Scripture
Mark 4:24 Then He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.
Observation
A responsibility comes along with what God gives us. There should be a continual growing process; the more we use the more we get, the we get the more we use.
Application
God has blessed me so much. I have a responsibility to use those blessings wisely. Pass them along. If I begin to hoard them I am being contrary to the plan of God. I am to be a conduit of His blessings, whether it be resources, knowledge, energy or time. As I allow these to flow through me He will enlarge the capacity of said conduit.
Prayer
God help me to know and be obedient as to what to pass on, to whom I should pass it on and how to pass it on. Enlarge my capacity as I am obedient to you.
Oct. 28, 2009
Scripture
Mark 1:35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
Observation
Jesus rose early in the morning and prayed to the Father. He spent time alone with God. The text capitalizes He, meaning that the Son part of the God-head spent time with the Father part of the God-head.
Application
If Jesus Christ needed to spend time with God how much more do I? He set an example for me in everything He did. His ministry started with prayer, was administered by prayer and ended with prayer.
Prayer
I pray for the discipline to spend time with God the Father as Jesus did. Let my ministry be baptized in prayer. Amen
Mark 1:35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
Observation
Jesus rose early in the morning and prayed to the Father. He spent time alone with God. The text capitalizes He, meaning that the Son part of the God-head spent time with the Father part of the God-head.
Application
If Jesus Christ needed to spend time with God how much more do I? He set an example for me in everything He did. His ministry started with prayer, was administered by prayer and ended with prayer.
Prayer
I pray for the discipline to spend time with God the Father as Jesus did. Let my ministry be baptized in prayer. Amen
Oct. 26, 2009
Scripture
Acts 26:20 ...that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.
Observation
This is Paul's Great Commission. Salvation requires repentance. There must be a changed life. Our actions need to show a life of repentance. We should be sorry for our sins against a Holy God.
Application
Repentance means "to turn away from sin". To go another direction. Many of us want to hear only about the love that God has for us and not about how it can?should change our lives. My life must be different from what I used to be to attempt to be the witness God calls me to be.
Prayer
Forgive me for all my sins once more Father. Let my life be changed by the Holy Spirit to be the witness you have called me to be. Thank you for giving your Son for my salvation. I pray that His blood cover my sins. Amen
Acts 26:20 ...that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.
Observation
This is Paul's Great Commission. Salvation requires repentance. There must be a changed life. Our actions need to show a life of repentance. We should be sorry for our sins against a Holy God.
Application
Repentance means "to turn away from sin". To go another direction. Many of us want to hear only about the love that God has for us and not about how it can?should change our lives. My life must be different from what I used to be to attempt to be the witness God calls me to be.
Prayer
Forgive me for all my sins once more Father. Let my life be changed by the Holy Spirit to be the witness you have called me to be. Thank you for giving your Son for my salvation. I pray that His blood cover my sins. Amen
Oct. 23, 2009
Scripture
Acts 17:28 "for in Him we live and move and have our being,
Observation
Everything about us is from God. With out Him we are nothing. How we live, interact, even us having a soul is because of how He created us.
Application
If I can truly wrap my mind around this there will be tremendous freedom for me. My outlook, my actions and my goals would be from His perspective. Allowing Him control of all that I am brings me contentment.
Prayer
Let me see through your eyes God. Change my ambitions, work habits, integrity to be in line with your values. Let my world be changed by your power working through me.
Acts 17:28 "for in Him we live and move and have our being,
Observation
Everything about us is from God. With out Him we are nothing. How we live, interact, even us having a soul is because of how He created us.
Application
If I can truly wrap my mind around this there will be tremendous freedom for me. My outlook, my actions and my goals would be from His perspective. Allowing Him control of all that I am brings me contentment.
Prayer
Let me see through your eyes God. Change my ambitions, work habits, integrity to be in line with your values. Let my world be changed by your power working through me.
Oct. 21, 2009
Scripture
Acts 14:17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
Observation
God will always have a witness. If no one else will testify about Him the miracles of nature will tell of His goodness.
Application
I have an opportunity to work within His plan to be on His team. It is always nice to play on a winning team. Knowing He will do whatever it takes to see the Gospel spread and His kingdom come fills me with great hope. To think He picked me to be a part of that, how amazing.
Prayer
Let me be able to be counted worthy of your kingdom. Help me testify of your goodness so that people will not have to look at just nature to be led to you.
Acts 14:17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
Observation
God will always have a witness. If no one else will testify about Him the miracles of nature will tell of His goodness.
Application
I have an opportunity to work within His plan to be on His team. It is always nice to play on a winning team. Knowing He will do whatever it takes to see the Gospel spread and His kingdom come fills me with great hope. To think He picked me to be a part of that, how amazing.
Prayer
Let me be able to be counted worthy of your kingdom. Help me testify of your goodness so that people will not have to look at just nature to be led to you.
