SCRIPTURE
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)
OBSERVATION
Scripture says that each of us are given different gifts to benefit the body of Christ. We all play different roles, but work together to edify the body. The purpose of our gifting is to serve the body of Christ. This is not new, but rather a repeated and significant theme.
APPLICATION
Because this scripture has a repetitive theme, we should pay special attention. God has uniquely designed and gifted each one of us to play our own part in building up the church. We need to begin to step out in faith and operate more in the gifts of the Spirit as well as in the talents that the Lord has blessed us with for the benefit of the church.
PRAYER
Lord, I know you've given me my own special talents and gifts that you want me to use to build up, encourage, and minister to your people. I pray that you would give me the strength and boldness to begin stepping out in faith and operating in these giftings on a more regular basis.
Amen.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Called To Action
SCRIPTURE
I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness...(7)To open the eyes that are blind, to free the captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. (Isaiah 42:7)
OBSERVATION
This is a powerful scripture! The Lord has called us as believers into action, to reach in to the clutches of darkness and free those from the captivity of the enemy and to make those blind in the darkness of this world, to see.
APPLICATION
In verse 6, it says that God will take hold of our hand and keep us as we (6) free the captives and make the blind to see. We live in a world where the enemy does everything in his power to keep the light of the Word of God, the light of Christ, from reaching the spiritually blind. He does everything in his power to keep the truth of the Word of God from setting the captives free! God has called us to play a role in standing against the enemy to bring His truth and this light to the Lost that we come in contact with.
PRAYER
Father, I pray that you would give us strength as believers to do just that. Strength to stand against the enemy and his schemes so that we may bring light to the spiritually blind, and to bring the truth of your Word to those held captive in darkness because the truth will set them free! I thank you that you said you will hold our hand as we step out in obediance and do what you have asked us to do.
Amen.
I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness...(7)To open the eyes that are blind, to free the captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. (Isaiah 42:7)
OBSERVATION
This is a powerful scripture! The Lord has called us as believers into action, to reach in to the clutches of darkness and free those from the captivity of the enemy and to make those blind in the darkness of this world, to see.
APPLICATION
In verse 6, it says that God will take hold of our hand and keep us as we (6) free the captives and make the blind to see. We live in a world where the enemy does everything in his power to keep the light of the Word of God, the light of Christ, from reaching the spiritually blind. He does everything in his power to keep the truth of the Word of God from setting the captives free! God has called us to play a role in standing against the enemy to bring His truth and this light to the Lost that we come in contact with.
PRAYER
Father, I pray that you would give us strength as believers to do just that. Strength to stand against the enemy and his schemes so that we may bring light to the spiritually blind, and to bring the truth of your Word to those held captive in darkness because the truth will set them free! I thank you that you said you will hold our hand as we step out in obediance and do what you have asked us to do.
Amen.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Unworthy Yet Able
SCRIPTURE
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 1:9)
OBSERVATION
This scripture is full! We're God's chosen people, those who he has called out of the darkness of sin and death into the eternal light! We belong to God, as his own sons and daughters, and he calls us a Royal Priesthood!
APPLICATION
As sons and daughters, and as priests, we have direct access to the throne of God! In the Old Testament, Priests were the only ones who were able to enter the presence of the Lord. They made sacrifices and offerings on behalf of the people. It is the most amazing privilege that we now have, as priests, and as children of God, to be able to come into the "Most Holy Place" or the presence of God! We no longer have to wait for the Priest to act on our behalf to make requests or to ask for forgiveness! We have the right!
PRAYER
Father,
Thank you for making a way. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to come before you, into your presence, any time. We're so undeserving and unworthy, but because you gave your son, we've been made worthy in your eyes. What can we say, but, "Thank You!"
Amen
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 1:9)
OBSERVATION
This scripture is full! We're God's chosen people, those who he has called out of the darkness of sin and death into the eternal light! We belong to God, as his own sons and daughters, and he calls us a Royal Priesthood!
APPLICATION
As sons and daughters, and as priests, we have direct access to the throne of God! In the Old Testament, Priests were the only ones who were able to enter the presence of the Lord. They made sacrifices and offerings on behalf of the people. It is the most amazing privilege that we now have, as priests, and as children of God, to be able to come into the "Most Holy Place" or the presence of God! We no longer have to wait for the Priest to act on our behalf to make requests or to ask for forgiveness! We have the right!
