Scripture
Luke 8:47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was immediately healed.
Observation
After her healing came her testimony, mostly because she was put on the spot. An embarrassing testimony in front of many people. Jesus then granted her not only the healing but also joy and peace.
Application
How many times have I failed to relate what God has done for me? In doing so I rob others of a faith building experience. I may also be missing out on my entire blessing of joy, peace or whatever else God has for me as I share His goodness. Relating His goodness should be my lead-in to any conversation.
Prayer
Father, prompt me to share of your goodness with those I come into contact with. Let what you do in my life be an encouragement to others. Not only the blessings I receive but also the trials that you take me through.
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009
Scripture
Matthew 6:35 But love your enemies, do good and lend hoping for nothing in return and you reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
Observation
This flies in the face of our society's current way of thinking. No, this goes against human nature entirely. In order to do this we must have the love of God permeating through us. Only His love can accomplish this. In ourselves we can't love our enemies or even give without wanting something in return. God, through Jesus Christ did those things without wavering.
Application
I love justice. Of course my perspective of justice. An American, 21st century, small town, raised in a Christian home sense of justice. Not HIS justice, the justice that says "forgive them for they know not what they do" or that gives a Son to die for the sins of others or the justice that loves me no matter how many times I fail. I need the Holy Spirit to allow that type of justice to prevail in me.
Prayer
God, cause your perspective to be my perspective, allow your love to supersede my love, let your forgiveness shine through me instead of my sense of justice. May I love my enemies, do good and lend without needing anything in return.
Matthew 6:35 But love your enemies, do good and lend hoping for nothing in return and you reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
Observation
This flies in the face of our society's current way of thinking. No, this goes against human nature entirely. In order to do this we must have the love of God permeating through us. Only His love can accomplish this. In ourselves we can't love our enemies or even give without wanting something in return. God, through Jesus Christ did those things without wavering.
Application
I love justice. Of course my perspective of justice. An American, 21st century, small town, raised in a Christian home sense of justice. Not HIS justice, the justice that says "forgive them for they know not what they do" or that gives a Son to die for the sins of others or the justice that loves me no matter how many times I fail. I need the Holy Spirit to allow that type of justice to prevail in me.
Prayer
God, cause your perspective to be my perspective, allow your love to supersede my love, let your forgiveness shine through me instead of my sense of justice. May I love my enemies, do good and lend without needing anything in return.
Monday, Sept. 21, 2009
Scripture
Luke 4:1 Then Jesus being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
Observation
Jesus just came from one of the holiest moments in history. The trinity had presented itself physically in one arena here on Earth. Jesus...in person, the Holy Spirit...in the form of a dove, Father God...speaking over Jesus. I can't imagine being one of the spectators at that baptism. What a high spiritual moment. Then that same Holy Spirit led Him away to be tempted in the wilderness.
Application
If Jesus was allowed to go through temptation as a man (He was hungry) I will also go through temptation to allow faith to be built in me. 1 Peter 1:6-7, James 1:2-3
As Jesus overcame these very real temptations His ministry began. Before I minister to others I need to have victories in my own life. Those victories need to continue as I continue to minister. Spiritual revelation is key to giving out to others.
Prayer
Father, as I go through temptation remind me to fall upon your Word for my salvation, not my own strengths or understanding. Continue to build my faith as I allow you to have the victory in my life. Let me always see your plan for my life as right and just.
Luke 4:1 Then Jesus being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
Observation
Jesus just came from one of the holiest moments in history. The trinity had presented itself physically in one arena here on Earth. Jesus...in person, the Holy Spirit...in the form of a dove, Father God...speaking over Jesus. I can't imagine being one of the spectators at that baptism. What a high spiritual moment. Then that same Holy Spirit led Him away to be tempted in the wilderness.
Application
If Jesus was allowed to go through temptation as a man (He was hungry) I will also go through temptation to allow faith to be built in me. 1 Peter 1:6-7, James 1:2-3
As Jesus overcame these very real temptations His ministry began. Before I minister to others I need to have victories in my own life. Those victories need to continue as I continue to minister. Spiritual revelation is key to giving out to others.
Prayer
Father, as I go through temptation remind me to fall upon your Word for my salvation, not my own strengths or understanding. Continue to build my faith as I allow you to have the victory in my life. Let me always see your plan for my life as right and just.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Scripture
Ezekiel 40-41, Revelation 21
Observation
Ezekiel's angel measured a Jerusalem much better than the existing one, but still definitely this side of heaven. It is possibly describing a New Testament form of worship. John's angel is measuring the heavenly New Jerusalem. Its size alone is staggering; it is not adorned with carvings but with the creations of God, and it needs no other light but the light from our Creator.
Application
I can't begin to understand how awesome heaven will be. The scope and magnitude of what God has planned for His kids is beyond my comprehension.
