SCRIPTURE
Exodus 23:29-30
29 But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you.
30 Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.
OBSERVATION
The Lord told the Israelites that He was going to give them the Promised Land as their inheritance, BUT that He was not going to give it to them all at once. Instead, they were going to have to conquer the Promised Land little by little. He gave them a practical reason for this — if He were to give them the Land all at once, they would not be able to handle it.
If God had given the Israelites the land all at once, their numbers would not have been sufficient to populate the land and much of it would have gone unmanaged and unmaintained because their population was not large enough to be able to inhabit the cities and govern the territory. As a result, the cities would have deteriorated and the land left unproductive.
APPLICATION
If the Israelites are a spiritual example of our own walk of faith, then we can draw a direct correlation between their physical Promised Land and our spiritual Promised Land. In our own life, there is territory that God desires us to take and govern. This territory is vast and beautiful but God gives us only as much as we can handle at any one time. As we walk in victory in our lives, then He gives us more and more territory.
Every victory results in a little more maturity and increases our ability to rule the territory that God gives us. If God were to give us all He desires to give us all at once, we would be unable to handle it! Instead of instantly becoming super-Christians, we would instead by destroyed as our immaturity attempted to handle our newly found power and authority.
So instead, He gives us territory that is enough to challenge us — challenge our faith, our gifts, our knowledge — and stretch us. As we learn the things He wants us to learn and walk in victory in the areas He is calling us into, then He gives us a new challenge. Little by little we "inhabit the land" He has given us as an inheritance — a territory we already have as a birthright but which we are not ready to possess in actuality.
So today, the key for me is to walk in victory in the areas He is calling me to. My concern is not the territory of tomorrow, but the faithfulness required today. While I must always fan the flame of desire to possess my entire Promised Land, I must not forget that the process is more about victory in the current battle then it is about the entire war.
I must live in this tension. I cannot become complacent and assume that today's victories will carry me through tomorrow. The Israelites made this mistake far too many times and ended up leaving pockets of their Promised Land unconquered as they made peace agreements with the enemy because it was convenient or easy. At the same time, I cannot become overly aggressive and try to take territory that I am not ready for.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see the challenges that are important for me to fight today. Continue to stretch me, continue to challenge me, continue to move me onward. But help me to consolidate the territory you have given me up to this point. Let me never become complacent and make the assumption that yesterday's victories need never be revisited, lest I give back territory to the Enemy because of a lack of vigilance. Amen.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A Prayer of Power
SCRIPTURE
Acts 4:29-31
29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
OBSERVATION
When the church in the book of Acts got together, they prayed. And when they prayed, the Holy Spirit showed up!
APPLICATION
Pray together with the church and ask the Lord for power. He will respond with the Holy Spirit's empowerment!
PRAYER
Lord, this morning, I ask that you would teach us how to pray bold prayers together with the Body of Christ. We need your power, we need your courage and we need your wisdom to walk in the midst of a godless generation. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we might speak Your Word boldly! Amen.
Acts 4:29-31
29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
OBSERVATION
When the church in the book of Acts got together, they prayed. And when they prayed, the Holy Spirit showed up!
APPLICATION
Pray together with the church and ask the Lord for power. He will respond with the Holy Spirit's empowerment!
PRAYER
Lord, this morning, I ask that you would teach us how to pray bold prayers together with the Body of Christ. We need your power, we need your courage and we need your wisdom to walk in the midst of a godless generation. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we might speak Your Word boldly! Amen.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Something is Between Us
SCRIPTURE
Exodus 20:18-19
18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."
OBSERVATION
God was willing to have more of an open relationship with the Israelites, but they were too afraid of His awesome power and thus they begged Moses to be their go between. Years earlier, Moses himself, did not truly believe that God could deal with his shortcomings and begged for a go between, Aaron.
APPLICATION
How often do we seek to put something between us and God? He desires to have a one-on-one relationship, but we are always looking for ways to put distance between us. Sometimes it is because we feel unworthy, sometimes it is because we are afraid, but always it is because we don't trust Him fully.
PRAYER
Forgive me Lord for putting the responsibility for my faith on others' shoulders. Instead of withdrawing, I commit to pressing in. instead of looking to a man to hear God's voice for me, I want to hear your voice. You've put Your very Spirit inside of me and have broken down every wall of separation, now help me to live like it! Amen.
Exodus 20:18-19
18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."
OBSERVATION
God was willing to have more of an open relationship with the Israelites, but they were too afraid of His awesome power and thus they begged Moses to be their go between. Years earlier, Moses himself, did not truly believe that God could deal with his shortcomings and begged for a go between, Aaron.
