S. "How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other." (Matthew 12: 12-13)
O. Jesus was being questioned about healing on the Sabbath. The Sabbath had become a time when the Pharisees were more concerned about keeping the law rather than honoring God. Jesus came with a new understanding and to fulfill the law. Jesus rises awareness of the greater law of God...the law of love. Love will reach beyond the law and will look to the needs of people. Love will see the value of a day to worship and rest in the Lord. Love will bring wholeness and healing to us as we embrace the Love of God.
A. Today is a day for me to love other people and to offer my life to serve and give. Today is a day when I will look at the value of people's hearts and offer wholeness and healing in the name of Jesus.
P. Lord, thank you for loving me and accepting me. Thank you for fulfilling the law and bringing a new command to love. Give me your love today as I live for you! Amen.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Give Yourself Away
S. "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 10: 39)
O. Jesus' words here are really at the core of his whole gospel message. The kingdom of heaven that he was ushering in had different rules and ways of living. No longer will I be focused on my own desires and pursuits, but I would be focused on others. My life will be full...not when I fill it with my dreams and desires and pleasures, but when I give my life way for others. This is a difficult concept for many in our society to grasp. The world tells us to hold onto things and built up our little empire around us. This is the new kingdom that Jesus is introducing. This is a new way of living and thinking. I know that I don't want to waste my life. I don't want to look around someday and see all that I have accomplished and stored up and see nothing of eternal value. I want to live with purpose and meaning in each day.
A. Today, I will look for ways to give myself away and in that giving away to lead others to Christ.
P. Lord, I am willing to be used by you today. I offer my life to you and ask that you lead me today in every step. Amen
O. Jesus' words here are really at the core of his whole gospel message. The kingdom of heaven that he was ushering in had different rules and ways of living. No longer will I be focused on my own desires and pursuits, but I would be focused on others. My life will be full...not when I fill it with my dreams and desires and pleasures, but when I give my life way for others. This is a difficult concept for many in our society to grasp. The world tells us to hold onto things and built up our little empire around us. This is the new kingdom that Jesus is introducing. This is a new way of living and thinking. I know that I don't want to waste my life. I don't want to look around someday and see all that I have accomplished and stored up and see nothing of eternal value. I want to live with purpose and meaning in each day.
A. Today, I will look for ways to give myself away and in that giving away to lead others to Christ.
P. Lord, I am willing to be used by you today. I offer my life to you and ask that you lead me today in every step. Amen
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
God's Generous Provision
S. "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness." (2 Corinthians 9:10)
O. I can say with confidence that in my lifetime I have experienced the truth of this verse. I have NEVER been without basic provisions in my life...food, clothing and shelter. God has proven faithful on so many accounts through my lifetime and I am so grateful. But that is not the only provision that is promised in this verse. The seed of righteousness that God has planted in my life has grown and will continue to grow as God daily reveals himself to me and through me in my ministry. I definitely have a responsibility to follow the Lord and to pursue a deep and intimate relationship with the Lord, but I am assured that this has benefits in my life as well. The harvest is great and will overflow in God's righteousness in my life.
I am so glad that I serve a FAITHFUL God. I don't have to worry about his abiding presence, his generous forgiveness and his awesome love...He will provide and will willingly sustain my life in his care.
A. Today, I will celebrate the goodness of God's provision in my life, not just in receiving, but also in being a blessing to others as well.
P. Lord Jesus, as you have given freely to me, my I be give freely and generously to others around me. Thank you for filling me with your love and righteousness every day. I love you. Amen.
O. I can say with confidence that in my lifetime I have experienced the truth of this verse. I have NEVER been without basic provisions in my life...food, clothing and shelter. God has proven faithful on so many accounts through my lifetime and I am so grateful. But that is not the only provision that is promised in this verse. The seed of righteousness that God has planted in my life has grown and will continue to grow as God daily reveals himself to me and through me in my ministry. I definitely have a responsibility to follow the Lord and to pursue a deep and intimate relationship with the Lord, but I am assured that this has benefits in my life as well. The harvest is great and will overflow in God's righteousness in my life.
