Scripture
Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.
Observation
I wonder if Solomon wrote this before or after he was graying? I've always disliked my gray hair but I do like this spin on it.
Application
I am going to claim this scripture. In stead of the church or my children causing my gray hair, it will be righteous living.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for the years you have blessed me with. Please allow me many more to see your work done here on earth. Amen
May 26, 2010
Scripture
Proverbs 3:1-2 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
Observation
The book of Proverbs is filled with profound passages, we can glean so much from these pages. Here, God is telling us that if we heed His word long life and prosperity will follow.
Application
Living a long and prosperous life is every one's desire. Not only will we enjoy it if we do it in a Godly fashion, it will also bless those around us. As I desire to have His will done here on earth as it is in heaven, He will give me the time and resources to see that accomplished.
Prayer
Father, grant me the years and resources to do your will here on earth. Let my work be fruitful in your eyes that I might continue until your return. Amen
Proverbs 3:1-2 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
Observation
The book of Proverbs is filled with profound passages, we can glean so much from these pages. Here, God is telling us that if we heed His word long life and prosperity will follow.
Application
Living a long and prosperous life is every one's desire. Not only will we enjoy it if we do it in a Godly fashion, it will also bless those around us. As I desire to have His will done here on earth as it is in heaven, He will give me the time and resources to see that accomplished.
Prayer
Father, grant me the years and resources to do your will here on earth. Let my work be fruitful in your eyes that I might continue until your return. Amen
May 23, 2010
Scripture
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.
Observation
This is God's answer to Solomon's prayer. The people had come together in unity, obedience and sacrifice. This is a powerful statement of what is required to witness the power of God in our lives.
Application
Four things I need to do to hear from God; humble myself, pray, seek His character and turn away from evil. God really spells it out here. How many times do we ask, "What should I do?" or "How can I know God's will?" This is the answer.
Prayer
Father, help me to turn from evil, to know you better, to pray and be humble. As I accomplish those things with your help I will see your salvation and healing in my life. Amen
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.
Observation
This is God's answer to Solomon's prayer. The people had come together in unity, obedience and sacrifice. This is a powerful statement of what is required to witness the power of God in our lives.
Application
Four things I need to do to hear from God; humble myself, pray, seek His character and turn away from evil. God really spells it out here. How many times do we ask, "What should I do?" or "How can I know God's will?" This is the answer.
Prayer
Father, help me to turn from evil, to know you better, to pray and be humble. As I accomplish those things with your help I will see your salvation and healing in my life. Amen
May 21, 2010
Scripture
Psalm 98:2 The Lord has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness to the nations.
Observation
God has made himself known to all people in some way. He continues to prove himself to all those that seek him even to this day and age.
Application
I am truly amazed at how God shows His power to people over and over again. We get distracted, turn away or even run from Him at times only to find that God does something to turn our focus back toward Him. He does everything possible to get us into a relationship with Him.
Prayer
Thank you God for showing me your power and mercy continually. I pray that I will always recognize what you are doing in my life. Amen
Psalm 98:2 The Lord has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness to the nations.
Observation
God has made himself known to all people in some way. He continues to prove himself to all those that seek him even to this day and age.
Application
I am truly amazed at how God shows His power to people over and over again. We get distracted, turn away or even run from Him at times only to find that God does something to turn our focus back toward Him. He does everything possible to get us into a relationship with Him.
Prayer
Thank you God for showing me your power and mercy continually. I pray that I will always recognize what you are doing in my life. Amen
May 13, 2010
Scripture
2 Samuel 24:24 But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.
Observation
David need to worship God with sacrifice in order to save Jerusalem. Araunah wanted to be of help, he offered the land, oxen and even the wooden cart for burning the sacrifice. That would have been Araunah's sacrifice not David's.
Application
In order for it to be a sacrifice it must be of value to us. What do I value? Money and time are the first things that come to mind, but as I dig deeper, pride and independence spring up also. Romans 12:2 tells me that my body is to be a living sacrifice to God. That includes my pride, independence and even my will.
Prayer
God, help me put aside the things that I value and take up the things that you value. I know that what you value will last throughout eternity. Amen
2 Samuel 24:24 But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.
Observation
David need to worship God with sacrifice in order to save Jerusalem. Araunah wanted to be of help, he offered the land, oxen and even the wooden cart for burning the sacrifice. That would have been Araunah's sacrifice not David's.
Application
In order for it to be a sacrifice it must be of value to us. What do I value? Money and time are the first things that come to mind, but as I dig deeper, pride and independence spring up also. Romans 12:2 tells me that my body is to be a living sacrifice to God. That includes my pride, independence and even my will.
Prayer
God, help me put aside the things that I value and take up the things that you value. I know that what you value will last throughout eternity. Amen
May 11, 2010
Scripture
Psalm 56:11 ...in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Observation
In chapter 55, the psalmist was agonizing over a close friend betraying him. Now in chapter 56 he realizes that it is all about God and not man. He knows that only God can do anything against him that really matters.
Application
As I look at my life, the times that I have been truly hurt, was at the hands of a confidant. Correspondingly, I have hurt those closest to me. This lets me know that only God will be truly faithful to us. I can not put my trust in man no matter how close they are but I must continue to love and show myself friendly just as Jesus did.
Prayer
Forgive me Father for the times I have sinned against you and hurt my fellow brothers and sisters. Grant me the grace to forgive those that have hurt me. To not carry an offense. I do trust in you Lord. Amen
Psalm 56:11 ...in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Observation
In chapter 55, the psalmist was agonizing over a close friend betraying him. Now in chapter 56 he realizes that it is all about God and not man. He knows that only God can do anything against him that really matters.
