Scripture
Revelation 17:14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen and faithful.
Observation
We have the privilege of serving the winner, the last one standing, the over comer. As His followers we are called faithful and chosen by Him.
Application
I love to win. I believe all of us (believers) need a little competitive edge to us. It drives me to make the decisions that would put me on the winning side. Choices to follow Jesus rather than my own understanding or man's ideas. By making these choices I will be called "faithful".
Prayer
Thank you Father for choosing me/us. Help us/me live up to the name "faithful" by allowing your grace to permeate every aspect of our lives. Help us to spread the Good News to as many people as possible before these scriptures come to pass. Amen
Dec. 24, 2009
Scripture
John 21:25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
Observation
The Bible can not contain all that Jesus did. Every minute that He was on Earth had a purpose that was fulfilled. He had no wasted time.
Application
Jesus is still adding to His story today. Each life He changes enlarges the scope of the Good News. Every time we allow Him to work through us the message grows. What could I do if I didn't waste time?
Prayer
God help me to take advantage of the time you have given me. Let me realize the value of each minute and allow you to guide me through them. I want to redeem the time to reach as many people as possible. Amen.
John 21:25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
Observation
The Bible can not contain all that Jesus did. Every minute that He was on Earth had a purpose that was fulfilled. He had no wasted time.
Application
Jesus is still adding to His story today. Each life He changes enlarges the scope of the Good News. Every time we allow Him to work through us the message grows. What could I do if I didn't waste time?
Prayer
God help me to take advantage of the time you have given me. Let me realize the value of each minute and allow you to guide me through them. I want to redeem the time to reach as many people as possible. Amen.
Dec. 18, 2009
Scripture
John 4:42 Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that He is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world."
Observation
People were drawn to Jesus through the testimony of this woman but only after receiving their own personal revelation did they truly become believers.
Application
Our purpose is to spread the gospel with conviction and passion. It is only through the Holy
Spirit giving us (and us accepting) a revelation of who Jesus is, that we receive salvation. Each step of this journey with Jesus is dependent upon Him revealing more of Himself to us. Am I looking to know Him better?
Prayer
I ask you Lord to continue revealing yourself to me. I will stay broken and humbled before you. Let me spread the word about you with conviction and passion. Amen
John 4:42 Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that He is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world."
Observation
People were drawn to Jesus through the testimony of this woman but only after receiving their own personal revelation did they truly become believers.
Application
Our purpose is to spread the gospel with conviction and passion. It is only through the Holy
Spirit giving us (and us accepting) a revelation of who Jesus is, that we receive salvation. Each step of this journey with Jesus is dependent upon Him revealing more of Himself to us. Am I looking to know Him better?
Prayer
I ask you Lord to continue revealing yourself to me. I will stay broken and humbled before you. Let me spread the word about you with conviction and passion. Amen
Dec. 16, 2009
Scripture
1 Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.
Observation
All else may/will fail but God's word will always remain. The principles, promises and the proclamations are what I can depend upon throughout all of eternity.
Application
When everything around me is shaken I can go to the Word and find the strength I need to carry on. I can find identity, vision, and purpose. It is all there.
Prayer
Thank you God for giving us the Word. For being the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, the great Shepherd. A rock in times of trouble the reason for rejoicing in times of plenty. I love you just for who you are. Amen
1 Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.
Observation
All else may/will fail but God's word will always remain. The principles, promises and the proclamations are what I can depend upon throughout all of eternity.
Application
When everything around me is shaken I can go to the Word and find the strength I need to carry on. I can find identity, vision, and purpose. It is all there.
Prayer
Thank you God for giving us the Word. For being the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, the great Shepherd. A rock in times of trouble the reason for rejoicing in times of plenty. I love you just for who you are. Amen
Dec. 15, 2009
Scripture
James 2:13 For judgement is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgement.
Observation
In order for mercy to be given to us we must give it to others.
Application
Through age and experience I have realized the importance of mercy. I know that sometime I will need to receive it so I am more willing to give it. Judgement is easy, mercy takes work.
