SCRIPTURE
1Tim. 1:12 ¶ I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,
1Tim. 1:13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;
1Tim. 1:14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.
OBSERVATION
When God called Paul into ministry, Paul had not yet been faithful or obedient to God’s directives. Acts chapter 9 makes that very clear. The Lord, however, saw potential in Paul and on the basis of that vision He anointed and released him into the ministry. God is like a great coach who sees hidden potential
and recognizes what many of us miss.
APPLICATION
Every person has hidden potential and God sees it. You may not recognize it but it’s there anyway. His desire to involve you and me in His work is not based upon what we have done or haven’t done. It is based on his vision of us. You may not feel qualified or ready to be what He has called you to be but He is ready to use you and He’s ready to begin today. I am going to step out in faith and believe what He says and do what He asks. After all, Father knows best. I hope you do the same. He sees great potential in you.
PRAYER
O God. Thank you for seeing my potential. I want to be faithful to those possibilities that have been placed in me by you. Please help me to live up to the potential you see in me.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Heavenly Minded by Donna Howard
SCRIPTURE
Colossians 4:5 Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. NLT
OBSERVATION
I am to conduct my life with a heavenly mindset. That means I do not live for myself, I live to show Jesus to a lost and dying world. Making sure that I interject Jesus into every situation by how I live. “Redeeming the time” is the phrase that the King James Version uses. It gives me a sense of urgency, that time is short.
APPLICATION
I’ve always heard the phrase “They’re so heavenly-minded that they’re no earthly good” and knew I didn’t want to be that way. However, I have many times become so earthly-minded that I’ve not been much heavenly good. The key for me is balance. I must show those who don’t know Jesus a love and joy they’ve not experienced before while always looking for a way to reveal the gift of salvation.
PRAYER
Lord, I need boldness and courage to seize every opportunity You bring my way to introduce the lost to your gracious and costly gift of forgiveness of sins. Speak through me to plant seeds of hope in hearts, to water seeds that others have planted or to have the privilege to harvest souls into Your Kingdom.
Colossians 4:5 Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. NLT
OBSERVATION
I am to conduct my life with a heavenly mindset. That means I do not live for myself, I live to show Jesus to a lost and dying world. Making sure that I interject Jesus into every situation by how I live. “Redeeming the time” is the phrase that the King James Version uses. It gives me a sense of urgency, that time is short.
APPLICATION
I’ve always heard the phrase “They’re so heavenly-minded that they’re no earthly good” and knew I didn’t want to be that way. However, I have many times become so earthly-minded that I’ve not been much heavenly good. The key for me is balance. I must show those who don’t know Jesus a love and joy they’ve not experienced before while always looking for a way to reveal the gift of salvation.
PRAYER
Lord, I need boldness and courage to seize every opportunity You bring my way to introduce the lost to your gracious and costly gift of forgiveness of sins. Speak through me to plant seeds of hope in hearts, to water seeds that others have planted or to have the privilege to harvest souls into Your Kingdom.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
My Citizenship Is Heaven
SCRIPTURE
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly
await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:20
OBSERVATION
Our citizenship is in heaven! Citizenship is a powerful
word, it means membership of a community. As I
live and function in this world on a day to day basis I
must remember my citizenship is in heaven. I am
a member of the community of heaven and one day
that's where I will live for eternity.
APPLICATION
I must pray for the things going on in this world,
but I don't have to get all caught up in it. I must
keep my perspective of my citizenship in heaven
as I eagerly wait for the coming of my Savior:)
PRAYER
Father, thank You that You have prepared a home
for me for eternity. Cause my mind to be at peace as
I walk through this world knowing my citizenship
is there. I do eagerly await Your returning when
every knee will bow and every tongue will confess
that You are Lord! In Jesus name, Amen
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly
await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:20
OBSERVATION
Our citizenship is in heaven! Citizenship is a powerful
word, it means membership of a community. As I
live and function in this world on a day to day basis I
must remember my citizenship is in heaven. I am
a member of the community of heaven and one day
that's where I will live for eternity.
APPLICATION
I must pray for the things going on in this world,
but I don't have to get all caught up in it. I must
keep my perspective of my citizenship in heaven
as I eagerly wait for the coming of my Savior:)
PRAYER
Father, thank You that You have prepared a home
for me for eternity. Cause my mind to be at peace as
I walk through this world knowing my citizenship
is there. I do eagerly await Your returning when
every knee will bow and every tongue will confess
that You are Lord! In Jesus name, Amen
Friday, June 12, 2009
Attitude A Little Thing That Makes A Big Difference
SCRIPTURE
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5
OBSERVATION
WOW, talk about an attitude adjustment this verse will give it to you.
