as I read this verse, I want to be the person who has his mind of the things of god, not on the things of man. It is so easy to get my life...my agenda in the way of God's purpose and plan. I can get wrapped up in my and forget that his life is not about me but God.
A. When tempted to stand in the way of God's purpose and plan, I will intentionally step back. I will practice to live with a humble attitude every day.
P. "Lord Jesus, I want your plan for my life to be the only way to go. I don't want to be in charge of my life...I want you to be in the drivers seat. Thanks for always leading me. Amen"
O. Jesus had just started teaching about his purpose in suffering in Jerusalem and about all the aw going to happen when he god there. This was a hard lesson for the 12 who have been with him through thick and thin during His ministry. They don't want to believe that he would suffer and ultimately died for them. They were really in a kingdom mindset yet either. Jesus called this type of belief and attitude to be from Satan!
Mainly as I read this verse, I want to be the person who has his mind of the things of god, not on the things of man. It is so easy to get my life...my agenda in the way of God's purpose and plan. I can get wrapped up in my and forget that his life is not about me but God.
A. When tempted to stand in the way of God's purpose and plan, I will intentionally step back. I will practice to live with a humble attitude every day.
P. "Lord Jesus, I want your plan for my life to be the only way to go. I don't want to be in charge of my life...I want you to be in the drivers seat. Thanks for always leading me. Amen"
Monday, July 6, 2009
Broken to Return
S. “Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up" Hosea 6:1 (ESV)
O. This is the first verse I read today! What a message. It is a call for the nation of Israel to return to the Lord. And it is a call for us to return the Lord. And here is what I like the most...there is purpose in the away from the Lord. There is healing that is taking place in our lives each and every day and at some point, we will be return completely to the Lord and experience his love and forgiveness. I truly believe there are times with the Lord will struck us down and put us in the lowest possible position so that He might be glorified by our return to Him. All He does, He completes in love and because he loves us...we can love him.
A. I will recognize that in time when I down and don't seem to understanding what is going on, that God has a plan and purpose behind it. I will allow my brokenness to bring glory to God has I return to receive his restoration and healing.
P. "Lord Jesus, I am in awe of who you are and of how loving, gracious and forgiving you are. I accept your purpose and plan in my life today and everyday. May you be glorified in my life. Amen"
O. This is the first verse I read today! What a message. It is a call for the nation of Israel to return to the Lord. And it is a call for us to return the Lord. And here is what I like the most...there is purpose in the away from the Lord. There is healing that is taking place in our lives each and every day and at some point, we will be return completely to the Lord and experience his love and forgiveness. I truly believe there are times with the Lord will struck us down and put us in the lowest possible position so that He might be glorified by our return to Him. All He does, He completes in love and because he loves us...we can love him.
A. I will recognize that in time when I down and don't seem to understanding what is going on, that God has a plan and purpose behind it. I will allow my brokenness to bring glory to God has I return to receive his restoration and healing.
P. "Lord Jesus, I am in awe of who you are and of how loving, gracious and forgiving you are. I accept your purpose and plan in my life today and everyday. May you be glorified in my life. Amen"
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Idols
S. "They ask a piece of wood for advice! They think a stick can tell them the future! Longing after idols has made them foolish. They have played the prostitute, serving other gods and deserting their God." Hosea 4:12 (NLT)
O. This is a very unique verse from Hosea. The prophet has been instructed to at a prostitute as a wife and even when she wrongs him to take her back. It is a story of the people of Israel who have been following other gods and not the Lord God. They have been giving themselves to other gods around them and at the same time pushing the true God away from them in every way. These verses talk about how foolish it is to reason with a piece of word and take advice from a stick. When I think about it, there are time that I am the fool. Times when I allow my circumstance or situation to become my idol and give me direction for the future. Times we I put God on the back burner of life and put my agenda before his. Times when I put things/possessions ahead of my relationship with God. I need to constantly be aware of the God that I serve and make sure that I am giving him my complete surrendered life for his glory and honor.
A. What areas am I still trying to keep control in my life? What idols am I keeping in front of me? I need to inventory my life and make sure that I am only serving the Lord Jesus.
P. "Lord Jesus, I am so thankful for all that you do for me. I know that there are areas of my life that I have not totally surrender to you. My prayer is for you to humble me and break me for your glory and honor. I love you Lord! Amen."
O. This is a very unique verse from Hosea. The prophet has been instructed to at a prostitute as a wife and even when she wrongs him to take her back. It is a story of the people of Israel who have been following other gods and not the Lord God. They have been giving themselves to other gods around them and at the same time pushing the true God away from them in every way. These verses talk about how foolish it is to reason with a piece of word and take advice from a stick. When I think about it, there are time that I am the fool. Times when I allow my circumstance or situation to become my idol and give me direction for the future. Times we I put God on the back burner of life and put my agenda before his. Times when I put things/possessions ahead of my relationship with God. I need to constantly be aware of the God that I serve and make sure that I am giving him my complete surrendered life for his glory and honor.
A. What areas am I still trying to keep control in my life? What idols am I keeping in front of me? I need to inventory my life and make sure that I am only serving the Lord Jesus.
P. "Lord Jesus, I am so thankful for all that you do for me. I know that there are areas of my life that I have not totally surrender to you. My prayer is for you to humble me and break me for your glory and honor. I love you Lord! Amen."
Saturday, July 4, 2009
The Kingdom of God
S. "And proclaim as you go saying, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand.". (Matthew 10:6b)
O. From the beginning of Jesus' public ministry he had preached about the kingdom of God. That was his primary message to everyone he met. And it us the same message he told the disciples to take...and the same message for me. There are some things that never are compromised and this is one of them.