Prayer
Father I thank you for the mercy you have shown me. Bless me with the courage and strength to pass it on to others. Amen
James 2:13 For judgement is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgement.
Observation
In order for mercy to be given to us we must give it to others.
Application
Through age and experience I have realized the importance of mercy. I know that sometime I will need to receive it so I am more willing to give it. Judgement is easy, mercy takes work.
Prayer
Father I thank you for the mercy you have shown me. Bless me with the courage and strength to pass it on to others. Amen
Dec. 14, 2009
Scripture
Hebrews 12:12-13 Therefore strengthen the hands that hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather healed.
Observation
Verse 12 tells me that I need to "suck it up". We are responsible for ourselves. We need to take responsibility for the weak areas in our lives. Verse 13 tells me though that we are also responsible to help those who are weak so that they do not become disenfranchised. Both are true of course. We have a responsibility for ourselves and in aiding those around us.
Application
I have had the opportunity to witness fallen brothers, discouraged believers and repentant Christians be surrounded by the family of God in love to restore, encourage and forgive. Nothing speaks louder of the love of God than that one event alone. I want to thank the people of Father's House for being that type of church.
Prayer
Thank you Father for placing me in a group of believers that have a first reaction of forgiveness rather then judgement. Keep me/us in that frame of spirit as we are on this journey together. Continue to build us up as the body of Christ. Amen
Hebrews 12:12-13 Therefore strengthen the hands that hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather healed.
Observation
Verse 12 tells me that I need to "suck it up". We are responsible for ourselves. We need to take responsibility for the weak areas in our lives. Verse 13 tells me though that we are also responsible to help those who are weak so that they do not become disenfranchised. Both are true of course. We have a responsibility for ourselves and in aiding those around us.
Application
I have had the opportunity to witness fallen brothers, discouraged believers and repentant Christians be surrounded by the family of God in love to restore, encourage and forgive. Nothing speaks louder of the love of God than that one event alone. I want to thank the people of Father's House for being that type of church.
Prayer
Thank you Father for placing me in a group of believers that have a first reaction of forgiveness rather then judgement. Keep me/us in that frame of spirit as we are on this journey together. Continue to build us up as the body of Christ. Amen
Dec. 8, 2009
Scripture
1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
Observation
It is good to exercise the physical body (I am starting today) but it is worth so much more, both now and for eternity, to keep the spiritual body in shape.
Application
I have found that if my physical body is in better shape it is easier to keep my spirit in shape also. I can't only focus on the physical or pride and vanity can creep in. The more energy I have the sharper my mind stays. I can meditate and pray with more effectiveness.
Father help me stay on a course of keeping myself healthy. Not just for my sake but for my family and friends also. I know this will allow me to be effective in my Christian walk and testimony. Never let me be so focused on my physical body that I stray into pride and vanity.
1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
Observation
It is good to exercise the physical body (I am starting today) but it is worth so much more, both now and for eternity, to keep the spiritual body in shape.
Application
I have found that if my physical body is in better shape it is easier to keep my spirit in shape also. I can't only focus on the physical or pride and vanity can creep in. The more energy I have the sharper my mind stays. I can meditate and pray with more effectiveness.
Father help me stay on a course of keeping myself healthy. Not just for my sake but for my family and friends also. I know this will allow me to be effective in my Christian walk and testimony. Never let me be so focused on my physical body that I stray into pride and vanity.
Dec. 7, 2009
Scripture
Colossians 1:28-29 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
Observation
Paul's mission was to preach the Gospel to everyone, bringing as many people to Christ as possible. God used him greatly because of his dedication to the call which God placed on him. It was his passion.
Application
God has placed a similar calling on my life, to preach and teach the Gospel and bring as many people to Christ as possible. (By no stretch of the imagination am I comparing myself to Paul in any way other than the calling.) I do need the type of dedication the Paul exemplifies. The more I act on what God has given me to do the more I will see His power working in my calling.