This verse gives me direction for my attitude and the arrow leads
me to Jesus. I'm saddened to admit my attitude is far from what
Jesus' would be on a daily basis. I have some work to do!
The good news is through Christ there is hope for me.
Jesus himself tells us in Matthew 19:26 ". . . but with God all things
are possible."
Even with the cross before him Jesus would pray to the Father saying
"Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet
not what I will, but what you will." Mark 14:36. Jesus always did
the will of God even unto death. His mind was always on the heavenly
realm not the earthly realm. Doing God's will always took first place.
My attitude seems like such a little thing, but it's amazing how it not
only affects me, but others as well. I remember catching myself
complaining (in excess) and it was like a runaway snowball that just
kept getting bigger and was moving into a full-blown avalanche! The
Holy Spirit did something in me that day and began to remind me
how blessed I was. I began thanking the Lord out loud for his
goodness, my salvation, my health, my family, the birds singing
in the tree and on and on. That gave me quite the attitude adjustment!
APPLICATION
I will adjust my attitude! It's something I control! I will do that
through worship, prayer, and reading God's Word. Psalm 37:5
says, "Commit your ways to the Lord;" One of the biggest ways
my life is directed is through my attitude. Jesus' attitude was
to do the will of His Father. Each day I will adjust my attitude to
do the same.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, give me an attitude overhaul. Work in me
that I may have the right attitude in every situation and
conversation. Thank you Lord that you give my your
Holy spirit to work in me your Holy attitude adjustment.
In Jesus name, Amen
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5
OBSERVATION
WOW, talk about an attitude adjustment this verse will give it to you.
This verse gives me direction for my attitude and the arrow leads
me to Jesus. I'm saddened to admit my attitude is far from what
Jesus' would be on a daily basis. I have some work to do!
The good news is through Christ there is hope for me.
Jesus himself tells us in Matthew 19:26 ". . . but with God all things
are possible."
Even with the cross before him Jesus would pray to the Father saying
"Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet
not what I will, but what you will." Mark 14:36. Jesus always did
the will of God even unto death. His mind was always on the heavenly
realm not the earthly realm. Doing God's will always took first place.
My attitude seems like such a little thing, but it's amazing how it not
only affects me, but others as well. I remember catching myself
complaining (in excess) and it was like a runaway snowball that just
kept getting bigger and was moving into a full-blown avalanche! The
Holy Spirit did something in me that day and began to remind me
how blessed I was. I began thanking the Lord out loud for his
goodness, my salvation, my health, my family, the birds singing
in the tree and on and on. That gave me quite the attitude adjustment!
APPLICATION
I will adjust my attitude! It's something I control! I will do that
through worship, prayer, and reading God's Word. Psalm 37:5
says, "Commit your ways to the Lord;" One of the biggest ways
my life is directed is through my attitude. Jesus' attitude was
to do the will of His Father. Each day I will adjust my attitude to
do the same.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, give me an attitude overhaul. Work in me
that I may have the right attitude in every situation and
conversation. Thank you Lord that you give my your
Holy spirit to work in me your Holy attitude adjustment.
In Jesus name, Amen
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
It's Not About Me
SCRIPTURE
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner
worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27
OBSERVATION
Before reading chapter one I read the introduction
to the book of Philippians and found it to be most
interesting. It states that while the book has only four
chapters Paul uses the words "joy" and "rejoice" fourteen
times. Paul is writing to the church while he himself
is in prison. Here's a man in jail for his faith and he
continues preaching the gospel to anybody and
everybody.
For me the words "whatever happens" jumps out. I am
to exalt the Lord and share the gospel no matter what is
happening in my life. It doesn't have to be a day with
perfect weather where everything's going right, I'm
exactly where I want to be, doing exactly what I want to
be doing. NO! It's not about me. Even in a day where
everything is going wrong I'm still called to conduct
myself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
That tells me I have something others need it's Jesus!
APPLICATION
I will remember that my ups and downs of life do not determine
if I share the gospel with someone today. I cannot be ruled by
emotions and feelings that change with the passing of minutes
in a day's time. I must remember that this hurting world needs
the love of the Lord and they need it today. My great days or bad
days do not determine that fact.
PRAYER
Lord help me to walk in a manner that reflects the love and caring
of Christ, NO matter what's going on in my day. Give me that gentle
reminder. It's not about ME, it's all about YOU and YOUR kingdom.