I am so glad that I serve a FAITHFUL God. I don't have to worry about his abiding presence, his generous forgiveness and his awesome love...He will provide and will willingly sustain my life in his care.
A. Today, I will celebrate the goodness of God's provision in my life, not just in receiving, but also in being a blessing to others as well.
P. Lord Jesus, as you have given freely to me, my I be give freely and generously to others around me. Thank you for filling me with your love and righteousness every day. I love you. Amen.
Monday, November 15, 2010
The Holy Spirit
S. "Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us." (1 Corinthians 2: 10-12)
O. The role of the Holy Spirit is often misunderstood in people's lives. The Spirit first of all indwells every believer, to search us and to give us wisdom in all things that we do and say. The Holy Spirit is a gift given to each believer at the moment of salvation and is a gift that will never be taken from us. We can quench the Holy Spirit and grieve the Holy Spirit, but we will always be indwelt by the Holy Spirit. There is so much more that the Spirit does in our lives. The fact that we have the very presence and power of God in our lives should be enough to keep us on guard as to how we live our lives and how we respond to people around us.
A. I am thankful for the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. I choose today and everyday to live as one who is full of the presence of God through the Holy Spirit. I will keep my mind, my mouth, and my heart pure as I allow the Spirit of God to lead in my life.
P. Lord, you have given me a great gift in the Holy Spirit. I accept your gift and choose to allow your Spirit to lead me in every way! Amen
O. The role of the Holy Spirit is often misunderstood in people's lives. The Spirit first of all indwells every believer, to search us and to give us wisdom in all things that we do and say. The Holy Spirit is a gift given to each believer at the moment of salvation and is a gift that will never be taken from us. We can quench the Holy Spirit and grieve the Holy Spirit, but we will always be indwelt by the Holy Spirit. There is so much more that the Spirit does in our lives. The fact that we have the very presence and power of God in our lives should be enough to keep us on guard as to how we live our lives and how we respond to people around us.
A. I am thankful for the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. I choose today and everyday to live as one who is full of the presence of God through the Holy Spirit. I will keep my mind, my mouth, and my heart pure as I allow the Spirit of God to lead in my life.
P. Lord, you have given me a great gift in the Holy Spirit. I accept your gift and choose to allow your Spirit to lead me in every way! Amen
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
United with the Spirit
S. But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. (1 Corinthians 6: 17)
O. This is such a wonderful truth. When I accepted the Lord Jesus as my Savior, the Spirit of God came into my life and united with me. I have the presence of the Holy Spirit in my at all times. The problem is that I don't always act on this truth or even recognize this truth in my life. This verse is found in the context of Paul's teaching to the church at Corinth about sexual immorality. He was trying to convey that we are one with God and there should be not hint of the sin of sexual immorality in us. There should be hint of sin in our lives...for we would not bring impurity into the presence of the pure and holy God. I need to boldly accept the truth of God's Spirit living in my and work out of that power in my life. There is no other power that is greater...and no other power that can bring my salvation and help to maintain my purity.
A. Today, I will acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. I will stand against sin and injustice and claim the truth of the power of God in my life.
P. Lord, you have given me everything I need in life. Thank you for the power of the Holy Spirit in my life today and everyday. Amen
O. This is such a wonderful truth. When I accepted the Lord Jesus as my Savior, the Spirit of God came into my life and united with me. I have the presence of the Holy Spirit in my at all times. The problem is that I don't always act on this truth or even recognize this truth in my life. This verse is found in the context of Paul's teaching to the church at Corinth about sexual immorality. He was trying to convey that we are one with God and there should be not hint of the sin of sexual immorality in us. There should be hint of sin in our lives...for we would not bring impurity into the presence of the pure and holy God. I need to boldly accept the truth of God's Spirit living in my and work out of that power in my life. There is no other power that is greater...and no other power that can bring my salvation and help to maintain my purity.
