SCRIPTURE
(I Kings 3:9&10) "So give Thy servant an Understanding heart to judge Thy people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Thine? And it was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing."
OBSERVATION
Solomon had what could be considered a blank check, so to speak, from the creator of the universe! He could have anything he asked for. It was pleasing to God that he asked for a discerning heart. The condition or motivation of your heart determines the direction of your actions. Where is your heart taking you today?
APPLICATION
Proverbs 4:23 says, "watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." Each of us must chose to govern our heart, but God gives wisdom and direction if we ask for it. Great blessings were added to Solomon because he chose wisely. Will every choice you make today give glory and honor to God? It's your choice!
PRAYER
God, I want to be a man of wisdom and integrity. Let the condition of my heart and the meditation of my thoughts always be pleasing in Your sight.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Searching For The Best
SCRIPTURE
I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleased with integrity.
I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleased with integrity.
1 Chronicles 29:17
OBSERVATION
David had given instruction for building the temple. After the people had given generously to this effort, he was praying and telling God that he knew He tested the hearts of the people and was pleased with their honesty and sincerity.
APPLICATION
In my life, I need to be sincere and honest before the Lord in all things. I need to let the Lord test and search my heart to reveal the imperfections so that He help me in being the best possible Christian for Him.
PRAYER
Lord, as Your Word says --- Search me, Oh God, and know my thought and my heart. See if there be any wicked way in me. Help me to always be honest, sincere and upright before You. Amen.
David had given instruction for building the temple. After the people had given generously to this effort, he was praying and telling God that he knew He tested the hearts of the people and was pleased with their honesty and sincerity.
APPLICATION
In my life, I need to be sincere and honest before the Lord in all things. I need to let the Lord test and search my heart to reveal the imperfections so that He help me in being the best possible Christian for Him.
PRAYER
Lord, as Your Word says --- Search me, Oh God, and know my thought and my heart. See if there be any wicked way in me. Help me to always be honest, sincere and upright before You. Amen.
Nancy Goldsmith
Worship Department, Piano, Keyboard, Alto
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Take Responsibility for your Children
SCRIPTURE
1Chronicles 27:32
Jehonathan, David's uncle, was a counselor, a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel, son of Hacmoni, took care of the king's sons.
OBSERVATION
David appointed someone to take of his sons instead of being the father he needed to be. He thought his sons would be taken care of, but as we know from his encounter with Absalom, his sons were not taken care of the way a good father would take care of his children. He should have been the one teaching them the ways of the Lord, as God instructed him to through Moses.
APPLICATION
I cannot let someone else teach my children how to live a godly life. There are times that others need to give insight into my children, but it is my responsibility to make sure they follow the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, my heart's desire is for my children to love and serve you. I will fail them, as David did, but Lord, as you had mercy on him with Solomon, would you have mercy on me and give my children hearts for you. Would you give me wisdom and understanding on how to be a good mother, teacher, encourager, and ultimately, friend. Thank you Lord, for showing me the perfect example of a loving Father. In Jesus's name, Amen.
Christin Champlin
Worship Department, Pianist
1Chronicles 27:32
Jehonathan, David's uncle, was a counselor, a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel, son of Hacmoni, took care of the king's sons.
OBSERVATION
David appointed someone to take of his sons instead of being the father he needed to be. He thought his sons would be taken care of, but as we know from his encounter with Absalom, his sons were not taken care of the way a good father would take care of his children. He should have been the one teaching them the ways of the Lord, as God instructed him to through Moses.
APPLICATION
I cannot let someone else teach my children how to live a godly life. There are times that others need to give insight into my children, but it is my responsibility to make sure they follow the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, my heart's desire is for my children to love and serve you. I will fail them, as David did, but Lord, as you had mercy on him with Solomon, would you have mercy on me and give my children hearts for you. Would you give me wisdom and understanding on how to be a good mother, teacher, encourager, and ultimately, friend. Thank you Lord, for showing me the perfect example of a loving Father. In Jesus's name, Amen.
Christin Champlin
Worship Department, Pianist
Friday, May 15, 2009
Don't Be Like A Horse!
SCRIPTURE
Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me. My strength was sapped as the heat of summer. Psalm 32
OBSERVATION
David fell in with Bathsheba. However, the enemy uses much less subtle forms of sin on Christians in our day to day lives to grieve the Holy spirit in us.
APPLICATION
It's crazy to look back at different times of my life and track the times I was at the brink of burn-out. During those times, the enemy works at changing kingdom priorities with man's inner desire priorities and before you know it you're burned out laboring for earthly things. Big sin and small sin saps us and separates us from God and until I repented I would see finances, resources and lost time add up.
