S. "and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:19 (NIV)
O. The love that God has for us is incredible! It is really hard to describe...no human words could ever really make sense to his awesome and complete love for me. But I know God that there is a difference in understanding and being able to articulate God's love and the actual experience of His love. In this passage, Paul says in a prayer that he wants to "know" the love of God. Knowing in the scriptures is a very intimate word...it is a join of two in a bond that will last forever. God's love is completed in us as we open our lives to receive all that he has for us. When this happens, I am filled with the fullness of God. What an awesome reality for me and anyone who knows You love.
A. Rest in God's love for me today...and remember that a love like this is not be be hoarded, but shared with the world!
P. "Lord Jesus, I accept you awesome love for me that you gave on the cross of Calvary. I accept the endless love that comes in my relationship with you. I receive your gift of love today and promise to give your love away, just as you have given it to me. I love you, Lord. Amen."
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Intent on God's Way
S. "I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him." (Ecclesiastes 3:14 ESV)
O. I really love the book of Ecclesiastes...especially the first three chapters. Solomon has looked for meaning in just about every area of life...money, fame, power, love, possessions, time...everywhere, but in the end he finds that all this is meaningless...a waste of time of energy! I think most people could identify with Solomon as some point...trying to find meaning in life in some thing or at some time. What really stands out to me is the timeless truth that without God...nothing will have meaning. God brings a perspective that is not found anywhere else. Who better to make sense of time, and possession and wealth than the one who created all and in whom all is founded. The scripture above is so true...whatever God does will last forever! You could also state this in reverse...whatever man tries to do and whatever man tries to find meaning it will not last. The solution...put the things of God first in your life!
A. While this is easy to right about, it can be hard to implement in this truth into our lives. I want to try to do so many things, I want to accomplish this or that. So the solution for me...put God first...pray, meditate on the opportunities that are before me. Take time to seek the things of God and not my own things.
P. "Lord Jesus, I am blessed with so many good things in my life...so many wonderful opportunities in my ministry. Please keep my life focused and intent upon you in all my days. Amen."
O. I really love the book of Ecclesiastes...especially the first three chapters. Solomon has looked for meaning in just about every area of life...money, fame, power, love, possessions, time...everywhere, but in the end he finds that all this is meaningless...a waste of time of energy! I think most people could identify with Solomon as some point...trying to find meaning in life in some thing or at some time. What really stands out to me is the timeless truth that without God...nothing will have meaning. God brings a perspective that is not found anywhere else. Who better to make sense of time, and possession and wealth than the one who created all and in whom all is founded. The scripture above is so true...whatever God does will last forever! You could also state this in reverse...whatever man tries to do and whatever man tries to find meaning it will not last. The solution...put the things of God first in your life!
A. While this is easy to right about, it can be hard to implement in this truth into our lives. I want to try to do so many things, I want to accomplish this or that. So the solution for me...put God first...pray, meditate on the opportunities that are before me. Take time to seek the things of God and not my own things.
P. "Lord Jesus, I am blessed with so many good things in my life...so many wonderful opportunities in my ministry. Please keep my life focused and intent upon you in all my days. Amen."
Friday, June 5, 2009
God's Strength
S. "Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. "
Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
O. I truly believe this verse....that God's word is truth. I can absolutely rely on God's word for guidance, protection, direction, reassurance and lots more. Yesterday...and even today were great times for my in trusting in the truth of God's word. I know that God set before me a clear path before me regarding my decision regarding the issues related to my physical condition (back). The earlier verses in this proverb speak of God majesty and greatness. How he holds the strength of the wind in his hands and that he has established the ends of the earth. Surely if you can hold the wind and water...and form all this land that we have to enjoy, I can trust you to establish my life and guide me through each thought and each decision that I must make.
A. As I am face with decision today, may my mind be so wrapped in your love and peace and be filled with your knowledge. Give me the mind of Jesus each and everyday.
P. "Lord Jesus, I came to you today with complete trust in who you are. I acknowledge you presence in my life and your guidance to see me through each and every day. I take my stand in you and walk hand in hand through this day. Thank you for loving me today and everyday! Amen."
Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)
O. I truly believe this verse....that God's word is truth. I can absolutely rely on God's word for guidance, protection, direction, reassurance and lots more. Yesterday...and even today were great times for my in trusting in the truth of God's word. I know that God set before me a clear path before me regarding my decision regarding the issues related to my physical condition (back). The earlier verses in this proverb speak of God majesty and greatness. How he holds the strength of the wind in his hands and that he has established the ends of the earth. Surely if you can hold the wind and water...and form all this land that we have to enjoy, I can trust you to establish my life and guide me through each thought and each decision that I must make.