May I be a woman who is not lead by her feelings and emotions, but
may I be a woman who is lead and walks by Your Holy Spirit.
In Jesus name, AMEN
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner
worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27
OBSERVATION
Before reading chapter one I read the introduction
to the book of Philippians and found it to be most
interesting. It states that while the book has only four
chapters Paul uses the words "joy" and "rejoice" fourteen
times. Paul is writing to the church while he himself
is in prison. Here's a man in jail for his faith and he
continues preaching the gospel to anybody and
everybody.
For me the words "whatever happens" jumps out. I am
to exalt the Lord and share the gospel no matter what is
happening in my life. It doesn't have to be a day with
perfect weather where everything's going right, I'm
exactly where I want to be, doing exactly what I want to
be doing. NO! It's not about me. Even in a day where
everything is going wrong I'm still called to conduct
myself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
That tells me I have something others need it's Jesus!
APPLICATION
I will remember that my ups and downs of life do not determine
if I share the gospel with someone today. I cannot be ruled by
emotions and feelings that change with the passing of minutes
in a day's time. I must remember that this hurting world needs
the love of the Lord and they need it today. My great days or bad
days do not determine that fact.
PRAYER
Lord help me to walk in a manner that reflects the love and caring
of Christ, NO matter what's going on in my day. Give me that gentle
reminder. It's not about ME, it's all about YOU and YOUR kingdom.
May I be a woman who is not lead by her feelings and emotions, but
may I be a woman who is lead and walks by Your Holy Spirit.
In Jesus name, AMEN
Get That Armor On!
SCRIPTURE
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand
against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:11
OBSERVATION
I love to read about the armor of God. I can just picture in my mind a solider
dressing for battle putting each piece on. The helmet of salvation, the breastplate
of righteousness, the belt of truth, feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith,
and the sword, which is the Word of God. Even though this is spiritual armor I can
picture it in the physical realm. This scripture tells us to PUT on the FULL armor. We
must put the armor on, it doesn't just jump on us. A soldier doesn't go out to battle and
leave his armor in the closet. We must put on every piece, the FULL armor. Than means
each piece is important for the fight. The scripture tells us we CAN stand against the devil's
schemes. We cannot be passive when it comes to our enemy, we must stand and fight!
APPLICATION
I need to put on my armor every day. I'm saved, I know the Lord, my helmet is secure. My breastplate is doing what's right, not just knowing what's right, but doing it. That protects my heart and keeps me from sin. Speaking the truth and taking God's peace as I walk on a daily basis. Believing God can and will do what his word tells us. My shield of faith will extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. My sword which is the Word of God in my hand. I don't walk around with something in my hand if I'm not going to use it. This means I read God's Word, quoting scripture sends the devil running. Jesus is our example. He quoted scripture to the devil each time he tried to tempt Him in the wilderness. I will stand and use my armor!
PRAYER
Lord, I thank you that you have provided a complete outfit of armor for me to use against
the devil. Help me Lord to be wise and put it on each day using each piece to its full
measure. In Jesus name, Amen:)
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand
against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:11
OBSERVATION
I love to read about the armor of God. I can just picture in my mind a solider
dressing for battle putting each piece on. The helmet of salvation, the breastplate
of righteousness, the belt of truth, feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith,
and the sword, which is the Word of God. Even though this is spiritual armor I can
picture it in the physical realm. This scripture tells us to PUT on the FULL armor. We
must put the armor on, it doesn't just jump on us. A soldier doesn't go out to battle and
leave his armor in the closet. We must put on every piece, the FULL armor. Than means
each piece is important for the fight. The scripture tells us we CAN stand against the devil's
schemes. We cannot be passive when it comes to our enemy, we must stand and fight!
APPLICATION
I need to put on my armor every day. I'm saved, I know the Lord, my helmet is secure. My breastplate is doing what's right, not just knowing what's right, but doing it. That protects my heart and keeps me from sin. Speaking the truth and taking God's peace as I walk on a daily basis. Believing God can and will do what his word tells us. My shield of faith will extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. My sword which is the Word of God in my hand. I don't walk around with something in my hand if I'm not going to use it. This means I read God's Word, quoting scripture sends the devil running. Jesus is our example. He quoted scripture to the devil each time he tried to tempt Him in the wilderness. I will stand and use my armor!
PRAYER
Lord, I thank you that you have provided a complete outfit of armor for me to use against
the devil. Help me Lord to be wise and put it on each day using each piece to its full
measure. In Jesus name, Amen:)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Warning Watch Out!
