SCRIPTURE
II Corinthians 4:17 NLT
For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!
OBSERVATION
This scripture says our present troubles are small but my mind wants to cry out to God “Have you seen what I’m facing”? It seems anything but small. It seems all encompassing and consuming. But God, in His abundant grace that’s poured out on us daily, gives us a new and different perspective – This small trouble is to shape us into a vessel that contains more of Him to give to a lost and dying world. He reminds us that we must have an eternal perspective. He didn’t call us to live lives of ease but to live lives of purpose and destiny.
APPLICATION
Pain and trouble are a part of growth, and let’s face it, a part of everyone’s life. My job or goal is to keep things in perspective…. It’s not about me, it’s about the Kingdom of God being revealed in my life.
I’ve had seasons of pain and struggle in my life that seemed as if it would crush me. However, it made me cry out to and cling to Jesus as my lifeline. That pain and pressure created in me a new sensitivity to the Holy Spirit … it plowed up the places in my heart that had become very hard. Then an amazing thing happened! This pain, this struggle, actually turned into a blessing that created new life and passion for Jesus in my life. This turn-around can happen anytime and anyplace if we will surrender ourselves to the living God to mold, shape and indwell us.
PRAYER
Lord, I do want to reflect Your Glory so people will be drawn into your Kingdom. But in order to do that, I must submit and allow you to work in all areas of my life. Give me the ability to rejoice in hard times realizing it is creating in me a “an eternal weight of glory”.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
The Idol Of Worry by Kay Hurtado
SCRIPTURE
Judges 17:4-5 (NLT)
“So his (Micah’s) mother took two hundred of the silver coins to a silversmith, who made them into an image and an idol. And these were placed in Micah’s house. Micah set up a shrine, and he made a sacred ephod and some household idols.”
OBSERVATION
This portion of scripture discusses how Micah had stolen 1100 pieces of silver from his mother, and not knowing it was Micah who took them, she had cursed “the thief” who took them. When he told her he was the thief, she spoke a blessing over him and dedicated the coins to the Lord. Then, in honor of her son Micah, she had an image carved and an idol cast.
APPLICATION
How many times have I blessed you Lord, in the middle of a struggle, turned the issue over to You, and then taken it back again in worry? And not even meaning to do that, it’s happened. One particular area is in the worry over finances. Countless numbers of times I’ve declared that I would trust You to take care of our financial condition, yet worried it through, figuring it out in my own strength, only to find that my way wasn’t the way You had planned at all. My pride would not let go and completely trust You to take care of us financially. You revealed to me that my worry was like an idol. My thoughts, energy, and time were consumed with worrying about what I had given to You to take care of in the first place. I wasn’t asking for bigger and better stuff, I was just asking for You to provide, all the while worrying about how it would happen, and what I would do when it came. Well, you proved faithful! You always provided, and in the process You’ve taught me that worry adds nothing to my life but stress. No longer will worry be an idol to me because every time I venture back into that chartered territory, in Your faithfulness, You call me back reminding me that You are the same today as You were yesterday, and You will be tomorrow.
PRAYER
Of Father, how grateful I am for your Word. How blessed I am to be one that You care enough about to remind me of your faithfulness. Thank You that I can truly walk in my choice to trust You in the current challenge of our financial lives. Please continue to show me areas in my life where I have laid up idols without even realizing it. You are the One and only One that I desire to worship, and nothing else. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Judges 17:4-5 (NLT)
“So his (Micah’s) mother took two hundred of the silver coins to a silversmith, who made them into an image and an idol. And these were placed in Micah’s house. Micah set up a shrine, and he made a sacred ephod and some household idols.”
OBSERVATION
This portion of scripture discusses how Micah had stolen 1100 pieces of silver from his mother, and not knowing it was Micah who took them, she had cursed “the thief” who took them. When he told her he was the thief, she spoke a blessing over him and dedicated the coins to the Lord. Then, in honor of her son Micah, she had an image carved and an idol cast.