Application
As I look at my life, the times that I have been truly hurt, was at the hands of a confidant. Correspondingly, I have hurt those closest to me. This lets me know that only God will be truly faithful to us. I can not put my trust in man no matter how close they are but I must continue to love and show myself friendly just as Jesus did.
Prayer
Forgive me Father for the times I have sinned against you and hurt my fellow brothers and sisters. Grant me the grace to forgive those that have hurt me. To not carry an offense. I do trust in you Lord. Amen
May 7,2010
Scripture
2 Samuel 14:14 ...But God does not take away life; instead, He devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from Him.
Observation
David's son, Absalom, had taken vengeance out on his brother Ammon. He then went to one of the cities of refuge to save his own life and could not return home. David is reminded here of God's unlimited love for His children. That He will go further than any of us would expect of Him.
Application
Such a beautiful picture of God's grace. He "devises ways" for us to return to Him. He doesn't have rules set in stone that we have to do for restoration. Only to repent. He will create new ways to woo us to Him. This is true forgiveness, to go out of your way to restore a broken relationship.
Prayer
Thank you God for restoring us as we repent after failing you. Your unending love has no bounds. We are continually blessed by your grace toward us. Help me forgive as you have forgiven. Amen
2 Samuel 14:14 ...But God does not take away life; instead, He devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from Him.
Observation
David's son, Absalom, had taken vengeance out on his brother Ammon. He then went to one of the cities of refuge to save his own life and could not return home. David is reminded here of God's unlimited love for His children. That He will go further than any of us would expect of Him.
Application
Such a beautiful picture of God's grace. He "devises ways" for us to return to Him. He doesn't have rules set in stone that we have to do for restoration. Only to repent. He will create new ways to woo us to Him. This is true forgiveness, to go out of your way to restore a broken relationship.
Prayer
Thank you God for restoring us as we repent after failing you. Your unending love has no bounds. We are continually blessed by your grace toward us. Help me forgive as you have forgiven. Amen
May 5, 2010
Scripture
2 Samuel 10:11 Joab said, if the Arameans are too strong for me, then you come to my rescue; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to rescue you.
Observation
They could see that a hard battle was coming their way. They made their strategies to win but knew that they may need to depend on help from each other to secure a victory.
Application
How often do I fight the battles that come my way without even letting my fellow warriors know that I am in a fight? I thank God that He has placed me in a group of believers that will fight for each other. I just need to let them know when the battle is on.
Prayer
Thank you God for the brothers and sisters at Father's House. People who will stand in battle beside each other. Thank you for your church, the Bride of Christ. Let me be ready to fight the good fight for my fellow citizens of your Kingdom. Amen
2 Samuel 10:11 Joab said, if the Arameans are too strong for me, then you come to my rescue; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to rescue you.
Observation
They could see that a hard battle was coming their way. They made their strategies to win but knew that they may need to depend on help from each other to secure a victory.
Application
How often do I fight the battles that come my way without even letting my fellow warriors know that I am in a fight? I thank God that He has placed me in a group of believers that will fight for each other. I just need to let them know when the battle is on.
Prayer
Thank you God for the brothers and sisters at Father's House. People who will stand in battle beside each other. Thank you for your church, the Bride of Christ. Let me be ready to fight the good fight for my fellow citizens of your Kingdom. Amen
May 3, 2010
Scripture
Psalm 2:10-11
Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.
Observation
God is admonishing the people in charge here on earth to put Him first. To act morally, honestly and with integrity. That they should do this knowing that ultimately He is in charge.
Application
I need to continually pray for the salvation of our leaders. Not to just complain about the state of things but to do what we can to change things. Most of the time that comes just through prayer.
Prayer
God, I pray for the leaders of our nation, state and city. That they would turn to you for direction. That we as a country would humble ourselves and turn toward you for our salvation. Help me do what I can to show your love in my community. Amen
Psalm 2:10-11
Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.
Observation
God is admonishing the people in charge here on earth to put Him first. To act morally, honestly and with integrity. That they should do this knowing that ultimately He is in charge.
Application
I need to continually pray for the salvation of our leaders. Not to just complain about the state of things but to do what we can to change things. Most of the time that comes just through prayer.
Prayer
God, I pray for the leaders of our nation, state and city. That they would turn to you for direction. That we as a country would humble ourselves and turn toward you for our salvation. Help me do what I can to show your love in my community. Amen
April 30, 2010
Scripture
1 Chron. 13:14 The Ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed his household and everything he had.
Observation
Because of David's impatience the Ark of God was placed in the house of Obed-Edom. The presence of the Lord blessed all he had by merely being there. After this Obed-Edom is mentioned several times as being one of the gate-keepers for the Ark.
Application
Obed-Edom did nothing but allow the presence of the Lord into his house and everything he had prospered. God wants to bless us. Sometimes I make it harder than it should be. I need to simply allow His presence into my life and home more.
Prayer
Father, help me keep it simple. I ask that your presence would be with me constantly. Not just for your blessings but that I might know that you are leading my thoughts and decisions. Amen
1 Chron. 13:14 The Ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed his household and everything he had.
Observation
Because of David's impatience the Ark of God was placed in the house of Obed-Edom. The presence of the Lord blessed all he had by merely being there. After this Obed-Edom is mentioned several times as being one of the gate-keepers for the Ark.
Application
Obed-Edom did nothing but allow the presence of the Lord into his house and everything he had prospered. God wants to bless us. Sometimes I make it harder than it should be. I need to simply allow His presence into my life and home more.
Prayer
Father, help me keep it simple. I ask that your presence would be with me constantly. Not just for your blessings but that I might know that you are leading my thoughts and decisions. Amen
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