A. Today, I will acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. I will stand against sin and injustice and claim the truth of the power of God in my life.
P. Lord, you have given me everything I need in life. Thank you for the power of the Holy Spirit in my life today and everyday. Amen
Monday, November 8, 2010
Dealing with Sin
S. Then he comes to men and says, ‘I sinned, and perverted what was right, but I did not get what I deserved. He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light.’ “God does all these things to a man—twice, even three times—to turn back his soul from the pit, that the light of life may shine on him. (Job 33:27-30, NIV)
O. Over the past few weeks, I have been studying a great deal about sin. It is truly God working in me to help me understand my own sin first and foremost. One of the greatest lessons I have learned it that I am responsible for my sin...I must deal with my sin first and foremost in my life. I have been awaken to the fact that most of the time Christians either talk about someone's sin (which has an air of arrogance to it) or we generalize sin in our own lives (which is kind of self-righteous). I am working to overcome both of these areas in my life...and it is not easy. '
First, I need to understand that it is not always up to me to point to other people's sin, especially when I have sin in my own life. Jesus said,
O. Over the past few weeks, I have been studying a great deal about sin. It is truly God working in me to help me understand my own sin first and foremost. One of the greatest lessons I have learned it that I am responsible for my sin...I must deal with my sin first and foremost in my life. I have been awaken to the fact that most of the time Christians either talk about someone's sin (which has an air of arrogance to it) or we generalize sin in our own lives (which is kind of self-righteous). I am working to overcome both of these areas in my life...and it is not easy. '
First, I need to understand that it is not always up to me to point to other people's sin, especially when I have sin in my own life. Jesus said,
“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?
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?
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."
(Matthew 7:3-5, NIV)
I have to look into my own life and see the sin in my and have some remorse over my sin. I must see my sin as the only sin that took Jesus to the cross. I must see my sin being removed by the wonderful grace our my Lord and Savior. I must look at my sin! And that is not easy.
Second, when I look at my sin, I have to see it for what it is. Filth, gross and giving me the only thing that is worthy of me...death for my sin. I have to be very specific about my sin and name my sin, repent of my sin and allow my life to reflect true repentance. I have a confess my sin specifically and purposefully, but just in general.
These verses in Job reflect a recognition of sin and the perverted nature of sin in our lives. They speak of a man who understands that we have not received a the true penalty for our sins. They reflect the change that comes with we move from the darkness of sin into the light of God's glorious grace. The Apostle Paul wrote:
A. Be reminded daily of my sin and the need to ask specifically for forgiveness. I continue to lead a live that shows true repentance of my sin.
P. Lord, thank you for the incredible gift of the forgiveness of sin made possible through your son Jesus Christ. I would be lost in this world without you.
and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
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?
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."
(Matthew 7:3-5, NIV)
I have to look into my own life and see the sin in my and have some remorse over my sin. I must see my sin as the only sin that took Jesus to the cross. I must see my sin being removed by the wonderful grace our my Lord and Savior. I must look at my sin! And that is not easy.
Second, when I look at my sin, I have to see it for what it is. Filth, gross and giving me the only thing that is worthy of me...death for my sin. I have to be very specific about my sin and name my sin, repent of my sin and allow my life to reflect true repentance. I have a confess my sin specifically and purposefully, but just in general.
These verses in Job reflect a recognition of sin and the perverted nature of sin in our lives. They speak of a man who understands that we have not received a the true penalty for our sins. They reflect the change that comes with we move from the darkness of sin into the light of God's glorious grace. The Apostle Paul wrote:
"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us int the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
(Colossians 1 13-14, NIV)
A. Be reminded daily of my sin and the need to ask specifically for forgiveness. I continue to lead a live that shows true repentance of my sin.