A. As I am face with decision today, may my mind be so wrapped in your love and peace and be filled with your knowledge. Give me the mind of Jesus each and everyday.
P. "Lord Jesus, I came to you today with complete trust in who you are. I acknowledge you presence in my life and your guidance to see me through each and every day. I take my stand in you and walk hand in hand through this day. Thank you for loving me today and everyday! Amen."
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Encouraging Others
S. "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them." Romans 16:3-4 (NIV)
O. What impressed me this morning in my reading was the personal nature of Paul's ministry. Most of the time when I think of Paul, I think of the big things that he accomplished...several extensive trips through Asia, starting many churches, being a leader among the Apostles, etc. I was impressed that in this letter to the Roman Christians, this letter filled with great doctrinal truth about Jesus Christ and the church, he stopped and encouraged individuals. He named 16 different people and specifically said a word of encouragement to them. Can you imagine how they felt when this letter was read? "Paul saw the work that I was doing for God!" "Wow, he remembered me!"
I think that encouragement in my ministry and in the church is extremely important. I think we have a biblical example of the power of encouragement. Encouragement will take us a long way.
A. I will be conscience of my words of encouragement today to my family and others around me.
P. "Lord Jesus, I give you my heart, my life and my soul. Be in every thought that I have, every word I speak and every action of my hands and feet. Amen."
O. What impressed me this morning in my reading was the personal nature of Paul's ministry. Most of the time when I think of Paul, I think of the big things that he accomplished...several extensive trips through Asia, starting many churches, being a leader among the Apostles, etc. I was impressed that in this letter to the Roman Christians, this letter filled with great doctrinal truth about Jesus Christ and the church, he stopped and encouraged individuals. He named 16 different people and specifically said a word of encouragement to them. Can you imagine how they felt when this letter was read? "Paul saw the work that I was doing for God!" "Wow, he remembered me!"
I think that encouragement in my ministry and in the church is extremely important. I think we have a biblical example of the power of encouragement. Encouragement will take us a long way.
A. I will be conscience of my words of encouragement today to my family and others around me.
P. "Lord Jesus, I give you my heart, my life and my soul. Be in every thought that I have, every word I speak and every action of my hands and feet. Amen."
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Unnecessary Quarrels
S. "As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife."
Proverbs 26:21 (ESV)
O. I argue too much with people close to me...this is especially true with my family. And most of the time when I look back on the disagreements or arguments, they are over petty things. What to wear, what to do, when to do things. I am always wanting to get things accomplished and in that, I feel that I have caused striff in my family at time when it didn't need to be there. So the question is...how will I approach the future with the truth of this scripture and the experience of my past. It is no good if I just read the word and never apply it to my life...once again I am faced with a choice to do what is wrong or right. Life is just full of choices!
A. The next time I feel like starting an argument about some little thing at home, I will stop and consider how important it really is. Is it worth the fight? Is it worth the tension?
P. "Lord Jesus, part of the truth of your word helps me to live life in a freeing way...a way that allows the Holy Spirit to move in my life and enjoy the moments of life around me. May your Spirit lead me in the truth of your Word...always. Amen"
Proverbs 26:21 (ESV)
O. I argue too much with people close to me...this is especially true with my family. And most of the time when I look back on the disagreements or arguments, they are over petty things. What to wear, what to do, when to do things. I am always wanting to get things accomplished and in that, I feel that I have caused striff in my family at time when it didn't need to be there. So the question is...how will I approach the future with the truth of this scripture and the experience of my past. It is no good if I just read the word and never apply it to my life...once again I am faced with a choice to do what is wrong or right. Life is just full of choices!
A. The next time I feel like starting an argument about some little thing at home, I will stop and consider how important it really is. Is it worth the fight? Is it worth the tension?
