What a Day of Rejoicing That Will Be!

SCRIPTURE
(Revelation 19:5&6) "And a voice came from the throne, saying, 'Give praise to our God, all you His bondservants, you who fear Him, the small and the great.' And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude and as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, 'Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the almighty, reigns.'"


OBSERVATION
At the end of the judgements upon fallen mankind, a voice calls for praise of the most high God. After cleansing comes praise. Once justice has been served the way for Christ's return is open. And just like His triumphal entry into Jerusalem before His crucifixion, there will be a triumphal entry this time for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, with enough celebrating that it sounds like thunder.


APPLICATION
When we allow Christ to cleanse our lives, praise results. All who become servants of the most high God have reason to rejoice. Those who have made themselves their own god will pay the price for sin and wail for eternity for their hardness of heart. You can wail in agony or you can rejoice in praise. It all depends upon what you do personally with Jesus Christ.

PRAYER
Lord, let me be found faithful sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all who will hear. I want to be a part of that great choir ushering in the triumphal entry at the second coming of Christ.

The Wrath of God, Should I Duck?

SCRIPTURE
(Revelation 15:1) "And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels who had seven plagues, which are the last, because in them the wrath of God is finished."

OBSERVATION
Do not think that because God is merciful, forgiving, and compassionate, that He is not also angry, just, and a dispenser of wrath. The sins of mankind have not gone unnoticed. The book of Revelations, which literally means disclosure, is about the judgement of God against His fallen creation, disclosed or revealed at the end of time.

APPLICATION
There is a cost for sin that must be paid. We can apply the redemptive work of the cross, paid by Jesus to remove our sins, or we can pay for our sins ourselves. If you chose the later, you better duck! However, that will do you little good. The plagues and the judgements that will be poored out on sinful mankind leave no place to run or hide. The agony and the pain of God's wrath is a price that is tooo heavy to pay for momentary selfish gratification. With the blood of Jesus poored on our sins we can and are made holy, blameless, and perfect. No need to duck.

PRAYER
God, give me Your urgency to share the hope of Jesus with a generation Hell bent on pleasing themselves. Let my words be seasoned with Your love to bring conviction and repentence to lost souls in my realm of influence.

Power to Overcome the Evil One

SCRIPTURE
(Revelation 12:10 & 11) "And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, 'Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night. And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death.'"

OBSERVATION
At the end of the ages Satan and his host are cast down and conquered. John gives the key to accessing the power to overcome satan in our lives: the blood of Jesus applied to the sins of a repentent soul; and the word of our testimony. Sharing with others what God has done and is doing for you will destroy the power and the hold that satan has upon you in any way.

APPLICATION
What is the source of hesitation we all feel when asked to share our testimony in a public place? Satan will speak fear and doubt into your ear to make you stop sharing with others. He is defeated if you share your faith, even though he wants to kill you, steal from you and destroy you if you do tell others about Christ. Defeat the devil in your life by making Jesus Lord of your life and telling others about it.

PRAYER
Lord, I surrender my fears to You and ask for Your empowering boldness to tell others about Jesus. At the end of the ages I want to be counted as one who overcame the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony.

Pay Attention to This!

SCRIPTURE Hebrew 2:1-3

Gifts for you!
1We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

OBSERVATION
Have you ever wondered if Heaven or salvation was a myth? Is Jesus coming down to earth as a baby in a manger just a cute story? As an adult we sometimes forget the miracle of Christmas. We forget what the Prophet Isaiah prophecied:

In Isaiah 6:9 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Jesus is wonderful person who has come to give us the gift of life, the gift of Salvation, Peace, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He confirms everyday that he loves us through signs, wonders, miracles and gift of the Holy Spirit.
APPLICATION
I am so glad that God does confirm salvation for us. What he did thousands of years ago is still for us today. It is not just a good read. The bible is not just another New York times best seller, only to be put on our shelves in a couple of months. We need to focus and pay attention to what he is doing today through his people. He is still the STAR of Bethlehem. He performs all types of cool miracles, and gives us signs. Several months ago I preached a message on a Wed night. I used a Country Western song called, " The three Wooden Crosses" by Randy Travis. I showed the music video and preached on how we need the Salvation of the Lord. That night we had 12 teens give their life to the Lord. I was so excited to see so many people respond to this message, but for me the miracle and the sign happen after the service as my family was driving home from church. One of my children looked up into the sky and said out loud, look dad there are three crosses in the sky. I looked up and the sky was dark but over our car was three clouds in the shape of perfect crosses. You can ask my children if you do not believe me, but that night God was giving me a sign. My children did not here the message or know about the video,They just saw the sign. This sort of things happens to me all the time, but they are not just for me they are for all of us.

PRAYER
Today, I pray that you will make your self known to all of us. Thank you for helping us with our unbelief. I pray that you will make your self known to those that have doubt or unbelief about your love, that you will give them a sign. I pray that you will give them a sign, like you gave the shepherds in the field on the day that you where born. I pray that you would give them a miracle this Christmas. I love you Dad, thanks for all the cool gifts this year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR25g1JJJ6M

Fan into Flames

SCRIPTURE 2 Tim 1:3-7

3I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

OBSERVATION
God did not give us a spirit of timidity. God gave us power, love and self control. So many of us forget or spiritual heritage. We come from a long line of strong Christians. For example my Grandmother and my mother love the lord with all their heart, mind, and strength and they raised me to be a spiritual giant not some weak christian that is timid. I come from a family that put God first and made him #1. We did not bow to the spirit of fear, but we chased the spirit of fear down. I forget that God has given us the victory and that if we believe in him he will make us Victorious.

APPLICATION
Lord help me to fan into flame the little spark that of power that you have put inside of me. Like a fire that is being built, it needs oxygen to start. I need you to breath your Holy Spirit on me. Do not allow me to burn out or get smothered by the things of the world. I need the Spirit to blow on me like a fire needs someone to fan the flames. I do not want to die out like a poorly lit fire. I want to be a Christian that is on fire for you.
PRAYER
Lord send me your Spirit to fan my flames. I want to have a passion for you, a passion for lost and a passion for the world. I want people to see that you have raised me to be a victor and not timid christian. Please help me to have boldness and to let my light shine.

Let it Ring

SCRIPTURE
You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of sever suffering, you welcomed the message with joy given by the Holy Spirit.  And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.  The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia - your faith in God has become known everywhere.

I Thessalonians 1:4-8

OBSERVATION
What a success story of a new community of believers.  The church is Thessalonica began with a bang.  Paul commends the church for becoming a model to other believers.  It's interesting here that Paul uses the singular "model" emphasizing the community of believers rather than "models," which would emphasize individuals.  It seems like a portion of their success happened because they were a true community.  Of this community, Paul admired their "work produced by faith, their labor prompted by love, and their endurance inspired by hope."  The result, the message of the Lord rang out from Thessalonica to the ancient world.  

APPLICATION

What a community of faith!  Not only were the Thessalonicans a model to the believers in their day, but they are a model for us today.  And they are model not just how we are to live as individual believers, but as a community of Jesus' followers.  Together, we can pursue work produced by faith.  Together, we can develop labor prompted by love.  And together, we can experience endurance inspired by hope.  We truly are better together when we are a Christ-centered community.  If we can do this, then, like the Thessalonicans, our faith, love and hope will "ring out" to those around us.

PRAYER
Father, help Koinonia to be a place of true community characterized by faith, love and hope.  Use us to spread your message of grace and mercy to those who haven't heard.

Thanksgiving

SCRIPTURE
And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.  At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

Matthew 27:50-51

OBSERVATION
The crucifixion was a violent and brutal event.  Jesus was beaten, bruised and bloodied even before he reached the cross.  All this was done for the sake of restoring God with his creation, so that we could have a new life in God.  At the moment of Jesus' death, the curtain of the temple was torn in two.  The curtain formed the entrance and barrier to the Holy of Holies.  It separated God's holiness from humanity's sinfulness.  Jesus' act on the cross removed this separation.  