A. As a pastor and Christian I am called to proclaim the message Of the kingdom of God. This must always be my priority in ministry.
P. "Lord Jesus, my I always speak of your kingdom. May my church always keep a kingdom mindset as we ministry in this community. Amen"
O. From the beginning of Jesus' public ministry he had preached about the kingdom of God. That was his primary message to everyone he met. And it us the same message he told the disciples to take...and the same message for me. There are some things that never are compromised and this is one of them.
A. As a pastor and Christian I am called to proclaim the message Of the kingdom of God. This must always be my priority in ministry.
P. "Lord Jesus, my I always speak of your kingdom. May my church always keep a kingdom mindset as we ministry in this community. Amen"
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Fear of the Lord
S. "The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers." Acts 9:31 (NLT)
O. I have marked this verse before in my Bible, and I love it in this translation. First of all, the church had peace. The church was just at the beginning stages of it's existence, but had been in much turmoil. They reach a time with things seem to be moving along with some sense of stability and normalcy. When this happens, I believe that it is easier for us to see the goodness of God in our lives and we begin to trust him for all that has happened and is going to happen.
Here is the part I really love..."it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord". I don't know that I have a good understanding about what it means to live in the fear of the Lord. Perhaps it is a place where we live under submission because of who God is...maybe it is a place were we seek the Lord daily...it is definitely a place where we give up control and surrender our will and lives for the good of the kingdom of God. If I can live in that place, and if the church can find itself in that place...the result will be grown of individuals and the church. Living in the fear of the Lord will mean that we don't live by personal preference, but by the will and decision of God.
A. Today, as I need to everyday, I want to find myself under God's hand and not my own. I want to live a surrender live today before God.
P. "Lord Jesus, break me today. If there is any wrong in me, break me, so that I might be found worth in your sight to be your servant. I desire to live in the fear of the Lord. I give my life to you today. Amen"
O. I have marked this verse before in my Bible, and I love it in this translation. First of all, the church had peace. The church was just at the beginning stages of it's existence, but had been in much turmoil. They reach a time with things seem to be moving along with some sense of stability and normalcy. When this happens, I believe that it is easier for us to see the goodness of God in our lives and we begin to trust him for all that has happened and is going to happen.
Here is the part I really love..."it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord". I don't know that I have a good understanding about what it means to live in the fear of the Lord. Perhaps it is a place where we live under submission because of who God is...maybe it is a place were we seek the Lord daily...it is definitely a place where we give up control and surrender our will and lives for the good of the kingdom of God. If I can live in that place, and if the church can find itself in that place...the result will be grown of individuals and the church. Living in the fear of the Lord will mean that we don't live by personal preference, but by the will and decision of God.
A. Today, as I need to everyday, I want to find myself under God's hand and not my own. I want to live a surrender live today before God.
P. "Lord Jesus, break me today. If there is any wrong in me, break me, so that I might be found worth in your sight to be your servant. I desire to live in the fear of the Lord. I give my life to you today. Amen"
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Forgiven
S. “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." Isaiah 1:18 (ESV)
O. The first chapter of Isaiah addresses the sins of Judah. They had fallen away from the Lord and had become to self reliant as they lived before God. They were worshiping other gods and not acknowledging the one true God, the God who have been forgiving and had pursued them with a passionate love for so many years. The God who had been their guide through so many days. The chapter is not too encouraging, but what is encouraging is these final words of the prophet to the people of Judah. It's as if he is saying, "Wake up and sense the coffee! Don't you know that even though you have fallen away from following God, even though you are stain by your sin, there is hope. The God who loves you will forgive and will make you white as snow...you will be forgiven and cleansed by the love and faithfulness of our mighty God.
That is a message I like to here. Even when I sin, I am promised forgiven from God. For me, I know that the blood of Jesus Christ has covered all my sin. That alone is enough to make me full of thanksgiving and hope. It is enough to make me want to live a righteous and holy life. That is my response to God today.
A. I will praise my God by offering my life as a living sacrifice to God. I will keep myself pure and fit for His kingdom and His glory!
P. "Almighty God. I am so thankful for the gift of your son Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the forgiveness of sin that I have experienced in my life personal and for how you call us today and redeemed individuals in the church to do your work. I give you my life today! Amen."
O. The first chapter of Isaiah addresses the sins of Judah. They had fallen away from the Lord and had become to self reliant as they lived before God. They were worshiping other gods and not acknowledging the one true God, the God who have been forgiving and had pursued them with a passionate love for so many years. The God who had been their guide through so many days. The chapter is not too encouraging, but what is encouraging is these final words of the prophet to the people of Judah. It's as if he is saying, "Wake up and sense the coffee! Don't you know that even though you have fallen away from following God, even though you are stain by your sin, there is hope. The God who loves you will forgive and will make you white as snow...you will be forgiven and cleansed by the love and faithfulness of our mighty God.
That is a message I like to here. Even when I sin, I am promised forgiven from God. For me, I know that the blood of Jesus Christ has covered all my sin. That alone is enough to make me full of thanksgiving and hope. It is enough to make me want to live a righteous and holy life. That is my response to God today.
A. I will praise my God by offering my life as a living sacrifice to God. I will keep myself pure and fit for His kingdom and His glory!
P. "Almighty God. I am so thankful for the gift of your son Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the forgiveness of sin that I have experienced in my life personal and for how you call us today and redeemed individuals in the church to do your work. I give you my life today! Amen."
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