APPLICATION
How often do we seek to put something between us and God? He desires to have a one-on-one relationship, but we are always looking for ways to put distance between us. Sometimes it is because we feel unworthy, sometimes it is because we are afraid, but always it is because we don't trust Him fully.
PRAYER
Forgive me Lord for putting the responsibility for my faith on others' shoulders. Instead of withdrawing, I commit to pressing in. instead of looking to a man to hear God's voice for me, I want to hear your voice. You've put Your very Spirit inside of me and have broken down every wall of separation, now help me to live like it! Amen.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Enough for Today
SCRIPTURE
Exodus 16:4
Then the LORD said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.
OBSERVATION
The Father loves to provide for His people, and He always does. But what He chose to give the Israelites was a portion sufficient for their daily needs. Everyday they were reminded that their provision was from the Lord. Everyday, they were dependent on His supply. When they tried to store the manna He provided, it did them no good. The provision was for today.
APPLICATION
God will always provide enough for today. I want to hoard. I want to store up for tomorrow. I want to have a security blanket. He gives me enough for today. If I am truly dependent on Him, then I need not worry about tomorrow, for it will take care of itself (just like Jesus said).
PRAYER
Lord, help me to trust in You everyday. Not in bank accounts, not in pantries full of food, not in false security. Help me to rely on you continually and completely. Amen.
Exodus 16:4
Then the LORD said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.
OBSERVATION
The Father loves to provide for His people, and He always does. But what He chose to give the Israelites was a portion sufficient for their daily needs. Everyday they were reminded that their provision was from the Lord. Everyday, they were dependent on His supply. When they tried to store the manna He provided, it did them no good. The provision was for today.
APPLICATION
God will always provide enough for today. I want to hoard. I want to store up for tomorrow. I want to have a security blanket. He gives me enough for today. If I am truly dependent on Him, then I need not worry about tomorrow, for it will take care of itself (just like Jesus said).
PRAYER
Lord, help me to trust in You everyday. Not in bank accounts, not in pantries full of food, not in false security. Help me to rely on you continually and completely. Amen.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Exodus 2:24-25
"God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them."
I absolutley love that God calls himself in to rememberance about His covenant. I mean, here is GOD, He hears the cries of help coming from His kids, no matter that they probably had gotten themselves in to this mess. He just starts remembering His promises and He looks at His kids and He, GOD is "concerned". Being a parent, I understand a small amount of this hearing and remembering and being concerned and as an earthly parent these things move me every time! How much more God!!!
That I can be sure as one of His kids that he'll hear my cries for help, He'll remember his promises even if I can't and He will be concerned, He actually cares.
Father, I thank you for the rest that comes in just knowing You care, that in the middle of a storm, there is great peace in knowing you. I'm thankful that you are a God who never abandons.
"God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them."
I absolutley love that God calls himself in to rememberance about His covenant. I mean, here is GOD, He hears the cries of help coming from His kids, no matter that they probably had gotten themselves in to this mess. He just starts remembering His promises and He looks at His kids and He, GOD is "concerned". Being a parent, I understand a small amount of this hearing and remembering and being concerned and as an earthly parent these things move me every time! How much more God!!!
That I can be sure as one of His kids that he'll hear my cries for help, He'll remember his promises even if I can't and He will be concerned, He actually cares.
Father, I thank you for the rest that comes in just knowing You care, that in the middle of a storm, there is great peace in knowing you. I'm thankful that you are a God who never abandons.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Make The Best Of It
SCRIPTURE
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, "Have everyone leave my presence!" So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh's household heard about it. Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you."
Genesis 45:1-5
OBSERVATION
Ealier this week, during devotional time with the rest of the band at rehearsal, we talked about how Joseph was awfully magnanimous towards his brothers, considering that they beat him, threw him in a well and then sold him into slavery. But here, Joseph reassures them in their terror at meeting him again, now as a powerful statesman, and explains that, amazingly, they should not be angry because God has used him to save lives!
APPLICATION
I want to take from this passage that I should always look to make the best of any situation, no matter how dark it may be, and look toward God for hope and strength. That's what Joseph did throughout his life and it served him very, very well.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank you for hope. Thank you for Your unending strength that I can lean on, no matter what. When I find myself in a dark place, bring this story of Joseph to my rememberance so that I can look toward Your light and let You lead me out into victory. Amen.
Paula Aiton
Worship Department
Woodwinds/Section Leader
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, "Have everyone leave my presence!" So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh's household heard about it. Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you."