SCRIPTURE
Be very careful, then, how you live not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:15-17
OBSERVATION
In the first part of this scripture there is a warning to not just be careful, but it says, "be VERY
careful how we live". That let's me know I must WATCH OUT! It also says "because the days are evil". When evil is all around truth can be relative. Whose truth? The line between right and wrong seems to get crossed a lot when evil surrounds us. God's truth always remains the same. He tells us in Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Jesus taught in Matthew 7:24 about a wise man and a foolish man. He used the comparison of the wise man building his house on a rock, a firm foundation while the foolish man built his house on sand. When the rain came, the house built on the rock stood firm while the house on the sand fell with a great crash. Jesus tells us in this story if we put his words into practice then we are like the wise man, but if we do not then we are like the foolish man.
APPLICATION
I must be on a consistent path of praying and reading God's word so I will understand what God's will is for my life. I love this childrens song that says, "I like the Bible cause I read it and I do it"! This little song reminds me that I can know God's word, but not put it into practice. I must be a doer of the word not just a reader of it. To take advantage of every opportunity using God's wisdom to live my life.
PRAYER
Lord, Help me to be wise in how I live my life, placing it on a firm foundation, YOU! Help me to live by the truth of your Word that I may be a doer of your Word and not just a reader.
In Jesus name, AMEN:)
Be very careful, then, how you live not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:15-17
OBSERVATION
In the first part of this scripture there is a warning to not just be careful, but it says, "be VERY
careful how we live". That let's me know I must WATCH OUT! It also says "because the days are evil". When evil is all around truth can be relative. Whose truth? The line between right and wrong seems to get crossed a lot when evil surrounds us. God's truth always remains the same. He tells us in Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Jesus taught in Matthew 7:24 about a wise man and a foolish man. He used the comparison of the wise man building his house on a rock, a firm foundation while the foolish man built his house on sand. When the rain came, the house built on the rock stood firm while the house on the sand fell with a great crash. Jesus tells us in this story if we put his words into practice then we are like the wise man, but if we do not then we are like the foolish man.
APPLICATION
I must be on a consistent path of praying and reading God's word so I will understand what God's will is for my life. I love this childrens song that says, "I like the Bible cause I read it and I do it"! This little song reminds me that I can know God's word, but not put it into practice. I must be a doer of the word not just a reader of it. To take advantage of every opportunity using God's wisdom to live my life.
PRAYER
Lord, Help me to be wise in how I live my life, placing it on a firm foundation, YOU! Help me to live by the truth of your Word that I may be a doer of your Word and not just a reader.
In Jesus name, AMEN:)
Monday, June 8, 2009
Watch Those Words
SCRIPTURE
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
OBSERVATION
This scripture reminds me to think before I speak, and again, think before I speak. There have been countless times where I allowed words to come out of my mouth and then think to myself right away, I wish I didn't say that, but it's too late they are already out there. Of course that warning thought always seems to come to me after and not before I speak. Our words are very powerful indeed. They are able to build up or tear down. I remember hearing that wise saying many times, " you have one mouth and two ears so listen more than you speak". I have seen the power of words in the look on others' faces as they receive life changing words spoken into their lives. The huge smile and even the tears.
APPLICATION
I will apply God's truth to my life and obey His word. Think BEFORE I speak. Will these words build up, help, or even benefit the listener? If not I should not speak. We all know at times we must share things with others that they would probably really rather not hear, but the truth spoken in love is the best policy. I will guard my lips and remember they are small yet very powerful.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
OBSERVATION
This scripture reminds me to think before I speak, and again, think before I speak. There have been countless times where I allowed words to come out of my mouth and then think to myself right away, I wish I didn't say that, but it's too late they are already out there. Of course that warning thought always seems to come to me after and not before I speak. Our words are very powerful indeed. They are able to build up or tear down. I remember hearing that wise saying many times, " you have one mouth and two ears so listen more than you speak". I have seen the power of words in the look on others' faces as they receive life changing words spoken into their lives. The huge smile and even the tears.
APPLICATION
I will apply God's truth to my life and obey His word. Think BEFORE I speak. Will these words build up, help, or even benefit the listener? If not I should not speak. We all know at times we must share things with others that they would probably really rather not hear, but the truth spoken in love is the best policy. I will guard my lips and remember they are small yet very powerful.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Give me wisdom and discernment in my choice of words. Help me, Lord, to think and reflect on this scripture before I speak that I may bring glory to your name.
In Jesus' name,
Amen & Amen
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