PRAYER
Father,
Thank you for making a way. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to come before you, into your presence, any time. We're so undeserving and unworthy, but because you gave your son, we've been made worthy in your eyes. What can we say, but, "Thank You!"
Amen
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Eternal Truth
SCRIPTURE
But the Word of the Lord stands forever. (1 Peter 1:25)
OBSERVATION
God's Word not only exists, but stands, and stands for eternity.
APPLICATION
In light of the outpouring of the spirit that we've seen over the past couple of weeks, this scripture is exciting! There's been a healing flow of the spirit sweeping our church and it is because God's Word is eternal! Christ came to give us life, and life more abundantly (Jn. 10:10) and if you're sick, that's not abundant life. Christ sent his disciples to heal the sick and cast out demons (Mt. 10:1). Since God is the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever (Heb. 13:8), and since His Word is eternal, this IS for us today! The truth of the eternal Word of God brings freedom from illness, bondage, depression, etc. Get in the word, know the truth, that you may be set free!
PRAYER
Father, I pray that your church would grasp the Truth of your Unwavering Word! I pray that we would see your heart and that the Truth of your Word would bring freedom to your children. Amen.
But the Word of the Lord stands forever. (1 Peter 1:25)
OBSERVATION
God's Word not only exists, but stands, and stands for eternity.
APPLICATION
In light of the outpouring of the spirit that we've seen over the past couple of weeks, this scripture is exciting! There's been a healing flow of the spirit sweeping our church and it is because God's Word is eternal! Christ came to give us life, and life more abundantly (Jn. 10:10) and if you're sick, that's not abundant life. Christ sent his disciples to heal the sick and cast out demons (Mt. 10:1). Since God is the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever (Heb. 13:8), and since His Word is eternal, this IS for us today! The truth of the eternal Word of God brings freedom from illness, bondage, depression, etc. Get in the word, know the truth, that you may be set free!
PRAYER
Father, I pray that your church would grasp the Truth of your Unwavering Word! I pray that we would see your heart and that the Truth of your Word would bring freedom to your children. Amen.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Be Still My Heart
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 35:3-4
3 Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;
4 say to those with fearful hearts,
"Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you."
OBSERVATION
There will come a day when justice will arrive. On this day, the weak will be made strong, the poor made rich, the blind made to see. The day of the Lord will settle all accounts, and for all those who have been unjustly oppressed, their oppressors will be crushed and freedom will be granted.
In many ways, this day is already here, but in many other ways, it is not. Jesus has come and ushered in a new era, and all around us are signs of His present Kingdom. But His Kingdom is also coming. It is here, but it is not yet here in all its fullness. What has been promised in that great day in the future, echoes now in the present, but its expression is imperfect. Today, the fullness has not yet come, but at the same time, it is available to those who have faith and believe.
APPLICATION
The Lord is on His way and so I say to my heart today, "continue to trust and be faithful." Though I am surrounded by injustice — trust and be faithful. Though I do not understand all that happens — trust and be faithful. I will say to myself, "self, do not be moved, do not put your eyes on that which would cause fear and distress, but put your eyes on Jesus." Today I will be strong in the Lord, because He strengthens those who are weak.
PRAYER
Lord, every fear I give to You today. Every concern and anxiety, I turn over to You. You are big enough to deal with all and Your justice will prevail. Everywhere I feel I have been wronged, I release my right for justice and I place it in Your hands. Every area where I feel lack, I will trust you for your fullness. Lord, I wait on You today because You are the God who IS and who IS COMING! Amen.
Isaiah 35:3-4
3 Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;
4 say to those with fearful hearts,
"Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you."
OBSERVATION
There will come a day when justice will arrive. On this day, the weak will be made strong, the poor made rich, the blind made to see. The day of the Lord will settle all accounts, and for all those who have been unjustly oppressed, their oppressors will be crushed and freedom will be granted.
In many ways, this day is already here, but in many other ways, it is not. Jesus has come and ushered in a new era, and all around us are signs of His present Kingdom. But His Kingdom is also coming. It is here, but it is not yet here in all its fullness. What has been promised in that great day in the future, echoes now in the present, but its expression is imperfect. Today, the fullness has not yet come, but at the same time, it is available to those who have faith and believe.
APPLICATION
The Lord is on His way and so I say to my heart today, "continue to trust and be faithful." Though I am surrounded by injustice — trust and be faithful. Though I do not understand all that happens — trust and be faithful. I will say to myself, "self, do not be moved, do not put your eyes on that which would cause fear and distress, but put your eyes on Jesus." Today I will be strong in the Lord, because He strengthens those who are weak.