APPLICATION
What a great reminder of Jesus' love for us.  He willingly endured suffering and death so that we could be made whole, so that we could experience a new life in God's presence.  How appropriate that this passage fell on Thanksgiving.  We have many things to be thankful for, but nothing should outweigh our thankfulness for God's love.  

PRAYER
Father, thank you for salvation.  Thank you for deliverance.  Thank you for grace and mercy.  Thank you for your love.

Religious Stuff

SCRIPTURE
Everything they do is done for men to see:  They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.'

Matthew 23:5-7

OBSERVATION
Here, Jesus talks about the teachers of the law and the Pharisees.  He says that their source of motivation is pride and recognition.  On the outside, they do all the "religious" stuff.  They not only do the religious stuff, they excel at the religious stuff.  They wore big phylacteries. Phylacteries are a pair of black leather boxes containing scrolls with biblical verses.  They were worn to serve as a remembrance of God's deliverance.  The same was true of the tassels.  Two items that were supposed to remind the Jews of God's deliverance and faithfulness were twisted into objects of pride.

APPLICATION
Like the Jews, how often have I taken something that is intended to draw me closer to God and used it to bring attention to myself.  Maybe a prayer, a comment, a message, a blog entry....  Like the Pharisees, I've take religious stuff and used it to build myself up in the eyes of others.  At times, I've let the opinion and perception of others cloud my pursuit of God.  But, I'm not living my life for others.  I'm living my life for God.  Or, at least, I want to be.  I need to consistently place my focus of God.

PRAYER
Father, forgive me for those times when I have drawn attention to myself rather than to your glory.  Help me to live my life solely and wholly for you.

490

SCRIPTURE
The servant fell on his knees before him.  'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.'  The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.  But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii.  He grabbed him and began to choke him.  'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.

Matthew 18:26-28

OBSERVATION
Here is a story of a servant who has been forgiven greatly, but when given the opportunity to forgive another, he withholds grace.  Jesus tells this parable when asked by the disciples how many times we are to forgive someone.  The disciples were looking for a specific answer, something like, "7 times, that ought to do."  But Jesus responds by telling them they should forgive 70 times 7, 490 times.  490 times!  Jesus seems to take away the rational of trying to count how many times we've forgiven someone.  Who could remember that many instances?  Who would keep a tally?  And then, just after dropping the 490 bomb, he tells this parable.  The point?  It's not about numbers, it's about being a forgiving person.  Forgiveness is not something  a 'to do list,' but rather an inner attitude of the heart that stems from love.  

APPLICATION

I have to be careful not to look at forgiveness as something "to-do."  Sometimes, I can think I need to forgive someone out of Christian duty or obligation.  And while we are directed by Jesus to forgive others, Jesus seems to want us to be forgiving people.  People who forgive from the heart in response of the great forgiveness that has been extended to them.  That great forgiveness was motivated solely by love.  My forgiveness towards others should be the same.

PRAYER
Father, help me to become a person so full of your love, that I naturally forgive those who hurt me.

So What Are You Worried About?

SCRIPTURE
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.


OBSERVATION
Matthew 6 verses 25-34 are all about not worrying about personal needs being filled. Whether food, clothes or the future, the passage reminds us that God is big enough to care for each and every one of us. Worrying does no good at all!

Verse 27 says, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" And yet that is what we do all the time. In this time of economic downturn, it is so easy to start worrying about the future and about whether there will be enough for tomorrow. We start to worry and we start to hoard and hold rather then give and release. What good is it? None at all.

Above all, the principle to remember is that when we seek God's kingdom first, then everything else will be taken care of. Keep the priorities straight and He will supply all of our needs. It is so simple and yet we get distracted and filled with disbelief so often.

I had a father in the faith tell me recently, "God's people will be just fine in this economic downturn." This man had learned the principle of seeking God first, and has seen, time and again, that God provides for His children. He wasn't worried and He wasn't going to worry.


APPLICATION
Today I am not going to worry about the future. I'm not going to worry about the economic markets or downturn. Yes, I am going to pray about it, but I'm not going to be panicked. I'm not going to stop giving and I may even give more! After all, if God is the one who supplies, His economics are not dependent upon the world's!

PRAYER
Lord, today help me to keep my focus on pursuing You and Your Kingdom. You promise that you will supply all my needs (not all my wants) according to Your riches in glory. Let me not spend wasted time on worrying about things I can do nothing about. I love you! Amen.

Resist the Devil

SCRIPTURE
Matthew 4:11
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.


OBSERVATION
It is always instructive to look at how Jesus responded to the temptation of the Enemy and to also see how long the Enemy put up a fight! I have heard people yell at the devil many times — but one of the most effective strategies, I think, is this one modeled by Jesus. When the Enemy tempts Him in the wilderness, Jesus does not yell and scream, He simply resists the Devil's attacks by responding with the Word of God. If this is not spiritual warfare, what is?

Further, the devil can only fight for so long! I love this part! He attacks Jesus three times and then leaves.


APPLICATION
The Word of God is our sword -- it is our weapon that is suitable for, as Paul says to Timothy, "reproof, correction and training in righteousness." It is sharp and it is effective. But do I know how to use it? Do I apply the Word when the Enemy attacks? Or do I respond with noisy but not so effective responses? Today, I will use the Word to respond to the attack of the Enemy!

The C3 technique taught in the Battlezone men's discipleship training program is this. When encountering temptation:
1. Call a timeout.
2. Confess the temptation and ask God for the way of escape.
3. Choose to obey the Holy Spirit and walk away from temptation, declaring His Word appropriate to the occasion.

PRAYER
Lord, as I commit even more to hide your Word in my heart, teach me how to use this powerful weapon against the attack of the Enemy. Make me a warrior like Jesus! Amen.

Holiness is Key

SCRIPTURE
2 Corinthians 12:21
I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.

OBSERVATION
Paul is very concerned with the purity of the church. In this section he spends a lot of time demonstrating his credentials so that the Corinthians know that he is qualified to speak to them with authority. He does so in order that they would respond to his message -- the message of repentance!


APPLICATION
My purity and holiness is VERY IMPORTANT! I am part of the church and Christ desires His bride to be pure and ready for His return. The question I must ask myself is, "What am I doing to maintain the bride's purity?" Similarly, I must encourage others to live their lives in purity for Christ's sake. It is so easy to mess up and then go on as if nothing every happened, but Paul is saying 'repent'!

PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for allowing impurity to creep into my life! It seems that I am surrounded on every side by a world that seeks to convince my that small compromises are okay — but a little sin is like a little leaven, it spoils the whole loaf! Father, help me to resist the enemy today and to walk in your power! Amen.

SCRIPTURE
2 Corinthians 7:1
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.


OBSERVATION
There is so much in this section! But I write today of what jumped out at me from the very beginning...the first verse! Paul is reminding those who believe in Christ to purify themselves. Believers are to purify themselves because of the promises — what promises? The promises Paul has been laying out from chapter one to chapter six: God has delivered us from the sentence of death, that we are victorious in Christ, that we are part of the New Covenant and have hope in the resurrection and in the presence of the Spirit of the Lord, and on and on.

Further, he is directing believers everywhere to purify themselves from EVERYTHING that contaminates body and spirit. Believers are to pure in both their physical body and in the spiritual beings.

APPLICATION
How quickly I forget that my job here on earth is not to make myself happy, not to accomplish my goals, and not to look out for number one. I can so easily find excuses for small compromises that demonstrate a decided LACK of faith in His promises. When I buy the enemy's lies that the Father's ways are somehow not fulfilling and that the way of the flesh will make me happy, I rob myself of the victory that He wants to demonstrate in me.

Today I declare that I am a vessel made for the Master and that His holiness will dwell in me! Today, I lay aside thoughts, impurities, greedy fingers, gossiping lips, deceitful words, wandering eyes — and I seek His strength and power!