Genesis 45:1-5
OBSERVATION
Ealier this week, during devotional time with the rest of the band at rehearsal, we talked about how Joseph was awfully magnanimous towards his brothers, considering that they beat him, threw him in a well and then sold him into slavery. But here, Joseph reassures them in their terror at meeting him again, now as a powerful statesman, and explains that, amazingly, they should not be angry because God has used him to save lives!
APPLICATION
I want to take from this passage that I should always look to make the best of any situation, no matter how dark it may be, and look toward God for hope and strength. That's what Joseph did throughout his life and it served him very, very well.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank you for hope. Thank you for Your unending strength that I can lean on, no matter what. When I find myself in a dark place, bring this story of Joseph to my rememberance so that I can look toward Your light and let You lead me out into victory. Amen.
Paula Aiton
Worship Department
Woodwinds/Section Leader
Saturday, January 17, 2009
A Different Focus
SCRIPTURE
So when they had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go back and buy us a little more food.”Gen 43:2
OBSERVATION
When people read through these chapters, they usually focus on Joseph. But when you only read these two chapters, the focus falls on Jacob's family. It probably took a long time to eat all that grain. I wonder how Simeon felt locked up in prison, waiting for his family to get him. He was only going to be there until his family returned for him - only a few short weeks, right? As time went on, I bet he began to lose hope. Had his family forgotten him? Were they too afraid to rescue him? Would he spend the rest of his life in prison? What would happen if the famine ended before Jacob's family ran out of food?
APPLICATION
How often are we in a desperate situation? Do you feel locked up in prison waiting for someone to rescue you? It's hard when we don't have the full picture. Eventually, Simeon was reunited with his brothers. Not only did he get out of prison, he had a feast. The steward of Joseph's house cleaned him up and took care of all his needs. And in the end, he found out that his lost brother was alive and doing extremely well for himself.
PRAYER
Lord, please give me the patience and understanding I need to make it through my situation. I thank you in advance for the rewards you'll give me when I successfully make it through this trial. Amen.
John Kuyper
Worship Department
Tenor/Section Leader
So when they had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go back and buy us a little more food.”Gen 43:2
OBSERVATION
When people read through these chapters, they usually focus on Joseph. But when you only read these two chapters, the focus falls on Jacob's family. It probably took a long time to eat all that grain. I wonder how Simeon felt locked up in prison, waiting for his family to get him. He was only going to be there until his family returned for him - only a few short weeks, right? As time went on, I bet he began to lose hope. Had his family forgotten him? Were they too afraid to rescue him? Would he spend the rest of his life in prison? What would happen if the famine ended before Jacob's family ran out of food?
APPLICATION
How often are we in a desperate situation? Do you feel locked up in prison waiting for someone to rescue you? It's hard when we don't have the full picture. Eventually, Simeon was reunited with his brothers. Not only did he get out of prison, he had a feast. The steward of Joseph's house cleaned him up and took care of all his needs. And in the end, he found out that his lost brother was alive and doing extremely well for himself.
PRAYER
Lord, please give me the patience and understanding I need to make it through my situation. I thank you in advance for the rewards you'll give me when I successfully make it through this trial. Amen.
John Kuyper
Worship Department
Tenor/Section Leader
Friday, January 16, 2009
The Lord is With You
SCRIPTURE
The Lord was with Joseph and blessed him greatly as he served in the home of Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.
The Lord was with Joseph and blessed him greatly as he served in the home of Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.
Genesis 39:2-3
OBSERVATION
I can't imagine how tragic that moment was for Joseph when he was mistreated and sold into slavery by his own brothers. I am sure he felt betrayed. Yet all along God, the Master Planner, had envisioned what lies ahead for Joseph. He was with him.
APPLICATION
God, in His master plan, can't be altered. Joseph was destined to save people. If it were not for Joseph, the people would have died of starvation. God's long term plan to rescue Joseph from death is beyond comprehension. God is always for us and not against us. He will lead us if we let Him guide us.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you for displaying Your plan to Your children. You have showed us in Joseph a great example of how a Godly man trusted you even in his great despair. Yet, he emerged victorious because of Your love for him. I pray, Lord, that we will have that faith to trust You and know Your purpose: to give us life, not death; to succeed and not fail; to lead and not fall. Amen.
OBSERVATION
I can't imagine how tragic that moment was for Joseph when he was mistreated and sold into slavery by his own brothers. I am sure he felt betrayed. Yet all along God, the Master Planner, had envisioned what lies ahead for Joseph. He was with him.