P. Lord, thank you for the incredible gift of the forgiveness of sin made possible through your son Jesus Christ. I would be lost in this world without you.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Voice of the Spirit
S. "But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding" (Job 32: 8)
O. Elihu had not spoken to Job because he was younger that him, but as he sensed the Spirit of God in him, he knew he had to speak. To many times we don't listen to people who are younger in age. We think they don't have the "experience" in life to speak into a certain subject or situation. We need to understand that it is God's Spirit in us that make the difference. We need to understand that the Spirit is capable of doing great and mighty things.
A. I will be more responsive to the voice of the Spirit in other people...in my family, in my peers and in my church family.
P. God, give me ears to hear your voice as you speak through people all around me. Help me to see your spirit at work in all ways. Amen.
O. Elihu had not spoken to Job because he was younger that him, but as he sensed the Spirit of God in him, he knew he had to speak. To many times we don't listen to people who are younger in age. We think they don't have the "experience" in life to speak into a certain subject or situation. We need to understand that it is God's Spirit in us that make the difference. We need to understand that the Spirit is capable of doing great and mighty things.
A. I will be more responsive to the voice of the Spirit in other people...in my family, in my peers and in my church family.
P. God, give me ears to hear your voice as you speak through people all around me. Help me to see your spirit at work in all ways. Amen.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
God Loves You This Much
Found the picture last week and it sums up so much of Christ's love for us.Thank you Lord!
Christ on the Cross
S. At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”–which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15: 33-34)
O. This one of the greatest moments in time! At this moment, Jesus is hanging on the cross...carrying the weight of the sin of the whole world (past, present and future). This moment is was for me and for every person in the world. It is not one of the prettiest scenes in the scripture. Jesus died an gruesome death on the cross...I can't even imagine what is was like. But the scene is one that will forever change the world. In this moment, Jesus actually became the sacrifice for the whole of the human race. He was the substitute sacrifice for my sin. And in the moment, God was not able to look on his Son. The anguish of all the sin that Jesus bore on the cross was so great that he felt a separation from God.
I have been studying about sin a lot in the past few weeks and one of the dangers of sin is separation from God (see Isaiah 59: 2). And that is exactly what Jesus felt when he hung on the cross. It took my sin...everyone's sins and paid the penalty that was truly ours.
A. Today, I pray that God will look upon my life through the blood stains of Jesus Christ. I am a sinner, but my sins have received atonement through Christ's shed blood. I must never forget the greatness of this gift.
P. Lord, I am truly grateful for the gift of forgiveness that I know through your act of love on the cross. Thank you for bringing me close to my heavenly Father through your sacrifice. Amen.
O. This one of the greatest moments in time! At this moment, Jesus is hanging on the cross...carrying the weight of the sin of the whole world (past, present and future). This moment is was for me and for every person in the world. It is not one of the prettiest scenes in the scripture. Jesus died an gruesome death on the cross...I can't even imagine what is was like. But the scene is one that will forever change the world. In this moment, Jesus actually became the sacrifice for the whole of the human race. He was the substitute sacrifice for my sin. And in the moment, God was not able to look on his Son. The anguish of all the sin that Jesus bore on the cross was so great that he felt a separation from God.
I have been studying about sin a lot in the past few weeks and one of the dangers of sin is separation from God (see Isaiah 59: 2). And that is exactly what Jesus felt when he hung on the cross. It took my sin...everyone's sins and paid the penalty that was truly ours.
A. Today, I pray that God will look upon my life through the blood stains of Jesus Christ. I am a sinner, but my sins have received atonement through Christ's shed blood. I must never forget the greatness of this gift.
P. Lord, I am truly grateful for the gift of forgiveness that I know through your act of love on the cross. Thank you for bringing me close to my heavenly Father through your sacrifice. Amen.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Do What You Can!
