Scripture
Isaiah 53:5 But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought our peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.
Observation
Isaiah, prophesying hundreds of years before even the birth of Christ, speaks in past tense of His crucifixion. This was God's plan for the world's salvation from the beginning. Not "plan B" after Adam and Eve messed up. Jesus knew what His purpose was, and He went toward it with unshakable determination, for our salvation and healing.
Application
God loves us so much. He foretold His son's death, and in doing so, told of the greatest victory the world has ever witnessed. I have victory over death, sickness and hell, because of this victory. The knowledge that He suffered for my sin aids me in my fight against temptation.
Prayer
Father, let me always remember what my sin has cost, the suffering and death of Jesus. May I never take it for granted. Amen
July 20, 2010
Scripture
James 4:3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
Observation
What are our motives for asking God for more? We may be blaming God for not giving, when really we may be blessed, if in fact our motives were more about His kingdom and not ours.
Application
I need to keep the "Kingdom of God" values at the forefront of my thoughts while asking God for help. God is looking to bless us as we bless others. The more I think of others the less I think about my WANTS.
Prayer
Lord, keep my motives pure. Let me know when they or not in your will. Show me your kingdom more each day. May I let the needs of others come before my own desires. Amen
James 4:3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
Observation
What are our motives for asking God for more? We may be blaming God for not giving, when really we may be blessed, if in fact our motives were more about His kingdom and not ours.
Application
I need to keep the "Kingdom of God" values at the forefront of my thoughts while asking God for help. God is looking to bless us as we bless others. The more I think of others the less I think about my WANTS.
Prayer
Lord, keep my motives pure. Let me know when they or not in your will. Show me your kingdom more each day. May I let the needs of others come before my own desires. Amen
July 14, 2010
Scripture
Hebrews 11:16 Instead, they were longing for a better country---a heavenly one. Therefore god is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
Observation
The patriarchs believed in what God promised, even though they would never see it. That is faith in the character of God, not the deeds of God. This type of faith was the reason for the pride that God had for those people.
Application
Am I faithful because of what God can do for me, or am I faithful because of who He is? His character is worthy of all my worship. His blessings to me are just a byproduct of being His child.
Prayer
May I always love you Lord for who you are, not for what you can do. I will worship you in the good times, and the bad. If I have much or nothing, you are still "Lord" of my life.
Hebrews 11:16 Instead, they were longing for a better country---a heavenly one. Therefore god is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
Observation
The patriarchs believed in what God promised, even though they would never see it. That is faith in the character of God, not the deeds of God. This type of faith was the reason for the pride that God had for those people.
Application
Am I faithful because of what God can do for me, or am I faithful because of who He is? His character is worthy of all my worship. His blessings to me are just a byproduct of being His child.
Prayer
May I always love you Lord for who you are, not for what you can do. I will worship you in the good times, and the bad. If I have much or nothing, you are still "Lord" of my life.
July 9, 2010
Scripture
Hebrews 6:18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged.
Observation
God can not lie!!! That makes every promise in the Bible even more profound. They are not empty chattering or crystal goals that shatter when the first test comes along. They are full, rich and pure. They are promises to live by, and be encouraged by.
Application
All of the warnings, stories and promises become more alive to me, knowing that God can not lie. Everyone else may stray from the truth, not God.
Prayer
Thank you, Father, for being you. Help me accept all of your words as truth to my soul. Let me be a person that tells the truth always. Amen
Hebrews 6:18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged.
Observation
God can not lie!!! That makes every promise in the Bible even more profound. They are not empty chattering or crystal goals that shatter when the first test comes along. They are full, rich and pure. They are promises to live by, and be encouraged by.
Application
All of the warnings, stories and promises become more alive to me, knowing that God can not lie. Everyone else may stray from the truth, not God.
Prayer
Thank you, Father, for being you. Help me accept all of your words as truth to my soul. Let me be a person that tells the truth always. Amen
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