PRAYER
Lord, thanks for the reminder and the encouragement! I am not my own, I am bought with a price! I sacrifice the desires of my flesh now so that Your holiness might be present in me. Because of your direction, I determine to walk in your ways, not by my power, but by Your Spirit. Amen.

Let Us Not Become Weary

SCRIPTURE
Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

OBSERVATION
I've often used this verse to encourage myself whenever the going gets tough or I just don't "feel like" doing whatever . . . and not because of the harvest I will reap. I press on because I know it's what Jesus did. How many times does the Bible record that Jesus was tired and yet the people followed Him, wanting more and more of Him. He pressed on, but did make time to get away and pray and, on occasion, rest.

Verse 10 goes on to say that 'as we have opportunity' we are to do good to others, especially Christians. Hmmm, how many times have I had an opportunity and let it pass me by? How many times has an opportunity presented itself and I was simply not sensitive enough or in tune with the Holy Spirit enough to see it as such?

APPLICATION
Here's what I'm taking away from these verses today. First, unless I'm praying or getting needed rest, I will press on - not becoming weary in doing good. God will give me what I need to overcome my weariness. Secondly, I am going to look, I mean REALLY look, for the opportunities to do good to all people on a regular . . . no, on a daily basis.

PRAYER
Father, I pray for supernatural ability, strength and energy when it comes to doing good. Please give me wisdom to discern what "good" I should be doing so I do not try to do everything. I know you have not called me to do everything. So I ask that it is clear to me what good I am to do. I also pray for Your sensitivity and love when it comes to opportunities I am to act upon. Let not another such opportunity pass me by due to lack of caring or awareness. Amen.

Zealous for the Right Purpose

SCRIPTURE
Galatians 4:18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you.


OBSERVATION
Paul is writing this letter to the Galatians because they are being persuaded by others to go back to the old covenant law and away from the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul observes that they are falling back into old legalistic habits that the Pharisees observed to gain favor in God's eyes. He says that these people are zealous to win the Galatians over, but for no good. He even states in verse 11 that he fears he has wasted his efforts on them.

Paul goes on to state that it is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good.


APPLICATION
So, if Paul tells us it's okay to be zealous for the right purpose, we must only be zealous for Jesus. But not like a crazy zealout, who acts out in silly, embarrassing ways which might turn people away from Jesus. But, instead, to be on fire for the Lord in a righteous zealousness that can be used by the Holy Spirit in pointing others to the kingdom of God.

What attracted me to this verse is that Paul goes on to say to the Galatians that they are to do so even when he is not with them.

This immediately reminded me that I am to pursue righteousness and to be on fire for the Lord at all times, not just when people are watching. I am to live out Jesus' love constantly, not only when I'm in church or around other Christians. I am to be transparent in my life because the One King who matters most of all is always observing me.

PRAYER
Father God, please make me mindful, every second of every day, that You are observing how I reflect your Son. Keep me aware that, at times - to some people, I am the only representative of Christ they might see. Forgive me when I fall short of being on fire with a zealousness that would attract others to your kingdom. Thank you for Your son, THE example and for Your word, our guide to life. Amen.

Don't Take for Granted . . .

SCRIPTURE
Job 29:2-6 How I long for the months gone by, for the days when God watched over me, when his lamp shone upon my head and by his light I walked through darkness! Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house, when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me, when my path was drenched with cream and the rock poured out for me streams of olive oil.


OBSERVATION
Job has lost everything - family and servants, wealth and material possessions, his respect and credibility in the community. He feels deserted by God. He feels that God has taken away all of His blessings.

In these verses, Job cries and longs for the days when all of these things were still a part of his life. He acknowledges that all of these blessings were from God and since they have all been stripped from him, he assumes that God is no longer with him.

He indicates that those were the days of his prime. When everywhere he went, God's light lit his way. It would be easy to see how he felt that God was gone. Not only is everything gone, but he is also being falsely accused of wickedness as a result of all of these curses.

How confused Job must have been through all of these trials. Here was a man, living a righteous life suffering horror upon horror! But even in the midst of all of this, Job does not curse nor blame God. He does not reject nor deny God. He merely feels separated from Him.

How often we question God over much smaller things. The Bible tells us our righteousness is like filthy rags. Yet we cringe at the thought of trials and losses much smaller than what Job endured. We are always asking, "why?".

APPLICATION
I think I can use Job as a model for me in two ways. #1 - Don't take for granted the blessings God has given me - family, children, home, provision, credibility, respect, and #2 - when I am feeling cursed or separated from God, realize that He is always there; He is always in control; He loves me more than I can comprehend; He has my best interest at heart; and He will deliver me.

PRAYER
Lord, I offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for all that You have blessed me with! It is more than I deserve. I also ask forgiveness for the many times I have questioned You and pray that I will become totally blind in my faith and trust upon You - at all times and in all situations. AMEN.

I Will Maintain

SCRIPTURE
Job 27:2-6 As surely as God lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty, who has made me taste bitterness of soul, as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit. I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity. I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.


OBSERVATION
Because Job is being persecuted, he has been accused of wickedness. Here he defends himself against these accusations and continues to stand up for righteousness. He states he will never admit to what he has being accused of and that until he dies, he will maintain his integrity. It sounds that he is not only defending himself but also reaffirming his Godly life - to others and to himself. It feels like he is encouraging himself to 'fight the good fight', despite the doubts of others.


APPLICATION
While reading these Scriptures, I was so moved by Job's stand. The entire chapter speaks to his determination even in the darkest of days. He's lost everything and nearly everyone he loves. His wife and his friends have mocked and accused him. And yet, he continues to stand firm for the Lord.

You know, I'd like to think and say that I would do the same thing if I were in Job's shoes. But, quite honestly, if all of these things had happened to me, I'm not sure how I would react. I often think about how I would conduct myself if I was persecuted for my faith and I imagine a strong stance. I think we all do. But we are weak in our humanness.

So, how to we combat the really BIG battles when and if they come? It has to start with mastering the small battles. It has to be on the foundation of a strong prayer life and relationship with Jesus. We certainly can't do it alone! As humans, we would fail. But, God can provide the supernatural everything that we need in the toughest of times.

I often think the main thing that separates believes from non-believers is that one fact. No matter what hardship we may encounter, we have a hope that is Jesus Christ.

PRAYER
Father, strengthen me daily so that I can stand firm when the storms come. I want to remain steadfast in my reliance upon you. Strengthen my faith and keep me in a daily pursuit of righteousness. Amen.

Did You Wash Your Hands?

SCRIPTURE
(Mark 7:5 & 15) "And the Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, 'Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?'. . . there is nothing outside the man which going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man."


OBSERVATION
Tradition often becomes the norm by which people form their convictions. For many, during the time of Christ, external cleanliness was a sign of godliness. Jesus took the opportunity to challenge their shallow beliefs, and focused on the importance of the state of one's heart. A lot of people with clean hands will spend eternity seperated from a Holy God.


APPLICATION
How often today do we put a great emphasis on doing good things. Many people are convinced that if they lead a good life, helping others, they will receive God's favor and "go to heaven to be with Him." Good deeds and clean hands still won't gain you entrance into heaven. The Psalmist writes, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." The only soap that cleanses the heart and renews the spirit of a person is the blood of Jesus. Have you washed your heart today?

PRAYER
Father, I pray that my actions will be a reflection of my heart. Cleanse me from within and I will be able to serve You externally.

I Don't Have Time to Rest

SCRIPTURE
(Mark 6:30&31) "And the apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. And He said to them,'Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while.' (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)"


OBSERVATION
Jesus had sent his disciples out on their own to preach forgiveness of sins and to heal the afflicted and deliver the demon possessed. They returned having had great success. Jesus then took the opportunity to instruct them on the need for rest. When something exciting is happening we often deny ourselves to accomplish the task or ride out the wave of the annointing. Jesus instructs us to do His work but also to pace ourselves with regular times of rest.