APPLICATION
God, in His master plan, can't be altered. Joseph was destined to save people. If it were not for Joseph, the people would have died of starvation. God's long term plan to rescue Joseph from death is beyond comprehension. God is always for us and not against us. He will lead us if we let Him guide us.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you for displaying Your plan to Your children. You have showed us in Joseph a great example of how a Godly man trusted you even in his great despair. Yet, he emerged victorious because of Your love for him. I pray, Lord, that we will have that faith to trust You and know Your purpose: to give us life, not death; to succeed and not fail; to lead and not fall. Amen.
Nenita Kuyper
Worship Department/Soprano
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Good Shepherd
SCRIPTURE
"Suppose one of you has one hundred sheep and loses one. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep!"
"Suppose one of you has one hundred sheep and loses one. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep!"
Luke 15:4-7
OBSERVATION
The Good Shepherd is relentless in the finding and recovering of his lost sheep and its return to the flock. The Good Shepherd's main purpose in life is to protect his entire flock and deliver them and keep them from harm. I especially love the part of the verse that state that he put the lamb on his shoulders, allowing the lamp to rest and recover.
APPLICATION
I want to have an increased passion and awareness for those around me that are still lost and wandering. Whether they have never had the opportunity to come to Jesus or those who have had a relationship with Christ but have turned away and are walking in darkness, with no communion with Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Father God, I want to know that I am equipped by You to reach out and gather the lost sheep of Your flock. I realize that I must act on my conviction, not just stand idly by and watch life and souls slip away. I humbly ask that YOu place opportunities in my path that You have given me and that You would also give me the boldness to speak the correct words, Your words, in every situation.
OBSERVATION
The Good Shepherd is relentless in the finding and recovering of his lost sheep and its return to the flock. The Good Shepherd's main purpose in life is to protect his entire flock and deliver them and keep them from harm. I especially love the part of the verse that state that he put the lamb on his shoulders, allowing the lamp to rest and recover.
APPLICATION
I want to have an increased passion and awareness for those around me that are still lost and wandering. Whether they have never had the opportunity to come to Jesus or those who have had a relationship with Christ but have turned away and are walking in darkness, with no communion with Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Father God, I want to know that I am equipped by You to reach out and gather the lost sheep of Your flock. I realize that I must act on my conviction, not just stand idly by and watch life and souls slip away. I humbly ask that YOu place opportunities in my path that You have given me and that You would also give me the boldness to speak the correct words, Your words, in every situation.
John Reiland
Worship Team/Percussion
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Give Up Everything!
SCRIPTURE
"In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple."
"In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple."
Luke 14:33
OBSERVATION
Jesus tells us that we must truly die to ourselves and live for Him, not just sometimes, but ALL the time.
APPLICATION
I must be prepared to grow in, and learn, the Gospel. I must Seek GOD will all my heart and be full of faith so that everyone I meet will see just how amazing GOD's blessings can be in their lives. Spread the GOOD news!
PRAYER
Jesus, I give everything I have to You. I pray for guidance as I pray, study and grow in Your Word. Help me to increase my faith and be a blessing to someone everyday. Amen.
OBSERVATION
Jesus tells us that we must truly die to ourselves and live for Him, not just sometimes, but ALL the time.
APPLICATION
I must be prepared to grow in, and learn, the Gospel. I must Seek GOD will all my heart and be full of faith so that everyone I meet will see just how amazing GOD's blessings can be in their lives. Spread the GOOD news!
PRAYER
Jesus, I give everything I have to You. I pray for guidance as I pray, study and grow in Your Word. Help me to increase my faith and be a blessing to someone everyday. Amen.
Maureen Randall
Worship Department
Soprano
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Come On In
SCRIPTURE
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’” (Luke 13:24-25)
OBSERVATION
The door is currently open to us all, but the day will come when our Lord shall rise up again and at that time the door shall be closed. Entering the kingdom is an act of will and sacrifice that some will choose not to make and therefore be left knocking and pleading outside of the kingdom door.
APPLICATION
Although I have taken that step inside the door, this scripture reminds me of those close to me who have not yet done so. It reminds me of my obligation to step out if faith to share God’s word with them and to live my life in a Godly way so that God’s light will shine through me and draw them inside the door of His kingdom.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for opening up your kingdom to us all, despite where we’ve been or where we currently are in our walk with you. Lord, I lift up those near and far who have yet to take that step. I ask that you use me Lord as you wish to bring others closer to you. Prepare my heart and tongue Lord for when those opportunities arise. In your precious name, Amen.
Jennifer Rodgers
Worship Department
Soprano/Section Leader
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’” (Luke 13:24-25)
OBSERVATION
The door is currently open to us all, but the day will come when our Lord shall rise up again and at that time the door shall be closed. Entering the kingdom is an act of will and sacrifice that some will choose not to make and therefore be left knocking and pleading outside of the kingdom door.