Oct. 16, 2009
Scripture
Acts 5:41-42 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Observation
They were elated about being honored enough to suffer. Every day that met with fellow believers at church and their homes talking about Jesus.
Application
These are two parts of the early church that stand against almost everything our modern culture tells us is right. Suffering and spending time on something other then ourselves. When I say "I want this church to be like the early church" am I ready for this? Would I rather have my conveniences instead? I think that the 1st century church was most like what God had in mind.
Prayer
I pray that I/we are dedicated to God enough to see this happen in my lifetime. Let your kingdom come Lord.
Acts 5:41-42 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Observation
They were elated about being honored enough to suffer. Every day that met with fellow believers at church and their homes talking about Jesus.
Application
These are two parts of the early church that stand against almost everything our modern culture tells us is right. Suffering and spending time on something other then ourselves. When I say "I want this church to be like the early church" am I ready for this? Would I rather have my conveniences instead? I think that the 1st century church was most like what God had in mind.
Prayer
I pray that I/we are dedicated to God enough to see this happen in my lifetime. Let your kingdom come Lord.
Oct. 13, 2009
Scripture
Acts 2:47 ...And the Lord added to the church daily those who were saved.
Observation
It is God's church. He believes in it and adds to it. It isn't perfect yet but it is HIS institution. When Peter told the story of Jesus people came to repentance. When He is lifted up the church (bride of Christ) will be added to.
Application
When we lift up Jesus Christ people will come to Him. Seems simple. All of our labors are in vain if it is anything other than promoting Jesus, not our good intentions, knowledge or even kindness if it is outside what comes from Christ. John 12:32 When I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.
Prayer
Help me lift up your Son and Him only. I will lay down my man made agenda as I lift up Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:47 ...And the Lord added to the church daily those who were saved.
Observation
It is God's church. He believes in it and adds to it. It isn't perfect yet but it is HIS institution. When Peter told the story of Jesus people came to repentance. When He is lifted up the church (bride of Christ) will be added to.
Application
When we lift up Jesus Christ people will come to Him. Seems simple. All of our labors are in vain if it is anything other than promoting Jesus, not our good intentions, knowledge or even kindness if it is outside what comes from Christ. John 12:32 When I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.
Prayer
Help me lift up your Son and Him only. I will lay down my man made agenda as I lift up Jesus Christ.
Oct.12, 2009
Scripture
Acts 1:11 Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into Heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into Heaven.
Observation
Jesus Christ is coming back! These people, His friends and family were sad to watch Him go. They were longing for Him. The angels needed to shake them into doing what He had just commanded them to do, be witnesses.
Application
I can get caught up in looking and longing for His return and not be doing His will. We have to be watching for His return and at the same time be about His business. (Matt. 24:42) There are so many that need to come with us.
Prayer
Jesus come quickly. May the church "your bride" be pleasing to you. While we watch and wait for your return strengthen us to do your will.
Acts 1:11 Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into Heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into Heaven.
Observation
Jesus Christ is coming back! These people, His friends and family were sad to watch Him go. They were longing for Him. The angels needed to shake them into doing what He had just commanded them to do, be witnesses.
Application
I can get caught up in looking and longing for His return and not be doing His will. We have to be watching for His return and at the same time be about His business. (Matt. 24:42) There are so many that need to come with us.
Prayer
Jesus come quickly. May the church "your bride" be pleasing to you. While we watch and wait for your return strengthen us to do your will.
Oct. 9, 2009
Scripture
Psalm 133:1 Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
Observation
The unity of believers is one of Gods greatest desires. John 13:35 says that this one thing will be a testimony to the unbeliever. Jesus' prayer in John 17 (one of the last prayers before He is crucified) asks God to keep us in unity even as the trinity is in unity.
Application
The only way for even believing Christians to stay in harmony is through God's unconditional love. It is impossible in myself. Allowing God's love to work within me is the only way to accomplish this. Knowing that God is pleased should give me incentive.
Prayer
May the love of God continue to work within me. Let it bring me into a deeper unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ then ever before.
Psalm 133:1 Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
Observation
The unity of believers is one of Gods greatest desires. John 13:35 says that this one thing will be a testimony to the unbeliever. Jesus' prayer in John 17 (one of the last prayers before He is crucified) asks God to keep us in unity even as the trinity is in unity.
Application
The only way for even believing Christians to stay in harmony is through God's unconditional love. It is impossible in myself. Allowing God's love to work within me is the only way to accomplish this. Knowing that God is pleased should give me incentive.
Prayer
May the love of God continue to work within me. Let it bring me into a deeper unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ then ever before.
Oct. 7, 2009
Scripture
Luke 20:18 Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whom it falls, it will grind him into powder.
Observation
As we fall on Jesus as broken men He will put us back together His way. Psalm 51:17 "He will not despise a broken and contrite heart".