PRAYER
Don't be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding, but must be controlled by bit and bridle (Psalm 32). I confess my transgressions to You, Lord, as David did, and You forgave the guilt of my sin.
Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me. My strength was sapped as the heat of summer. Psalm 32
OBSERVATION
David fell in with Bathsheba. However, the enemy uses much less subtle forms of sin on Christians in our day to day lives to grieve the Holy spirit in us.
APPLICATION
It's crazy to look back at different times of my life and track the times I was at the brink of burn-out. During those times, the enemy works at changing kingdom priorities with man's inner desire priorities and before you know it you're burned out laboring for earthly things. Big sin and small sin saps us and separates us from God and until I repented I would see finances, resources and lost time add up.
PRAYER
Don't be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding, but must be controlled by bit and bridle (Psalm 32). I confess my transgressions to You, Lord, as David did, and You forgave the guilt of my sin.
Nick Champlin
Worship Department, Bass
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Prepare the Way
SCRIPTURE
“Now devote your heart & soul to seeking the Lord your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that you may bring the ark of the convenant of the Lord and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the name of the Lord.” 1 Chron. 22:19
Lord, just as David taught Solomon to be king & worship you with all his heart and to seek you, may I be that example to my child & others who are watching me. Build your sanctuary within me that I may be a carrier of your presence God, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Now devote your heart & soul to seeking the Lord your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that you may bring the ark of the convenant of the Lord and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the name of the Lord.” 1 Chron. 22:19
OBSERVATION
David arranges for the building of the temple by his son Solomon. David tells him about the word of the Lord given to him about building the temple. The Lord said the task was to be carried out by Solomon. David prepared the way for Solomon and he instructed him to seek the Lord in carrying out this task.
Just as David paved the way for Solomon, we too pave the way for our children or for those training under our leadership by giving them the proper tools to “build their temple” unto the Lord by teaching them to pray, studying the word and making wise decisions in following the Lord.
Lord, just as David taught Solomon to be king & worship you with all his heart and to seek you, may I be that example to my child & others who are watching me. Build your sanctuary within me that I may be a carrier of your presence God, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Mary Jo Landry
Worship Department, Alto
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Pleasing God? Or Men?
SCRIPTURE
We are not trying to please men, but God, who tests our hearts.
We are not trying to please men, but God, who tests our hearts.
1 Thessalonians 2:3-4
OBSERVATION
How often do I try to please others? It is a sometimes constant fight for focus to keep my eyes on Jesus. The world has so many distractions and principles that are contrary to God's Word. I thank Him for the tests that keep me coming to Him ONLY for approval.
APPLICATION
I will welcome God's inquiry into my heart as I strive to live to please Him.
PRAYER
Father God, You are in pursuit of my heart. I pray that You never have to go far to get my attention. Through Your Word, keep me sensitive to Your calling. In Jesus' name, Amen!
OBSERVATION
How often do I try to please others? It is a sometimes constant fight for focus to keep my eyes on Jesus. The world has so many distractions and principles that are contrary to God's Word. I thank Him for the tests that keep me coming to Him ONLY for approval.
APPLICATION
I will welcome God's inquiry into my heart as I strive to live to please Him.
PRAYER
Father God, You are in pursuit of my heart. I pray that You never have to go far to get my attention. Through Your Word, keep me sensitive to Your calling. In Jesus' name, Amen!
Paula Aiton
Worship Department, Woodwinds
Monday, May 11, 2009
Rock, Fortress, Deliverer
SCRIPTURE
“As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is tried: He is a Shield to all those who trust and take refuge in Him." 2 Samuel 22:31.
“As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is tried: He is a Shield to all those who trust and take refuge in Him." 2 Samuel 22:31.
OBSERVATION
I've found that this verse is quite simple in its meaning in that we never have to be afraid of anything the devil can throw at us. God is our shield and will never forsake us, even in our most dire moment.
I've found that this verse is quite simple in its meaning in that we never have to be afraid of anything the devil can throw at us. God is our shield and will never forsake us, even in our most dire moment.
In my life today, I can walk through the challenges and difficulties of this world and still God is ever there beside me. Knowing this, I'm stronger in my faith, the devil's schemes to bring me down don't work, and I can stand with my feet firmly planted and know God has my back 100%
PRAYER
My God, who have I to still my fears but you? Not a second goes by without your never-ending love to spur me on towards the goal. Life is but a whisper of wind, and yet you have numbered the hairs on my head. Thank you for your ever-extended hand of love.
Amy Ketz
Worship Department, Bass
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