APPLICATION
Although I have taken that step inside the door, this scripture reminds me of those close to me who have not yet done so. It reminds me of my obligation to step out if faith to share God’s word with them and to live my life in a Godly way so that God’s light will shine through me and draw them inside the door of His kingdom.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for opening up your kingdom to us all, despite where we’ve been or where we currently are in our walk with you. Lord, I lift up those near and far who have yet to take that step. I ask that you use me Lord as you wish to bring others closer to you. Prepare my heart and tongue Lord for when those opportunities arise. In your precious name, Amen.
Jennifer Rodgers
Worship Department
Soprano/Section Leader
Monday, January 12, 2009
Seek God First
SCRIPTURE
But rather seek ye the kingdom of God: and all these things shall be added unto you.(KJV). Luke 12:31
OBSERVATION
Seeking the kingdom of God, means to to put Jesus first above all things going on in your life.
APPLICATION
To me this means if your gonna talk the talk , walk the walk . it does no good to read the Bible, or go to church. if you keep it all to yourself, what you learn needs to be applied into your daily life. After all what greater testomony is there than your walk with God.
PRAYER
Father God thank you for who you are and what you represent in my life .Help me Lord to put you first everyday. may the scriptures that I read become the armour I put on everyday. and may my walk with you plant seeds in everyone I come into contact with everyday. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Joseph Leon, Sr.
Worship Department
Tenor/Section Leader
But rather seek ye the kingdom of God: and all these things shall be added unto you.(KJV). Luke 12:31
OBSERVATION
Seeking the kingdom of God, means to to put Jesus first above all things going on in your life.
APPLICATION
To me this means if your gonna talk the talk , walk the walk . it does no good to read the Bible, or go to church. if you keep it all to yourself, what you learn needs to be applied into your daily life. After all what greater testomony is there than your walk with God.
PRAYER
Father God thank you for who you are and what you represent in my life .Help me Lord to put you first everyday. may the scriptures that I read become the armour I put on everyday. and may my walk with you plant seeds in everyone I come into contact with everyday. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Joseph Leon, Sr.
Worship Department
Tenor/Section Leader
Friday, January 9, 2009
Given Power and Authority
SCRIPTURE
Luke 9:1-2 When Jesus had called the twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
OBSERVATION
Jesus Himself gave his twelve disciples their power and authority to do the things referenced in Luke 9:1-2. After His death and resurrection, He sent the Holy Spirit to provide the authority and power to believers which we all have once we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Only recently have I begun to call upon that power and authority. Sometimes we feel we have to reach a certain high level of spirituality or to have some 'divine spiritual intervention' to access the power and authority of the kingdom of God. Luke 10:19 tells us that God has given us authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome the power of the enemy.
I know now that all it takes is to ask for the power and to begin taking the steps of faith in using that power and authority. This scripture makes it pretty clear - we are to drive out demons, cure diseases, heal the sick and preach the kingdom of God.
APPLICATION
Am I doing all that I am supposed to do? I want to make sure that I am using my full potential in Holy Spirit-given power and authority. I also know that my spiritual growth in the use of these gifts is based on God's timing. I know that I can preach the kingdom of God in more ways than I currently am. So I need to be keenly aware of what opportunities God is presenting to me so that I can act on each of them.
PRAYER
Father, I ask that you continue to grow me up spiritually so that I can become powerful and use the authority given by You to do Your work. I know that You have specific tasks for me alone and I want to be obedient in fulfilling them. Please sensitize me to the opportunities around me to talk to people about You and the abundant life You offer to each of us, now and eternally. Amen.
Luke 9:1-2 When Jesus had called the twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
OBSERVATION
Jesus Himself gave his twelve disciples their power and authority to do the things referenced in Luke 9:1-2. After His death and resurrection, He sent the Holy Spirit to provide the authority and power to believers which we all have once we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Only recently have I begun to call upon that power and authority. Sometimes we feel we have to reach a certain high level of spirituality or to have some 'divine spiritual intervention' to access the power and authority of the kingdom of God. Luke 10:19 tells us that God has given us authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome the power of the enemy.
I know now that all it takes is to ask for the power and to begin taking the steps of faith in using that power and authority. This scripture makes it pretty clear - we are to drive out demons, cure diseases, heal the sick and preach the kingdom of God.
APPLICATION
Am I doing all that I am supposed to do? I want to make sure that I am using my full potential in Holy Spirit-given power and authority. I also know that my spiritual growth in the use of these gifts is based on God's timing. I know that I can preach the kingdom of God in more ways than I currently am. So I need to be keenly aware of what opportunities God is presenting to me so that I can act on each of them.