APPLICATION
A sure way to "burn out" is to be at every church meeting, and be involved in multiple church ministries. We each have giftings given for the purpose of fulfilling our part of the ministry. We also must learn to pace ourselves and say "no" once in a while so that we can have times of rest. If you don't have time to rest, you are out of the will of God!

PRAYER
Lord, don't let my zealous desire to serve blind me of the need to rest. Help me to appropriate the words of Jesus, "Come away to a lonely place and rest a while."

SCRIPTURE
Your scripture quote here


OBSERVATION
Your observation here


APPLICATION
Your application here

PRAYER
your prayer here

Jesus Got Angry?

SCRIPTURE
(Mark 3:5) "And after looking around at them (Pharisees) with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, 'stretch out your hand.' and he stretched it out, and his hand was restored."


OBSERVATION
No matter what Jesus did there were people close by to accuse Him of evil motivations. On this occassion Jesus went in to a synagogue and noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees wanted to see if Jesus would heal on the sabbath so that they could accuse Him of breaking the law of Moses. Jesus got angry at their hard heartedness.

APPLICATION
Have you ever been around people with a warped selfish motivation? They are not hard to find in this election season. A big issue is made out of the clothes that one candidate wears and the fact that another candidate openly supports the ongoing holocaust of unborn children is not even mentioned. That's enough to stir up the anger of God. Just remember that James 1:20 says, "the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." Make sure your anger is from God and not because you didn't get your way.

PRAYER
Lord, may all my emotions be subject to Your review. Do not let me act in a way that casts a negative light on Your righteousness.

Putting a Square Peg in a Round Hole

SCRIPTURE
(Mark 1:16&17) "And as He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.'"

OBSERVATION
Most Jewish men who were considered Rabbis, chose their followers or disciples from among the most learned. There were certain qualities of academia and self-discipline that the teacher was looking for in his students. Most of Jesus' disciples were common, uneducated laborers. In the acceptable norm of the culture, Jesus was putting square pegs, so to speak, in round holes. His disciples just didn't fit the norm.


APPLICATION
Jesus is still not a respector of persons. He is not looking for external verification of adequacy. Jesus is looking at the heart, and a willingness to be used to further His Kingdom. He still uses just common people to achieve the miraculous. This square peg fits in the round hole when it is placed in the Master's hand.

PRAYER
Lord, shape me into whatever You need me to be to achieve Your Kingdom's work. I am a willing peg!

Not the Sharpest Crayon in the Box

SCRIPTURE
(Acts 28:27) "For the heart of this people has become dull, and with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes; Lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return, and I should heal them."

OBSERVATION
Paul has been taken to Rome to plead his defense for the charges that have been brought against him. He openly shares his faith and some believe, but many refuse to appropriate the truth of the gospel. They have become so inteligent in their own understanding that they cannot believe the truth.


APPLICATION
We may be excited about the truth that we know, but not everyone cares or wants to hear our insights. They may be dull of heart. Your actions will speak much louder than you words. Not every crayon in the box wants to be sharpened, but they still are crayons. Keep sharing the truth and looking for devine appointments to spread the message of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER
Lord, I will be faithful to Your calling, despite what I see from the world. Keep my heart and mind pure, and may my actions always further Your kingdom.

When 'Paul' Was Still 'Saul'

SCRIPTURE
Acts 25:22-24“Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. Tomorrow, said, he, thou shall hear him. And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the palace of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus’ commandment Paul was brought forth. And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are hear present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.”

OBSERVATION
Found in Acts 9, Saul persecuted the Christians. He testified against them in the courts but he lied and used trickery. After he was converted, Paul spoke the gospel to everyone. From Acts 21-28, Paul is in jail. The multitudes were furious that Paul had been preaching to the Gentiles. The accusers used lies and treachery to trick the judges into sentencing Paul to death. Sound familiar?

APPLICATION
This reminds me of a children’s song, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” This is exactly what happened to Paul. We all judge. Whether you admit it or not, we have all judged someone in our life. Everyone is going to judge and be judged. It’s part of our fleshly nature. It doesn’t even have to be drastic to count. When you notice someone on the street or at work, our mind starts to criticize. Why did they wear that today? What are they doing? Why aren’t they doing that right?? God gives us this lesson about Paul to give us a wakeup call to ‘reprogram’ ourselves not to judge.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, please help me not to be a judgmental person! Help me to see the good in people instead of finding a way to look down upon them. Thank you Lord for the story of Paul and the many lessons we can learn from it. Thank you for revealing another message from your word! Praise your wonderful name Lord Jesus, Amen.

Holly Ketz
Worship Department - Keyboard/Piano

The Journey

SCRIPTURE
Acts 21: 1-3
After we had torn ourselves away from them,we put to sea and sailed to Cos. The next day we went to Rhode and from there to Patara. We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail.

OBSERVATION
These Verses tell us that we will have times of fun, laughter, good friends, food and an enjoyful journey, but we will also have times of Trials of all kinds. But we need to know that God is with us and is molding and sharping us to be used by him. As a warrior sharpen's one's Sword and Spear for the battle.

APPLICATION
We, as the body of Christ, must share and encourage those that we work with,at church, home groups those that we share our life's with. As in Family, friends or in that group that we work with at church or just spend time with. So that we build up each other.

PRAYER
Lord, as each of us journey thru our walk with you, be it the good enjoyful times or the trials, help us to understand that the strength we need is there. ALL we have to do is ask and you Lord,will give it to us. So that our testimony, will be a light to a dark World. Thank You Lord for your Love for us. Amen.

David Nelson
Worship Department - Sound Team

Encouraging words...from a friend?

SCRIPTURE
Job 15:32-34
“Like trees, they will be cut down in the prime of life;
their branches will never again be green.
They will be like a vine whose grapes are harvested too early,
Like an olive tree that loses its blossoms before the fruit can form.
For the godless are barren.
Their homes, enriched through bribery, will burn.
They conceive trouble and give birth to evil.Their womb produces deceit.”

OBSERVATION
As Job endured the worst time of his life, his “dear” friend, Eliphaz, blamed Job for his own misery. Righteous, learned men accused Job of fabricated flaws because they could not conceive a good man receiving so much undeserved wrath. Job must have reaped what he had sown. How many times do we hear that in church today- that we reap what we sow? How many times has Satan quoted that truth to us to prevent us from fulfilling our destiny? How many times do we smugly blame the unfortunate brother and sister for their misery without the full knowledge that God possesses about that life? Could it be that only suffering can produce the brokenness required for humbleness before God?

APPLICATION
My heart was seared when I read these verses in Job and I immediately sought out “safer” verses for today’s reading in Acts 19 & 20, but the Lord would not let me off the hook. Eliphaz may as well have been addressing me, not Job, because I have really felt I have been cut down in the prime of my life and that it was my fault. I have believed the false teaching that if I don’t respond to God’s call, He will discard me and use somebody else. So while I have battled on the enemy’s terms – being kept busy with despair, hopelessness and resignation, I have often given up and seen myself as second-had goods. I never quite seemed to measure up to where I thought I should be, or, at least, I could have held onto the good place I once was. I have felt that I was on the outside looking in - at the Beautiful Land just beyond my reach. Of course, Satan would quote scriptures and dutifully remind me that when God resists the proud there is no remedy. I readily agreed with my tormenter since the Lord told me as a new Christian that We would deal with pride. At that time I had been so battered and bruised by life I had no idea what He was talking about - but I never forgot what He said. So I didn’t recognize Satan’s condemning voice that sounded like so many other voices – my parents, the Catholic school nuns, my husbands and finally myself, until my sense of worth was gone. In addition, several years ago, I invited the Holy Spirit to remove pride from my heart until I was free from it. How hard could that be? Then God would just totally mess with my mindset, my worldview, my upbringing and the good teachings of churchiantiy. Without Him, I could have never realized that hopelessness, despair and resignation are all forms of pride. These “things” (or, more accurately, “spirits” because they have a life of their own) set themselves up as higher than God’s Word. So did that really mean God Himself is resisting me all the days of my life? Although, the enemy’s tormenting reminders caused me to “forget” Christ’s redemptive work on the cross on my behalf, God has never forgotten me. My God gently reminds me of my identity as His Chosen Daughter. My God is for me because I am for Him. When I display pride by going off my own way, He steps back until I “get it.” Then We continue on as I humbly accept forgiveness and resolve to be more vigilant. As I undergo God’s specialized training and discipline, He directs my steps since He has ordered them for me. Through today’s journaling I have realized that the missing element in my spiritual journey has been my agreement with God’s Word. Yes, I have read, yes, I have digested, confessed and believed God’s Word. I just have not believed the really terrific parts were for me. See what pride does? Who am I to say how, why or where God can use me? Even, if it’s for something bigger than I ever expected. Or something smaller. Wow.