APPLICATION
How many times have I blessed you Lord, in the middle of a struggle, turned the issue over to You, and then taken it back again in worry? And not even meaning to do that, it’s happened. One particular area is in the worry over finances. Countless numbers of times I’ve declared that I would trust You to take care of our financial condition, yet worried it through, figuring it out in my own strength, only to find that my way wasn’t the way You had planned at all. My pride would not let go and completely trust You to take care of us financially. You revealed to me that my worry was like an idol. My thoughts, energy, and time were consumed with worrying about what I had given to You to take care of in the first place. I wasn’t asking for bigger and better stuff, I was just asking for You to provide, all the while worrying about how it would happen, and what I would do when it came. Well, you proved faithful! You always provided, and in the process You’ve taught me that worry adds nothing to my life but stress. No longer will worry be an idol to me because every time I venture back into that chartered territory, in Your faithfulness, You call me back reminding me that You are the same today as You were yesterday, and You will be tomorrow.
PRAYER
Of Father, how grateful I am for your Word. How blessed I am to be one that You care enough about to remind me of your faithfulness. Thank You that I can truly walk in my choice to trust You in the current challenge of our financial lives. Please continue to show me areas in my life where I have laid up idols without even realizing it. You are the One and only One that I desire to worship, and nothing else. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
To God be the Glory by Saci Stockton
SCRIPTURE
Judges 13:16-18 Amplified
"And the Angel of the Lord said to Manoah, Though you detain me I will not eat of your food: but if you make ready a burnt offering, offer it to the Lord. For Manoah did not know He was the Angel of the Lord. And Manoah said to the Angel of the Lord, What is your name, so that when your words come true, we may do you honor? And the Angel of the Lord said to him, Why do you ask My name seeing it is wonderful?"
OBSERVATION
In reading these scriptures it was apparent that the Angel would take no honor unto himself, even when it was offered, but only gave honor unto the Lord.
APPLICATION
: I am to give glory and honor to my Savior and Heavenly Father and not seek to be honored for my good deeds, even though those deeds may in fact be for the Lord Himself. I am nothing, there is no good in me except what comes from my Father. All honor and glory is His.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father forgive me when I have cherished the honor and praises of men. May all honor and praise be yours Lord. Help me to always defer to you when praise and glory come my way. Always lifting you up first and only....for you alone deserve the glory.
Judges 13:16-18 Amplified
"And the Angel of the Lord said to Manoah, Though you detain me I will not eat of your food: but if you make ready a burnt offering, offer it to the Lord. For Manoah did not know He was the Angel of the Lord. And Manoah said to the Angel of the Lord, What is your name, so that when your words come true, we may do you honor? And the Angel of the Lord said to him, Why do you ask My name seeing it is wonderful?"
OBSERVATION
In reading these scriptures it was apparent that the Angel would take no honor unto himself, even when it was offered, but only gave honor unto the Lord.
APPLICATION
: I am to give glory and honor to my Savior and Heavenly Father and not seek to be honored for my good deeds, even though those deeds may in fact be for the Lord Himself. I am nothing, there is no good in me except what comes from my Father. All honor and glory is His.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father forgive me when I have cherished the honor and praises of men. May all honor and praise be yours Lord. Help me to always defer to you when praise and glory come my way. Always lifting you up first and only....for you alone deserve the glory.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Keepiing Vows by Viki Nelson
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 50:14 NLT “Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God and keep the vows you made to the Most High.”
OBSERVATION
Your Observation: God did not say “Please complain whenever you want because you won’t be getting your way many times in your life. You poor thing; your life has had so many disappointments. There might be times when your way is actually higher than My way.” Nor did God say “I thought it over and I agree with your cultural concept that “Promises are made to be broken. Little white lies don’t matter to me. Hey, nowadays even the big lies are no big deal if you’ve got a good reason.” Ouch, is that how we think? Remember, it was Satan who tried the “Did God really say…?” line on Eve and Jesus. Eve fell for it, Jesus didn’t. Jesus showed us how to overcome yet we still fall for “the lie of the day” because we want to. We think we know better than God but we refuse to admit it - even to ourselves. We team up with the Father of Lies against the Most High. Think about that. Whose side are we on?