Application
Staying broken before God is essential to my spiritual walk. Pride will always get in the way. The Word instructs us repeatedly to be humble before God. Our nation may be going through this time of uncertainty to bring us back to a place of reverence and humbleness before God. I want God's favor upon me and that only comes through humility.
Prayer
God, may I remain broken before you. Replace any pride I have with your humbleness.
Luke 20:18 Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whom it falls, it will grind him into powder.
Observation
As we fall on Jesus as broken men He will put us back together His way. Psalm 51:17 "He will not despise a broken and contrite heart".
Application
Staying broken before God is essential to my spiritual walk. Pride will always get in the way. The Word instructs us repeatedly to be humble before God. Our nation may be going through this time of uncertainty to bring us back to a place of reverence and humbleness before God. I want God's favor upon me and that only comes through humility.
Prayer
God, may I remain broken before you. Replace any pride I have with your humbleness.
Oct. 6, 2009
Scripture
Luke 19:26 For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
Observation
Use it or loose it! God's gifts, whether physical or spiritual are to be used to benefit His Kingdom. Luke 16:10 also tells us if we are faithful in the small things He will give us more. All we need to do is try a little and God will bless our effort. All this person needed to do was to let someone know he had the gift to get interest, instead he hid it.
Application
I need a generous spirit with all that God has given me, not just money. God's proof of His provision for me and my family has been overwhelming because I have taken Him at His word about tithing. My faith in that area is at an extreme level. I also need to be more generous with my time, energy and spiritual gifts. As I give those away I will receive more to replace them. It is His way.
Prayer
God, help me to be a generous person in all things. Help me be an example of a giving and blessed person. Let me see opportunities to use what God has given me.
Luke 19:26 For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
Observation
Use it or loose it! God's gifts, whether physical or spiritual are to be used to benefit His Kingdom. Luke 16:10 also tells us if we are faithful in the small things He will give us more. All we need to do is try a little and God will bless our effort. All this person needed to do was to let someone know he had the gift to get interest, instead he hid it.
Application
I need a generous spirit with all that God has given me, not just money. God's proof of His provision for me and my family has been overwhelming because I have taken Him at His word about tithing. My faith in that area is at an extreme level. I also need to be more generous with my time, energy and spiritual gifts. As I give those away I will receive more to replace them. It is His way.
Prayer
God, help me to be a generous person in all things. Help me be an example of a giving and blessed person. Let me see opportunities to use what God has given me.
Oct. 5, 2009
Scripture
Esther 4:14 ...Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Observation
God placed Esther in the right place at the right time. It still wasn't an easy decision for Esther to make, she had to put a tremendous amount of faith and trust in God.
Application
I need to be looking for the opportunities God places me in. Being placed there doesn't mean it will be easy. My part is to obey and trust Him that whatever the outcome is, it will benefit the Kingdom of God.
Prayer
Do lead me and place me for the Kingdoms benefit Father. May I seek to see what you have set before me each day. Let me act in obedience and trust to see your Kingdom come to pass in my generation.
Esther 4:14 ...Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Observation
God placed Esther in the right place at the right time. It still wasn't an easy decision for Esther to make, she had to put a tremendous amount of faith and trust in God.
Application
I need to be looking for the opportunities God places me in. Being placed there doesn't mean it will be easy. My part is to obey and trust Him that whatever the outcome is, it will benefit the Kingdom of God.
Prayer
Do lead me and place me for the Kingdoms benefit Father. May I seek to see what you have set before me each day. Let me act in obedience and trust to see your Kingdom come to pass in my generation.
Oct. 1
Scripture
Zech. 11:17 Woe to the worthless shepherd who deserts the flock...
Observation
There are leaders who abandon the people they are called to protect. It could be physically, emotionally or spiritually.
Application
I am a very loyal person. I plan to be here at Father's House until God is done with me. I have no problem ever abandoning this group physically. My weakness would be the temptation to leave emotionally or spiritually. Discouragement, frustration or stress can cause me to go AWOL. That could be as bad as leaving physically. I must look to God as my strength and source. He will never leave me or forsake me. Through His power I can minister with loyalty in all aspects of life.
Prayer
God forgive me of being emotionally or spiritually absent at times. Help me keep my eyes only on you for my strength. Allow me to lead with full integrity this group of people you have blessed me with.
Zech. 11:17 Woe to the worthless shepherd who deserts the flock...
Observation
There are leaders who abandon the people they are called to protect. It could be physically, emotionally or spiritually.
Application
I am a very loyal person. I plan to be here at Father's House until God is done with me. I have no problem ever abandoning this group physically. My weakness would be the temptation to leave emotionally or spiritually. Discouragement, frustration or stress can cause me to go AWOL. That could be as bad as leaving physically. I must look to God as my strength and source. He will never leave me or forsake me. Through His power I can minister with loyalty in all aspects of life.
Prayer
God forgive me of being emotionally or spiritually absent at times. Help me keep my eyes only on you for my strength. Allow me to lead with full integrity this group of people you have blessed me with.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