PRAYER
Here I am Lord – it’s taken me a long time to get here, but here I am. I have asked you to forgive my same failures over and over again to the point where even I have gotten sick of hearing about them. I have finally realized that nothing is too big for You to forgive when true repentance is in my heart. Not only that, but some things I can’t ask forgiveness for because I don’t control outcomes of everything. You do. Who am I to get angry with You for not doing things the way I think You should? I am sorry for that, Lord. Your brain is better than mine – I should know that by now. It is my job to be obedient, even if the outcome for me is personally painful. Anything you ask of me is worth interrupting my comfort zone and plans. I’m just passing through here anyway. Thank you for not getting sick of me, or giving up on me. I am now living my life in the “believing zone.” I believe by Faith that each moment of my day is divinely orchestrated by You. I believe that the fire in my belly is about to erupt into a full Holy Ghost explosion that will impact my world by Your grace. Ready when You are, Lord. In Jesus’ Name.

Vicki Nelson
Worship Department - EasyWorship Operator

Boldness

SCRIPTURE
Job 13-14; Acts 17-18

OBSERVATION
Job 13-14: It surprises me the boldness of Job in talking to his friends in the first part of chapter of 13; he truly shows his knowledge and wisdom of God. But as the chapter continues, when Job is supposed to be talking with God, you see him speaking more at God than to Him, and his boldness moves to a sort of whining and complaining before God. Haven't we all done this before? When describing God to unbelievers or those who would challenge our faith, haven’t we acted the same way? We get a boldness and sort of anger that rises up within us. But then when we stand before God in prayer we whine and cry like we don’t believe God will hear us. Where is our boldness then? should we not have the same boldness that we displayed earlier?

Acts 17-18: We see here how the Lord was using Paul to spread the word. Between the two chapters I love when Paul visits Athens and reasons with the philosophers there. Using their own idol as a door way through which he was able to speak to them concerning God, and his reasoning was so thorough that these philosophers invited him to return at another time and speak to them more about God.

APPLICATION
The Word says we are to approach God with boldness. All of Job's arguments to God are truthful, but they lack faith, and the word says that without faith it is impossible to please God. When praying let us ask God for the boldness and faith to stand before Him, for He gives without reserve. We must remember God is the Father of everything, and the True Father abounding in love.

PRAYER
I pray that God would use us so boldly and thoroughly. We should dig deeper into the scriptures and gain a deeper intimacy with God so that we can take advantage of the opportunities God sets before us. Let us wait upon the Lord and rest in His shadow.

Joel Hendrick
Worship Team - Electric Guitar

Inspiring Women of the Bible

SCRIPTURE
Acts 16:13-15
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.

OBSERVATION
One of the most amazing things about the Book of Acts is that it reads like a movie script! A good story must have good characters, and the Book of Acts is full of them! The person of Lydia has long inspired me because she is a business owner, a leader of her household, a worshiper and a good hostess to visitors to her home. Another striking thing about this passage is that Paul, Silas and Timothy are speaking to the women gathered at the river. They saw women as being equally in need of hearing the Gospel. In Jewish tradition, women were usually separated from the men in synagogue. Not so, in this case.

APPLICATION
This passage reminds me of the eagerness of the Gentiles to do what is right to please the Lord. Lydia is a worshiper and a believer. There is no guile in her attitude toward Christ. She is an inspiration.

PRAYER
Father God, thank you for inspiring men to write about all kinds of people in the Bible. Their stories inspire me and give me hope that I can live a life full of You despite the troubles of the world. Thank you for giving us Your Word and these men and women of God who were eager to spread the good news of Jesus Christ! Amen.

Paula Aiton
Worship Department - Woodwinds/Keyboard

We Must Continue In The Faith

SCRIPTURE
Acts 14:22
"Strengthen the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”

OBSERVATION
This verse plainly says to us that we MUST go through many trials, the testing ground to the growth of our faith. We need to strongly urge each other in the midst of trouble to not give up and keep our eyes on the prize, entering the Kingdom of God.

APPLICATION
The sharing of our lives with other believers is crucial, so that we can encourage each other to keep going and not give up. If you don’t have a small group to share your life with, join one. These groups play an important role in our Christian walk. Iron sharpens iron.

PRAYER
Lord I ask for encouragement to those who are going through trials. You said you will never leave us nor forsake us and that your burden is light. Give us strength to overcome the trial laid before us. That our faith may grow and that our testimony will help others. Help us to keep our eye on the prize which is entering the Kingdom of God. Amen

David Ketz
Worship Team - Drums/Acoustic Guitar

Open My Eyes

SCRIPTURE
Acts 12:7-11
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.

OBSERVATION
God sent an angel to go and rescue Peter, the angel even struck Peter and he thought he was having a vision! It wasn't until he was fully rescued that he finally "woke up" and realized the miracle that God did for him!

APPLICATION
How often do I seek the Lord asking for favor in the midst of my own "prison" and totally miss the hand of the Lord, thinking that it was something else somehow working in my life?

PRAYER
Father, thank you so much for working in our lives even when we are asleep. Lord, wake us up! Your hand is always upon us, and yet we seem to be walking around in a daze. Forgive us Lord for not realizing your miraculous works, let us be ever mindful to be aware of your greatness and your loving hand upon our lives. Thank you God for rescuing me. Amen

Valarie Kerns
Worship Team - Soprano

Fight or Flight

SCRIPTURE

Acts 8:1 … ¶ On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

OBSERVATION

As I read Acts chapter 8 I am reminded that there is an enemy who does not want you and me to grow. John 10 tells us that he has come to steal and kill and destroy. Take note of two other scriptures that remind us of this fact:
1Pet. 4:12 ¶ Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

This truth might be daunting at first glance but we must never forget that Jesus has ‘overcome’ the world. If we resist the enemy in the strength of Jesus, the good news - no the GREAT news is this: the evil one must flee.

James 4:7 ¶ Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

NEVER GIVE UP. We have victory in Christ.

APPLICATION

As I go through this day, I am going to look back and not ahead. I am going to look back to the cross where the enemy was defeated. I can have victory because his downfall is already an accomplished fact. I decide to rejoice today not for the trials I go through
but in the midst of all my trials, God is accomplishing an eternal work.

PRAYER

Lord, may our lives release your power over the enemy and may you help us close every door where he has established a foothold in our lives.

Visiting the Past

SCRIPTURE

Acts 6:2-3
To this he replied: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran. 3'Leave your country and your people,' God said, 'and go to the land I will show you.