APPLICATION
God told me to “Be in the world but not part of it.” Why do I so easily forget I am Kingdom People? It’s not okay for me to speak and act like everyone else. This past Sunday Pastor Roger jolted us awake with a seemingly hilarious video segment concerning a “five-dollar for five minutes” psychiatrist with a novel therapy for his new client. Each time she related another irrational fear or destructive behavior, he forcefully told her “STOP IT!” Although the Holy Spirit probably doesn’t resemble Bob Newhart, I need His help to jolt me back towards God-thinking and acting. I need to remember who I really am and where I’m headed.
PRAYER
God, this scripture of yours has shined a light on places in my heart where I have not wanted to look - but I am looking now. I admit that I have worn the Christian mask of looking good and saying the right things while seething inwardly. I am sorry for being a professional Christian. Jesus called that kind of person a “white-washed tomb” because when I act like that, my words are full of death. How horrible. I want my words and actions to have God-Truth, God-Life and God-Power in them. Lord, will you help me? I need the Holy Spirit to remind me to STOP IT when I get off-track. This is going to sound weird, but thank you for being God. You know what I mean. I trust you to work all things out for my good because I am called according to your purpose. Thanks also in advance for helping me – You never let me down. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Psalm 50:14 NLT “Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God and keep the vows you made to the Most High.”
OBSERVATION
Your Observation: God did not say “Please complain whenever you want because you won’t be getting your way many times in your life. You poor thing; your life has had so many disappointments. There might be times when your way is actually higher than My way.” Nor did God say “I thought it over and I agree with your cultural concept that “Promises are made to be broken. Little white lies don’t matter to me. Hey, nowadays even the big lies are no big deal if you’ve got a good reason.” Ouch, is that how we think? Remember, it was Satan who tried the “Did God really say…?” line on Eve and Jesus. Eve fell for it, Jesus didn’t. Jesus showed us how to overcome yet we still fall for “the lie of the day” because we want to. We think we know better than God but we refuse to admit it - even to ourselves. We team up with the Father of Lies against the Most High. Think about that. Whose side are we on?
APPLICATION
God told me to “Be in the world but not part of it.” Why do I so easily forget I am Kingdom People? It’s not okay for me to speak and act like everyone else. This past Sunday Pastor Roger jolted us awake with a seemingly hilarious video segment concerning a “five-dollar for five minutes” psychiatrist with a novel therapy for his new client. Each time she related another irrational fear or destructive behavior, he forcefully told her “STOP IT!” Although the Holy Spirit probably doesn’t resemble Bob Newhart, I need His help to jolt me back towards God-thinking and acting. I need to remember who I really am and where I’m headed.
PRAYER
God, this scripture of yours has shined a light on places in my heart where I have not wanted to look - but I am looking now. I admit that I have worn the Christian mask of looking good and saying the right things while seething inwardly. I am sorry for being a professional Christian. Jesus called that kind of person a “white-washed tomb” because when I act like that, my words are full of death. How horrible. I want my words and actions to have God-Truth, God-Life and God-Power in them. Lord, will you help me? I need the Holy Spirit to remind me to STOP IT when I get off-track. This is going to sound weird, but thank you for being God. You know what I mean. I trust you to work all things out for my good because I am called according to your purpose. Thanks also in advance for helping me – You never let me down. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Idols by Christin Champlin
SCRIPTURE
Judges 10:16 "Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the Lord. And he could not bear Israel's misery no longer."
OBSERVATION
My first observation when I read this was, they don't deserve God's mercy. After they turned away from Him so many times and served other gods, even after He showed them so many miracles! But then I looked at myself and realized that I don't deserve His mercy either. How much time have spent with false gods? How many times have I turn to something other then that true God for comfort, answers, or even entertainment. Although my sin might not be the same as the Israelites, they still travel down the same path away from God.d.
APPLICATION
My application is to do exactly what the Israelites did. They "got rid of the foreign gods and served the Lord." They served the Lord BEFORE they knew He would have mercy on them. He had just told them in few verses prier, that He would not save them. But they were now very aware of their sin, and knew that God deserve to be served regardless if His blessings fell on them. I am very aware of the foreign gods I have had in my life. I am very aware of the damage they have, and can produce if I don't get rid of them for good!
PRAYER
Father, You are fully aware of the sin in my life that I choose to keep. Lord, I know that sin is a choice, and I choose TODAY to get rid of the foreign gods in my life. I know that, just like the Israelites, I don't deserve your mercy. Just like the Israelites I will serve You because despite who I am, you want me to serve you. Father I ask for forgiveness for serving other gods in my life, when you deserve every cell of my body, mind, and soul to serve and love only You. I love you Lord, and thank you for wiping my slate clean once again.