Prayer
God, I praise and worship You this morning not for what You have done for me and mine, but for WHO YOU ARE. You deserve all of our worship.
Ezekiel 40-41, Revelation 21
Observation
Ezekiel's angel measured a Jerusalem much better than the existing one, but still definitely this side of heaven. It is possibly describing a New Testament form of worship. John's angel is measuring the heavenly New Jerusalem. Its size alone is staggering; it is not adorned with carvings but with the creations of God, and it needs no other light but the light from our Creator.
Application
I can't begin to understand how awesome heaven will be. The scope and magnitude of what God has planned for His kids is beyond my comprehension.
Prayer
God, I praise and worship You this morning not for what You have done for me and mine, but for WHO YOU ARE. You deserve all of our worship.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Scripture
Psalm 145:4 One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
Observation
Passing my love of God on to Clint & Brook and their families is God's plan--not just allow the society or the culture (government, media, and materialism) that I live in to do my job. It is my responsibility.
Application
I have realized that my beliefs are in part a product of God-fearing parents and grandparents. Not perfect, but God-fearing and God-loving. I hope and pray that the children and grandchildren of Levi, Beckham and Tatum will look back and be thankful for their heritage and thank Jesse Crayne, Lola Bicknell, Bob & Nola Wills, JD & Esther Lee and even Nana & Papa for the relationship we have had with Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, Let me do my part to pass the torch of the love of God to my descendants.
Psalm 145:4 One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
Observation
Passing my love of God on to Clint & Brook and their families is God's plan--not just allow the society or the culture (government, media, and materialism) that I live in to do my job. It is my responsibility.
Application
I have realized that my beliefs are in part a product of God-fearing parents and grandparents. Not perfect, but God-fearing and God-loving. I hope and pray that the children and grandchildren of Levi, Beckham and Tatum will look back and be thankful for their heritage and thank Jesse Crayne, Lola Bicknell, Bob & Nola Wills, JD & Esther Lee and even Nana & Papa for the relationship we have had with Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, Let me do my part to pass the torch of the love of God to my descendants.
Monday, Sept. 14, 2009
Scripture
Ezekiel 36:24 "For I will take you from amoung the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land."
Observation
We are living in the fulfillment of this prophecy right now. Jews from all over the world are going back to Israel. FH even supports a minister who facilitates these moves from Eastern Europe and Russia. How great is it to read God's Word written over 2,000 years ago and be able to see it happening right now. WOW!!!
Application
So many other scriptures instruct us to pray for and aid Israel. Gen. 12:3, Jer. 16:15, 31:8, Psalm 22:6 and Isa. 49:22. I may not be able or called to go to Israel, but I can pray for them and support those who are called and who do go.
Prayer
Father, I do ask that You continue in your promises to your people. Bless them and bring them back to a true belief in You and Jesus Christ the Savior of the entire world. Thank You God for this opportunity to enjoy your Word. I pray that it always speaks to my heart and changes me eternally. Anen.
Ezekiel 36:24 "For I will take you from amoung the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land."
Observation
We are living in the fulfillment of this prophecy right now. Jews from all over the world are going back to Israel. FH even supports a minister who facilitates these moves from Eastern Europe and Russia. How great is it to read God's Word written over 2,000 years ago and be able to see it happening right now. WOW!!!
Application
So many other scriptures instruct us to pray for and aid Israel. Gen. 12:3, Jer. 16:15, 31:8, Psalm 22:6 and Isa. 49:22. I may not be able or called to go to Israel, but I can pray for them and support those who are called and who do go.
Prayer
Father, I do ask that You continue in your promises to your people. Bless them and bring them back to a true belief in You and Jesus Christ the Savior of the entire world. Thank You God for this opportunity to enjoy your Word. I pray that it always speaks to my heart and changes me eternally. Anen.
September 13, 2009
Scripture
Ezekiel 34:26 I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.
Observation
As God's blessing falls on His people, it affects those around us, also.
Application
As His children, we have inherent blessings, some unconditional (His love) and some out of obedience. These blessings fall all around us, causing even unbelievers to be affected positively. By being obedient, God can flourish the people with whom we work, bring joy to those we meet, and heal those for whom we pray.
Prayer
Thank you for your blessings, Father, not only on me and my family, but also the ones around us who are showered on. Let all of those who enjoy Your great gifts acknowledge that they come only from You.
Ezekiel 34:26 I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.
Observation
As God's blessing falls on His people, it affects those around us, also.
Application
As His children, we have inherent blessings, some unconditional (His love) and some out of obedience. These blessings fall all around us, causing even unbelievers to be affected positively. By being obedient, God can flourish the people with whom we work, bring joy to those we meet, and heal those for whom we pray.
Prayer
Thank you for your blessings, Father, not only on me and my family, but also the ones around us who are showered on. Let all of those who enjoy Your great gifts acknowledge that they come only from You.
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