OBSERVATION

Stephen begins to give a discourse on the history of God’s people and how He led them throughout their lifetime. I note this because history is very important to all of us who have a desire to grow in Jesus. You can’t get to where you want to go unless you know where you have been. As we learn from our past, we can avoid many pitfalls in our present. Hindsight is great if you learn from your failures. Many times I have been encouraged because I took time to remember and reflect upon God’s faithfulness to me. It can do the same for you as well. God’s faithfulness in our past inspires us to keep moving ahead with great hope. In Philippians chapter 3, Paul talks about moving ahead and leaving the past behind. He is focusing, however, on those people who choose to live in the past and not the present. I am talking about visiting the past and remembering God’s goodness. Let’s live in the present but visit the past mercies of God - often!

APPLICATION

I am going to take some time today to reflect upon God’s goodness. If you are like me, you may need to actually schedule an appointment with Jesus. Time is precious and a day can speed by without getting around to the important things in life. Spending time with Jesus is more important than we can realize.

PRAYER

Lord, as I remember your faithfulness, may you help me to be faithful to you in all things. I desire to please you in all I do.

Truth or Consequences

SCRIPTURE

Acts 5:1 ¶ Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.
Acts 5:2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5:3 ¶ Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
Acts 5:4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.

OBSERVATION

Studies tell us that most people lie to others once or twice a day and deceive up to 30 people a week. 86 percent of children lie regularly to parents, 75 percent to friends and 69 percent to spouses. 10,000,000 people lie to the IRS each year.
- 70% of all doctors lie to insurance companies.
 Amazing isn’t it? If you are like Peter you may want to ask: What causes people to lie. Four reasons come to mind.
To PROTECT something or someone. To PROJECT a better self image. To PUNISH a person or to OBTAIN something that you could not get otherwise. Anaias and Sapphira wanted to look good in the eyes of others. What a tragic end when you don’t live in accordance with the truth.



APPLICATION

Truth will help a person even though it may hurt but a lie will lead them to death. Listen to these lies that will destroy your life: You can’t be happy unless everyone likes you. You can’t be happy unless you have a lot of money. Material blessings are a sign of spiritual strength. I have no options - There is no way out. I am the only one with this problem. God’s love and favor depend on my behavior. God uses only spiritual giants. Having true faith means waiting for God to help me while doing nothing until He does. I am a Christian and should not have any difficulties because Jesus is on my side. These are just a few lies that have been devastated the lives of many. May we commit ourselves to the truth because it sets people free.

PRAYER

O Lord, help us to walk in honesty so that we might please you in all we do

I'm With HIM!

SCRIPTURE

Acts 4:13 ¶ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

OBSERVATION

When a person spends time with Jesus, it shows!
There is something transferred from one to another when true ‘koinonia’ happens on a regular basis.
Someone made the observation that the friends you have will determine the direction you take. If you want to know where you will be in five years, take a look at the friends you have now. 1 Cor 15:33.
When Jesus is your friend and you meet together often, don’t be surprised when people ‘take note’ and see HIM working through your life. You become a reflection of Him. 2 Cor 3:18

APPLICATION

Today I am deciding to spend some quality, one on one time with the greatest friend anyone could ever have. (John 15:15) This means I will need to withdraw from the crowds and get alone with Jesus. If you are to do the same, you must begin to prioritize each and every hour of your day. It is so easy to get caught up in urgent matters and miss the important things of life. Jesus is most important!

PRAYER

O Lord, thank you for changing us and making us more like you. May you continue to do in us what we cannot do for ourselves.

Broken but not Broke

SCRIPTURE

Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God

OBSERVATION

Have you ever reached a point when you had nothing? Not enough money to buy a cup of coffee? ‘Broke’ as some would say? It’s not a good feeling is it? The disciples were at that place but they discovered a truth. When material things run dry, you still have a reserve tank full of resources that will carry you through the most difficult times. You may be ‘broke’ financially but God is looking for a ‘broken’ and ‘contrite’ heart. When he finds that, He can do great things. Psalms. 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

APPLICATION

In this season of financial instability, I am deciding to depend upon His resources and not my own. When I don’t have money, I will rejoice. When I am broke, I will develop a contrite heart, when I have nothing to give, I will allow Him to give His gifts through me.

PRAYER

O Lord, even as you gave this man in Acts 3 the ability to walk in your strength, please give us the strength to walk in your ways and depend upon you for all our needs. Help us to walk before you with great joy and confidence. Psalms 1.

Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome

SCRIPTURE Nehemiah 4:13-15
13 Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. 14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."
15 When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work.


OBSERVATION
Nehemiah placed families around the wall as they worked to rebuild it. The enemy was trying to intimidate date and harass them while the worked. The command that Nehemiah gave them was, "Don't be afraid of them." Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome. So many times we forget that if God is for us, then who can be against us. Psalms 3:6 states even if there are thousands against you, God will still deliver you from your enemies. The families went back to work when they were reminded of how great God is! We will loose the battle if we get our eyes off of God and on to all of our problems that Satan brings our way. There have been several times that I felt like giving up and saying, "how are we going to make it through this battle." Crisis after Crisis God has gave us Victory!
APPLICATION
I want to continue to trust in you Lord. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by the work that you have put before me. Sometimes, the battles seem too fierce. Sometimes, I can't see past the crises or dilemmas that I am going through. Please send your Holy Spirit to remind me that you are an Awesome God. Remind me of the past victories you have given me. Remind me of how good you have been to me. Remind me of the promises you have given me. Remind me of who you are and remind Satan of his future. Teach me how to work and use the sword of the Spirit.

PRAYER
Lord, I pray that you will give me the will to fight not by might nor by power but by the Spirit. I know that Nehemiah had to face his fears and feelings of being overwhelmed! I pray that today you will break the spirit of fear and the spirit of harassment in our lives today. Teach how to live victoriously and help us to complete the work that is before us. Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." I pray today that you will frustrate the enemies plans and give us success in all that we face. I pray for my brothers, my sons & daughters, my wife and home. Protect us today!

Repent

SCRIPTURE Nehemiah 1

Nehemiah's Prayer 1 The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.
3 They said to me, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire."
4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 5 Then I said: "O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

OBSERVATION
Today on the Jewish calendar it is a High Holy Day. Today is Yom Kipper. also known in English as the Day of Atonement, it is the most solemn and important of the Jewish Holidays Its central themes are atonement and repentance Jews traditionally observe this High Holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer. They confess their sins and intercede for others on this day. The reading for today's Life Journal gives Nehemiah's prayer to us to review and also to make it our own prayer. Today is a good day to ask for forgiveness! Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. We know that God is full of grace and has given his only begotten son to die for our sins so that we may have life. I am so glad that Jesus made atonement for us and that I can come before God everyday to ask for his mercy. I confess that I am a sinner and I have wronged many people.

APPLICATION
I believe, that Nehemiah prayed this prayer because he felt the conviction of God. God wants us to come into his presence, confess our sins and ask for his forgiveness. As a child, I remember praying every night before going to bed and saying my prayers. I remember asking God to forgive me for the sins that I committed that day and to protect us during the night. As an Adult, I confess that I have not stayed with the same routine. Now, that I have children I have been teaching them how to go before God each night and ask him to forgive them for their sins. It seems like we are always in a hurry and we take little time to say prayers. The average American prays less than 15 minutes of prayer. We often times skip over the repentance part. We say a 5 minute "Morning prayer", a 5 minute "Dinner prayer" and a 5 minute "Lay me down to sleep prayer". I think as a family we need to take more time out to genuinely pray for repentance and God's forgiveness.

PRAYER
Lord, I pray to you today that you will forgive me of all my sins. You know exactly the things I should of done or things that I did wrong. You know every time that I have failed you and have chosen to go my own way. Lord I pray that you will forgive me for my attitude and unwillingness to be more like you. I confess to you that I need your help so that I can be more like you. I am a sinner in need of a savior. I have wronged people and have not loved them the way that you wanted me to. Forgive me for my selfish desires and laziness. Please teach me how to live a righteous life that I may be pleasing to you. I pray for our nation and my father's house. Forgive us for the wickedness in our land. We have not followed your commands, decrees, and laws. We have ignored your Holy Spirit's guiding and we have rejected his directions. We pray that you will forgive us today Lord.