Judges 10:16 "Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the Lord. And he could not bear Israel's misery no longer."
OBSERVATION
My first observation when I read this was, they don't deserve God's mercy. After they turned away from Him so many times and served other gods, even after He showed them so many miracles! But then I looked at myself and realized that I don't deserve His mercy either. How much time have spent with false gods? How many times have I turn to something other then that true God for comfort, answers, or even entertainment. Although my sin might not be the same as the Israelites, they still travel down the same path away from God.d.
APPLICATION
My application is to do exactly what the Israelites did. They "got rid of the foreign gods and served the Lord." They served the Lord BEFORE they knew He would have mercy on them. He had just told them in few verses prier, that He would not save them. But they were now very aware of their sin, and knew that God deserve to be served regardless if His blessings fell on them. I am very aware of the foreign gods I have had in my life. I am very aware of the damage they have, and can produce if I don't get rid of them for good!
PRAYER
Father, You are fully aware of the sin in my life that I choose to keep. Lord, I know that sin is a choice, and I choose TODAY to get rid of the foreign gods in my life. I know that, just like the Israelites, I don't deserve your mercy. Just like the Israelites I will serve You because despite who I am, you want me to serve you. Father I ask for forgiveness for serving other gods in my life, when you deserve every cell of my body, mind, and soul to serve and love only You. I love you Lord, and thank you for wiping my slate clean once again.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Never Quit by Donna Howard
SCRIPTURE
Judges 8:4 NLT
Gideon then crossed the Jordan River with his three hundred men, and though they were exhausted, they continued to chase the enemy.
OBSERVATION
Gideon and his 300 men had just finished confronting the Midianites. God had caused the enemy camp to be thrown into confusion so these few men could defeat them. They had been up all night, had marched down to the valley and now the enemy was fleeing. Most would say that was a good nights work and now they could rest. However, Gideon and his men continued to pursue because he realized it wasn’t enough to just scatter the enemy, they must be totally destroyed.
APPLICATION
There have been times when I’ve realized the enemy had gotten a foothold in my life and some type of action needed to be taken. I would start to pray and do battle against the enemy until I felt a measure of relief. “Ah, this freedom feels good” I would say, not realizing I had just scattered the enemy for a while and had not destroyed his foothold. The enemy would just wait for a more opportune time to continue his assault.
Battle is hard work. Not having served in the armed forces or in a war I can’t imagine the bone weary fatigue that is a part of warfare. I do know that I want to quit long before the war is won. I guess that’s part of my human nature. But God in His graciousness tells me, as He did Gideon, “I will be with you and I will give you victory”. He reminds me again and again, “Don’t quit before the enemy is totally destroyed. I will give you the strength needed to complete the battle.”
PRAYER
Lord, Thank you that you don’t give up on me as quickly as I give up the fight. Give me the strength it takes to battle for total freedom in my life. Help me to continually dress myself in the whole Armor of God as found in Ephesians 6.
Judges 8:4 NLT
Gideon then crossed the Jordan River with his three hundred men, and though they were exhausted, they continued to chase the enemy.
OBSERVATION
Gideon and his 300 men had just finished confronting the Midianites. God had caused the enemy camp to be thrown into confusion so these few men could defeat them. They had been up all night, had marched down to the valley and now the enemy was fleeing. Most would say that was a good nights work and now they could rest. However, Gideon and his men continued to pursue because he realized it wasn’t enough to just scatter the enemy, they must be totally destroyed.
APPLICATION
There have been times when I’ve realized the enemy had gotten a foothold in my life and some type of action needed to be taken. I would start to pray and do battle against the enemy until I felt a measure of relief. “Ah, this freedom feels good” I would say, not realizing I had just scattered the enemy for a while and had not destroyed his foothold. The enemy would just wait for a more opportune time to continue his assault.