PRAYER
Father, I ask that you continue to grow me up spiritually so that I can become powerful and use the authority given by You to do Your work. I know that You have specific tasks for me alone and I want to be obedient in fulfilling them. Please sensitize me to the opportunities around me to talk to people about You and the abundant life You offer to each of us, now and eternally. Amen.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Who Will Love Him More?
SCRIPTURE
Luke 7:41-43 "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon replied, "I suppose the one who has the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
OBSERVATION
Jesus knew what Simon, the Pharisee, was thinking about the 'sinful' woman who was fussing over Jesus (Luke 7:36-41). Simon was thinking that if Jesus was a prophet, he'd know what kind of woman she was. Jesus proceeds to explain to Simon, in a parable, how the person who needs to be saved the most, will be the most appreciative.
As I think about different people from different walks of life, who have been saved by Jesus, I can see how this would make sense. A murderer, drug addict, or the like may be more appreciative having been delivered from a pretty terrible life. I don't think that makes lifetime Christians, or those middle of the road sinners like me, any less appreciative of the price Jesus paid or the gift we have received. But, there can be a greater awareness of the lifestyle you've been brought out of or the danger you were once in.
My blog yesterday was about not judging others who look or act differently than us. These are many of the ones God loves and is wanting to save. But, at the end of the day, we are all lost and damned until we receive Jesus' gift.
APPLICATION
I don't want to ever take for granted what Jesus has done for me and my life. Not only the price He paid, but where I might be today were it not for Him. I can only imagine the downward spiral my life may have gone into had I remained on the path I was on.
As I look upon others, I can't become prideful. I was there once or easily could have been without my Jesus.
PRAYER
My prayer today is short. THANK YOU, JESUS! I don't even want to think about where I might be without You.
Luke 7:41-43 "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon replied, "I suppose the one who has the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
OBSERVATION
Jesus knew what Simon, the Pharisee, was thinking about the 'sinful' woman who was fussing over Jesus (Luke 7:36-41). Simon was thinking that if Jesus was a prophet, he'd know what kind of woman she was. Jesus proceeds to explain to Simon, in a parable, how the person who needs to be saved the most, will be the most appreciative.
As I think about different people from different walks of life, who have been saved by Jesus, I can see how this would make sense. A murderer, drug addict, or the like may be more appreciative having been delivered from a pretty terrible life. I don't think that makes lifetime Christians, or those middle of the road sinners like me, any less appreciative of the price Jesus paid or the gift we have received. But, there can be a greater awareness of the lifestyle you've been brought out of or the danger you were once in.
My blog yesterday was about not judging others who look or act differently than us. These are many of the ones God loves and is wanting to save. But, at the end of the day, we are all lost and damned until we receive Jesus' gift.
APPLICATION
I don't want to ever take for granted what Jesus has done for me and my life. Not only the price He paid, but where I might be today were it not for Him. I can only imagine the downward spiral my life may have gone into had I remained on the path I was on.
As I look upon others, I can't become prideful. I was there once or easily could have been without my Jesus.
PRAYER
My prayer today is short. THANK YOU, JESUS! I don't even want to think about where I might be without You.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Do Not Judge
SCRIPTURE
Luke 6:37-38 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. "
OBSERVATION
I've read this Scripture many times and reminded myself that judgment belongs to the Lord. I remember that I am not to judge or condemn; that I am to forgive and to give. And yet, no matter how many times I read these words, it's never enough. It's as though I need to be reminded every day.
Most of the time, our judgments are small and yet seem to be always present in the back of our minds. When we see someone or encounter people we know or even strangers, we make snap judgements - about things we know or don't know about them. It's our nature to be wary of people who are not like us. I find myself falling into this trap with certain categories of people - people who dress differently, people who are dirty or smell bad - and these are just the strangers. With the people I know slightly better, I can easily find myself disapproving of lifestyles, beliefs, certain language, bad habits, and so on.
We must constantly remind ourselves that a person's value is determined by God, not by us. Our value must come from God, not others. We have to rely on the Holy Spirit to give us God's eyes and heart in dealing with others so we do not fall into the easy trap of judgment and condemnation.
The Scripture goes on to state that the measure we use in giving will be given back to us. I don't know what 'pressed down, shaken together' means, but I do know what 'running over' means and I like the sound of it. However, we are to give with no thought of compensation but because it is what God desires for us. Our actions and motives are always before Him.