Put your hope in the Lord

SCRIPTURE

Psalms 131

1 My heart is not proud, O LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.

2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore.

OBSERVATION
King David knew when to rely on God's power and his hope was in God. This psalm is short and to the point. We all need to rest in God's presence and know that he is going to take care of us. Even though, King David was a mighty man and had every right to feel like he was something great, he did not take pride into his heart. He realized that God is the only person that could come to his rescue. God came to his rescue time after time, in every battle and every situation he faced. David knew how to rest in God's presence, like a child who knows that his mother is the only one who has nurtured him and protected him. God raised him up to be a mighty man and nurtured him along the way. So many times, I forget that God has helped me to get where I am today! He knows the hardship and trials that I have faced and he has helped me to put my hope in him. I know that without his hand of protection and provision I would have lost my way.


APPLICATION
David states that his heart is not proud and his eyes are not haughty. David knew where he originated from before he was anointed King. David was just a poor shepherd boy with no real purpose with out God's anointing. David knew that without God he was nothing and without God's nurturing he would of not survived. I want to walk in a way that shows humility and dependence upon God. I want to be like David who was able to quite his soul knowing that God will continue to lead, guide and sustain him.

PRAYER
Lord, I put my hope in you this morning knowing that you will continue to sustain me and my family. I know that you have given me your word and promises that I can trust in. Lord teach me how to walk the way David did. He knew that you were his only hope in time of trouble. Please continue to help me rest in your presence and quite my soul before you as I meditate on your goodness. You are always there for us and we can find joy knowing that you will be with us forever.

20/20 Vision

SCRIPTURE
Luke 20:20 -26  The pharisees tried to trap Jesus regarding money. They asked him a question that they thought they could trap him in. They asked him, " Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar? Jesus took this question and turned it into a Spiritual teaching. Jesus asked them to pull out a denarius and tell him what image was on the coin. They responded by stating Caesar's image.  He responded by stating, " Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and give to God what is God's. 


OBSERVATION
Jesus stated that the coin was made in Caesar's image and we are created in God's image. We belong to God. In Genesis 1:27 it states that man was created in his own image, in his own image he created male and female! We belong to God because he is our creator. God does not make mistakes he has created you either male or female. He is the one who decides how you are made. He is the artist, the sculptor and he has designed you perfectly. When you look in the mirror today realize that God loves you. 


APPLICATION
I am so thankful that God made me the way that I am. He knows all my faults and failures but he also knows my strengths.  He is has patience with me and know that the work that he started he will complete. So many times we get depressed or worried that we do not measure up to his expectations. I am glad that he is not finished with me. I am a work in progress!

PRAYER
Lord thank you for creating me in your image. Teach me how to be more like you. I want others to see you through me, so I pray that you will help me reflect who you are. I pray you will teach me how to bring glory to you. You are our creator and we give you praise. 

Faith Healing

SCRIPTURE
Arise, and go your way. Your faith has made you well.


OBSERVATION
This is an amazing verse because Jesus tells this Smaritan that his faith is the reason for his healing. There are other instances in scripture where Christ heals out of compassion, and of course, others where the person's faith brings about healing. This scripture seems especially significant because of the relationship beteween Jews and Samaritans at this time. Despite the turmoil beteween the two cultures, this Samaritan had enough faith in the "King of the Jews" to be healed!

APPLICATION
Faith...
Faith is something that cannot be asked for. The word says that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. I want to have this kind of faith, and even on a larger scale! It would be amazing to say to someone bound in a wheelchair, "Arise in Jesus name and walk! Sense faith comes by hearing the Word of God, the more time I spend in His Word, the more my faith will grow!

PRAYER
Father, I pray that in my quiet time with you, when I am in your Word, that you would grow my faith by hearing your Word. I want to have a lifestyle of faith! Faith for healing, faith for provision, and faith for giving beyond my means!
Amen

I do believe!

SCRIPTURE
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever- Do not abandon the works of your hands. (Ps. 138:8)


OBSERVATION
Here, in chapter 138, David is reflecting on the goodness, faithfulness, and love of the Lord. It's interesting to see how in verse 8, David knows that the Lord will fulfill his purpose for David's life, yet his ending request is for the Lord not to abandon the works of his hands!


APPLICATION
I feel like this sometimes. I know what the Lord can do and I know what the Lord has said that he would do. Instead of continuing to pray for something that he's already said that he would do, I need to continue to rest in the assurance that he will do it, and in prayer, give thanks for whatever it is that he said that he would do instead of repeatedly requesting the same thing! It's like the father who was asking Jesus for healing for his son who was being tormented by a Demon (Mark 9). Jesus said everything is possible for those who believe. The father responds, I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.

PRAYER
Father, help me overcome my unbelief! I do know that you are able to do all things, and that your purposes will be fulfilled in my life. Help me to rest in that assurance and trust in you fully.
Amen

Welcome all ye Sinners!

SCRIPTURE
Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."


OBSERVATION
This scripture is awesome! The Pharisees were so "high and mighty" that they would not even allow themselves to associate with "sinners" and here, Jesus welcomes them!


APPLICATION
This is huge, not only personally, but on a corporate level. This is how we should be as a church! I don't want to be worrying about how many ex-cons, drug addicts, etc. are walking through the doors of the church! I want to be a person, who welcomes sinners just as Christ did! After all, no one is immune to sin!

PRAYER
Father, help me to be more open to accept people who might otherwise not be accepted! I want to learn from Christ's example!
Amen

Seasoning Salt

SCRIPTURE
"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear." (Lk. 14:34)


OBSERVATION
Jesus makes reference to salt in this passage, likely because it hit home to his listeners. Salt was very important to everyday life in that culture. It was used to enhance flavor and likely as a cure or preservative. Christ calls us to be the salt of the earth! We are to enhance the earth, preserve it's population.

APPLICATION
Being the salt of the earth is no easy task. We must first of all, be sure to keep our relationship with Christ, a strong one, and have regular "Koinonia" with other salty people. When we separate ourselves from other salt, or the source, our saltiness will begin to fade. Our priority should be our relationship with Christ. Stay close to the source and we'll be able to continually season the world with the love of Christ and in turn, one soul at a time, preserve the world!

PRAYER
Father, help me to ensure that I never lose saltiness! I want to do your will and be salt to this earth.
Amen

What's Your Motive?

SCRIPTURE
Ask all the people of the land and the priests, When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for me that you fasted? Zechariah 7:5


OBSERVATION
God was giving a motive check here. What was the true purpose for their fast? Were they fasting unto the Lord, or were they fasting out of obligation, religion?


APPLICATION
This scripture is significant as we're in the midst of our 40 days of fasting, Fasting for Breakthrough. This scripture has made me to check my motives. What is the reason for my fast? Is it because it's a church wide fast? Honestly, the length of my fast is likely due to the 40 day corporate fast, but the reason...Personal Breakthrough, Corporate Breakthrough, etc. It's not out of obligation or a religious thing, but rather something that God has called me to do for this specific time.

PRAYER
Father, help me to continually check my motives. Whatever I do, I want to do unto you and not because of some sense of obligation. I pray for real breakthrough to happen over the remainder of these 40 days.
Amen

Life on the Inside

SCRIPTURE
Luke 11:39-41

Then the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? But give what is inside the dish to the poor, and everything will be clean for you."

OBSERVATION
The Pharisees went to great lengths to externally demonstrate that they were spiritual. They were concerned about what was seen by others on the outside. However, Jesus could see through their masks and knew that they were full of greed and wickedness. Jesus called them foolish for their unconcern over the spiritual nature of their inner heart.

APPLICATION
How often do I focus on what others see? How often do I judge my spirituality by what I do externally? If I listen to the words of Jesus, I need to focus on the inner life of my soul. My thoughts, inner attitudes and emotions can serve as a barometer to my true spiritual maturity.