Battle is hard work. Not having served in the armed forces or in a war I can’t imagine the bone weary fatigue that is a part of warfare. I do know that I want to quit long before the war is won. I guess that’s part of my human nature. But God in His graciousness tells me, as He did Gideon, “I will be with you and I will give you victory”. He reminds me again and again, “Don’t quit before the enemy is totally destroyed. I will give you the strength needed to complete the battle.”
PRAYER
Lord, Thank you that you don’t give up on me as quickly as I give up the fight. Give me the strength it takes to battle for total freedom in my life. Help me to continually dress myself in the whole Armor of God as found in Ephesians 6.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Looking Out For The Weak
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 41:1, Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble.
OBSERVATION
This passage gave me so many visual images. Those who first come to mind are the orphans, widows, or elderly, but I can also imagine someone needing physical help opening a door, or lifting something. I could visualize a person in a wheelchair that might not be able to reach an item off the shelf. It also made me think of those who are spiritually weak. You know the person
who calls you for prayer just when you sat down for dinner. They seem to struggle with the same terminal tendencies. Our society has become so ME oriented it seems that people walk around with blinders on, not even noticing or caring about the world that is passing them by. Others seem to be running by the clock with head down moving forward at a fast and constant pace. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a door slam on someone, not by accident just with no regard. Or someone dropping something and 3 or even 4 people just walk on by never bothering to give a second glance much less a helping hand. Let's face it, all of us at some time in our life will be the weak one. My thoughts go to Jesus' words in Luke 6:31, "Do to others as you would have them to do you". When we have regard for the weak, this verse tells us we will be "blessed", and that "the Lord will deliver us in times of trouble". Anyone out there want a blessing? I sure raise my hand to that, but I must be obedient to God's word.
APPLICATION
we need to look for those opportunities that come into our path everyday where we can be a blessing to those that are weak. It may be holding that door open, or sending that extra cash I have to a missionary who is taking care of orphans. It might mean I won't get that quiet time I was looking forward to. It reminds me of a little song I used to sing with my class. It's the only way to spell real joy. J is for Jesus-He takes first place.
O is for others we meet face to face
Y is for you in whatever you do, put yourself last and spell JOY!
PRAYER
Father, thank you for opening my eyes and ears that I will see the opportunities that you set before me each day to have regard for the weak. I want to see them as your divine appointments to be a blessing rather than an inconvenience. Help me to remember that true Joy comes from me putting you first, others next, and myself last. Thank you that you will deliver me in my day of trouble.
In Jesus name, Amen
Psalm 41:1, Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble.
OBSERVATION
This passage gave me so many visual images. Those who first come to mind are the orphans, widows, or elderly, but I can also imagine someone needing physical help opening a door, or lifting something. I could visualize a person in a wheelchair that might not be able to reach an item off the shelf. It also made me think of those who are spiritually weak. You know the person
who calls you for prayer just when you sat down for dinner. They seem to struggle with the same terminal tendencies. Our society has become so ME oriented it seems that people walk around with blinders on, not even noticing or caring about the world that is passing them by. Others seem to be running by the clock with head down moving forward at a fast and constant pace. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a door slam on someone, not by accident just with no regard. Or someone dropping something and 3 or even 4 people just walk on by never bothering to give a second glance much less a helping hand. Let's face it, all of us at some time in our life will be the weak one. My thoughts go to Jesus' words in Luke 6:31, "Do to others as you would have them to do you". When we have regard for the weak, this verse tells us we will be "blessed", and that "the Lord will deliver us in times of trouble". Anyone out there want a blessing? I sure raise my hand to that, but I must be obedient to God's word.
APPLICATION
we need to look for those opportunities that come into our path everyday where we can be a blessing to those that are weak. It may be holding that door open, or sending that extra cash I have to a missionary who is taking care of orphans. It might mean I won't get that quiet time I was looking forward to. It reminds me of a little song I used to sing with my class. It's the only way to spell real joy. J is for Jesus-He takes first place.
O is for others we meet face to face
Y is for you in whatever you do, put yourself last and spell JOY!
PRAYER
Father, thank you for opening my eyes and ears that I will see the opportunities that you set before me each day to have regard for the weak. I want to see them as your divine appointments to be a blessing rather than an inconvenience. Help me to remember that true Joy comes from me putting you first, others next, and myself last. Thank you that you will deliver me in my day of trouble.
In Jesus name, Amen
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