PRAYER
Lord, every fear I give to You today. Every concern and anxiety, I turn over to You. You are big enough to deal with all and Your justice will prevail. Everywhere I feel I have been wronged, I release my right for justice and I place it in Your hands. Every area where I feel lack, I will trust you for your fullness. Lord, I wait on You today because You are the God who IS and who IS COMING! Amen.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Relying on God's Strength First
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 31:1 NIV
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
who rely on horses,
who trust in the multitude of their chariots
and in the great strength of their horsemen,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
or seek help from the LORD.
OBSERVATION
Israel was warned not to rely on the military or political power of Egypt because even though they were strong, it is only God who could be their true help. Relying on human strength or on political alliances is a slap in God's face — He was the only One who was to be Israel's security.
APPLICATION
What things in my life do I look to for support and help before God? Anywhere I look to for strength and support that does not come from God's hand, is outside of God's desire for my life. Whether it would be personal wisdom, relying on others (trust in man), looking to book knowledge — all of this may be good, but if it is not from God, then it is no good for me.
PRAYER
Lord, show me every place where I have decided to lean on human strength and wisdom instead of relying on You. Help me to choose You, and to not look anywhere else. Every time I am faced with challenge, Lord help me to look to you. Amen.
Isaiah 31:1 NIV
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
who rely on horses,
who trust in the multitude of their chariots
and in the great strength of their horsemen,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
or seek help from the LORD.
OBSERVATION
Israel was warned not to rely on the military or political power of Egypt because even though they were strong, it is only God who could be their true help. Relying on human strength or on political alliances is a slap in God's face — He was the only One who was to be Israel's security.
APPLICATION
What things in my life do I look to for support and help before God? Anywhere I look to for strength and support that does not come from God's hand, is outside of God's desire for my life. Whether it would be personal wisdom, relying on others (trust in man), looking to book knowledge — all of this may be good, but if it is not from God, then it is no good for me.
PRAYER
Lord, show me every place where I have decided to lean on human strength and wisdom instead of relying on You. Help me to choose You, and to not look anywhere else. Every time I am faced with challenge, Lord help me to look to you. Amen.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
OBSERVATION
So often I find that my mental world is at turmoil. I start to think about finances, the needs of my family, the future, work that needs to be done, and I find myself full of anxiety and worry. Instead of experiencing God's peace, I instead experience unrest. If I try to go to sleep in this state, then my mind races and I toss and turn. But this verse says that there is a way to obtain peace — it is by placing our mind on Christ!
Paul, echoes this verse in Philippians 4:7 — And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
APPLICATION
Today, I will focus on you, Lord. I will decide to TRUST you. I will believe that You big enough and that you care enough to take care of me, my family, my work and my future. I will "stay my mind on You" because you are trustworthy and You never fail. Today, I will decide not to rehearse the worries and concerns. I will be aware of them, certainly, but I will not dwell on them as if by doing so I can do anything about them. Instead, I will turn my worries into prayers that I will lift to You and allow You to carry.
PRAYER
Lord, today I lay aside every worry and concern, every burden that I cannot carry by myself, and I focus on You — Your goodness, Your mercy, Your love, Your kindness and Your hope. Amen.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
OBSERVATION
So often I find that my mental world is at turmoil. I start to think about finances, the needs of my family, the future, work that needs to be done, and I find myself full of anxiety and worry. Instead of experiencing God's peace, I instead experience unrest. If I try to go to sleep in this state, then my mind races and I toss and turn. But this verse says that there is a way to obtain peace — it is by placing our mind on Christ!
Paul, echoes this verse in Philippians 4:7 — And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
APPLICATION
Today, I will focus on you, Lord. I will decide to TRUST you. I will believe that You big enough and that you care enough to take care of me, my family, my work and my future. I will "stay my mind on You" because you are trustworthy and You never fail. Today, I will decide not to rehearse the worries and concerns. I will be aware of them, certainly, but I will not dwell on them as if by doing so I can do anything about them. Instead, I will turn my worries into prayers that I will lift to You and allow You to carry.
PRAYER
Lord, today I lay aside every worry and concern, every burden that I cannot carry by myself, and I focus on You — Your goodness, Your mercy, Your love, Your kindness and Your hope. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