APPLICATION
Jesus' messages were always about loving others - particularly, the unlovable. I want to see all people with the value and love that God sees them. I want to put aside the outside persona of others. I want to see the child inside of everyone that wants only to be loved and valued by their Father. I want to give freely and generously of my time and resources.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to give and love as You do. Please give me wisdom and sensitivity in dealing with others and allow me to see beyond the exterior of individuals.
Luke 6:37-38 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. "
OBSERVATION
I've read this Scripture many times and reminded myself that judgment belongs to the Lord. I remember that I am not to judge or condemn; that I am to forgive and to give. And yet, no matter how many times I read these words, it's never enough. It's as though I need to be reminded every day.
Most of the time, our judgments are small and yet seem to be always present in the back of our minds. When we see someone or encounter people we know or even strangers, we make snap judgements - about things we know or don't know about them. It's our nature to be wary of people who are not like us. I find myself falling into this trap with certain categories of people - people who dress differently, people who are dirty or smell bad - and these are just the strangers. With the people I know slightly better, I can easily find myself disapproving of lifestyles, beliefs, certain language, bad habits, and so on.
We must constantly remind ourselves that a person's value is determined by God, not by us. Our value must come from God, not others. We have to rely on the Holy Spirit to give us God's eyes and heart in dealing with others so we do not fall into the easy trap of judgment and condemnation.
The Scripture goes on to state that the measure we use in giving will be given back to us. I don't know what 'pressed down, shaken together' means, but I do know what 'running over' means and I like the sound of it. However, we are to give with no thought of compensation but because it is what God desires for us. Our actions and motives are always before Him.
APPLICATION
Jesus' messages were always about loving others - particularly, the unlovable. I want to see all people with the value and love that God sees them. I want to put aside the outside persona of others. I want to see the child inside of everyone that wants only to be loved and valued by their Father. I want to give freely and generously of my time and resources.
PRAYER
Lord, show me how to give and love as You do. Please give me wisdom and sensitivity in dealing with others and allow me to see beyond the exterior of individuals.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Lord, I Am A Sinful (Wo)Man
SCRIPTURE
Luke 5:8-11 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
OBSERVATION
Most people recall this story in Luke 5:1-7 of the miraculous catch of fish. We teach it to even the youngest of our Sunday school kids. It's one of the first miracles that Jesus performs publicly.
But, it's not the miraculous catch of fish that caught my attention during this reading. What I became aware of is Simon Peter's reaction to Jesus. When he hears Jesus teaching the people and then witnesses the miracle in his nets, he falls at Jesus' knees and confesses to Him what a sinful man he is.
It brings to mind the feelings I experience whenever I feel the strong presence of God during worship or prayer. I know that I am really in His presence when I feel the remorse of my sins and the humility of my humanness. It's as though the closer we get to purity and holiness, the more aware we are of our filth. Scripture tells us that our ideas of righteousness are like filthy rags to God. We just have no concept as it relates to His perfect goodness.
And what happens next touches me. While Peter is feeling so inadequate in Jesus' presence, kneeling there at his feet, Jesus tells him, "Don't be afraid . . .". He gives Peter the words he needs to hear to leave it all behind at the spur of the moment without hesitation or regret. He reassures Peter, that despite the sinful man that he is, it's going to be okay -- Jesus is going to use him anyway.
APPLICATION
I think God is delighted with us when we humble ourselves in His presence and admit how horrible we are. His love for us must be similar to the love we feel for our kids when they humble themselves and confess a wrong they've committed. We want to reassure them of our unconditional love and let them know that it's going to be okay. Just as God does for us. Yes, we are filthy and fall short. But, He can and will use us anyway if we will humble ourselves and follow His direction.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for loving me despite how many times I mess up. Forgive me for knowing so little of true righteousness. I humble myself before You, knowing that you can and will still use me. Thank you for demonstrating unconditional love and fatherhood for us all. Thank you for Your Son.
Luke 5:8-11 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
OBSERVATION
Most people recall this story in Luke 5:1-7 of the miraculous catch of fish. We teach it to even the youngest of our Sunday school kids. It's one of the first miracles that Jesus performs publicly.
But, it's not the miraculous catch of fish that caught my attention during this reading. What I became aware of is Simon Peter's reaction to Jesus. When he hears Jesus teaching the people and then witnesses the miracle in his nets, he falls at Jesus' knees and confesses to Him what a sinful man he is.
It brings to mind the feelings I experience whenever I feel the strong presence of God during worship or prayer. I know that I am really in His presence when I feel the remorse of my sins and the humility of my humanness. It's as though the closer we get to purity and holiness, the more aware we are of our filth. Scripture tells us that our ideas of righteousness are like filthy rags to God. We just have no concept as it relates to His perfect goodness.