PRAYER
Father, cleanse me from the inside. Renew my mind, my heart, my soul. Help me to not try to impress others, but to live my life in dedication and devotion to you.

The One Thing Needed

SCRIPTURE
Luke 10:38-42

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

OBSERVATION
Here we have two sisters. Both sisters recognize Jesus as Lord. However, they respond to Jesus' presence in their home differently. Mary sits at the feet of Jesus and listens to him teach. Martha becomes busy playing the role of a hostess. Presumably, she is preparing a meal for Jesus and the disciples, a task that needed to be accomplished. However, she becomes frustrated with her sister not helping in the chores. And who can blame her? However, Jesus responds that Mary has made the better choice. While Martha has become concerned with many things, Mary has focused on one thing (becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ). And Jesus says this is the one thing that is needed.

APPLICATION
Life is full of distractions and there are many things that we think we need to do. However, Jesus tells us that there is one thing that is truly needed, and that is him. What we need to do is sit at his feet as his disciple and learn from him; to spend our day with him. To try to become like him. The great thing is that we can do this while we walk throughout our day. We can be busy making preparations for life, and rather than seeing them as distractions, see them as moments to spend with our Rabbi, our Teacher, our Lord. I can spend time with Jesus as I wash dishes, drive my car, struggle with patience or go to the grocery store. The question is, will I choose the one thing needed as I walk throughout my day?

PRAYER
Father, help me to choose the one thing needed. Help me to "sit at the feet of Jesus" as I go from moment to moment, experience to experience, interaction to interaction. Help me to be a disciple in every moment of every day.

A Dangerous Question

SCRIPTURE
Luke 9:18-20

One day as Jesus was alone, praying, he came over to his disciples and asked them, "Who do people say that I am?"  

"Well," they replied, "some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead."

Then he asked them, "Who do you say that I am?"

Peter replied, "You are the Messiah sent from God."

OBSERVATION
On this occasion, Jesus asks the disciples two questions.  The first question, "who do others say that I am?," is a safe one to answer.  It's based on other people's opinions, beliefs and commitments.  The answer to it has no bearing on the lives of the disciples.  The second question, "who do you say that I am?," can be a dangerous one to answer.  The obvious emphasis here is on you.  The reason it is dangerous is because the answer has the potential to change the very nature of one's life.  Peter boldly answers, "You are the Messiah, sent by God."  One cannot give this answer without having his or her life radically altered.  In the following verses (v. 23-27), Jesus tells his followers that they cannot be his follower without putting aside their selfish ambition.  The proclamation that Jesus is Messiah leads one to a new life.  

APPLICATION
Knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ is always a personal discovery.  There is always an emphasis on "who do you say Jesus is?"  And the answer can be dangerous to the way life is lived.  The answer to this question impacts our understanding and interaction with the world.  It should direct our decisions and plans.  It should influence the way we spend time, resources and money.  It should lead us to a point of sacrifice, a willingness to give up our selfish ambition in order to gain a new life found in Jesus Christ.  The answer to that question goes far beyond the mental ascent of belief and cuts to the heart of our life.  I have proclaimed that Jesus Christ is Messiah, but has that answer impacted the core of my life?  Does it impact everything I think, say, do...  Had it impacted who I am?

PRAYER
Jesus, help me to be willing to make sacrifices in my life, to give up my selfish desires, and pursue you wholly and fully.

Boldness & Worship

SCRIPTURE
Luke 7:36-38

Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table.  When a women who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears.  Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

OBSERVATION

What a spectacle this must have been.  We have a woman breaking social rules and coming to a dinner that she wasn't invited to.  And not just any woman, but a woman who had lived a sinful life going to the home of a religious leader.  Many would consider this scandalous.  She washes Jesus' feet using her tears and her hair.  Her tears and her hair!  And then she takes expensive perfume from an expensive jar and pours it on Jesus' feet.  This is a extravagant, even ridiculous act.  The woman ignores the ridicule and judgement of others.  She is not concerned with the thoughts of others as she lavishly adores Jesus.  

APPLICATION

 This story about the woman with the alabaster jar compels me to ask the following questions:

1.  How much do I love Jesus?

2.  How do I express my love for him?

I say that I love Jesus, but at the same time I don't believe I passionately express my love for Jesus.  I allow social norms to get in my way.  I wonder what people might think of me if I do something different or unexpected in the midst of worshiping Jesus.  I need to be less self-conscious and focus more on adoring Jesus.   

PRAYER
Father God, help me to step out in bold ways while worshipping Jesus.

Digging Deeper

SCRIPTURE
Luke 6:46-49

“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”

OBSERVATION
Why would anyone build a house without a foundation? Possibly to save time end energy. Maybe to save money. Whatever the reason, it is foolish. The structure won't last. Any turmoil, large or small, will ruin the house. Building a foundation is difficult, costly and time consuming. It is hard work. However, there is great wisdom in having a deep, solid foundation. Jesus says that our lives are no different. He suggests that we stop simply calling him "Lord" and actually treat him as Lord. That means we do what he says. We hear his words and then actually putting them into practice recognizes who Jesus is.

APPLICATION
I need to put forth the work to build a solid foundation. It takes time, energy and disciple to develop a good foundation. A good foundation also requires one to dig deep into God's word. It is not easy, but it is wise. I need to create more disciple in my life to know God's word deeply. And then I need to develop the disciple to do what is says.

PRAYER
Thank you God for giving us Your Word. Thank you that we can learn from it and build our lives upon your wisdom. Help me to have the disciple to learn from your word regularly.

Everyone is Included!

SCRIPTURE
Ezekiel 47:21-23
21 "You are to distribute this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel. 22 You are to allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the aliens who have settled among you and who have children. You are to consider them as native-born Israelites; along with you they are to be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. 23 In whatever tribe the alien settles, there you are to give him his inheritance," declares the Sovereign LORD.


OBSERVATION
It is clear that God wants to make a way for those who are not born into Israel, be a part of Israel's inheritance. This is clearly a foreshadowing of the incredible extension of God's love to the WHOLE WORLD when Jesus came. This is not the only place in the Old Testament, where the Israelites are reminded to include the foreigner who has decided to live among them. But what is most interesting here is that the foreigner is to be given a portion of the inheritance of the Israelites!


APPLICATION
God makes a way for all those who desire to be a part of His Kingdom! He also gives us our "fair share!" He includes us in the inheritance distributed to His children, because He considers us as His children! We are a part of His family and treated, not as half or step children but as whole sons and daughters without distinction. How awesome!

PRAYER
Thank you God for including us in the inheritance of your people! Thank you Jesus for making a way!

SCRIPTURE
Boy! Today it was hard to narrow in on just one scripture. Daniel 3 &4 one of my favorites and Revelation too, but Psalm is one of my favorites so...Psalm 81 it is!
Psalm 81:11-14
"But my people would not listen to me; Isarel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. If my people would but listen to me if Israel would follow my ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!


OBSERVATION
Here it is again! God wants to move on Israels' behalf, they just won't listen! They're stubborn and trying out their own way...again! The win over their enemy could "come quickly" if they would just listen and follow God's way and not their own.


APPLICATION
Its so simple! Who doesn't want to win over the enemy in their life? And yet, I am just like the children of Israel! And if you're honest about it, so are you! All we have to do is give up our own stubborn ways and follow God's. All we have to do is just listen to Him! So often when we feel like we are loosing in some area of our life we think God is holding something back from us or we wonder why we continue to struggle over and over and over. It might just be the time to give up our own stubborn ways and follow His?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to listen and hear you! Help me to lay down my ways and take up yours. Help me to submit my stubborn heart to You! Show me your ways so that I may walk in them always! And Lord, this is also my prayer for my husband and my son and all those who know you! And as we do, I pray that those who do not yet know you are drawn to you because they see you at work in us!