Prayer
Thank you Father for the calling you have placed on my life. Let me live out that calling with the passion and dedication I see in Paul's life. As I please you in my faithfulness I ask that you anoint the work I do for you. Amen
Colossians 1:28-29 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
Observation
Paul's mission was to preach the Gospel to everyone, bringing as many people to Christ as possible. God used him greatly because of his dedication to the call which God placed on him. It was his passion.
Application
God has placed a similar calling on my life, to preach and teach the Gospel and bring as many people to Christ as possible. (By no stretch of the imagination am I comparing myself to Paul in any way other than the calling.) I do need the type of dedication the Paul exemplifies. The more I act on what God has given me to do the more I will see His power working in my calling.
Prayer
Thank you Father for the calling you have placed on my life. Let me live out that calling with the passion and dedication I see in Paul's life. As I please you in my faithfulness I ask that you anoint the work I do for you. Amen
Dec. 3, 2009
Scripture
Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.
Observation
We need to look out for those around us. Behaviors do not have to be sinful to be offensive. Knowingly causing someone to stumble is sin.
Application
Being aware of my actions and how they may effect the people around me is important. Just because I am not convicted of a behavior does not give me license to act out said behavior if it is offensive to others. I am to be an encouragement to others not a deterrent.
Prayer
Father, help me to be aware of the people around me. To be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's conviction and to the feelings of those around me. Help me edify my brothers.
Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.
Observation
We need to look out for those around us. Behaviors do not have to be sinful to be offensive. Knowingly causing someone to stumble is sin.
Application
Being aware of my actions and how they may effect the people around me is important. Just because I am not convicted of a behavior does not give me license to act out said behavior if it is offensive to others. I am to be an encouragement to others not a deterrent.
Prayer
Father, help me to be aware of the people around me. To be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's conviction and to the feelings of those around me. Help me edify my brothers.
Dec. 2, 2009
Scripture
Romans 10:13 For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Observation
This is our promise of salvation. The key word is "Whoever" all are welcome. Everyone has the same opportunity to serve Christ.
Application
The simplicity of the gospel astounds me. Eternal life in heaven is dependent upon us asking for it!!! I sometimes question if it is too simple, too easy, maybe if there were some tasks to preform or hoops to jump through more people would find their way to God. Then I am reminded that second guessing the creator of the universe isn't real bright. I must get the word out about His love.
Prayer
Thank you God for making it as easy as possible for us to accept your Son as our savior. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life with you. Give me the strength to live in your grace for the rest of my life.
Romans 10:13 For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Observation
This is our promise of salvation. The key word is "Whoever" all are welcome. Everyone has the same opportunity to serve Christ.
Application
The simplicity of the gospel astounds me. Eternal life in heaven is dependent upon us asking for it!!! I sometimes question if it is too simple, too easy, maybe if there were some tasks to preform or hoops to jump through more people would find their way to God. Then I am reminded that second guessing the creator of the universe isn't real bright. I must get the word out about His love.
Prayer
Thank you God for making it as easy as possible for us to accept your Son as our savior. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life with you. Give me the strength to live in your grace for the rest of my life.
Dec. 1, 2009
Scripture
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Observation
As we love God and stay in His will "things" will work out. It does not tell us "everything will be perfect" but that it will work out.
Application
As the world around me is in such uncertainty about the future it brings peace to my soul that everything will work out for me as I love God. Without Him there is no hope, with Him hope springs eternal.
Prayer
Thank you Father for keeping my best interest in mind. Thank you for making me part of your Kingdom.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Observation
As we love God and stay in His will "things" will work out. It does not tell us "everything will be perfect" but that it will work out.
Application
As the world around me is in such uncertainty about the future it brings peace to my soul that everything will work out for me as I love God. Without Him there is no hope, with Him hope springs eternal.
Prayer
Thank you Father for keeping my best interest in mind. Thank you for making me part of your Kingdom.
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