S. "She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”(Mark 14: 8-9)
O. So many times I think I don't have what I need to serve or give to God. I am not as gifted in some areas and others and at times this is frustrating to me. But I have to remember that it is God who completes me and gives me all that I have. I read a quote this week in my sermon...."the issues is not about perfect conditions. It's about a perfect God." I am constantly caught in this trap of wanting conditions to be "perfect" to complete something or do something for God...but it is God who is perfect and needs our lives for his us. In theses verses, Jesus describes a woman who "did what she could". She give what she had without question...she physically did what she could in anointing Jesus. Yes she was preparing Jesus' body for his burial, but her sacrifice and willingness to be present and give to Jesus was so important. Her story of sacrifice and willingness would be a story that would be told for years to come. Her obedience would be proclaimed every time the gospel message was told. That she became an example for us is amazing. Just an ordinary person, doing her ordinary duties...she remained faithful to her God. That is what God is called us to do as well.
A. I need to see the ordinary tasks of my day as opportunities to be faithful and obedient to my calling as a disciple of Jesus. I need to look for those times when I can give and in turn receive all that God has for me.
P. "Lord, I give you my day and ask for your will to be done in the midst of all that I do. I surrender my life to you today and want to be obedient and faithful in all I do. Amen.
O. So many times I think I don't have what I need to serve or give to God. I am not as gifted in some areas and others and at times this is frustrating to me. But I have to remember that it is God who completes me and gives me all that I have. I read a quote this week in my sermon...."the issues is not about perfect conditions. It's about a perfect God." I am constantly caught in this trap of wanting conditions to be "perfect" to complete something or do something for God...but it is God who is perfect and needs our lives for his us. In theses verses, Jesus describes a woman who "did what she could". She give what she had without question...she physically did what she could in anointing Jesus. Yes she was preparing Jesus' body for his burial, but her sacrifice and willingness to be present and give to Jesus was so important. Her story of sacrifice and willingness would be a story that would be told for years to come. Her obedience would be proclaimed every time the gospel message was told. That she became an example for us is amazing. Just an ordinary person, doing her ordinary duties...she remained faithful to her God. That is what God is called us to do as well.
A. I need to see the ordinary tasks of my day as opportunities to be faithful and obedient to my calling as a disciple of Jesus. I need to look for those times when I can give and in turn receive all that God has for me.
P. "Lord, I give you my day and ask for your will to be done in the midst of all that I do. I surrender my life to you today and want to be obedient and faithful in all I do. Amen.
Monday, November 1, 2010
God's Eternal Care
S. The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (Psalms 121:7-8, NIV)
O. As a parent, I have always "watched over" my kids. I wanted to keep them safe and from harm. I wanted them to learn about life and experience things for themselves, but I wanted to protect them. So I would give them instruction, coach them on how to respond in situations and help them understand their roll in situations as well. I wanted to see that they were safe and that they were enjoying the life that God has given to each of them. To me, these verses contain one of the greatest truths from the Word of God. God watches over me...He doesn't want harm to come to my life...but good. He has promised that he will always be with me. I have experienced that with my earthly father and as a father I have tried to convey that to my children. So daily I rest on this truth that God will teach me, direct me and love me to the end! Thank you Lord.
A. Today, I will rest as a child of God in the care of my Heavenly Father. I will be reminded of God's great and overwhelming love for me.
P. Lord, thank for being my all in all. I love you and want to live my life for you daily. Amen.
O. As a parent, I have always "watched over" my kids. I wanted to keep them safe and from harm. I wanted them to learn about life and experience things for themselves, but I wanted to protect them. So I would give them instruction, coach them on how to respond in situations and help them understand their roll in situations as well. I wanted to see that they were safe and that they were enjoying the life that God has given to each of them. To me, these verses contain one of the greatest truths from the Word of God. God watches over me...He doesn't want harm to come to my life...but good. He has promised that he will always be with me. I have experienced that with my earthly father and as a father I have tried to convey that to my children. So daily I rest on this truth that God will teach me, direct me and love me to the end! Thank you Lord.
A. Today, I will rest as a child of God in the care of my Heavenly Father. I will be reminded of God's great and overwhelming love for me.
P. Lord, thank for being my all in all. I love you and want to live my life for you daily. Amen.
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