And what happens next touches me. While Peter is feeling so inadequate in Jesus' presence, kneeling there at his feet, Jesus tells him, "Don't be afraid . . .". He gives Peter the words he needs to hear to leave it all behind at the spur of the moment without hesitation or regret. He reassures Peter, that despite the sinful man that he is, it's going to be okay -- Jesus is going to use him anyway.
APPLICATION
I think God is delighted with us when we humble ourselves in His presence and admit how horrible we are. His love for us must be similar to the love we feel for our kids when they humble themselves and confess a wrong they've committed. We want to reassure them of our unconditional love and let them know that it's going to be okay. Just as God does for us. Yes, we are filthy and fall short. But, He can and will use us anyway if we will humble ourselves and follow His direction.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for loving me despite how many times I mess up. Forgive me for knowing so little of true righteousness. I humble myself before You, knowing that you can and will still use me. Thank you for demonstrating unconditional love and fatherhood for us all. Thank you for Your Son.
Friday, January 2, 2009
I Said No, You Can't Have That!
SCRIPTURE
(Genesis 3:1) "Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, 'Indeed, has God said, You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?"
OBSERVATION
To distort and control what God had created, satan played upon Eve's desire for what she couldn't have, and spoke through a serpant to her. He wanted Eve to focus her thoughts on the one tree that God had restricted them from so he asked if they had been restricted from them all? The answer of course was,"no, just one." Now he has her thoughts fixed on what she cannot have.
APPLICATION
There is now something in our fallen human nature, placed there by Adam and Eve, that wants to experience that which is not good for us. And we don't want anyone telling us we can't or shouldn't partake of it. Satan still whispers in our ears, "you deserve it, it's not going to hurt you, they just don't want you to have any fun." The root of sin comes down to self-gratification or self-exaltation. There are still experiences in life that if you listen with your spirit you will hear God saying, "I said no, you can't have that!"
PRAYER
My God, give me ears to hear Your restrictions, and keep my eyes focused on You, not on what I think I'm missing out on in life.
(Genesis 3:1) "Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, 'Indeed, has God said, You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?"
OBSERVATION
To distort and control what God had created, satan played upon Eve's desire for what she couldn't have, and spoke through a serpant to her. He wanted Eve to focus her thoughts on the one tree that God had restricted them from so he asked if they had been restricted from them all? The answer of course was,"no, just one." Now he has her thoughts fixed on what she cannot have.
APPLICATION
There is now something in our fallen human nature, placed there by Adam and Eve, that wants to experience that which is not good for us. And we don't want anyone telling us we can't or shouldn't partake of it. Satan still whispers in our ears, "you deserve it, it's not going to hurt you, they just don't want you to have any fun." The root of sin comes down to self-gratification or self-exaltation. There are still experiences in life that if you listen with your spirit you will hear God saying, "I said no, you can't have that!"
PRAYER
My God, give me ears to hear Your restrictions, and keep my eyes focused on You, not on what I think I'm missing out on in life.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
You're Lookin' Good!
SCRIPTURE
(Genesis 1:26&27) "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."
OBSERVATION
Are you aware that you look like God? When you criticize or are unhappy with some aspect of your character or your physical being, you are criticizing the image of God. Were you also aware that part of God's image is to rule. He gave us authority to rule the earth and the things in and on the earth. Are you lookin' good in the way you rule? Or is life and it's current pressures ruling you?
APPLICATION
If you recognize that you are created in God's image with a specific empowerment to rule, what keeps you from reaching your potential? Fear and doubt are two pollutants that distort our self perception and create dissatisfaction in what God has created us for. Perfect love, God's love, casts out fear! Faith overcomes doubt.
PRAYER
God, give me the assurance to act in Your image, and rule over my own fears of what others think. May others see You when they look at me.
(Genesis 1:26&27) "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."
OBSERVATION
Are you aware that you look like God? When you criticize or are unhappy with some aspect of your character or your physical being, you are criticizing the image of God. Were you also aware that part of God's image is to rule. He gave us authority to rule the earth and the things in and on the earth. Are you lookin' good in the way you rule? Or is life and it's current pressures ruling you?
APPLICATION
If you recognize that you are created in God's image with a specific empowerment to rule, what keeps you from reaching your potential? Fear and doubt are two pollutants that distort our self perception and create dissatisfaction in what God has created us for. Perfect love, God's love, casts out fear! Faith overcomes doubt.
PRAYER
God, give me the assurance to act in Your image, and rule over my own fears of what others think. May others see You when they look at me.
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