P. "Lord Jesus, part of the truth of your word helps me to live life in a freeing way...a way that allows the Holy Spirit to move in my life and enjoy the moments of life around me. May your Spirit lead me in the truth of your Word...always. Amen"
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Pursue Peace
S. "So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another."
Romans 14:19 (NASB)
O. I am struck by the simple call to like in unity and in uplifting one another...but in reality, there seems to always be struggles to maintain peace and balance and a positive atmosphere in homes, work places, schools and churches. There are time in my life when I don't let peace rule and where I haven't "pursued" peace like I should have. And just as bad are the times that would rather tear someone down with my words rather than build them up. Why do I do these things that I know are wrong? I really don't know, but I do know this...that I have a power that is greater than the power of the world in my life through the presence of Jesus Christ. I have a power available to me that will lead me in the right way to live. You see, I have a choice...to acknowledge God's presence in me and allow him to lead my life in peace and unity with those around me...or to do the opposite...Life is about the choices we make.
A. Today I have been and will continue to be very intentional about what comes out of my mouth to my family and others. I will speak words of encouragement and pursue peace in relationships around me.
P. "Lord Jesus, thank you for the peace you offer to me through your shed blood on Calvary. I claim your peace in my heart and will pass that same peace to others in my life. Be all of me...for your glory and honor. Amen."
Romans 14:19 (NASB)
O. I am struck by the simple call to like in unity and in uplifting one another...but in reality, there seems to always be struggles to maintain peace and balance and a positive atmosphere in homes, work places, schools and churches. There are time in my life when I don't let peace rule and where I haven't "pursued" peace like I should have. And just as bad are the times that would rather tear someone down with my words rather than build them up. Why do I do these things that I know are wrong? I really don't know, but I do know this...that I have a power that is greater than the power of the world in my life through the presence of Jesus Christ. I have a power available to me that will lead me in the right way to live. You see, I have a choice...to acknowledge God's presence in me and allow him to lead my life in peace and unity with those around me...or to do the opposite...Life is about the choices we make.
A. Today I have been and will continue to be very intentional about what comes out of my mouth to my family and others. I will speak words of encouragement and pursue peace in relationships around me.
P. "Lord Jesus, thank you for the peace you offer to me through your shed blood on Calvary. I claim your peace in my heart and will pass that same peace to others in my life. Be all of me...for your glory and honor. Amen."
Monday, June 1, 2009
Being a Person of Love and Righteousness
S. "Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to God than religious performance." Proverbs 21:3 (TMSG)
O. This is a timeless message that God has given to his people throughout the ages. God is more concerned with how we live with him in our lives, than he is in doing the right things religiously. Growing up in church was fro me is a rich blessing. I can't every remember a time when I was not in church. I know all the right things to do as a church...I have studied about the church, I have experienced church and I have desire to lead the church. But my religious performance (what I would consider...the things that I do for and at church) is not the main concern...and too many time it is the ONLY concern of Christians. And most of all for me. I have to remember that my relationship with Jesus Christ is first priority and then my love of other people is next. God commissioned the early church to think this way...not to all the church stuff first and then when you left over time make sure you are living God before you neighbors! My priority needs to be on those around me who don't know Jesus Christ...those who need aren't in church anywhere, showering them with the love and care that only God can work through me.
A. There is a big different in knowing about this truth and doing it...living it! Being aware and stopping at times to make sure that I have the right priorities is a must.
P. "Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for this day you have given to me. A day when I can love you and serve you. I just that today I will be a constant source of love and goodness to those around me. That I would allow your love to transform me and be transfered to those around me. May the church do the same as we seek to be more and more like you. I love you...Amen"
O. This is a timeless message that God has given to his people throughout the ages. God is more concerned with how we live with him in our lives, than he is in doing the right things religiously. Growing up in church was fro me is a rich blessing. I can't every remember a time when I was not in church. I know all the right things to do as a church...I have studied about the church, I have experienced church and I have desire to lead the church. But my religious performance (what I would consider...the things that I do for and at church) is not the main concern...and too many time it is the ONLY concern of Christians. And most of all for me. I have to remember that my relationship with Jesus Christ is first priority and then my love of other people is next. God commissioned the early church to think this way...not to all the church stuff first and then when you left over time make sure you are living God before you neighbors! My priority needs to be on those around me who don't know Jesus Christ...those who need aren't in church anywhere, showering them with the love and care that only God can work through me.
A. There is a big different in knowing about this truth and doing it...living it! Being aware and stopping at times to make sure that I have the right priorities is a must.
P. "Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for this day you have given to me. A day when I can love you and serve you. I just that today I will be a constant source of love and goodness to those around me. That I would allow your love to transform me and be transfered to those around me. May the church do the same as we seek to be more and more like you. I love you...Amen"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)